The C.R.E.A.M of the crop (the highest salaries). If you’re looking to spend money on a Defense we recommend:
The Rams are facing the struggling 49ers offensive unit. That’s good news for any defense, especially this elite Rams unit coming off a monster week 7. The Rams are 8.5 point favorites at home this week.
When picking a defense, I like to start with a team at home who is favored. Preferably with a big spread. The favorite portion is probably the more significant of the two because it implies the offense falling behind and being forced to throw. This leads to increased opportunities in sacks and interceptions.
Speaking of sacks, the Rams are sacking the QB at a rate of 4 per game (4th best). Put that against a 49ers offensive line giving up 4 per game (4th most). We can expect to see Kap on his back a hair more than average.
If those numbers don’t convince you, according to FantasyLabs Opp +/-, the 49ers are allowing +2.1 DK points to opposing defenses. This puts them in the top 4 favorable opponents for a DST.
Tavon Austin is a positive correlation play with his elite return skills adding to the Rams ceiling. Mix in the high floor and ceiling, the Rams unit is in play in all formats.
Also consider: Carolina, Atlanta
“Bull” is inspired by a Bull Market on Wall Street. If you’re looking for a high ceiling with a moderate salary:
This pick may raise some eyebrows, but the Denver D is ELITE. Averaging just over 17 DK points, this group is the clear #1 unit this season.
Any unit squaring up against Rodgers may cause some hesitancy. However, the Bronco’s lead in Sacks, Defensive TD’s, and are 2nd in takeaways, which (provides/gives) the D plenty of opportunities to score points.
The Packers are no doubt still an elite unit, with arguably the best QB in the league. But all’s not well in the land of cheese. We have seen a drop in YPG this season (outside the top 10), an ineffective running game, and lack of consistent production at the WR spot. And in the past two years when Rodgers plays an elite unit (top 5) on the road he’s averaging just over 9 DK points.
The Broncos are the clear TOP fantasy defense thus far. Priced as the 11th highest, even in a tough matchup, the Broncos provide safety and value. They are more of a tournament play, but this is mostly because I think the only move is paying up at defense this week in cash.
Also consider: NYJ
If you’re looking for near minimum salary with the potential to out perform the Blue Chip market:
The Saints are far from the defensive stalwarts listed above, but with this week’s pricing the Saints provide great value.
At $2k the Saints check boxes as a home favorite. As stated previously, this correlates to success and some predictability in an otherwise volatile position.
The Saints find themselves in the top 10 in takeaways, and 12th in sacks. The Giants are hovering around the top 10 in pass attempts, providing more opportunity for the NO unit to score fantasy pts. We have seen at times Eli be turnover prone, and with increased opportunity and a less than 100% WR corps, I like the Saints odds to create some TO’s in this spot.
The Saints have a great chance to easily exceed value, mix in the contrarian aspect and they are a solid tournament option to vary yourself from the field in large GPP’s.
Also consider: 49ers
“Bear” also draws inspiration from Wall Street. Stay away this week:
The Chargers defensive woes have contributed to some of Phillip Rivers success, but that’s where the S word stops.
The Chargers are worst in points per game allowed, and bottom 5 in yards per game allowed. This unit hasn’t topped 7 fantasy points this season, and have created minimal turnovers. Combine with the Chargers being in the bottom 1/3rd in sacks, their ability to produce fantasy points is very limited.
If looking to save salary, please look elsewhere i.e. NO or SF.
