In this week’s edition, I am recommending two different D/STs that you should realistically be able to pick up in most leagues, whether you utilize a “Plug and Play” strategy or simply need a bye week replacement. As I’ve said in the past, I will avoid recommending the typical top D/STs (Jets, Steelers, etc), as these are likely already taken in your league, and are a no brainer to start each week if you own them.
New York Giants D/ST (Owned in 45% of ESPN, 79% of Yahoo)
Just a few weeks ago, fantasy players were anxiously waiting for matchups against the New York Giant’s lowly defense. And now, in Week 6, the tables have turned as the Giants defense is one of the most feared in the fantasy world. Perry Fewell and his creative packages and schemes are finally working. Holding Mike Martz and his Bears offense to just 3 points, and the high powered Texans offense to 10 points, the Giants are now the top ranked defense according to PFF with a 62.2 overall grade.
The Detroit Lions enter this matchup coming off of a huge first win of the season in blowout fashion. Their offense was impressive in earning an 11.6 PFF grade versus a St. Louis Ram’s defense that had been playing very well. That being said, I think this is the week that the Lions come back down to earth a bit. Sure they are talented, but I don’t think this is the game where they play well enough to snap their 23 game road losing streak. The Giants defense is too good right now.
The Lions will definitely struggle running the ball against the Giant’s #4 ranked Run Defense (34.9). And when Shaun Hill is forced to go to the air, the Giants should earn some nice points for you. (Think back to Week 3 versus Jay Cutler) I just don’t see the Lion’s Pass Block (-2.2) being able to stop the Giant’s Pass Rush (22.9). Just look at some of these potential mismatches:
DET – LT – Gosder Cherilus (-9.9) vs. NYG – DE – Osi Umeniora (7.5)
DET – RT – Jeff Backus (0.6) vs. NYG – DE – Justin Tuck (7.2)
DET – RG – Stephen Peterman (-9.0) vs. NYG – DT – Chris Canty (7.5)
Expect some yardage to be given up through the air, but overall, expect a nice game from the Giants D/ST with high potential for incremental points due to sacks and interceptions.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST (Owned in 39.8% of ESPN, 29% of Yahoo)
If you’re desperate for a big D/ST performance this week, due to many of your top skill players having a bye week, it may be in your best interest to pick a high risk/high reward matchup against a high powered offense, with hopes of causing turnovers. Last week against the Bears, the Panthers did just what I had expected. After giving up a few big plays to Matt Forte, the Panthers got their act together, and took advantage of Todd Collins and the pass game, forcing 4 interceptions.
While I don’t expect the Bears to play as bad as they have over the past two weeks, I do think their offense will put the Seahawks D/ST in position to have a good, if not great, fantasy performance. The Seahawks have the #6 Overall Defense and the #3 Run Defense. They should easily be able to contain Matt Forte, forcing Jay Cutler to air it out. This is where the high risk/high reward part comes into play. The Seahawks have the top pass rush (32.4), but have the 4th worst pass coverage (-19.7). If they can pressure Cutler, they can score lots of points. If they allow him to take his time in the pocket and pass freely, then they can hurt you. It’s a risk, but when bye weeks come into play, and a lot of the top defenses are taken, this may be your best option.
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