In a column I wrote on the last day of 2008, I pledged to use DTBWW as much as possible in 2009.

8. I will always play Defensive Team By Waiver Wire.
Unless I’m in a league where I have to pay for each transaction, I am going to go with DTBWW. In my weekly, Love ‘Em & Leave ‘Em, I gave at least two recommendations each week for defenses that were widely available on the waiver wire, and on the whole, those recommendations did rather well. My top pick averaged 9.8 points, while my second pick averaged 6.1 points. Combined, they averaged 7.9 points, which would yield 126 points on the season – the same total as the #6 DT (NYG) scored this year. My top picks scored at a rate that would have racked up 157 points, one point behind the #2 DT (TEN). I typically go with a defense that is playing at home and is facing a sack-happy offensive line. And usually it works out.

The idea is that each week, you pick up a defense, usually one playing at home against a bad offense. And each week, you get pretty good numbers out of your DT position. (All teams are available in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues.)

Pick #1: Saints (vs. DET)
It’s hard not to like the Saints this week against the Lions, who went 0-16 last season and have a rookie QB starting his first NFL game. Detroit gave up 52 sacks last season and did little to shore up the offensive line in the offseason.

Pick #2: Seahawks (vs. STL)
Seattle is healthy and added LB Aaron Curry to an already solid defense. The Rams allowed 45 sacks in 2008, partly because Marc Bulger is not the most mobile of QBs.

Bonus Pick: Cardinals (vs. SF)
The 49ers led the lead in sacks allowed (55) so while Shaun Hill and Co. might be able to put some points on the board, he’s probably going to spend much of the afternoon picking himself up off the turf.

In next week’s DTBWW post, I’ll recap how these three picks performed.