Streaming Defenses: Week 5 Options

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Published on October 5, 2021

We get one more easy-ish slate for streaming before things start to get tricky Week 6 with the first set of byes (ATL, NO, NYJ, SF). While rostering multiple defenses generally isn't ideal, there's a solid case to be made for stashing the Colts, who get a home game against Houston in Week 6 after the trip to Baltimore in Week 5.

Indianapolis currently projects as the top D/ST play for Week 6, and the only teams within striking distance (Rams, Bucs) are universally owned in fantasy leagues. That means the Colts could be projected for up to 2-3 more fantasy points than the alternatives in what projects to be a difficult week for streaming. But, before we get too far ahead of ourselves, here are the top choices for Week 5...

Note: These recommendations are limited to team defenses that are rostered on less than 60 percent of teams on Yahoo or 45 percent on ESPN. Any references to fantasy points are based on Yahoo standard scoring, which doesn't include yards allowed.

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@JerryDonabedian).

Top Streaming Options for Week 5

1. Minnesota Vikings (vs. DET)

17% Yahoo, 17% ESPN

Team implied total: 28.25

Opponent implied total: 20.75

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: 20th (at CAR), Week 7: Bye

The Vikings are averaging 3.25 sacks and have two or more in every game, but they've managed just two takeaways through four weeks, in part due to a difficult

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@JerryDonabedian).

Top Streaming Options for Week 5

1. Minnesota Vikings (vs. DET)

17% Yahoo, 17% ESPN

Team implied total: 28.25

Opponent implied total: 20.75

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: 20th (at CAR), Week 7: Bye

The Vikings are averaging 3.25 sacks and have two or more in every game, but they've managed just two takeaways through four weeks, in part due to a difficult early schedule (at CIN, at ARZ, SEA, vs. CLE). Now getting their best matchup to date — by a mile — Minnesota should have better luck against Jared Goff, who has mostly been competent but does lead the league in fumbles (five, including two lost last week).

2. Carolina Panthers (vs. PHI)

44% Yahoo, 49% ESPN

Team implied total: 24.5

Opponent implied total: 20.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: 16th (vs. MIN), Week 7: 10th (at NYG)

Week 4 was a reality check for the previously red-hot Carolina defense, which finished with nary a sack nor turnover in its first difficult matchup of the season (the 36-28 loss to Dallas). The Panthers should bounce back at home against the Eagles, who have been fortunate to turn the ball over just twice this season, recovering all five of their own fumbles. If nothing else, the Panthers should be good for a few sacks, as they lead the league in blitz rate (41.7 percent) and have two productive edge rushers in Haason Reddick (4.5 sacks) and Brian Burns (3.0).

3. Arizona Cardinals (vs. SF)

33% Yahoo, 37% ESPN

Team implied total: 27.75

Opponent implied total: 22.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: 19th (at CLE), Week 7: 1st (vs. HOU)

Our final three defenses are bunched close together, with the final ranking likely depending on injuries (Andy Dalton, Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle). Trey Lance looked better than the other rookie QBs last week, but the smart money would be against him in his first NFL start, especially against a blitz-happy Cardinals defense that has 10 sacks (t-10th) and nine takeaways (3rd) through four weeks.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (vs. CHI)

13% Yahoo, 11% ESPN

Team implied total: 25.0

Opponent implied total: 20.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: 14th (at DEN), Week 7: 9th (vs. PHI)

This ranking splits the difference, assuming Andy Dalton (knee) and Justin Fields both have a 50 percent chance to start. Move the Raiders up if it's ultimately Fields, or bump them down behind the Falcons if Dalton gets the nod. Either way, Vegas should rebound from a poor MNF showing, as Dalton also makes for a friendly matchup.

5. Atlanta Falcons (vs. NYJ)

2% Yahoo, 1% ESPN

Team implied total: 24.75

Opponent implied total: 21.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 6: Bye, Week 7: 15th (at MIA)

This one is obviously all about matchup, as Atlanta's defense remains terrible. The Jets offense has been even worse, though Zach Wilson and Co. did just have their first decent showing of the season (albeit in a home game against a banged-up Titans team). We'll still bet against the rookie, at least as far as D/ST scoring is concerned.