Week 3 Defense (DST) Streamers: The Falcons Stack Up Well For The Next Two Weeks

Scoring was up in a big way in Week 2, but we still hit on all three DST streaming options. The Rams (8 points), Patriots (7 points), and 49ers (5 points) all delivered usable scores. None of them were week-winners, but you were probably about even or slightly ahead of your opponent with one of those scores.

Looking ahead to the Week 3 slate, there are several great defense/DST streaming options. This is partially due to the unfortunate number of QB injuries that are going to force several backups into starting roles for a few weeks. That should give the defenses an advantage and create opportunities for scoring plays. 

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.

DST Streaming Options For Week 3 Fantasy Football

Atlanta Falcons - 3% rostered

The Falcons defense is barely rostered in any leagues, but that is going to change this week as they come off a dominant performance on the road in Minnesota. The Atlanta DST scored 21 fantasy points on Sunday Night Football, recording six sacks and forcing four turnovers. Their pass rush appears to be much improved, and they are currently the best defense in the NFL in terms of EPA per play. 

In Week 3, the Falcons get to face Bryce Young and the Panthers. Atlanta is favored by 5.5 points despite being on the road. Carolina has made a habit of falling behind early and then throwing a bunch to try to catch up, which is the perfect game script for a fantasy defense. Young doesn't exactly take care of the ball either. Through two games, Young has five turnovers and has taken four sacks. Those numbers don't appear to be flukey either, as PFF has credited Young with five turnover-worthy plays so far this season, tied for third most among QBs.

This looks like one of those games where the Panthers may end up recording decent offensive totals and score a few TDs, but those are likely to come with a few sacks/turnovers mixed in. If you need to stream a defense, Atlanta is available in nearly every league and offers significant upside in this matchup. 

Atlanta does also play the Commanders in Week 4, which could be another plus matchup if Jayden Daniels misses multiple weeks with his injury, although at the time of writing, that seems unlikely.

Seattle Seahawks - 26% rostered

For the third week in a row, I am featuring the defense that gets to face the New Orleans Saints. Spencer Rattler wasn't bad last week, but he still took three sacks and nearly lost a fumble. He now has to play outdoors, on the road, in a tough environment. The potential for a multi-turnover game is absolutely there. 

The Seahawks are 7.5-point favorites in a game with a 41.5-point total. This sets up as the perfect game environment for the Seattle defense to get after the opposing QB and rack up fantasy points. Seattle has been pretty impressive on defense through two weeks, posting the third-best pass-rush win rate and the ninth-best run-stop win rate. They have also forced four turnovers so far despite playing two offenses that generally take care of the ball. 

In my opinion, Seattle is well on their way to establishing itself as one of the best defenses in the NFL, but they are only rostered in about a quarter of fantasy leagues. That will probably change this week as they will be a popular streaming option.

The only case to be made against Seattle is that they will likely be a more popular target than Atlanta, so you may have to bid more to get them on waivers. Seattle does have the more talented unit of the two, and they are playing at home, so there is definitely a case to be made that they should be the higher priority add, but I would feel confident rolling out either team as my DST.

Las Vegas Raiders - 1% rostered

This recommendation is based on the possibility that Jayden Daniels might miss Week 3. His status has been described as 'iffy,' and we should get a lot more information as the week goes on. Due to this uncertainty, I wouldn't put in a waiver bid on the Raiders defense, but they should still be available in the vast majority of leagues later in the week if you need a last-minute streaming option.

For their part, the Raiders defense has been pretty solid. They have scored 15 fantasy points through two weeks and have been very effective at shutting down opposing rushing attacks. If they can do that again in Week 3 and force the Commanders to throw the ball with Marcus Mariota, it should work in their favor.

Mariota played well in his limited opportunities for Washington last year, but we have a large enough sample size to say he is a below-average passer and somewhat prone to turnovers. In 95 career games (76 starts), he has turned the ball over exactly 100 times (56 interceptions and 44 fumbles). He is far from the worst backup in the league, but it is still a major downgrade for this offense.

Of course, if Daniels starts, I would look elsewhere for a streaming defense, so don't go into the weekend with the Raiders as your Plan A unless Daniels is confirmed out.

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