The strategy behind DTBWW is that each week you pick up a defense that is playing against a bad offense (preferably at home). And each week you get pretty good numbers out of your DT position.
Last season, my top pick averaged 9.8 fantasy points per game. My second pick averaged 9.1 and my third pick averaged 7.3. On the whole, DTBWW averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game, which equate to DT5 numbers — all for the price of a few waiver wire pickups. In 2008, my top two picks averaged DT6-type numbers. (Note: To calculate fantasy points, I use this scoring system.)
Unlike Defensive Team By Committee (DTBC), which is for those owners who prefer low maintenance teams, DTBWW strategy allows fantasy owners to virtually ignore DTs on draft day and focus on picking up an extra RB/WR flier instead.
To be eligible, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s see how my Week 1 picks fared:
#1 Dolphins: 10 PA (6) + 3 SK + SAFETY = 11 fantasy points
#2 Bucs: 14 PA (4) + 2 INT + 1 FR = 7 fp
#3 Cards: 13 PA (4) + 2 SK + 3 INT + 1 FR = 10 fp
All in all, that’s an excellent start to DTBWW this year.
Let’s look at my picks for Week 2, keeping in mind that to be eligible, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues. Of course, if you have the chance to start Green Bay (vs. BUF), Philadelphia (@ DET) or Dallas (vs. CHI) this week, I’d take any of those matchups over my three picks below. But those defenses are not eligible because they aren’t available in 50% of ESPN leagues.
On with the picks…
Pick #1: Atlanta Falcons (vs. ARI)
The Falcons scored six fantasy points last week in a mediocre matchup on the road, so they should fare well in a good matchup at home. Derek Anderson has the potential to turn the ball over a few times, and this Arizona offense just isn’t the same without Kurt Warner. Plus Jonathan Babineaux will be back (from suspension) and that’s huge for the Falcons’ pass rush.
Pick #2: Kansas City Chiefs (@ CLE)
I’m a little leery about KC because the defense was brutal last season and looked like it was feeding off the crowd in the home opener on Monday night. But the return game looks great and the Browns may start Seneca Wallace at QB, which has the potential to get ugly.
Pick #3: Oakland Raiders (vs. STL)
The Raiders’ offense was the problem against Tennessee, putting the defense in tough spots all day long. I think both units will fare better against Sam Bradford and the Rams.
Bonus Picks: NE (@ NYJ), CAR (vs. TB), SD (vs. JAX)
