Welcome to our weekly look at streaming defense options for fantasy leagues. The halfway point of the NFL season is fast approaching, and the 2017 season continues to be a baffling one. Just as it appears that things are coming into focus, we get another week of confounding action as we did in Week 7.
The Bears defense appears from nowhere to down Carolina with a pair of touchdowns (more on that later) and three teams put up shutouts on Sunday. The duo of teams representing Los Angeles each held their opponents scoreless for the first time in history. (OK, that was a cheapie — that is a really short history.)
The Jacksonville Jaguars rolled up 10 sacks for the second time in 2017. That’s only been done twice before — the 1984 Bears and 1967 Raiders also accomplished this feat. Unfortunately, the Jaguars are one of six teams on a bye this week. The other five are Arizona, Green Bay, the LA Rams, the NY Giants, and Tennessee.
That definitely thins out the pool of streaming options heading into Week 8. Nevertheless, the following teams have the chance to produce at a high level for fantasy purposes.
Pittsburgh Steelers (at Detroit)
It’s nice to have the Lions return from their bye week, as this is an offense that we love to stream defenses against. In their last three games, Detroit allowed 17 sacks, turned the ball over six times, and gave up three defensive touchdowns. They will be without top wide receiver Golden Tate (shoulder), making things even tougher for this banged-up unit. The Steelers racked up four sacks last week against Cincinnati, bringing their season total to 24, and they also picked off a pair of passes. This defense has flat out been getting after the quarterback and have a great matchup to possibly finish as the top scoring unit in Week 8.
New Orleans Saints (vs. Chicago)
The Saints continue their jaunt through the NFC North this week after dispatching the Lions and Packers over their past two games. This defense has been putting up top-five numbers since Week 4 with 10 sacks, seven turnovers, and three defensive touchdowns. The Bears are coming of an upset of the Carolina Panthers last week, but the offense had little to do with the victory. Chicago safety Eddie Jackson ran back a fumble 75 yards for a score and also returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown. To put that into a bit more perspective, the Chicago offense managed just five first downs and had 153 total yards while attempting seven passes. Yes, the offense had merely two more yards than Jackson’s return total. The Bears also allowed four sacks, which means another big day for Cameron Jordan and company is on deck.
Minnesota Vikings (at Cleveland)
This one will be short and sweet. Stream any defense that lines up against the hapless Browns. Cleveland has no answer at quarterback as they have now thrown 17 interceptions on the season. The Vikings defense is going to have a field day putting up big plays aplenty.
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Indianapolis)
This is a get-healthy week for a Bengals defense that failed to register a big play in their divisional loss to the Steelers last week. The Colts were dreadful last week, allowing 10 sacks to the Jacksonville Jaguars while being shut out. Cincinnati is averaging three sacks per game and did manage six sacks back in Week 5 against the Bills prior to their bye week. The Bengals will have Vontaze Burfict, Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, and Geno Atkins to get after the quarterback. Look for pressure to create turnovers as well as sacks in this juicy matchup for Cincinnati.
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. San Francisco)
Once again we look to stream against a struggling offense. Let’s face it, if a team hasn’t gotten their offense on track through seven weeks things are not likely to change — especially when that team is the rebuilding 49ers. The switch from Brian Hoyer to C.J. Beathard didn’t exactly jump start the offense and the offensive line was abused by the Cowboys’ pass rush. While Beathard did not throw an interception last week, he was sacked five times and lost a pair of fumbles. Furthermore, the young quarterback took a beating as Dallas was credited with an absurd 17 QB hurries and four hits. The Eagles wide-9 scheme will enable their talented defensive line to be a disruptive force leading to sacks as well as big plays.
Seattle Seahawks (vs. Houston)
We ride the hot hand here as the Seahawks defense has quietly crept to within striking distance of becoming a top-10 fantasy unit. Seattle has done a lot of damage by creating turnovers in bunches as they have put up eight takeaways in the last three games while also scoring a pair of defensive touchdowns. They’ve also kept teams out of the end zone in that time frame, allowing an average of just 11.7 points per game. The Texans offense hasn’t been as generous to opposing defenses sine Deshaun Watson took over at quarterback but will be heading to Seattle for this contest. In their two home games the Seahawks defense has put up five sacks, forced three turnovers, and scored twice.
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Denver)
The Chiefs have suddenly looked vulnerable after starting the season 5-0, dropping two straight games to the Steelers and Raiders. Their defense and special teams were a big part of the fast start, posting 14 sacks along with seven turnovers and scores from both the special teams and the defense. In their two-game skid, the Chiefs have managed just a single sack and interception. Fortunately, the matchup this week grants them the opportunity to get back on track. The Broncos were shut out last week against the Chargers and have turned the ball over six times in the past two games. Denver has also given up nine sacks and a defensive score in that time. Look for Justin Houston to lead Kansas City to a big win at home and for the defense to put up excellent fantasy numbers.
Los Angeles Chargers (at New England)
This is the riskiest streaming defense option this week but one with the potential to pay big dividends. After an 0-4 start the Chargers have won three straight games and the defense has played a big role in the turnaround. Led by edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, Los Angeles has put up 11 sacks and seven turnovers during their winning streak. On the season the duo has combined for 16 sacks and four turnovers. After allowing 15 sacks in the first five weeks the Patriots have given up just two in the past two games. That was against the Jets and Falcons and this week it’s whole different story. New England will have to pick a poison as to which edge defender they focus on and face the wrath of the other. The Chargers also have speedy Travis Benjamin returning punts and he’s taken one to the house already making special teams something to watch as well.
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