One of the biggest strategies in fantasy football is streaming defenses. Each week owners will look at matchups and make waiver wire acquisitions to find their starting defense. Here are fantasy football defenses to stream in week 9. (Note: All defenses mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues. Stats from before Monday Night Football)
1. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have the 21st-ranked fantasy football defense at 5.4 points per game. Their worst performance came against the Saints in week 6 when they scored 0 points. They had their best performance against the Jets, as they scored 15 points. On the season, the Bengals have five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 12 sacks and one blocked kick.
In week 9, the Bengals play the Panthers. The Bengals will be coming off a short week, as they play the Browns on Monday Night Football. Carolina is starting P.J. Walker at quarterback and is having trouble moving the ball consistently. Even on the short week, the Bengals should play well. They are rostered in 37.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis is ranked 14th in fantasy defense with 6.0 points per game. They scored no points against Jacksonville for their worst game of the season, but have had some good performances too. They registered 12 points at Denver in week 5. The Colts have four interceptions, four fumble recoveries, 19 sacks and one blocked kick this season.
This week the Colts play the New England Patriots. These two teams are far removed from the Brady-Manning battles. New England scores just 22.1 points per game. Indianapolis should be able to limit the Patriots’ scoring, especially as they continue to go through a quarterback controversy. The Colts are rostered in 49.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins score 3.8 points per game as a fantasy defense, which ranks 26th. They had a bad outing against Baltimore where they scored -8 points. Miami has also played some good games too, including their best performance against the Steelers when they scored 11 points. They have four interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 15 sacks and a touchdown scored.
In week 9, the Dolphins take on the Bears. Chicago has recently been scoring more points, so there is a little risk to playing the Dolphins. The Bears still are one-dimensional and focus on running the football. Miami can focus on that and limit what they can do offensively. The Dolphins are available in 58 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are the 21st-ranked fantasy defense and they score 5.4 points per game. Their worst performance was a 0-point outing against the Dallas Cowboys. They had their best game against the Falcons, when they scored 11 points. On the year, they have five interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 15 sacks.
While before the season the game against the Buccaneers wouldn’t have been a favorable matchup, now it does. The Buccaneers are scoring just 18.3 points per game and seemingly can’t fix the offense. Los Angeles should be able to take advantage and have a solid game. The Rams are rostered in just 36.9 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has an average fantasy defense, ranking 17th and scoring 5.9 points per game. They played a bad game against the Lions, as they scored -1 points. Their best game was against the Packers in week 1 when they scored 11 points. To date, they have seven interceptions, six fumble recoveries and 21 sacks.
This week the Vikings play the Commanders. Washington is starting Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, who has had some ups and downs. The Commanders score 17.8 points per game, which is near the bottom of the league. Minnesota will be able to have a solid game and are startable in fantasy. They are rostered in 9.8 percent of ESPN leagues.
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