Streaming Defenses: Picking a Week 3 Team Defense

Note: Apologies for the late posting. Things got a bit crazy earlier in the week, but this article will be available on Monday or Tuesday from Weeks 4-17.

TOP STREAMING OPTIONS

Miami Dolphins (vs. Cleveland Browns)
41% Yahoo ownership - 32% ESPN ownership

Matchups, matchups, matchups. They're arguably more important than a unit's talent and coaching, as a bad quarterback can single-handedly lead to a huge fantasy day for an opposing defense, even if the team doesn't play particularly well. And as far as matchups go, this is as good as it will ever get. Already an elite matchup when at full strength, the Browns are now down to their No. 3 quarterback, third-round rookie Cody Kessler. Making matters worse, Cleveland won't have Josh Gordon (suspension) or Corey Coleman (hand), leaving the rookie with little shot to succeed.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. St. Louis Rams)
9% Yahoo ownership - 12% ESPN ownership

Sticking with the theme here, it's all about matchups. And if Kessler's Browns are the cream of the crop, well, Case Keenum's Rams aren't too far behind as the second-most favorable opponent for a D/ST unit to face. No need to hype the Tampa defense, as this selection is truly about nothing more than matchup and homefield advantage. As has been the case for a few years, Tampa Bay still hasn't found complementary pieces to surround its stud do of LB Lavonte David and DT Gerald McCoy. As such, we can essentially forget about the Bucs after this week -- but first give them a long look before Sunday.

New York Giants (vs. Washington Redskins)
17% Yahoo ownership - 22% ESPN ownership

While not off to a great start from a fantasy perspective, Big Blue's defense has played surprisingly well through two weeks, holding up steady in Dallas and then against the Saints. It appears this team actually had success with its offseason overhaul, most notably looking much, much improved at cornerback, which was a huge weak point last season. Washington's offense, on the other hand, looks far worse than it did last year, with Kirk Cousins no longer able to sustain the attack without any kind of help from the running game. Given that Cousins will likely be busy in a road matchup, the Giants should have plenty of opportunities to pile up sacks and interceptions.

Dallas Cowboys (vs. Chicago Bears)
4% Yahoo ownership - 4% ESPN ownership

The Cowboys defense may not inspire confidence, and rightfully so, but it at least figures to have the upper hand in a home game against the injury-depleted Bears. Brian Hoyer will likely be filling in for Jay Cutler (doubtful-thumb), and there's also some chance Alshon Jeffery (questionable-hamstring) won't play. With no signs of an effective running game, Chicago will likely need Hoyer to carry the offense, which simply isn't a recipe for success. For one week at least, the Cowboys should get by just fine with a toothless pass-rush.

Oakland Raiders (at Tennessee Titans)
49% Yahoo ownership - 38% ESPN ownership

I'm pretty shocked by the ownership numbers here, as Oakland is easily my least favorite of the five recommended defenses, following ugly showings in Weeks 1 and 2 against the Saints and Falcons, respectively. Of course, the Raiders won't have to face Drew Brees or Matt Ryan this time around, instead drawing a Tennessee squad that may be without star TE Delanie Walker (questionable-hamstring). Still, the Raiders are only worth considering if the Dolphins, Bucs, Giants and Cowboys are already taken.

Here are my rankings for this week and the remainder of the season: