Streaming Defenses: Week 4 Options

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Updated on October 2, 2020 1:57PM EST

Week 3 brought big totals for D/ST fantasy scoring for the first time this year, and it just so happened that it was our streaming recommendations leading the charge. The top three picks from this space each finished among the top four in points, with Indianapolis (26), Cleveland (14) and Tampa Bay (18) all doing more than enough to swing the outcome in close fantasy matchups.

We obviously can't promise that type of success every week, but there is a really strong track record for our top-three picks. Going back to the start of last season, our No. 1 choices have averaged 12.1 fantasy points, while our No. 2 picks have produced 8.9, and No. 3s have put up 9.2. For a point of comparison, there were only three defenses last season with a double-digit scoring average, and then four others in the 9-10 ppg range. This year has been even harsher, with only five defenses above seven points per game so far.

As always, the D/ST spot has shown the highest level of matchup-dependence out of any fantasy position, which means streaming will probably be the smart play at some point this season even if you've been pleased with the unit you drafted so far.

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

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

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

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.

Top Streaming Options for Week 4

1. Los Angeles Rams (vs. NYG)

58% rostered on Yahoo, 28% on ESPN

Team implied total: 30

Opponent implied total: 17

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 5: 5th (at WAS), Week 6: 9th (at SF)

The Rams don't have much on defense after Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, but they shouldn't need any more than that in a home game against the Giants, playing as 13-point favorites against a team that's allowed at least eight fantasy points to the opponent defense each week this season. The Rams also have a great matchup Week 5 at Washington, so it's reasonable to use waiver priority or a few dollars of FAAB here.

2. Denver Broncos (at NYJ)

37% Yahoo, 39% ESPN

Team implied total: 21.5

Opponent implied total: 18.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 5: 26th (at NE), Week 6: 8th (vs. MIA)

The Denver defense has suffered nearly as many key injuries as the Jets offense, but while the former has at least managed to put up a fight, the latter has completely folded. Denver kept the Titans, Steelers and Bucs under 30 points, while Gang Green has yet to crack 20 in a game. The Broncos did lose DE Jurrell Casey to a torn biceps this past weekend, so even with the primo matchup there's a big drop off from out No. 1 streaming pick (the Rams) to our No. 2 choice.

3. New York Jets (vs. DEN)

6% Yahoo, 2% ESPN

Team implied total: 18.5

Opponent implied total: 21.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 5: 22nd (vs. ARZ), Week 6: 25th (at LAC)

Braxton Berrios! Tim Patrick! Jeff Driskel! Brett Rypien! Technically, this will be NFL football, but really, we all know better. While the Jets are a flaming disaster, their defense should be functional for fantasy purposes in a home game against a Denver offense that's allowed the second-most points to D/ST units. The Broncos won't have Drew Lock, Phillip Lindsay or Courtland Sutton for Thursday's game, and it isn't clear if Driskel or Rypien will get the start under center. Plus, the Jets defense has been merely bad — not quite disgraceful — ranking 22nd in net yards per pass attempt (6.9) and 13th in YPC (4.3).

4. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. JAX)

2% Yahoo, 3% ESPN

Team implied total: 25.5

Opponent implied total: 22.5

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 5: 30th (at BAL), Week 6: 27th (at IND)

The Cincinnati defense finally showed signs of life this past Sunday, coming up with three sacks and two takeaways while limiting the Eagles to 23 points on 13 drives. That's not to say this group inspires a high level of confidence, but neither does the Jacksonville offense, especially after last week's huge TNF disappointment against the Dolphins. Jags wideout DJ Chark (chest/back) remains up in the air, while Bengals DT Geno Atkins (shoulder) could be back for Week 4. (To be fair, we'll have to drop the Bengals down the rankings a couple spots if it ends up swinging the other direction, with Chark suiting up while Atkins misses another week.)

5. Green Bay Packers (vs. ATL)

15% Yahoo, 8% ESPN

Team implied total: 32.75

Opponent implied total: 25.25

Upcoming Ranks (Projected) — Week 5: Bye, Week 6: 20th (at TB)

This game has the highest over/under of the week, but it also gives us a red-hot Packers team favored by 7.5 points against an Atlanta squad that's thrown the fourth-most passes (43 per game) in the league. While the Falcons figure to score some points, their frequent QB dropbacks will give the Packers defense ample opportunity for sacks and takeaways. The other option for this No. 5 spot is Seattle, another all-offense, no-defense team that's a comfortable favorite this week (-6.5 at Miami).