Week 12 Defense (DEF/DST) Waiver Wire Pickups: Fantasy Streamers

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It was a crazy week for few defenses. The Falcons’ defense in particular surprised everyone. Prior to this week, they were the 31st ranked fantasy defense, yet they scored at the top this week with 3 points against, 4 interceptions, 5 sacks, and a punt return for a touchdown. I will be going over teams like the Falcons who aren’t owned in many leagues that you should be picking up. Here are my top defense waiver wire adds for Week 12. All of them are owned in under 60% of leagues.

Atlanta Falcons

Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Own %: 1.9

I’m not just putting the Falcons number one because of their crazy good game last week although that does play a factor. They had four interceptions against the Panthers and 4 sacks. They face the Buccaneers this week along with Jamies Winston who has thrown the most interceptions in the league by a long shot. In 10 games, he has thrown 18 interceptions which is close to two per game. Especially coming off four interception game, it is likely that they will add to that total this week.

Oakland Raiders

Opponent: New York Jets
Own %: 32.3

The Raiders are coming off a good performance against the Bengals last week. They held the Bengals to 10 points while also picking up 5 sacks and two turnovers. Normally, they haven’t been that great of a defense, but the last two weeks have given them a significant boost. They play the worst offense in the NFL next week, the Jets. They average just 248.2 yards per game and 16.4 points per game. They should be able to continue their upward trend this week with what should be an easier game against the Jets.

Cleveland Browns

Opponent: Miami Dolphins
Own %: 29

The Browns were able to make the Steelers’ offense look horrible last week on Thursday night. They held them to 7 points while also picking off Mason Rudolph and sacking him four times each. In back to back games, the Browns have held their opponents to under 20 points. This week should be no different as the play the Dolphins. They have averaged 13.9 points per game. The Bills were able to sack Ryan Fitzpatrick seven times. The one downside for the Browns is the loss of Myles Garrett because of his suspension.

Denver Broncos

Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Own %: 17.2

The Broncos are one of the best defenses in the NFL, but just not in fantasy. Their lack of turnovers makes them a hard selection, but they only allow 19.7 points per game and 310.8 yards per game which is the fourth-lowest in the NFL. When they get turnovers, they can put up nice numbers. Last week they had two fumble recoveries. They face the Bills this week who have not been the best offense. They did put up 37 points last week, but that was against the Dolphins. The Broncos will find much more success against them with their stellar pass defense.

Seattle Seahawks

Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
Own %: 28.2

The Seahawks’ defense excelled against the 49ers two weeks ago. They held the 49ers to 18 points with getting 3 turnovers with one touchdown. There has been just one game this season in which the Seahawks didn’t get a turnover. Four of their games they have gotten multiple turnovers. They are coming off a bye week, so their ownership has gone down, but they play the Eagles this week, who have struggled offensively. They had just 10 points against the Patriots. The Seahawks should emerge as the stronger bird.

Houston Texans

Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
Own %: 15

The Texans are coming off their worst game of the season against the Ravens last week. The Ravens have been among the best offenses in the league so you can’t read into it too much. The Texans have been a very solid defense outside of that game. In the week before, the Texans held the Jaguars to 3 points. They also picked up four turnovers and sacked Gardner Minshew 4 times. They are coming off their bye week so ownership is low. The Colts will be without Marlon Mack which will put a damper on their offense.