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 7 picks fared:
#1 Chiefs: 1 SK + 2 INT + 1 INT TD + 1 FR = 10 fantasy points
#2 Seahawks: 10 PA (6) + 2 SK + 1 INT + 4 FR = 13 fp
#3 Buccaneers: 17 PA (2) + 1 SK + 1 FR = 4 fp
That’s more like it. The Chiefs and Seahawks both came through in great matchups, while the Bucs continued to struggle as a fantasy defense, even at home versus a rookie QB.
On the season, DTBWW is averaging 6.9 | 11.6 | 4.9 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for a total of 7.8 fantasy points per game. Those are DT10 numbers…not what I’m used to getting with DTBWW.
Let’s take a look at my Week 8 picks:
#1: St. Louis Rams (vs. CAR)
Matt Moore played well last week at home against the 49ers, but the Rams have been very solid, especially in St. Louis (where they average 9.3 fp), so I’m expecting a nice effort.
#2: Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BUF)
With Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB, the Bills aren’t as juicy of a matchup as they once were, but KC has averaged 11.3 fp in three home games this season.
#3: New England Patriots (vs. MIN)
With Brett Favre a game time decision, the Pats are looking like a strong play against the Vikings, who have been turning the ball over a lot. If Tarvaris Jackson gets the start, all the better. The Pats have averaged 7.0 fp at home and 9.7 fp overall.
Bonus Picks: ARI (vs. TB), OAK (vs. SEA), TB (@ ARI), DET (vs. WAS)
