As expected, last didn't deliver the same DST fireworks that we saw in Week 3. From a streaming perspective, we hit on two of my three recommendations from last week with the Chargers (6 points) and the Patriots (9 points) both delivering solid scores. The San Francisco 49ers (0 points) were the odd ones out.

Moving on to Week 5, the bye weeks are finally here, so the waiver wire is going to become more competitive with the managers who roster the Packers and Steelers needing to find a replacement option alongside the managers who are streaming every week.

My philosophy on streaming defenses is based on the ability to create sacks and turnovers rather than minimizing points allowed to the other team, although those two things are correlated. I think this is one of the bigger mistakes fantasy managers make when thinking about fantasy defenses. As you will see in this article, I am generally focused on three things: offensive line play, QB turnover rates, and game script.

A poor offensive line matched up against a strong defense line is one of the best signs for a fantasy defense. Putting the opposing QB under pressure increases the likelihood of sacks, fumbles, and interceptions. However, not all QBs are created equal, so we also want to target those who have a history of turning the ball over. Lastly, a defense on a team that is heavily favored is another good sign because it means the other team may be forced to call more pass plays as a result of a negative game script, and pass plays are more likely to lead to scoring opportunities for the defense than rush attempts are.

Top Three Defense (DST) Streamers For Week 5

Los Angeles Rams - 31% rostered

The Rams are currently flying under the radar as one of the best front-seven units in the NFL. They currently rank as the second-best pass defense in terms of EPA allowed per play and also score highly in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate per ESPN Analytics. 

The 49ers aren't normally a matchup we target, but they are incredibly injured at the moment with Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings all out for this game. The Rams are favored by 7.5 points at the time of writing and that spread could get wider as the game approaches.

San Francisco has had an inefficient rushing attack this season, so there is a scenario where this becomes a one-dimensional passing offense led by Mac Jones. Jones isn't terrible, but he could have a hard time moving the ball while under pressure from the Rams pass rush and throwing to a bunch of backup WRs. The Rams have recorded 14 sacks so far this season, second most in the NFL, and I expect them to add several more to that tally this week.

This is the Thursday Night Football matchup, so you also get the added benefit of having a DST to cheer for if this game is sloppy or lopsided.

Lastly, you may be able to play the Rams again in Week 6 if Lamar Jackson is still out for the Ravens, which makes them my favorite DST to add ahead of Week 5.

Arizona Cardinals - 21% rostered

The Cardinals are another DST that hasn't garnered much attention, but they have been a good fantasy unit, scoring at least 5 points in every matchup so far. Arizona has forced a turnover in each of its last three games and has been one of the better rush defenses in terms of EPA allowed per play. 

This week, they get to go against the hapless Titans offense, which their own QB succinctly described as, "Ass". Ward has flashed some playmaking ability, but he is holding onto the ball for over 3.0 seconds per dropback and is the most sacked QB in the league through four weeks. If the Cardinals are able to remain stout against the run, they can force the Titans to have to try to beat them through the air, something they haven't been able to do consistently this season.

In addition to the Cardinals forcing a turnover in three straight games, Ward has a turnover in every game this season (although to his credit, it has only been one in each game). Arizona is at home for this matchup and is favored by 7.5 points despite the game total being at just 41.5 points. Expectations are extremely low for this Tennessee offense, so we should see a similar game script to last week where the Titans are playing from behind for the majority of the game which sets Arizona up to get after him in obvious passing situations.

Cleveland Browns - 10% rostered

Despite having a mostly dysfunctional offense, the Cleveland Browns defense has held its own this year as one of the better units in the NFL. They rank ninth in overall EPA allowed per play, but are first in both pass rush win rate and rush stop win rate per ESPN Analytics.

The Browns travel to London to face off with the Vikings, who are coming off a close loss to the Steelers in Ireland. The Vikings were able to move the ball with Carson Wentz under center, but he took six sacks and threw two interceptions, which led to a good fantasy outing for the Steelers defense. Minnesota is also likely to be without its starting center, who is in concussion protocol, which just gives another advantage to one of the best defensive line units in the NFL. 

The biggest risk to starting the Cleveland defense is the fact that they are turning to Dillon Gabriel as their QB this week. The rookie has a tough matchup against an aggressive Vikings defense, so if he struggles or turns the ball over, it could put Cleveland's DST in a difficult situation. That being said, Gabriel could just as easily be an upgrade over Flacco, so I'm not worried enough to avoid the Cleveland DST if I need a streaming option and the first two are rostered.

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