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 11 picks fared:
#1 Chiefs: 13 PA (4) + 2 SK = 6 fantasy points
#2 Dolphins: 16 PA (2) + 3 SK + 1 INT = 6 fp
#3 Browns: 4 SK + 3 INT + 2 FR + 1 RET TD = 15 fp
Overall, not a bad week for DTBWW. The Browns were obviously the best of the bunch, which is a little surprising because they were on the road and the Jags weren’t looking too bad the last few weeks.
On the season, DTBWW is averaging 7.4 | 9.4 | 6.5 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for a total of 7.6 fantasy points per game.
Let’s take a look at my Week 12 picks keeping in mind that to be eligible, defenses must be available in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues:
#1: Cleveland Browns (vs. CAR)
The Ravens DT scored 21 points on the road against Brian St. Pierre and the Carolina offense last week. The Browns are playing good D (11.5 ppg over the last four games) and are at home. This looks like the best matchup of the week.
#2: Indianapolis Colts (vs. SD)
Get this — the Colts DT is averaging 17.3 fantasy ppg in four home games this season, and just 4.3 ppg on the road. They’re at home this week against the Chargers, who have played well of late, but have a history of giving up points (8.9 per game) to fantasy defenses this season.
#3: Oakland Raiders (vs. MIA)
The Raiders DT is averaging 8.8 ppg on the season, and with the Dolphins (10.0 ppg allowed last three games) making the long trip to the West Coast, I see good things for Oakland’s defense this week.
Bonus Picks: ARI (vs. SF), WAS (vs. MIN)
