Week 10 asks fantasy managers to look past defensive reputations and focus on opponent scoring, pressure and turnover opportunities. The streamers below have more upside than their ownership suggests, while the sits carry hidden risk.
Here is Week 10's Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em D/ST:
Week 10 Start ‘Em
Green Bay Packers D/ST vs. Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay's defense has come together after a slow start, and it is rostered in only 25% of Yahoo leagues. The unit just posted four sacks and three interceptions against New England on the road for 12 fantasy points. It has scored at least eight fantasy points in five of its last six games. The Vikings are implied for 18.5 points, which gives the Packers a clear path to another strong week. Start them as a top-five D/ST.
Baltimore Ravens D/ST vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Ravens don't have an elite defense, but the matchup is elite. Los Angeles is 0-8 and has a battered quarterback room, and Yahoo calls it the best matchup in fantasy for opposing D/ST units. Baltimore has been an average defense in most metrics, which should be enough on Monday night. Los Angeles is implied for 16.5 points, and the Ravens are rostered in 37% of leagues. They should be available in many leagues, so treat them as a confident stream.
Miami Dolphins D/ST at Indianapolis Colts
Miami is the deep-league sleeper of the week at 1% rostered. The Dolphins have scored at least three fantasy points in five straight games, and last week they held Detroit to 19 points and 270 total yards for six fantasy points. Indianapolis is also a potential trade-deadline casualty if Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs are moved. The Colts are implied for 19 points. Miami won't offer huge upside, but its floor beats most waiver options.
Week 10 Sit ‘Em
Minnesota Vikings D/ST at Green Bay Packers
Article Continues BelowMinnesota is the highest-scoring unit on this list at 10.5 points per game, which makes it tempting. It also sacks opponents 3.6 times per game. But the Packers are one of the hottest defenses, and a road game against that offense raises the risk of an ordinary week. Green Bay's opponent-implied total of 23.0 for the Vikings' side suggests more offense than the Vikings usually allow. Leave them on the bench if you have a safer stream.
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST at Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh is rostered in 81% of leagues and averages 9.1 points per game. The problem is the opponent: Cincinnati is implied for 26 points, the second-highest total against any defense on the board. A higher-scoring game script costs fantasy points even when the sacks arrive. Use a cheaper option with a lower implied total, especially if you can pick up Baltimore or Green Bay.
San Francisco 49ers D/ST at Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco's defense is better with Bosa back and DeForest Buckner added, but its fantasy production has been uneven. It averages 7.6 fantasy points per game, yet Dallas is implied for 26 points, which is a lot of room for a defense to give back. The Cowboys are expected to score enough to limit the 49ers' sack and takeaway chances. Don't treat the name as a guaranteed streamer, and look for a defense with a lower opponent total.