Getting Defensive: Week 13

Tennessee Titans v Pittsburgh Steelers

We could open Getting Defensive in this most important of weeks for many fantasy managers by talking about another huge stat line by the Dallas Cowboys defense. And another pick-six by Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland. But that’s getting so repetitious that I’m going to be accused of plagiarizing myself—if you can do that.

So, we’ll talk about something else—and someone else.

Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt is pretty good at football.

Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt amassed five solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble—a performance that gave the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year the league’s sack lead with 13.5. The Steelers also posted their third double-digit fantasy point effort in the last five weeks to move into the top five among team defenses for the season. Pittsburgh’s 32 sacks aren’t an especially high number, but the Steelers have quietly risen to fifth in scoring defense and their 20 takeaways are tied for third in the NFL.

Sunday, the Steelers will welcome in an Arizona Cardinals team that has gotten quarterback Kyler Murray back. For the season, the Redbirds have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to defenses, and while the matchup hasn’t been quite as favorable with Murray under center, the Steelers should still be a quality start for fantasy managers.

Just not quite as good a start as that other team we’ll be leading the No-Doubters off with.

THE NO-DOUBTERS

Dallas Cowboys (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

After another big defensive effort punctuated by Bland’s record-breaking fifth interception return for a touchdown, the Cowboys are fantasy football’s top defense by a sizable margin. Dallas is third in total defense, leads the NFC against the pass, ranks fourth in points allowed, fifth in sacks and (of course) first in the league in defensive touchdowns. This week, the Cowboys will attempt to extend their home winning streak to 14 games against a Seattle…


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Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2023-11-28 12:14:48

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