Week 3 Streamer Options – D/ST

Chris Sanzo picks his four favorite D/ST streamers for Week 3.

Chris Sanzo
Streaming Defenses 3 Years Ago

This is a great week to stream defenses because there are plenty of good options that could all potentially pay off in both seasonal and DFS. As always, there is no point in telling you to go grab the Rams or Bucs or similar highly rostered D/ST, but instead let’s feature some of the under appreciated teams that happen to get overlooked. One thing I can guarantee, this section is Sir Purr approved.

 

Carolina Panthers

Opponent: @ Houston Texans

DraftKings: $3300

FanDuel: $4500

 

The Panthers were the highly sought after stream option for Week 1 because there was always a chance you could run with them for at least three weeks. They weren’t featured last week because it seemed a fair toss up between them and the Saints and the assumption was if you picked them up in Week 1, then you were already set. The rostered percentage has stayed low however, and now is the optimal time to grab them. They are facing a rookie QB in Davis Mills in his first career start. It also happens to be in primetime on Thursday Night Football which means it also comes on a short week. Where play is typically messy anyway, this could be a disastrous spot for Mills. Looking forward, this is a defense you can hold for a while and this may be your last chance to get them. They sprinkle in a few tough matchups like Dallas next week, but have a lot of plus spots upcoming and don’t face Tampa Bay until they see them twice in the last three weeks. They are also criminally undervalued in DFS at $3300. I would be shocked if they did not hit at least 3x return on investment (ROI).

 

 

Tennessee Titans

Opponent: vs Indianapolis Colts

DraftKings: $2400

FanDuel: $4500

 

This is another situation where we’re trying to attack a backup (probably), this time with a shaky line. The Colts offensive line has been just that, offensive. Carson Wentz has looked great on his first reads, but the moment he has to scan the field, he may as well just tuck and run. I don’t see that changing with them having limited options in the passing game and Jonathan Taylor doing his best Clyde Edwards-Helaire impersonation by running into walls on the goal line. The Titans are considerably stronger at stopping the run so they’ll have to turn to Jacob Eason which is less than favorable for Indy fans. Assuming Carson plays, it will be nowhere near full health and his mobility with two sprained ankles is a mouth watering thought for the Titans pass rush. Good luck to Wentz when that pocket starts to fold up and he has to somehow hobble out with haste. $2400 on DraftKings makes them the 7th cheapest option on the board. That’s a great space saver to bolster your lineups.

 

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Opponent: vs Miami Dolphins

DraftKings: $3400

FanDuel: $4000

 

“Gee Chris, the Raiders aren’t known for their defense, that’s just not something they do.” I agree, just like pass blocking is just not something Miami does. They are the lowest graded pass blocking line by PFF through two games at an abysmal 38.2. Miami has allowed 42 pressures in 2 games and the Raiders defensive line has generated 46 of their own. Add in Tua’s injury and a possible Jacoby Brissett sighting and this may be tough to watch. Maxx Crosby has been otherworldy this year and the group of Yannick Ngakoue, Carl Nassib, and Soloman Thomas have been solid as well, racking up 12 hurries and 3 sacks behind Crosby. The coverage has held behind them and if Las Vegas can put pressure on the Dolphins early, there may plenty of opportunities against whomever is under center.

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Opponent: @ Pittsburgh Steelers

DraftKings: $2100

FanDuel: $3400

 

This one is a bit more out there, but stay with me. Pittsburgh failed to fix their offensive line before sending Ben Roethlisberger out for another season in his twilight. The Bengals line has been hit and miss overall, but generally have been successful getting in the QB’s face and the secondary has held its own. Ben was already banged up, but if he’s also without target hog Diontae Johnson, he may need to dust the cannon off a bit for this one. DJ’s aDOT is essentially 2 steps away from Juju Smith-Schuster who is 2 steps away from Najee Harris so if he needs more time to scan the field and/or make a throw, there could be real issues. The Bengals would not have to be a new age version of the Steel Curtain to pay back 3x on $2100 and in seasonal formats, there are plenty of opportunities for downfield interceptions as Chase Claypool figures to see an expanded workload.

 

 

(Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire)

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