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 8 picks fared:
#1 Rams: 10 PA (6) + 3 SK + 3 INT + 1 FR = 13 fantasy points
#2 Chiefs: 10 PA (6) + 3 SK + 1 INT = 10 fp
#3 Patriots: 18 PA (2) + 1 SK + 1 INT = 4 fp
The Pats were a little disappointing, but there was a reason I had them as my third pick.
On the season, DTBWW is averaging 7.6 | 11.4 | 4.8 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for a total of 7.9 fantasy points per game. Those are DT10 numbers. Not great, but not horrible either.
Let’s take a look at my Week 9 picks keeping in mind that to be eligible, defenses must be available in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
#1: New York Giants (@ SEA)
Hasselbeck is coming off a concussion and the G-men have a terrific pass defense. This one could get ugly.
#2: Atlanta Falcons (vs. TB)
The Falcons DT has been pretty good this season, and the Bucs’ offense isn’t as dynamic as Atlanta’s last two opponents.
#3: Buffalo Bills (vs. CHI)
The Bills are a scary start, but this is an outstanding matchup with a Bears offense that has been giving points away to defenses in bunches.
Bonus pick: ARI (@ MIN)
