Whether you have a perfect record or have lost all four games, streaming a defense because of a cushy matchup is a great way to gain an edge over your opponent in fantasy football. For Week 5, there are several defenses that you need to rush out and claim right this minute.
*All statistics are provided by ESPN standard scoring leagues*
Cleveland Browns: 4.9% owned
If Jake Locker is still sidelined with a wrist injury, I am streaming the Browns’ defense all day. Whether Charlie Whitehurst or Zach Mettenberger take the field, it is a win-win situation for fantasy players starting Cleveland. Whitehurst only completed 12 passes in his first start for the Tennessee Titans in 2014, and he also threw a pick. If the Titans’ brass decides to roll with Mettenberger, this will be the rookie’s first regular season game as the Titans’ starting quarterback. Outside of tough AFC North matchups, the Browns’ defense was able to record 11 points against the New Orleans Saints‘ offense. Pay close attention to Lockers’ status throughout the week, but start this defense with confidence if Locker sits.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 20.6% owned
The Steelers will face Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, and here are the point totals of the last four defenses to face Jacksonville: Philadelphia Eagles-14, Redskins-18, Indianapolis Colts-17, San Diego Chargers-10. It is true that Chad Henne started most most of the games this season, but Bortles is still a rookie, playing for an offensive that has yet to find a rhythm. The Steelers’ defense currently ranks 16th against the pass, and 15th against the rush, so this is a widely available defense that could put up a ton of points in Week 5.
Detroit Lions: 41.1% owned
There is no reason the Lions’ defense should be available in your league, but it probably is, so put in your claim on the waiver wire immediately. Currently ranked second against the pass and sixth against the rush, the Lions’ defense will face Kyle Orton and the Buffalo Bills this weekend. Orton was contemplating retirement before signing with Buffalo, and the 31-year old quarterback has not started a game since December of 2013. Buffalo does have a strong rushing attack, and no one expects Orton to be a dynamic playmaker, but I think the veteran quarterback is going to start off a little rusty. I am hoping that rust turns into some interceptions or fumbles returned for touchdowns, and I am hoping the Bills’ offense will be forced to throw the ball and play catch up for most of the game.
Categories: Fantasy Football
Your Fantasy Football Coach 
Leave a Reply