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Often, there is no reason to spend that extra bit of cash on a high-priced D/ST, as their results are often predicated on game flow and luck. Yes, some defenses dominate weekly, but even they can’t be counted on in every matchup to put up big D/ST points. So, why not go bargain shopping?
Chiefs ($2,700) vs. Raiders
When looking for cheaper D/STs, I like to go with teams who are projected to put up big points, which then forces their opponent to out of their game plan and comfort zone. Kansas City is favored by -9.5 at home, and the last time they played Oakland, they put up 11 DK points in a 28-10 win, sacking Derek Carr three times and picking him off twice. The Raiders don’t want to force Carr to win games on his own, and that could easily happen this week.
Ravens ($2,800) vs. 49ers
Teams facing the 49ers don’t put up huge D/ST points on average, but Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t devoid of errors, as he’s tossed ten interceptions and lost four fumbles. The Ravens defense has been on a tear of late, as they’ve put up double-digit DK points games in five straight. And those big games haven’t come against scrubs, as they’ve faced the Seahawks, Patriots, and Texans in that stretch. A home game against the 49ers isn’t the time to move off them.
Browns ($2,600) at Steelers
This Steelers/Browns game is going to be heated after their Week 11 game in Cleveland, where Myles Garrett hit Mason Rudolph in the head with Rudolph’s helmet after he ripped it off his head. Garret is done for the season, which hurts the Browns defense, but facing Devlin Hodges isn’t exactly a matchup to fear. Both teams are going to come out ready to knock some heads asunder.