Breakdowns
12/28/21
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Fantasy Football: Streaming Defenses and Kickers – Week 17
It’s the finals in most leagues, so if you’ve made it, Congrats! Even if you haven’t, there can still be other things to play for. Either way, make sure you maximize your possible fantasy output and keep reading for the best matchups for streaming for week 17 at both defense and kicker and the reasons why I feel they are great options.
Defense:
Chicago Bears (vs. NYG)
The Bears' defense has been very mediocre this season because of an inability to force many turnovers. As a result, a matchup against a very turnover-prone, ineffective Giants offense is the perfect recipe for them. Whether the Giants stick with Jake Fromm after an abysmal start or go back to Glennon, it is very reasonable to expect their offensive struggles to continue, so pick up and start the Bears defense because the matchup is simply too good to avoid.
Cleveland Browns (@ PIT)
Cleveland’s defense had 40 points over their last four matchups before a 0-point dud against the dynamic Packers offense. Their week 17 matchup against Pittsburgh is a much better offense to face for a defense, and on that makes them a worthy start because of Big Ben’s recent struggles and how they’ve impacted Pittsburgh’s overall offense. With 41 fantasy points allowed to defenses in the last five weeks, it is a great time to play Pittsburgh and a matchup to exploit.
Carolina Panthers (@ NO)
The Panthers' defense has struggled of late amidst difficult matchups but had tied for their best output of the season in their first matchup against the Saints with 14 in week two. New Orleans’ offense has only gotten pretty significantly worse since then, making them a great offense to stream against no matter which QB out of those they have remaining ends up starting, making Carolina a solid option to start for the week.
Kickers:
Randy Bullock (vs. MIA)
Bullock hasn’t been super consistent this season, but he has been a consistently decent starter since their bye and now gets a good matchup against a Dolphins team that has been forcing field goal attempts in bunches recently. Bullock is a good, pretty safe option for 7-11 points, with the potential for more if the Titans have a very good week.
Marvin Badgley (vs. LV)
Badgley’s 23 points over the last three weeks are not very good, but it also doesn’t tell the whole story, as he’s missed a field goal in each game, showing just how good the opportunities he’s had have been. If Badgley can be more efficient this upcoming week against a Raiders defense that has been a good matchup for kickers, you can expect a very good showing. The biggest concern here is probably Badgley’s recent lack of accuracy rather than the opportunity.
Jake Elliott (@ WSH)
Jake Elliott has 69 points over his last six games and has been a good starter or better in five of them. He now faces a Washington team whose defense has been incredibly porous of late, meaning numerous red zone opportunities that would hopefully translate into some field goal attempts for Elliott. He has been great when given the opportunity, so Elliott is a good option for the week.
