Week 4 Defense (DST) Streamers: Trust The Chargers Against Jaxson Dart

Week 3 was an epic one from a DST perspective with NINE DST TDs on Sunday. There were four different DST units that scored 15+ fantasy points, and the Minnesota Vikings DST was a top-10 scoring 'player' on the week with 28 fantasy points. We won't get these types of performances every week, but it goes to show why we can't ignore the position.

Only one of my recommendations last week hit with the Seattle Seahawks delivering a solid 10-point outing. The Falcons and Raiders both fell flat as they were on the wrong side of big performances by the opposing DST (Carolina and Washington), which put their defense in a difficult position of being on the field a lot and defending a short field. Not a great week, but I'll watch the tape and get better.

Looking ahead to Week 4, there are two really strong streaming options and a third that has a high ceiling.

DST Streaming Strategy For Week 4

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.

Best Defenses To Stream In Week 4 Fantasy Football

Los Angeles Chargers - 50% rostered

The Chargers are right at the threshold to be included in this article and they are the clear top streaming option for Week 4. Not only are they one of the better overall defenses, but they also get to face rookie QB Jaxson Dart in his first NFL start.

There is a chance that we will look back and say you would have preferred for your DST to face Russell Wilson, but either way, this is still a plus matchup. I expect the Giants to want to play conservatively, but the Chargers offense has been so good that if they can get out to a lead and force New York to throw the ball, they have a good shot at racking up sacks and turnovers.

Dart wasn't particularly prone to turnovers or sacks in college, but he is a mobile QB and we've seen those types of players hold onto the ball too long early in their career. Admittedly, it is unknown how he will play, but history definitely favors targeting rookie QBs in their first few starts.

The betting odds certainly suggest a positive game script for the LAC defense, with the Chargers favored by 6.5 points on the road. They do have to travel across the country for an early slate matchup, which is a minor concern, but ultimately this is a juicy enough matchup to make them my top streaming option for Week 4.

San Francisco 49ers - 37% rostered

By most metrics, the 49ers defense is middle of the pack. They don't stand out in any of the win rate or EPA statistics that I like to look at. What does stand out is the fact that their opposing QB, Trevor Lawrence, has five turnovers through three games. He also ranks outside the top-20 in both yards per attempt and completion percentage this season. Lawrence has been largely ineffective despite getting to play the Panthers and Bengals in two of his three games.

I am not completely writing off the Jags offense because it is a new system under HC Liam Coen, so there is a chance they figure it out over the course of the season. However, until we see evidence of that on the field, I will be treating the Jaguars as a favorable matchup for opposing defenses.

San Francisco is at home for this matchup, which is always an advantage for the defense. The 49ers could also get Brock Purdy back this week, which would boost their offensive projection and help the game script. They aren't quite as strong a streaming option as the Chargers, but San Francisco is a comfortable option that is available in the large majority of leagues.

New England Patriots - 27% rostered

The Patriots have one of the best rush defenses in the NFL. They currently rank second in rush stop win rate and have the fifth-best defensive EPA per play on rush attempts. They have given up the second fewest rushing yards in the NFL through three weeks, and now they get to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.

New England isn't nearly as good against the pass, but they aren't terrible. They have a good pass rush win rate, but their coverage has been poor, which has led to them giving up 300+ passing yards in two of their three games. However, they did also record nine total sacks in those two games and have one interception in all three games.

The Panthers want to be a run-heavy offense, so if the Patriots can take that away and force Bryce Young to have to drop back and try to beat them, it will create opportunities to score fantasy points. Young dropped back 99 times in his first two games and attempted 90 passes. In those contests, he took four sacks and turned the ball over five times.

Another thing I'm watching is the status of rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan. He missed practice on Wednesday with a calf injury and it would be a huge blow to the Carolina passing attack if he misses this game. At this point in the week, I expect McMillan to play, but if he does sit, it would be a boost to the New England DST. Keep your eye on the practice reports later in the week if you want to make a last-minute streaming decision.