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Streaming Defense Week 15

Streaming Defenses Strategy

Fantasy Defense production relies on weekly matchups more than any other position.

If you wisely selected your fantasy defense/special teams at the end of your draft -- according to our Redraft Strategy Playbook -- then the best strategy involves streaming the position to take advantage of those matchups.

Let’s dive into how DST works and ensure you stream to maximize your points for Week 15 as you enter the fantasy playoffs.

How Does DST Scoring Work?

Most fantasy football leagues score team defenses on the following categories:

• Points allowed
• Sacks
• Interceptions
• Fumble recoveries
• TDs

At 6 points per TD, that category (including return scores) often produces the widest swings. Pick a DST that happens to find the end zone in a given week, and you’ve almost certainly got a top-10 unit.

The problem: Those scoring plays aren’t predictable.

Since 2020, 88 players have had a season with 4+ interceptions. Only 28 of them scored at least one TD, about 31.8%. 

Turnover volume doesn’t necessarily equal defensive TDs, so don’t rely on those random scores.

More Unpredictable Categories

It’s not just the TDs. INTs are also volatile. The same players rarely top the leaderboard in that category year to year.

Fumble recoveries are even less predictable. And even sack totals fluctuate.

We’re still interested in team defenses that can make big plays. We want stud pass rushers and DBs who get their hands on the ball in coverage.

But as far as DST scoring categories go, points allowed is the one we want to chase the most.

Target Positive Matchups

The first reason you shouldn’t just count on a single fantasy defense every week is the volatility of most scoring categories. The other is the volatility of opponents.

There will undoubtedly be team defenses better at limiting opponent scoring than others. But if one of those top fantasy defenses is playing the Eagles or Chiefs, for example, you’ll probably want to start a different DST instead.

Strategizing every week based on favorable matchups can be just as advantageous as having one of the top five season-long scoring DSTs. 

Embrace the stream and come back here weekly to find the best options. 

Streaming Defense Week 15 Options

As we enter the fantasy playoffs, keep an eye on future weeks for defenses to stash.

We have a great guide to help prepare you for the fantasy playoffs.

Now let’s dig into some streaming defense options for Week 15.

Washington Commanders at New Orleans Saints

Rostered: 22%

The Saints offense was already in trouble after losing Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Taysom Hill. But now Derek Carr has fractured his left hand.

Whether it's second-year QB Jake Haener or rookie QB Spencer Rattler taking over, New Orleans becomes a prime streaming target.

The offense has only scored 14 points in each of the last two games, against the Rams and Giants—neither a top NFL defense.

Facing a backup QB and backup offensive weapons, the Commanders defense could feast on the Saints.

CB Marshon Lattimore, who was traded from the Saints to the Commanders at the deadline, appears likely to make his first start in Washington. (He missed the first four games since the trade with a hamstring injury.)

The Pro Bowler gets a revenge game against his old team and should further bolster the Commanders defense -- especially adding big-play upside (15 career INTs).

Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots

Rostered: 36%

The Cardinals DST was an unfortunate dud against the Seahawks this past week, but they draw a more favorable matchup against the Patriots in Week 15.

New England has given up 3.25 sacks per game over the last five. 

They also are averaging nearly two turnovers per game over that span.

QB Drake Maye has played well -- especially for fantasy managers -- but his Patriots have also averaged just 19.1 points per game across his seven full outings.

That sets a nice fantasy floor for the opposing defense, with the sacks and turnovers delivering upside.

Even with the rough game against the Seahawks, the Cardinals still rank 14th in defensive DVOA for the season.

They have only given up 16.8 points pr game over their last five.

Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders

Rostered: 9%

Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell exited last week with a bone bruise in his knee, opening the door for former Falcons QB Desmond Ridder to start against his former team.

If Ridder starts, he is absolutely a QB we want to target.

Ridder sports a 13.7% sack rate in limited duty this year and has showed a tendency to hold the ball too long throughout his career.

Ridder also has fumbled on 5.9% of his dropbacks (18 career fumbles in just 23 games).

The Falcons have featured a weak pass rush for most of the season but nearly doubled their season sack total with 9 over just the past two games.

Atlanta ranks just 25th in the league in scoring defense, but the Raiders counter with the league's No. 27 scoring offense. Vegas hasn't reached 20 points in a game since Week 9 and has fallen short of 20 points in eight of 13 contests.

If the Falcons D works out this week, you can use them again for a Week 16 home date with the Giants.

Deep Leagues

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons

Rostered: 3%

The Raiders are far from a safe bet, but they've offered surprising production the past two weeks.

Vegas racked up 9 sacks across matchups with the Chiefs and Bucs. The D also limited K.C. to 19 points and forced three turnovers against Tampa.

Next up is QB Kirk Cousins, who has tossed 8 INTs and no TD passes over the last four games.

Even with Bijan Robinson averaging 110.75 scrimmage yards and 1.0 TD over the same span, Cousins' struggles have left Atlanta averaging only 14.25 points across its four-game losing streak.

We're not betting on a weak Raiders run D stopping Robinson. But the sack and turnover upside plus Atlanta's scoring struggles make Vegas a potential top-12 unit for Week 15.

Want More Help Streaming Defenses?

Use our Free Agent Finder to find the right defense to stream each week and the best overall waiver wire options.

You can sync your league and rosters to instantly get recommendations based on your specific league scoring and settings.

See how it can help you win your league:

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, IDP, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.