With Week 6 upon us, getting your lineup right is essential if you are to turn tight games into wins, so your defense needs to be right. Streaming defenses is the reality for the majority of fantasy managers unless you have one of the best defenses in the league, such as the New York Jets or Pittsburgh Steelers.
Let’s take a look at five defenses that can be picked up in Week 6:
3 Defense Streamers for Week 6
#1, Indianapolis Colts (@ Titans) – 9.7% rostered
The Indianapolis Colts have not exactly had a stop sign in front of their endzone this season, but in Week 6 they face a Titans team that has been consistently turning the ball over in 2024.
The Titans have 9 turnovers in four games, and it feels likely that we will see one in Week 6. The Colts’ defense has forced 8 turnovers and 10 sacks thus far, so if you are in a pinch, you can probably pick up this defense, with it being rostered in only 9.7% of leagues.
#2, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ Saints) – 37.5% rostered
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has not been an instant starter in 2024 and is the No. 23-ranked defense in fantasy this year. The Bucs do have an opportunity in Week 6, as they face a New Orleans Saints set to miss QB Derek Carr for multiple weeks.
Whether New Orleans start Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler is not yet 100% confirmed, but regardless, the Bucs D could force or benefit from some mistakes in this NFC South rivalry game. At 37.5% rostered, you might be able to pick them up in free agency.
#3, Houston Texans (@ Patriots) – 33.3% rostered
The Houston Texans are mostly talked about for their offense, but their defense could win you your matchup. The New England Patriots offense has not been on fire or protecting the QB very well, and with Drake Maye set to start in Week 6, anything is possible.
The Patriots have allowed 19 sacks, second in the NFL behind the Browns (26). While they have only turned the ball over four times, with a rookie QB under center, it could get messy. Patriots HC Jerod Mayo spoke to the media on Wednesday about the decision (via Sporting News):
“Going forward, I think now, Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward. He’s been getting better every single week, as I said before, at the end of training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate, and that has continued through the early part of the season. “
3 Defense Traps for Week 6
#1, New Orleans Saints (vs. Buccaneers)
The New Orleans Saints’ defense is surprisingly only rostered in 24.3% of leagues. The Saints have 13 sacks, 7 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries, and are the 10th-ranked defense in fantasy. This defense put up some good scores to open the season (14, 8, 9), but have since struggled against some powerful offenses.
The Buccaneers can be an explosive team and they have shown good ball security in 2024, with only 2 turnovers lost. The Bucs have allowed the 9th-most sacks this season at 16, but given their proclivity for points, this feels like a good week to fade the Saints D.
#2, Green Bay Packers (vs. Cardinals)
The Green Bay Packers’ defense has been in good form in 2024 and has forced 14 turnovers in just five games. They have 16 sacks and are the No. 3-ranked D in fantasy this year, so this a defense worth starting almost any week.
However, while the Cardinals have been so-so in 2024, they are coming off a 24-23 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Arizona has been impressive with ball security and has only turned the ball over five times in 2024. With only 11 sacks conceded and a potentially high-scoring offense, starting the Packers’ defense could be a trap.
If there are no better options around, Green Bay’s D is a solid start, but they are worth looking at carefully before reaching a decision.
#3, New York Jets (vs. Buffalo)
The Jets are coming off a disappointing loss to the Vikings in London, however, this was no fault of their defense. NY’s D has been good in 2024, however, it always seems to be on the field.
While this D is solid for getting sacks (13) and turnovers (6), they face a Buffalo Bills team capable of putting up big points. Factor in them dismissing HC Robert Saleh and this is not the best time to start the Jets D. That said, do not drop them completely, but bench them as better days are coming.
Also read: Browns’ Week 6 Fantasy Outlooks ft. Deshaun Watson, Jerome Ford, Amari Cooper & more