We're one week closer to the fantasy football playoffs and to help you this week, Sam Wallace is here with his top fantasy football defense streamers for Week 13:
The fantasy football process looks (roughly) the same each week—fantasy football waiver wire research on Tuesdays, trade considerations throughout the middle of the week, and setting lineups toward the end of the week.
One of the most overlooked pieces of that process is figuring out which team's defense to stream.
If you don't have a locked-in option each week like the Steelers, playing the matchups can be an effective way to manage that roster spot each week.
To assist, I'll be consolidating a list of team defenses that every fantasy manager needs to know to prepare for the week ahead.
*Availability is based on Yahoo Fantasy Football Leagues
Best Defense To Stream For Fantasy Football Week 13
Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos (58% available)
The Cleveland Browns will be coming off what is almost another bye week. They played on Thursday night of Week 12 and won't play again until Monday night of Week 13.
This week, they're heading to Denver to take on Bo Nix and the Broncos.
After a lackluster start to the season (and his career), Nix has played himself right into a dark-horse candidate for Rookie of the Year. Even so, Cleveland will be yet another test for Nix as the rookie continues his inaugural campaign.
As for the Browns, they've been a middle-of-the-road defense this season, but at their price point/availability, and with the added rest, they make for an appealing streaming option vs. a rookie QB as the fantasy playoffs inch closer.
More Fantasy DST Streamers For Week 13
New Orleans Saints (76% available)
Week 12 was brutal for bye weeks, but guess what? All 32 teams play this week, so we have lots of options for streaming our favorite positions, including defenses.
The Saints are well-rested coming off their break and will host the Rams on Sunday afternoon. Oh, and they're available in 75% of leagues.
The Rams are looking potent again with both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua getting healthy at the same time, but the Saints should still have some opportunities. The New Orleans defense ranks inside the top 15 and has been stingy this season.
They've only surrendered more than 27 points in a game once this year and have held opponents under 20 points six times. They've also forced at least one turnover in all but two games this season.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) and defensive end Carl Granderson (96) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford is not above throwing gut-wrenching INTs, so the Saints could have a few chances to make some plays. With an extra week to prepare and the game being at home, the Saints are a viable streaming option for fantasy managers this weekend.
Indianapolis Colts (89% available)
Recency bias can be a tricky thing to shake in fantasy football. We all know that fantasy (and the NFL) is a "what have you done for me lately" business. Last week, the Colts lost to the Lions, but we shouldn't hold that against them.
Let's be real, the Lions are a finely-tuned machine; they consume everyone and everything in their path.
To credit the Colts, they've been weirdly good on defense this season, ranking just outside the top 10. With playmakers on offense, it's a shame they can't quite seem to get the QB position right (sorry, Colts fans).
They've had a bend-but-not-break defense…giving up lots of yards but never really getting blown out while also snagging some timely turnovers. Whatever they've been doing on that side of the ball, it's been working out pretty well.
This week, though, the Colts get a chance at a "get right" game against the Patriots. For as well as Drake Maye has played for stretches of this season, he's still a rookie QB, and the Patriots couldn't get anything going against the Dolphins in Week 12.
Honorable Mentions - Deep DST Steamers for Week 13
Dallas Cowboys (72% available)
The NFC East is, once again, one of the more interesting divisions to follow this year.
- The Cowboys went from being "all in" to losing Dak Prescott for the season
- The Giants cut Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito
- The Commanders are suddenly a playoff-caliber team with Jayden Daniels
This sport is just too much fun.
Starting with the Cowboys, they kept it close against the Commanders, only allowing nine points through the first three quarters. As for DeVito and the Giants, they didn't score a point until the fourth quarter when the game was already well out of hand.
Dallas hosts the Giants on Thanksgiving and, believe it or not, I'll take my chances on the Cowboys defense over DeVito.
If nothing else, I want some rooting interest on Thursday afternoon as I'm working my way through my third plate of food while simultaneously eyeing the dessert table.
New York Jets (55% available)
The Jets' defense has more name-brand value than actual value at this point, but from a matchup perspective, and price point, you might not have many other (better) options.
They'll come off their bye to take on the Seahawks who, in Week 12, only managed to put up 16 points on the Cardinals.
Regardless of what Aaron Rodgers does on the offensive side of the ball this week, the Jets defense should provide just enough value if you're in desperate need of a streaming option.
While they haven't been as prolific at taking the ball away this year, they're generating pressure and getting to the QB at a high rate. Heading into Week 13, they've averaged almost three sacks per game. That type of consistent pressure is enough to warrant consideration depending on your league format.
