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 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s see how my Week 2 picks fared:
#1 Falcons: 7 PA (6) + 2 SK + 3 INT = 11 fantasy points
#2 Chiefs: 14 PA (4) + 1 SK + 1 INT + 1 INT TD + 1 FR = 13 fp
#3 Raiders: 14 PA (4) + 3 SK + 1 INT = 8 fp
Through two weeks, my top pick is averaging 11.0 fppg, my second pick is averaging 10.0 fppg and my third pick is averaging 9.0 fppg. Overall, DTBWW is averaging 10.0 fppg, which equates to DT1-type production. Not bad.
Let’s look at my picks for Week 2. I love the Ravens (vs. CLE), Patriots (vs. BUF) and Vikings (vs. DET) this week, but those teams aren’t eligible for DTBWW because they aren’t available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues. I would take any of those over my picks below. If MIA isn’t available, I’d also take the Bengals (@ CAR); rookie QBs are too tasty…
Off we go…
Pick #1: Miami Dolphins (vs. NYJ)
Depending on the scoring format, the Dolphins are the #1 or #2 fantasy defense right now, and for good reason. They have allowed just 20 points through two games and Mike Nolan is doing a nice job getting the most out of his personnel. I’m not sure which Jets team is going to show up, but the Dolphins showed they can play well against a pretty good offense when they shut down Brett Favre and the Vikings last week. (Also, MIA DT has an awesome Week 15 and Week 16 schedule — BUF, DET — so if you pick the Dolphins up this week, you may want to hold onto them.)
Pick #2: Washington Redskins (@ STL)
The Redskins looked good against the Cowboys in Week 1 and struggled against a very potent Houston offense in Week 2. This week they get something of a breather as they visit Sam Bradford and the Rams, who have yielded 18 fantasy points (to the Cardinals and Raiders) through the first two weeks. The Redskins should have a good week.
Pick #3: San Diego Chargers (@ SEA)
I don’t think the Seahawks are as good as they looked in Week 1 against the 49ers and I don’t think the Chargers are as bad as they looked against the Chiefs. What worries me about this game is the location, as the Hawks are usually a different team at home. Still, San Diego should be able to create some turnovers this week.
Bonus Picks: KC (vs. SF), NYG (vs. TEN), ARI (vs. OAK)
