While we can debate the top D/ST plays on DraftKing this week, I think the overpriced defenses that we need to fade are pretty obvious. We’ve got a combination of some terrible defenses that are overpriced just because of a good matchup, and some good defenses that we just can’t back in their matchup.
Below are my three least favorite D/ST plays for the Week 4 main slate on DraftKings.
Giants D/ST — (3,600) vs. WAS
I was legitimately shocked when I saw this price tag on the Giants D/ST. Sure, the matchup against Washington is favorable, and the turnover riddled MNF performance from Case Keenum is fresh in everyone’s minds. But that was against an elite Chicago defense, whereas the Giants have given up 31.3 points per game, and forced just one turnover this season.
The fact that this is the fourth-most expensive D/ST play on this slate is laughable, especially with a D/ST like the Rams priced below it. Averaging 1.7 DKFP, the Giants should be completely off the radar.
Bills D/ST — ($2,600) vs. NE
The Bills are a strong D/ST, forcing seven turnovers and seven sacks, while holding each opponent to 17 points or less this season. That was against the Jets, Giants and Bengals, but now it’s time to face the Patriots.
The Bills D/ST is averaging 9.0 DKFP, and getting some hype coming into this game. The $800 slash in salary should tell you everything you need to know here. This isn’t a value spot to target the Bills, it’s more of a trap to get you to pay for a D/ST that’s put up good numbers this season at an affordable salary. Give me the Panthers D/ST ($2,300) in this price range.
Titans D/ST — ($2,600) @ATL
The Titans D/ST feels like a similar trap to the Bills, but just facing a less lethal offense. Tennessee will be on the road though, which really diminishes its value. The Titans’ average of 10.7 DKFP is extremely deceiving, with 23 of their 32 DKFP coming in Week 1 against the Browns.
The Titans were unable to record a sack or force a turnover last week in Jacksonville, and have a significantly more difficult task in Atlanta this week. The Titans are known for grinding games out and playing good defense, but they’ve been better at holding teams to fewer yards and points than actually making big plays for fantasy points. They’re a fade for me this week.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is jedlow) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.