For DST, the Matchup Is the Strategy

No fantasy position depends on weekly matchups more than defense.

If you waited to draft fantasy defense/special teams, as our Redraft Strategy Playbook recommends, the best move is to stream the position and chase matchups.

Let’s break down how DST scoring works and identify the best Week 1 streaming targets.

Breaking Down the Basics of DST Scoring

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

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

Because TDs are worth 6 points, including return scores, they create the biggest weekly swings. If your DST finds the end zone, you’ve almost certainly got a top-10 week.

The problem: Those scoring plays aren’t predictable.

Instead, points allowed give us the most predictable signal for DST fantasy scoring. In general, target defenses that are expected to allow the fewest points in a given week over trying to chase less-predictable big plays.

That often means simply targeting defenses facing the worst NFL offenses. 

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Why Turnovers and Sacks Aren’t Reliable

TDs aren’t the only volatile category. INT leaders rarely repeat from year to year. Fumble recoveries are even less predictable. And even sack totals fluctuate.

We still want defenses with playmakers, especially stud pass rushers and DBs who get their hands on the ball.

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

The Real Edge: Exploiting Matchups

Don’t lock yourself into one defense all season. DST scoring is volatile, and so are weekly opponents.

Some defenses will be better than others at limiting points. But if one of them draws the Eagles or Chiefs, you’ll probably want a different DST that week.

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

Week 6 Defenses Worth Streaming

Week 6 Streaming Defense

TIP

Use our fantasy defense rankings and projections each week to pick up the best DST.

Chiefs (vs. Chargers)

33% rostered

The Chiefs were on bye in Week 5, so some managers may have dropped them rather than hold multiple defenses. Snatch them up to stream where available.

The Chargers continue to struggle, ranking 30th in points and leading the league in turnovers.

Justin Herbert is averaging 187.4 passing yards per game and hasn’t thrown more than a TD in a game this year.

Injuries along the O-line forced the Chargers to start four rookies against the Broncos last week, including two sixth-round picks and an undrafted free agent.

The injuries also continue to compound at WR. Ladd McConkey didn’t play a snap against the Broncos due to his foot injury while Quentin Johnston went inactive with a chest injury. Tre Harris played but left early with a hamstring injury

The Chargers offense is an absolute mess. Even injury returns wouldn’t alter the matchup against a strong defense.

The Chiefs ranked 11th against the pass and eighth against the run in our defensive power rankings entering Week 5.

The Chiefs average 1.75 takeaways per game and sport the seventh-best scoring defense. This one could get ugly in Kansas City.

Colts (vs. Titans)

2.8% rostered

The Titans have become the offense to target every week when you're streaming a defense. They managed only 3 points last week against the Texans, while Cam Ward took 4 sacks and threw an INT. 

Ward has tossed an INT in each of the last three games (one of two turnovers in each) and has struggled to move the offense. The Titans average 11.6 points per game, the fewest in the NFL.

The Colts defense isn’t particularly strong, but this is about targeting the Titans. Indy has found some success against weaker offenses, holding the Texans to 17 points and the Commanders to 13.

Falcons (vs. Bears)

7.2% rostered

The Bears offense has been inconsistent. They started with a 59-point Week 1 before scoring only 3 in Week 2 against the Vikings.

Caleb Williams injured his hamstring during that game, leaving the Bears with a combination of Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent over the last three weeks. They scored 23+ against the Eagles and Jets but fell apart against the Packers last week.

Bagent threw 2 INTs before getting benched for Keenum, who threw an INT of his own. The Bears managed only 7 points in that contest.

Williams is expected back this week, but the hamstring could still hamper his mobility and play. There’s also a chance he has a setback or isn’t ready, which would leave the Falcons facing Keenum or Bagent.

The Falcons have also played well defensively. They ranked fifth in run defense and fourth in pass defense in our power rankings heading into Week 5.

Williams’ return would add downside risk to the Falcons by potentially boosting the scoring. Atlanta’s no lock and figures to land on the fringe of starter territory in our Week 6 rankings. But even Williams has errant streaks and took 5 sacks across his two appearances this season.

Monitor Williams’ health this week. If he’s out, the Falcons become a streaming option in every format.