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Fantasy Football: Top 5 Team Defense Sleepers for Emergency starts in week 6

By Zachary Thompson

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Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) celebrates a sack with defensive end Jared Allen (69) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) celebrates a sack with defensive end Jared Allen (69) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns defeated the Vikings 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Team defense is the one position in fantasy football where matchup means the most. Having a team that turns the ball over and allows sacks on the other side of the ball can make even subpar defenses good fantasy plays for a week. The best situation, though, is when you get a good defense in a good matchup. Here are five that aren’t considered “elite” that I think you can start this week and get a good result from.

Here are the top 5 sleeper options for week 6:

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are back from London coming off a bye as they welcome the Panthers and Cam Newton to the Metrodome. Cam and friends gave up 20 points to the Cardinals D last week in Arizona and have struggled on the road this season. The Vikingd D had put up double-digit points in every game this season before they struggled in London although theyd did get to Big Ben several times. Depending on what your league rewards most, they are one of the top 2 options.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Oct 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

If your league is more forgiving of points allowed and rewarding of big plays, the Colts D is the top option this week. If keeping your opponent to a low score is most important, than I’d go with the Vikings.

The Colts D has put up three straight weeks of double-digit points in ESPN standard score and has allowed only a total of 10 points in their last two road games (yes, one was against Jacksonville so it only half counts). This week, they’ll be in San Diego to face the Chargers who rank in the middle of the pack in points allowed to opposing D per game, but they did give up 18 last week to Oakland while turning the ball over five times. The Colts D is a good one week play and may have long term upside although the next two weeks (Den, Bye) aren’t much help.

3. Detroit Lions

Detroit takes on Cleveland this week and don’t have to worry about Brian Hoyer who is injured and out for the year. The Browns allow the 11th most points per game to opposing defenses, but in the two games that QB Brandon Weeden started they allowed double digits each time. Detroit’s defense has been up and down this stason but they did rack up five sacks last week against Aaron Rodgers and  forced the Bears into a bad week in week 4. Because Weeden is starting, the Lions are a solid play this week.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark (25) and cornerback Ike Taylor (24) tackle Minnesota Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson (81) in the second quarter in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark (25) and cornerback Ike Taylor (24) tackle Minnesota Vikings receiver Jerome Simpson (81) in the second quarter in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau and the Steelers defense has had two weeks to get ready for rookie QB Geno Smith who leads the Jets to Pittsburgh. The Steelers aren’t an elite D anymore, but the Jets tendency to turn the ball over and the fact that they’re coming off a short week make Pittsburgh a decent one-week option.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs take on Nick Foles in his spot start for Michael Vick as the Eagles come to Tampa. The Bucs will probably allow some points, but also force turnovers as they come off their bye week. Philadelphia has been turnover prone, and if you need a sleeper option and the other four options are gone, the Bucs are a solid option.

If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 6, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football goodness, check out our Fansided fantasy football page where there’s a treasure trove of information that can help you get the win this weekend.

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