Week 4 is here, and the Week 4 waiver wire kicks it off. While you’re dumping your FAAB for De’Von Achane and Tank Dell, keep in mind that last week, two of the top three fantasy defenses were available in over 90% of leagues. You usually don’t have much competition for grabbing a random defense, and targeting the right matchup can make a huge difference in your week.
Here are the best streamer options we’re targeting for Week 4.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (29% ROSTERED ON YAHOO!)
AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | 1 PM
The Bucs lost to Philadelphia on Monday night, but their defense proved something against the reigning NFC champs. Tampa Bay picked off Jalen Hurts twice, moving into a 2nd place tie for most team interceptions with five, and held a high-powered offense to 23 points on the night. They’ve averaged over 10 fantasy points per game this year with matchups against Hurts and Kirk Cousins, but their Week 4 matchup is still up in the air as Derek Carr is considered week to week with a shoulder injury.
If Carr can’t go, all signs point to Jameis Winston as New Orleans’ starter. I’m personally a huge Jameis fan but I know he’ll be coming in rusty to an offense that’s been built for Carr, not him. And even at his best, Jameis was always a guy who’s going to throw a pick or two (or five, once). It’s a revenge game for him and I’m sure his pregame speech will be great, but I don’t have a lot of faith in him to lead what was already a lackluster offense under Carr. No matter who’s under center, I like Tampa to come up with a few turnovers and put up a solid score on defense.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (38% ROSTERED)
AT TENNESSEE TITANS | 1 PM
Monday night was supposed to be a get-right game for the Bengals, but only the defense got that memo, finishing with six sacks and two interceptions on the night in a 19-16 win. Joe Burrow and the offense are still working through some things, but Cincy’s front four is scary and the defense is quickly becoming the team’s identity in 2023. And the Bengals now travel to Nashville to face a Titans team that’s allowed the 2nd-most sacks in the NFL so far.
Tennessee is tied for 29th in scoring at 15 points per game and has allowed the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. They’re bottom-10 in both rushing and passing and have lost the 2nd-most yardage to sacks through three weeks. Cincinnati is far from a Super Bowl contender at this point, but they should have no trouble shutting down Ryan Tannehill and this offense.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (47% ROSTERED)
VS BALTIMORE RAVENS | 1 PM
Speaking of Tennessee – the Browns just held them to three points with five sacks in a 27-3 beatdown. Myles Garrett and the Browns front has Cleveland tied for 10th in sacks, and they’re one of five teams that has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown through three weeks. They’re also statistically the best pass defense in football, but after facing Tannehill, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Burrow in the rain, Sunday against Baltimore could be their first true test.
Baltimore fell to 2-1 in a home loss to the Colts, and although Lamar Jackson threw for 200 yards and ran for 100 more and two scores, Baltimore fumbled twice in the first half and failed to convert a 4th and 3 late, losing in overtime. They’re fifth in the league in rushing, but if ball security remains a question mark, Cleveland will be all over them to the tune of a few costly turnovers.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Houston Texans (1%): Houston put up a top three week in a win over Jacksonville and faces a Steelers offense that still lacks a real rushing attack.
Denver Broncos (38%): Denver isn’t a hot commodity after an embarrassing 70-20 loss last week, but anyone is startable when they’re facing the Bears.
Minnesota Vikings (3%): Minnesota continues to lose and put up defensive duds, but they’re an option if you need them on the road against the Panthers.
