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 5 picks fared:
#1 Chargers: 3 SK = 3 fantasy points
#2 Panthers: 3 SK + 4 INT = 7 fp
#3 Rams: 1 SK = 1 fp
My original post had the Falcons (18 points) at #3, but I’m not going to include them because heading into the weekend I had them fourth overall. I’m not trying to sugarcoat this deal. On the season, my top pick is averaging 6.6 fantasy points, my #2 pick is averaging 10.8 and my #3 pick is averaging 5.2. On the whole, DTBWW is averaging 7.5 fantasy points. I’m not real happy with the performance of DTBWW over the last three weeks save for the Charger’s 24-point explosion in Week 4.
Let’s take a look at my Week 6 picks:
#1: New York Giants (vs. DET)
The G-Men are playing good defense right now. They’ve scored 32 points in the last two weeks and while Detroit’s offense is much improved, Calvin Johnson injured his shoulder on Sunday and is iffy to play.
#2: Tennessee Titans (@ JAX)
The Titans are actually ranked DT2 through five weeks and the Jags have been notoriously inconsistent offensively. David Garrard has looked pretty good the last two weeks, but he was brutal in Week 2 and Week 3, so this looks like a solid matchup for the Titans.
#3: Oakland Raiders (@ SF)
One might expect a letdown for the Oakland defense after a strong showing at home against the Chargers, but a date with their cross-Bay rivals on tap, they should be motivated and ready to go. Plus, Alex Smith has been something of a turnover machine. (Who knows, maybe we’ll see some David Carr!)
Note: If Aaron Rodgers can’t go for the Packers, I’d take the Dolphins over the Titans and the Raiders. Right now, it looks like he’ll be able to play.
