Week 12 fantasy football streamers at the DST position include the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense.
With just three weeks separating us from the start of the Fantasy Football Playoffs, it’s more important than ever to maximize the points that our starting lineups score. One of the best ways to get a little extra bump is to stream team defenses in favorable matchups for optimal upside. The problem is that this week may prove to be rather difficult when it comes to finding the best defense fantasy football streamers to plug in and play. With some of the most highly-owned DST options hogging the most favorable matchups, it could be one of those weeks where a contrarian, “hold-your-nose” approach is the way to go!
Fortunately for readers, we are not afraid to stick our necks out and take the path less traveled! Much like contrarian betting picks (hello, Jaguars last week!), it feels like a similar approach could be favorable for defense fantasy football streamers in Week 12. So, hold your nose with us and read on for some of our favorite options. Also, be sure to check out our Week 12 fantasy football rankings for further assistance with lineup decisions this week!
Note: Players must be owned in less than 60% of ESPN leagues to be included in the best defense fantasy football streamers column.
Week 12 Defense Fantasy Football Streamers
Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy DST (15.9%)
Hey, we warned you! The Las Vegas Raiders are about as bad an outfit as there is taking the field on Sundays in the NFL this season. Geno Smith and the offense have been atrocious; no one knows why this team used the sixth overall pick in the draft on a running back, and the defense has given up at least 25 points in all but three games this season. On the bright side, the Raiders have forced four turnovers over their last three games, a big reason why this DST unit has avoided a negative fantasy-point result since the Week 8 bye.
As is typical when it comes to defense fantasy football streamers, the case for the Raiders boils down to the opposition they will face in Week 12. The Cleveland Browns will descend upon Sin City, and it has already been announced that Shedeur Sanders will be their starting quarterback in this game. Sanders was thrust into action last week when Dillon Gabriel got knocked out of the game with a concussion and completed just four of 16 passes. Thus, as bad as this offense has looked with Joe Flacco and Gabriel previously at the controls, it may be even worse with Sanders under center on Sunday.
Clearly, the Browns will want to run the football, but Las Vegas quietly ranks seventh in defensive EPA/rush through the first 11 weeks of the season. If the Raiders can stymie Quinshon Judkins and, dare I say it, get a lead in this game, Maxx Crosby and Co. will be in a great position to tee off against a mediocre offensive line and throttle a rookie fifth-round pick playing quarterback.
More Fantasy Football Streamers Week 12
Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy DST (25.6%)
With their last two games coming on the road and a bye sandwiched in between, the Kansas City Chiefs have not played a home game since Week 8. This latest scheduling stretch follows a three-week home stand, during which the Chiefs scored a whopping 28 fantasy points at the DST position. We did mention in the intro that a contrarian approach would be taken for defense fantasy football streamers this week, and that is exactly the path we are taking with this selection.
From a matchup standpoint, this week is about as difficult as it gets for the Chiefs. They will be hosting a revitalized Indianapolis Colts offense that ranks first in overall EPA/play with Daniel “Indiana” Jones at the controls. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers did make this offense look mortal just a few weeks back, and one has to believe that Steve Spagnuolo will take some notes from that game. The Chiefs haven’t been great at forcing turnovers in recent weeks, but one has to assume that their fortune in that department could change.
It may not feel great going against one of the best offenses in football, but the Chiefs’ backs are against the wall after last week’s loss in Denver. Now fighting for their playoff lives, the gut feel here is that the defense will bow up at home. This defense is still packed with playmakers and ranks 14th in EPA/play despite facing several high-quality offensive opponents so far this season. This is a spot where Kansas City must rise to the occasion.
New Orleans Saints Fantasy DST (2.2%)
In reality, one could argue that both defenses are worthy of fantasy football streamers consideration in Sunday’s NFC South showdown between the Atlanta Falcons (37.8%) and New Orleans Saints. The thing is, personal bias is coming into play for me with regard to Atlanta. The Falcons have had countless favorable matchups where they looked like a home-run streamer this season. Recently, they have been flopping in those games. This includes last week, where a second-half meltdown and torching at the hands of Bryce Young saw Atlanta score negative fantasy points.
One important note regarding the Falcons is that linebacker Divine Deablo does appear on track to return from injury this week. While this would be a boost, we’re going to focus on the Saints here. Many probably don’t realize that New Orleans actually ranks 15th in overall defensive EPA/play this season. This includes a ranking of fourth in EPA/rush, a facet that will serve them well in this matchup. The Falcons will resort to Kirk Cousins at quarterback in the wake of Michael Penix’s injury and are also expected to be without star wideout Drake London in this contest.
When the Falcons were put in a similar shorthanded situation in terms of offensive personnel four weeks ago, a bad Miami defense held them to just ten points. The Saints now have an opportunity to do the same on their home field where they have managed to tally at least five fantasy points at the DST position in all but one game to date. In two prior games against divisional opponents, New Orleans has allowed just 24 total points, clearly showing a willingness to rise up in these rivalry games. It’s a hold-your-nose special for sure, but while the Falcons will probably be the trendy streamer, we advise you not to dismiss the Saints in this spot.
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