Fantasy Football: 3 Defenses to Stream for NFL Week 7

Defenses to Stream at a Glance

• Jets D/ST
• Browns D/ST
• Titans D/ST

Every point matters when it comes to winning in season-long fantasy football, meaning you can't afford to leave points on the table. While we don't spend top-notch draft capital on D/STs in our fantasy football drafts, ignoring them during the season can cost you dearly.

Streaming defenses throughout the year is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your D/ST slot. Even the best defenses draw tough weekly matchups, and even the worst defenses are capable of strong fantasy outings in the right situations.

This article is here to help you parse through all of those situations and to present you with three streamers that are available in most leagues.

All NFL projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook.

D/ST Streamers for Fantasy Football This Week (Week 7)

New York Jets D/ST

Matchup: vs. MIA

A home game against the Miami Dolphins makes the New York Jets D/ST an elite streaming option this week.

Malik Willis has taken 14 sacks through five games while fumbling five times and tossing four interceptions. He’s struggling, and without De'Von Achane, Willis is short on playmakers to help him out.

The Jets’ defense has been pretty darn good this season, giving up the sixth-fewest yards per play (4.8). Not only are they a top streamer this week, they’re in the conversation as Week 7’s D/ST1.

Cleveland Browns D/ST

Matchup: at TEN

I usually prefer to stream defenses that are playing at home. I’ll make an exception for a solid Cleveland Browns D on the road at the Tennessee Titans.

Tennessee is coming off its first win of the year, but they’re still one of the worst offenses in the NFL, averaging the third-fewest yards per play (4.5). Cameron Ward has been sacked 10 times through six games and has thrown four picks, including one in four consecutive games.

Cleveland has the defensive firepower to make it a long day for the Titans’ offense.

Tennessee Titans D/ST

Matchup: vs. CLE

On the flip side of the Tennessee-Cleveland game, the Titans’ D/ST is also a viable play.

Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-leading 24 times through six games, and while he’s thrown only two picks, he’s also got just seven passing TDs. The Browns’ O is tied with Tennessee’s at 4.5 yards per play.

The Titans’ D just had a six-sack day at the Indianapolis Colts, and they can take advantage of this matchup with the Browns.

Fantasy Football Defense Streaming FAQ

What does streaming defenses mean in fantasy football?

Streaming defenses means changing your starting D/ST based on weekly matchups rather than relying on one defense for the entire season. The goal is to target defenses facing offenses that allow sacks, commit turnovers, and/or struggle to score.

What should I look for when streaming a fantasy defense?

Matchup quality is usually the biggest factor. Look for defenses facing inexperienced — or backup — quarterbacks, weak offensive lines, turnover-prone QBs, or teams with low projected point totals.

How early should I pick up a streaming defense?

It can be helpful to look ahead one or two weeks, especially in competitive leagues. Adding a favorable defense before waivers run can keep you from competing with several other managers for the same option. With that said, depending on how many bench spots you have, you likely will want to roster just one defense each week rather than dedicate two roster spots to D/STs.

Is it better to stream defenses or draft an elite D/ST?

Streaming can be a strong strategy because defensive fantasy production is often matchup-dependent. Rather than spending an early pick on a defense, managers can wait until late in the draft to take a D/ST and rotate options throughout the season.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.