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 10 picks fared:
#1 Bucs: 16 PA (2) + 2 SK + 1 FR = 5 fantasy points
#2 Cardinals: 2 SK + 1 INT = 3 fp
#3 Colts: 17 PA (2) + 3 SK + 3 INT + 1 INT RET TD + 2 FR = 16 fp
Well, the Bucs and Cards were disappointing, but the Colts came through in a big way and actually had the high defensive score of the week. Jimmy Clausen played better than expected for Carolina and the Arizona DT flat out laid an egg in a good matchup at home against the Seahawks.
If you picked up the Colts, I’d recommend holding onto them if you can. After this week, three of their next four games are at home, where they play much, much better. They have a terrible matchup this week (@ NE) so holding onto them may not be an option.
On the season, DTBWW is averaging 7.5 | 9.7 | 5.6 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for a total of 7.6 fantasy points per game.
Let’s take a look at my Week 10 picks keeping in mind that to be eligible, defenses must be available in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues:
#1: Kansas City Chiefs (vs. ARI)
The Cardinals are the second-best matchup in the league from a DT standpoint, and the the Chiefs are very capable on that side of the ball (their Week 10 performance against the Broncos notwithstanding). I’d expect KC to come out fired up on Sunday.
#2: Miami Dolphins (vs. CHI)
The Bears give up the 4th-most points to fantasy defenses, so I like the Dolphins at home in this one. Miami is #6 against the pass and #11 in sacks, so they should be able to contain the Bears’ passing game.
#3: Cleveland Browns (@ JAX)
Tough call for #3, but I’m going with the Browns who are playing very good defense right now. The Jags have looked better the last couple of weeks, but Cleveland shouldn’t be as easy to throw on as the Cowboys and Texans were.
Bonus Picks: SF (vs. TB), DET (@ DAL)
