Maximize Your Fantasy Football Playoffs with Strategic Defense Stashes

Streaming Defenses: Waiver Wire & Start/Sit Advice (Week 13)

The streaming landscape in fantasy football is constantly changing. Last week, despite six teams being on bye, it felt like a good week for streaming. But now, with all 32 teams playing, it's a bit more challenging. Rostership numbers from Yahoo can give us an idea of which defenses are popular. You can find me on Bluesky for more insights.

Let's take a look at some of the Week 13 matchups. In the KC vs LV game, Raiders QB Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending broken collarbone. This opens up an opportunity for Aidan O'Connell, who is still recovering from a thumb injury. For at least one week, Desmond Ridder will be at the helm. Ridder was a third-round pick for the Falcons in 2022 and started most of 2023, but wasn't very good, with a 1:1 TD:INT ratio and a high sack rate. The Raiders are a good matchup for any quarterback, making Kansas City a solid defense to start.

In the DAL vs NYG game, Tommy DeVito performed as expected for the Giants after Daniel Jones was released. He led the team to just 7 points and took 4 sacks, but avoided turning the ball over. DeVito will start again this week on Thanksgiving, while Drew Lock waits for his chance. The Cowboys' Defense is good enough to take advantage of this matchup.

Last week, Will Levis had his best game of the season against the Texans, but he took 8 sacks and threw a pick-six. The Titans usually have big sack numbers and at least one turnover, and this week is no different.

In the DEN vs CLE game, Jameis Winston was the hero against the Steelers in the snow. He threw a season-low 27 pass attempts and avoided multiple sacks, but still turned the ball over twice. Winston is a good quarterback overall, but his recklessness leads to turnover potential.

Rookie phenom Caleb Williams snapped a streak of bad performances against the Bears. He put up 27 points and extended his streak of zero-turnover games to five. The Lions are the clear best team in football and should dominate this matchup.

In the HOU @ JAC game, Trevor Lawrence is questionable due to an injured AC joint. He has been middling this season in points, turnovers, and sacks. If he misses this game, the Texans could go from good to great.

In the IND @ NE game, Drake Maye and the Patriots had a rough outing against the Dolphins. Maye has a streak of four consecutive games with at least one interception. The Colts have a good matchup this week and could be worth holding onto.

In the MIN vs ARI game, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals looked great at times but struggled against teams that can stop the run. Murray attempted a season-high 37 pass attempts and had an interception and 5 sacks. They now face the Vikings, who have the best run defense in the league.

In the NYJ vs SEA game, Geno Smith and the Seahawks secured a low-scoring win with 16 points and 5 sacks. He has reached the 3 sack mark in 7/11 games this season.

In the TB @ CAR game, the Buccaneers were impressive against the Giants last week but their schedule looks less good with Bryce Young's performance. Young has kept the sacks low and had back-to-back games without a turnover.

Rest of Season

With 6 more byes next week and the fantasy playoff approaching, it's time to plan ahead. I've put together a Google sheet with matchup ratings and a schedule grid to help you strategize. Here are some teams that could be worth holding onto:

The Jacksonville Jaguars are worth stashing this week to face the Titans in Week 14 and then the Raiders and Titans again in Weeks 16 and 17.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' good schedule was called into question by the Panthers' performance last week. Their matchups against the Raiders, Cowboys, and Panthers in Weeks 14, 16, and 17 will set the tone for the rest of the season.

The Indianapolis Colts are worth holding through their bye after this week's Patriots matchup, as they face the Titans and Giants in Weeks 16 and 17.

The Cincinnati Bengals aren't a great defense, but they have three upside matchups against the Cowboys, Titans, and Browns in Weeks 14-16.

The Atlanta Falcons have two great matchups against the Raiders and Giants in Weeks 15 and 16.

The New Orleans Saints have a couple of good matchups remaining, against the Giants in Week 14 and the Raiders in Week 17.

The Los Angeles Chargers have a tough schedule after this week, but could be a clutch option in the fantasy finals against the Patriots in Week 17.