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Streaming Defense Week 3

Streaming Defenses Strategy

Fantasy Defense production relies on weekly matchups more than any other position.

If you wisely selected your fantasy defense/special teams at the end of your draft -- according to our Redraft Strategy Playbook -- then the best strategy involves streaming the position to take advantage of those matchups.

Let’s dive into how DST works and ensure you stream to maximize your points for Week 3 and beyond.

How Does DST Scoring Work?

Most fantasy football leagues score team defenses on the following categories:

• Points allowed
• Sacks
• Interceptions
• Fumble recoveries
• TDs

At 6 points per TD, that category (including return scores) often produces the widest swings. Pick a DST that happens to find the end zone in a given week, and you’ve almost certainly got a top-10 unit.

The problem: Those scoring plays aren’t predictable.

Since 2020, 88 players have had a season with 4+ interceptions. Only 28 of them scored at least one TD, about 31.8%. 

Turnover volume doesn’t necessarily equal defensive TDs, so don’t rely on those random scores.

More Unpredictable Categories

It’s not just the TDs. INTs are also volatile. The same players rarely top the leaderboard in that category year to year.

Fumble recoveries are even less predictable. And even sack totals fluctuate.

We’re still interested in team defenses that can make big plays. We want stud pass rushers and DBs who get their hands on the ball in coverage.

But as far as DST scoring categories go, points allowed is the one we want to chase the most.

Target Positive Matchups

The first reason you shouldn’t just count on a single fantasy defense every week is the volatility of most scoring categories. The other is the volatility of opponents.

There will undoubtedly be team defenses better at limiting opponent scoring than others. But if one of those top fantasy defenses is playing the Eagles or Chiefs, for example, you’ll probably want to start a different DST instead.

Strategizing every week based on favorable matchups can be just as advantageous as having one of the top five season-long scoring DSTs. 

Embrace the stream and come back here weekly to find the best options. 

Streaming Defense Week 3 Options

With two weeks completed, we're getting a better idea of what we can expect from these defenses going forward.

Plenty can still change based on injuries, matchups, and home vs. away splits. But utilizing the first two weeks of data is key.

Let’s dig into our streaming defense options for Week 3.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins

Rostered: 41%

Tua Tagovailoa left Thursday Night’s game with a concussion and surely will miss at least one game. 

Skylar Thompson will be the new starting QB, with his career stat line of:

• 68 completions
• 119 attempts
• 614 yards
• 1 TD
• 3 INTs
• 7 sacks

The Seahawks' defense had a soft start with the Broncos and Patriots. So far, they are averaging the following per game:

• 20 points given up
• 2.5 sacks
• 2 takeaways

If you rostered the Seahawks with their soft opening schedule, keep them rolling this week. 

If they're still on the waiver wire, they're a high-floor addition for this matchup.

Green Bay Packers @ Tennessee Titans

Rostered: 16%

Each of the first two games has seen Will Levis serve up an INT on a ball he threw wildly while being sacked. The Week 1 sample produced a Bears pick-6.

In total, Levis has committed five turnovers already.

The Packers kicked off the season with three takeaways against the Eagles. They followed that with a 3-INT game against Anthony Richardson and the Colts.

Both of those offenses bring more power than the Titans. So expect a potential turnover fest for Levis in Week 3.

Deep Leagues

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Denver Broncos

Rostered: 5%

The Broncos have become one of the best offenses to target each week with Bo Nix at the helm and uninspiring players at the other skill positions.

They are averaging only 13 points per game -- and three turnovers a week.

The Buccaneers defense held the Lions to 16 points in Week 2 while intercepting Jared Goff twice. 

They may not have the most talented defense, but the Bucs have proved they can win enough at the line of scrimmage to keep opponent point totals down.

That's enough to make Tampa an attractive starting option against Denver.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers

Rostered: 7%

The Panthers offense picked up where it left off in 2023: being worst in the NFL.

Their current per game averages: 

• 6.5 points
• 1.5 turnovers
• 2.5 sacks allowed

Plucking the Panthers' opponent from the waiver wire each week to serve as your defense appears likely to pay dividends. Even with Andy Dalton stepping in at QB, it is doubtful that the Panthers offense will improve much.

The Raiders kept the Ravens in check in Week 2, sacking Lamar Jackson twice and getting an INT on the way to an upset victory.

With Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, there is potential for huge sack numbers. Bryce Young has helped that potential by holding the ball for too long.

Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers

Rostered: 1%

The Titans started the season only giving up three FGs to the Bears (though a blocked punt also scored the Bears a fluke TD). 

They gave up 24 points to the Jets in Week 2 but did sack Aaron Rodgers twice.

Malik Willis is likely starting for the Packers again, and he is far from Rodgers.

Most importantly, the Titans are only giving up 4.02 yards per carry, 10th best in the NFL.

The Packers gashed the Colts with the run in Week 2. If the Titans can shut down Josh Jacobs, though, they'll make Green Bay a much more favorable matchup.

Want More Help Streaming Defenses?

Use our Free Agent Finder to find the right defense to stream each week and the best overall waiver wire options.

You can sync your league and rosters to instantly get recommendations based on your specific league scoring and settings.

See how it can help you win your league:

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, IDP, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.