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 week 9. (Note: All defenses mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues. Stats from before Monday Night Football)
1. Washington Commanders
Washington has the 29th-ranked fantasy defense at 4.0 points per game. They have one double-digit scoring performance, which came in week 1 against the Cardinals. The Commanders have two negative-scoring outings, which were at the hands of the Eagles and Bears. They specifically succeed at getting to the quarterback with 25 sacks on the year.
In week 10, the Commanders will play the New England Patriots. The Patriots average just 14.8 points per game this season. Quarterback Mac Jones has struggled and the team just lost wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to a torn ACL. They also could start selling before the NFL trade deadline. Washington can get after Jones and have a good day. They are rostered in 31.6 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had a decent fantasy defense, ranking 20th in the league at 5.0 points per game. They scored in the double digits against the Buccaneers and the Panthers. Their worst performance was against the Texans when they scored no points. They don’t force many turnovers but do limit the amount of points scored by an opponent.
The week 9 matchup for the Falcons is with the Vikings. Minnesota has a solid offense, but they just lost starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for the season with a torn Achilles. Atlanta could make it a low-scoring game and score some fantasy points. They are available in over 72 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. New England Patriots
New England has a below-average fantasy defense that scores 4.5 points per game and ranks 24th in the league. Their one double-digit scoring game was against the Jets when they totaled 11 points. They had their season-worst performance against the Saints, when they scored just one point. The Patriots have forced five turnovers over the last three weeks.
This week the Patriots match up with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders score just 21.4 points per game and starting quarterback Sam Howell has had an inconsistent season. Bill Belichick will have the team ready to exploit Washington’s weaknesses. The Patriots are rostered in just 31.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have had a rough year defensively, ranking 26th at 5.0 points per game. They have two double-digit scoring performances, which were against the Bears and the Raiders. Their two negative-scoring games were against the Dolphins and the Chiefs. They have an impressive 23 sacks on the season.
In week 9, the Chargers play the Jets. The Jets score just 18 points per game and Zach Wilson has had his ups and downs. Los Angeles should be able to rack up more sacks and have a solid outing. They are currently rostered in 6.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has had a bad fantasy defense this season, ranking 31st at 3.9 points per game. They have one game where they scored double-digit points, which was in week 1 against Jacksonville. Their two negative-scoring games were against the Saints and the Rams. They have six interceptions and five fumble recoveries this season.
The matchup this week for the Colts is with the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has scored just 18.1 points per game this season. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has had some struggles and the offensive line has not been the best at protecting him. Indianapolis should be able to force more mistakes. The Colts are rostered in 9.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
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