It’s week nine and there are six teams on bye. Choosing a defensive gem this week will be harder than others. I don’t usually toot my own horn, but two of my defensive units to snag off waivers last week, (Miami and Minnesota) finished in the top 3 defenses. If you picked them up and played them, then you were very happy with the results. With all the byes it will be tougher, but there are still some very questionable offenses to spot start defenses against.
Decisive Defensive Decisions Week 9
First, of the defenses I suggested last week, the only one I might play again is Minnesota. I know Colt McCoy played well against Dallas but I think the Vikings are a more opportunistic defense. They should get some chances for points against McCoy if he starts again, even if Robert Griffin III starts he will be slowed by his injury. I would not start the Miami or Tampa Bay defense’s this week, as the matchups do not dictate success.
These are my top matchup based defenses that should absolutely be available on your waiver wire right now.
- Cleveland Browns- The Browns play the Bucs this week. The Bucs are just terrible on offense. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for defensive points here. I’m a little worried they might rally around Rainey running the ball since he can be electric when given the right circumstance. Even if he gets the nod and is successful, I feel like this is a solid play.
- Washington Redskins- The Redskins take on the Vikings this week. I love defenses against rookie quarterbacks because rookie quarterbacks make mistakes, and quarterback mistakes mean defensive fantasy points. Add that to the fact that the defensive coordinator for Washington had a great game plan against a strong Dallas offense last week, and I see points, points, points!
- Indianapolis Colts- The Colts are against the Giants this week. This is a risky play but since the options are limited they should get a look. Before Big Ben went off against them last week these guys have been pretty good this year on defense. I know last time I said to play a defense against Eli it was a bad call but I think the Colts will bounce back and take the ball away at least a couple times on Monday Night Football.
Note that these are all defenses that will be available to you on your waiver wire, The Seahawks, 49ers, Bengals, Chiefs and Eagles (in that order) all have better matchups this week but are likely already owned in your league. If these defenses are available, then by all means take them and start them.
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 01: Wide receiver Cecil Shorts III #84 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball past defensive back Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 1, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
