Breakdowns
10/12/21
4 min read
Fantasy Football: Streaming Defenses and Kickers – Week 6
Looking ahead at Week 6, we’re coming off a really bad weekend for kickers and a mediocre one for fantasy defenses, so a bounce back week is needed. The best option is still to focus on the matchups, and I will break down those best matchups for Week 6 streaming at both defense and kicker and the reasons why I feel they are great options below. As usual, only defenses and kickers owned in less than half of leagues are included here so that they can be added by most people.
Defense:
Green Bay Packers (@ CHI)
The Packers defense has been above average thus far, ranking 11th in fantasy points, but with an average of 7.5 points per game over the past four weeks since their very disappointing week 1. Chicago has been tied for the fifth best offense to have a defense play against and are an even better option than they normally would be due to the question marks around their QB situation with Justin Fields’ injury this past week. The Packers should be a safe option that returns you between five and ten points if that’s your target.
Indianapolis Colts (vs. HOU)
The Colts defense was ranked seventh going into Week 5 before being shredded by the Ravens on MNF. Now they get a Texans offense ranked as the eighth best option for a fantasy defense that has allowed 35 points over the last three weeks with a rookie QB in Davis Mills. At 1-4 and absolutely desperate for a win, the Colts defense should be expected to come ready to play against Davis Mills and the Texans and are a good option to start this week.
Cincinnati Bengals (@ DET)
The Bengals defense has been very much average this season, slotting in as the 17th ranked defense, so this one is all about the favorable matchup. Detroit has been the seventh best opponent for a defense to face on average this season, with 5 or more points against in every game this season. The Bengals defense may not be the best, but they are a safe option for this week because of their matchup and have the upside to finish as one of the top defenses.
Kickers:
Nick Folk (vs. DAL)
As tied for the best fantasy kicker so far this year, Nick Folk remains on this list mainly because of his consistency amidst New England’s red zone struggles. Folk is still only rostered in 8.3% of leagues, which is ridiculous considering he leads the NFL in field goals attempted by two, the stat that typically matters most towards a kicker’s fantasy performance. Add him with the intent to have him for next week’s matchup with the Jets as well as possibly beyond.
Zane Gonzalez (vs. MIN)
Tied for the second-best matchup a kicker could possibly have, Zane Gonzalez is a good option because of the opponent more than his own performance, though he is coming off a solid 14 point week. Zane Gonzalez might not be the perfect option for this week, but he’s a good one if you’re in need of a kicker.
Dustin Hopkins (vs. KC)
For Dustin Hopkins, this is mostly about trying to predict his big week, as he’s had three or more field goal attempts and double-digit fantasy points in three out of his five games, but three or fewer points in the other two. With the Chiefs becoming a more vulnerable opponent for a fantasy kicker the last two weeks and allowing 23 points, this seems like a good omen for Hopkins’ chances this week and makes him a solid option to start.
