Breakdowns
9/21/21
4 min read
Fantasy Football: Streaming Defenses and Kickers – Week 3
If streaming defenses and kickers hasn’t been your strategy thus far this fantasy season, it’s not too late to start. Whether the defense and/or kicker you drafted is struggling, or you’re just noticing that streaming is more efficient, you can shift gears right now. There are a number of options for week 3 that will help you get the most out of both positions, and I will break those down below.
Defense:
Carolina (@ HOU)
The Panthers defense has put up the most fantasy points among all defenses through two weeks with 25. They have only allowed 21 points, and they’ve forced 3 turnovers and lead the NFL with 10 sacks. Now they get Houston who will be starting rookie third-round pick Davis Mills after Tyrod Taylor’s injury. To make matters even worse for Houston, it will be a short week with them playing Thursday Night Football this week. This is a recipe for success for Carolina, and their defense should be expected to excel in this matchup. With Carolina only currently owned in 13.1% of leagues on ESPN, get them while you still can.
Las Vegas (vs. MIA)
The Raiders defense has been roughly league average thus far this season, ranking 17th in fantasy points, but this is despite playing two 2020 playoff teams and solid offenses, so they have overperformed expectations. Now they get a Dolphins team that has allowed D/ST’s to put up 26 fantasy points, which would lead all defenses. Tua Tagovailoa injured his ribs in Week 2, so Las Vegas will either be facing a banged up Tua or backup QB Jacoby Brissett, who struggled after Tua’s injury. Miami’s OL has also been poor so far, so Las Vegas could rack up some sacks to help their totals.
Arizona (@ JAX)
Arizona’s defense fell back to earth in week 2 after a dominant week 1, but still rank eighth overall. They should have a great opportunity to return to their week 1 form against a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has really struggled on offense. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t really clicked yet and his OL has struggled to keep him upright. Arizona should be able to take advantage on their way to a solid fantasy performance.
Kickers:
Matt Prater (@ JAX)
Matt Prater is the best choice for kicker for this week, and he only has 36.8% ownership on ESPN right now, so odds are you can add him right now. He has been the third best kicker in fantasy thus far and faces the fourth-best opponent for fantasy kickers, so he is set up nicely for a great performance. Arizona’s offense has been incredible so far this season, and Prater gets field goals by virtue of them simply not being able to convert every one of their numerous red zone drives into a TD.
Evan McPherson (@ PIT)
McPherson finds his way onto the list for a second consecutive week, as his opponent, Pittsburgh, has allowed the second most points to fantasy kickers. This is largely due to their red zone defense excelling so far, being one of the best in the league and forcing tied for the most field goal attempts in the league. McPherson has been good so far but didn’t see much opportunity in week 2. The numbers indicate that should change in week 3 for him, so he’s a good start.
Daniel Carlson (vs. MIA)
Yet another kicker that returns for another week on this list, hopefully some of you listened to me and added and started Carlson for week 2, as he was the second highest scorer at the position. His matchup for the week isn’t great, but he’s the second highest scorer so far after being the fourth-highest in 2020, so placing value into his overall performance makes sense.
Greg Joseph (vs. SEA)
Despite missing a potential game-winning 37-yard FG, Joseph has been a good fantasy kicker thus far this season. Joseph’s opponent, the Seahawks, tied for the fourth-most fantasy points allowed to kickers in week 2, so this could be an opportunity for Joseph to finish near the top of the position. Owned in just 0.7% of leagues, Joseph is extremely easy to add and you likely won’t have much competition if you go for him.
