2019 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread

[SaintsInDome2006 41,534]

Outside on Ten: This is a pretty iffy week for stream DSTs.

On a side note the Eagles have been disappointing. I’m curious if anyone sees any holds out there in terms of emerging surprise D’s that might be on the wire. I’d like to think the Texans might come back as a team as a whole after a weak start, there’s no reason any of the AFCS should be out of it this early. 

[GoBirds 6,092]

20 minutes ago, SaintsInDome2006 said:

I’ll just point out that Hou gets the Bills next week so it’s a 2-fer.

Ended up with Houston, not crazy about this week but love the Bills bonus  

 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

Bengals at home vs MIA, and they get Burfict back this week, who should be a real difference maker. MIA scores what, 12-Ish per game? 

CAR at home is the jackpot start, well rested off the BYE against a leaky NYG OL. I’m thinking they force a couple Ints, get 3-4 sacks and hold the Giants under 16. 

[SameSongNDance 7,014]

16 minutes ago, GoBirds said:

Ended up with Houston, not crazy about this week but love the Bills bonus

 

They probably match-up well vs. DAL, their secondary is trash but I doubt Prescott can really exploit it. They're better at stopping the run and Zeke is dinged up. Plus DAL has been bad on the road and Watt has looks almost all the way back. 

[Long Ball Larry 11,438]

30 minutes ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

Bengals at home vs MIA, and they get Burfict back this week, who should be a real difference maker. MIA scores what, 12-Ish per game? 

CAR at home is the jackpot start, well rested off the BYE against a leaky NYG OL. I’m thinking they force a couple Ints, get 3-4 sacks and hold the Giants under 16. 

CAR better than DEN against NYJ?

[Stompin' Tom Connors 2,991]

35 minutes ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

Bengals at home vs MIA, and they get Burfict back this week, who should be a real difference maker. MIA scores what, 12-Ish per game? 

CAR at home is the jackpot start, well rested off the BYE against a leaky NYG OL. I’m thinking they force a couple Ints, get 3-4 sacks and hold the Giants under 16. 

Wonder about Cinci as a potential hold to pair with other streamers going forward because of Burtict's return.

Opponents have not scored less than 21 on them so far this season, and they were torched last week but Jackson and Kirkpatrick can be solid in the defensive backfield, and Shawn Williams seems to be stepping up in the safety.

Wondering if they are turning into a hold and stream D like the kind of D I hoped the Chargers could be this season -- we clearly see how the loss of one player in Bosa has affected them. 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

2 hours ago, Stompin' Tom Connors said:

Wonder about Cinci as a potential hold to pair with other streamers going forward because of Burtict's return.

Opponents have not scored less than 21 on them so far this season, and they were torched last week but Jackson and Kirkpatrick can be solid in the defensive backfield, and Shawn Williams seems to be stepping up in the safety.

Wondering if they are turning into a hold and stream D like the kind of D I hoped the Chargers could be this season -- we clearly see how the loss of one player in Bosa has affected them. 

I ended up grabbing/holding Cinci/Carolina - their combined schedules give them a couple of really solid matchup.

i know CLE isn’t a pushover, but rookies gonna rookie, so I still like their week 12/16 matchups against the Browns. Panthers get some nice matchups as well.

it depends on scoring too - both D/ST should get a lot of pressure on the QB, and that can force some Ints - but both can be prone to allowing points, as you’d indicated. 

That said, I think CAR is WYSIWYG, while CIN is on the up-tick. 

[zftcg 2,714]

2 hours ago, Stompin' Tom Connors said:

Wonder about Cinci as a potential hold to pair with other streamers going forward because of Burtict's return.

Opponents have not scored less than 21 on them so far this season, and they were torched last week but Jackson and Kirkpatrick can be solid in the defensive backfield, and Shawn Williams seems to be stepping up in the safety.

Wondering if they are turning into a hold and stream D like the kind of D I hoped the Chargers could be this season -- we clearly see how the loss of one player in Bosa has affected them. 

Their upcoming schedule isn't great:

• Mia
• Pit
• @KC
• TB
• BYE
• NO
• @Bal
• Cle
• Den
• @LAC
• Oak
• @Cle

Steelers aren't as good on the road, and maybe TB if you assume a dropoff with Jameis. But Cleveland, Denver and Oakland are the only plus match-ups remaining, and even those aren't necessarily slam dunks. So basically, I'm not going to feel super comfortable starting them until maybe Week 12.

[Ilov80s 20,148]

Going with Bills home vs Titans. Bills D has been good the last 2 weeks on the road against much better offenses. 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

17 minutes ago, zftcg said:

Their upcoming schedule isn't great:

• Mia
• Pit
• @KC
• TB
• BYE
• NO
• @Bal
• Cle
• Den
• @LAC
• Oak
• @Cle

Steelers aren't as good on the road, and maybe TB if you assume a dropoff with Jameis. But Cleveland, Denver and Oakland are the only plus match-ups remaining, and even those aren't necessarily slam dunks. So basically, I'm not going to feel super comfortable starting them until maybe Week 12.

I agree, but also consider even in a non-plus matchup they will have a 6-10 point floor for their ability to get to the passer. 

IMO when streaming it’s that floor that I’m most concerned with. 

[btemp 123]

Wonder about NE as a one off. A banged up, exhausted Colts O on a short week without Hilton and Doyle + a bunch of players questionable. 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

48 minutes ago, btemp said:

Wonder about NE as a one off. A banged up, exhausted Colts O on a short week without Hilton and Doyle + a bunch of players questionable. 

Maybe a C+? I think Luck still finds a way to drive this team to 300+ APY & 2 tds, plus a couple FGs. 

Indy is at home, and NEP isn’t a particularly opportunistic defense. Maybe 1 sack, 1 Int? 

As a road start I’m not high on it, especially on a short week which tends to favor offenses. 

[kyoun1e 633]

6 hours ago, killface said:

I picked up SF this week after rolling with the pack last week

I continue to see SF ranked near the top of the heap in rankings this week. I know the opposition is AZ, but I can't pull the trigger on this one.

[WhatRox 12]

Picked up the Jets but feel very unconvinced. I keep coming back to wanting Cinci given Burfict’s return, or GB?  Not obvious. 

[HomerSimpson 25]

1 hour ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

Maybe a C+? I think Luck still finds a way to drive this team to 300+ APY & 2 tds, plus a couple FGs. 

Indy is at home, and NEP isn’t a particularly opportunistic defense. Maybe 1 sack, 1 Int? 

As a road start I’m not high on it, especially on a short week which tends to favor offenses. 

It’s in NE

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

44 minutes ago, HomerSimpson said:

It’s in NE

Oh, my bad - I thought it was Pats @ Colts.

I still grade it a C+ .  For all of the exact same reasons, Except location.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

1 hour ago, WhatRox said:

Picked up the Jets but feel very unconvinced. I keep coming back to wanting Cinci given Burfict’s return, or GB?  Not obvious. 

I’m sticking with Cinci as my primary because I’ve had them targeted as top 12 since preseason & they’ve been decent. And IMO they’ll improve with Burfict. He’s a playmaker. 

But having a second / streamer isn’t a bad idea for the worst of the matchups. Still, I think Cinci has had sacks/picks in every game. And the games they’ve given up points, it’s been against good offenses. 

[jtp1982 317]

1 minute ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

I’m sticking with Cinci as my primary because I’ve had them targeted as top 12 since preseason & they’ve been decent. And IMO they’ll improve with Burfict. He’s a playmaker. 

But having a second / streamer isn’t a bad idea for the worst of the matchups. Still, I think Cinci has had sacks/picks in every game. And the games they’ve given up points, it’s been against good offenses. 

Agree.  I think Cinci is underrated.  Bad matchups are 50% of their sample size after 4 games.

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

Just now, jtp1982 said:

Agree.  I think Cinci is underrated.  Bad matchups are 50% of their sample size after 4 games.

And IMO they’ll capitalize well on their good matchups. 

Part of streaming D’s or settling for bottom of the barrel means you’ll never get the ceiling of a MIN or LAR.  

All I want from a D/ST is consistent points. If they can average 10 I’m happy. If there’s room for more, even better. 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

More evidence for the case to start CIN this week:

Miami's offensive line is now beat up with center Daniel Kilgore (chest) joining left guard Josh Sitton (shoulder) as out for the season. Along with that, Cincinnati is expected to get linebacker Vontaze Burfict back from his four-game suspension for this matchup

this defense should eat Tannehill’s lunch all day. I’m starting to talk myself into starting them over CAR, though NYG is leaky as well. 

[hounder 6]

Playing merry-go-round and dropped Chargers for Pats for this week thinking Indy lacks weapons this week.  Luiget is back for Chargers I think, so I may need to reconsider 

Edited October 4, 2018 by hounder

[jtp1982 317]

Some problems with the SF DST hype (against AZ):

Arizona played two elite and one strong defense to start the season (WSH, LAR, CHI).  It skewed the numbers to the point that they look like a much bigger target than they really are.

Also, their offense could barely handle a three and out during that run.  Rosen made his first start last week and it was a big improvement as far as scoring points and moving the chains.

If the AZ offense that’s actually going to play was understood better I think you’d see a lot less SF DST hype this week.

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

1 minute ago, jtp1982 said:

Some problems with the SF DST hype (against AZ):

Arizona played two elite and one strong defense to start the season (WSH, LAR, CHI).  It skewed the numbers to the point that they look like a much bigger target than they really are.

Also, their offense could barely handle a three and out during that run.  Rosen made his first start last week and it was a big improvement as far as scoring points and moving the chains.

If the AZ offense that’s actually going to play was understood better I think you’d see a lot less SF DST hype this week.

I was coming here to say that of the two I’d rather have AZ. They’ve got a solid pass-rush, and Beathard isn’t exactly a superstar. 

Carss D is a fine start this week. 

[jtp1982 317]

Agree

[xenon 20]

anybody feeling NE @ home vs Indy (w/out T.Y. Hilton) this week?

Also considering Cinci @ home vs Miami.  Burfact is back. 

The pickings are slim.  Who you got? and why?

[shadyridr 13,503]

In one league I missed out on TEN so I went with Cincy. I think they are a solid choice.

[kyoun1e 633]

6 hours ago, xenon said:

anybody feeling NE @ home vs Indy (w/out T.Y. Hilton) this week?

Also considering Cinci @ home vs Miami.  Burfact is back. 

The pickings are slim.  Who you got? and why?

I just pulled the trigger on NE and dumped AZ (@SF). Hate away dog D's. Was tempted by Cinci.

Have a gut feel that NE is going to absolutely crush Indy tonight. Short week, NE getting weapons BACK while Indy is LOSING weapons left and right.

I  could see Luck throwing for 300+ but it could be all dink and dunk. 

Just have this feeling that by late 3rd quarter, it's blowout city, there's a chance for a defensive TD, and by 10:30 EST people are turning off the TV in a 34-10 blowout.

[Pietaster2 30]

14 hours ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

Part of streaming D’s or settling for bottom of the barrel means you’ll never get the ceiling of a MIN or LAR.  

Green Bay's 32 points against the Bills last weekend respectfully disagree with this. Of course, they only got me 2 points the week prior, but that doesn't support my narrative!

[loonzilla 19]

What is up with Denver....currently low in scoring but they rank high in REST OF YEAR rankings on multiple fronts.  Anyone think they "get it on" soon???

[Faust 3,684]

After being shredded by the Rams, Vikings' once-vaunted defense faces identity crisis

[Faust 3,684]

1 hour ago, loonzilla said:

What is up with Denver....currently low in scoring but they rank high in REST OF YEAR rankings on multiple fronts.  Anyone think they "get it on" soon???

 

Here is a closer look at their performance against the Chiefs:

Broncos 3rd and long: letting one slip away against the Chiefs

Von Miller praising Sam Darnold:

Broncos LB Von Miller has high praise for Jets QB Sam Darnold

It is a road game but you have to think that Miller and Chubb are looking forward to coming after a rookie QB.

 

[4th&inches 298]

17 hours ago, Hot Sauce Guy said:

And IMO they’ll capitalize well on their good matchups. 

Part of streaming D’s or settling for bottom of the barrel means you’ll never get the ceiling of a MIN or LAR.  

All I want from a D/ST is consistent points. If they can average 10 I’m happy. If there’s room for more, even better. 

Are we still considering MIN one of the "elite" defenses though? in 1 of my leagues they were flat out dropped. 

Was considering picking them up, but don't really see them as much better than the top streaming options (at least this week).

[jtp1982 317]

5 minutes ago, 4th&inches said:

Are we still considering MIN one of the "elite" defenses though? in 1 of my leagues they were flat out dropped. 

Was considering picking them up, but don't really see them as much better than the top streaming options (at least this week).

Not elite but better than the stats say 4 games in.  I’d give them a hard look if they dropped in my wire

[4th&inches 298]

Just now, jtp1982 said:

Not elite but better than the stats say 4 games in.  I’d give them a hard look if they dropped in my wire

I hear ya and agree... don't think they're elite any longer, but don't think they're as bad as the last few game have proven either. 

 

I'm honestly torn if they're closer to the "streamers" or the "top end - hold onto" defenses though. For instance, this week, i could see all of the below out performing them:

• Titans
• 49ers
• Jets
• Bengals

[Phantom Knight 94]

5 hours ago, kyoun1e said:

I just pulled the trigger on NE 

Have a gut feel that NE is going to absolutely crush Indy tonight. Short week, NE getting weapons BACK while Indy is LOSING weapons left and right.

+1

[jtp1982 317]

If the Titans D is the top defense from here on out I wouldn’t be surprised.  That team is on the rise and they like low scoring slug fests.

[Faust 3,684]

Tennessee Titans are top-5 defense in the only metrics that matter

[kyoun1e 633]

19 hours ago, Phantom Knight said:

+1

Horrible decision.

Game script was exactly how I expected it to play out. Unfortunately, the NE pass D flat out stinks.

Eric Ebron looked like Kelce out there.

[Phantom Knight 94]

5 hours ago, kyoun1e said:

Horrible decision.

Game script was exactly how I expected it to play out. Unfortunately, the NE pass D flat out stinks.

Eric Ebron looked like Kelce out there.

Ditto. Looks like we both under estimated the stink of the Pats D.  (sigh)

[Polish Hammer 443]

Have to sub in for the Bears this week and pickings are slim.  Any consensus on which of these is best for just one week?  Bills, Jets, Packers, Dolphins, Browns, Saints

I'm leaning towards the Jets hoping that Denver coming east on a short week makes things tough for them.

[Faust 3,684]

Quote

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Vikings DE Everson Griffen (personal) is not expected to return "anytime soon."

Griffen left the team on September 20 to address his mental health struggles. Coach Mike Zimmer said there's still "no clarity" surrounding his return. Griffen has quietly emerged as one of the league's top pass-rushers, clearing double-digit sacks in three of his last four seasons. His absence has already been felt as the Vikings have lost two straight without him while struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Source: ESPN.com 

Oct 7 - 11:20 AM

 

[Hot Sauce Guy 6,130]

On 10/5/2018 at 0:10 PM, Phantom Knight said:

Ditto. Looks like we both under estimated the stink of the Pats D.  (sigh)

I tried to tell folks to avoid the Pats...I mean, they got ya 8 points late but Luck was destined to throw 372 times here. 

[davidwb 24]

2 hours ago, Polish Hammer said:

Have to sub in for the Bears this week and pickings are slim.  Any consensus on which of these is best for just one week?  Bills, Jets, Packers, Dolphins, Browns, Saints

I'm leaning towards the Jets hoping that Denver coming east on a short week makes things tough for them.

I would go with the Pack.  While they're likely to give up a lot of points to Stafford, they got a ton of points on D last week and Detroit has been pretty favorable for D's so far this year (despite scoring a lot of points).

[Hawkeye21 3,895]

I have the Bear's D and I'm rolling with the Ravens this week.  Should be good enough for one week.

[flapgreen 5,417]

Starting Carolina over Green Bay

[Faust 3,684]

Immovable Jaguars D braced for Chiefs' unstoppable offense

[Long Ball Larry 11,438]

Well Denver is going swimmingly.  And just to rub salt in the womb, I dropped Anderson to get them because I didn’t want to give up chi.

ptts

[flapgreen 5,417]

Carolina!!! 

[sped1103 27]

Just now, flapgreen said:

Carolina!!! 

Why isn’t Sportsline counting the fumble recovery TD?!?

[shadyridr 13,503]

On 10/4/2018 at 7:51 AM, shadyridr said:

In one league I missed out on TEN so I went with Cincy. I think they are a solid choice.

Good bye week fill in for Chicago!