Week 6 Rankings (2018): Top 15 Defenses

by Ray Kuhn

As far as streaming options go things are a little difficult this week. That doesn’t mean we should stop looking to stream, or for the best possible match-up, but I would try not to over think it. Let’s take a look at how our options rank as we try to make our lineup decisions:

1. Chicago Bears – at Miami
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – at Dallas
3. Houston Texans – vs. Buffalo
4. Minnesota Vikings – vs. Arizona
5. LA Rams – at Denver
6. Green Bay Packers – vs. San Francisco
7. Baltimore Ravens – at Tennessee
8. NY Jets – vs. Indianapolis
9. Philadelphia Eagles – at NY Giants
10. Seattle Seahawks – at Oakland
11. Tennessee Titans – vs. Baltimore
12. Carolina Panthers – at Washington
13. Dallas Cowboys – vs. Jacksonville
14. Indianapolis Colts – at NY Jets
15. Buffalo Bills – at Houston

Notes:

• Thanks to their youth in the secondary things have been going well for the Packers defense so far this season. Ranked as a Top-12 defense based on their production, Green Bay should be owned in more than 41.3% of ESPN leagues as of Tuesday night. If you are into streaming and looking for match-ups, the 49ers have allowed the most points to opposing fantasy defenses so far this season. Some of this production, or lack of production, came before San Francisco had to turn to C.J. Beathard under center. Despite not having a sack against the Redskins in Week 3, Green Bay has 16 sacks in their other four games. That is a good thing though, because in two games, one of which was against the Redskins, the Packers weren’t exactly a fantasy asset. While I wouldn’t say it is an all or nothing proposition, the sacks do provide a nice floor and the 49ers are a favorable opponent.
• If we are playing the match-up game, the Bears are facing the Dolphins who allow the second most points to opposing defenses. It is no secret that Chicago has one of the best defenses in the league, especially after the addition of Khalil Mack, but after their bye last week,they are still available in 13% of ESPN leagues. Dropping them to not carry two defenses is reasonable, but letting them stay on the waiver wire should not happen. Through four games the Bears have eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries to go along with 18 sacks, and it looks like they are just getting started.
• It may sound crazy to recommend this defense, but Buffalo has become a viable option. The Bills don’t appear to be as bad as we might have thought they were, but no one is saying they are good either and they have a little fantasy value. Owned in just 2.9% of ESPN leagues, the Bills are taking on the Texans who have struggled to find the end zone so far this season; the second worst red zone conversion rate. Buffalo’s offense doesn’t exactly help their defense out, but the Bills have also allowed a combined 38 points in their last three games to go along with eight sacks. If you are looking to take a risk with a cheap option, the Bills might be it.

Make sure to check out all of our Week 6 rankings: