Fantasy Football Week 10 waiver wire pick ups: Top 5 Team Defenses

Nov 3, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) sacks St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

There are some solid options for owners who are streaming defenses this week or for any owner who needs a defensive upgrade. With the Chiefs, Jets, and Patriots on a bye, their owners will also be fishing on the wire for bye-week fill-ins. Whatever brings you to the wire, here are the top five team defenses to target who are available in 50% or more of ESPN leagues. All point references refer to ESPN standard scoring. Here’s the D’s to target for week 10:

1. Tennessee Titans D/ST (32.2%)

The Titans defense is in the top ten on the season mostly due to their ability to force turnovers. This week, they’ll host the Jaguars who allow the second-most points per game to opposing defenses. The Jags have allowed double-digit points to opposing D’s in every game this season except for one which makes the Titans the top widely available option.

2. Miami Dolphins D/ST (12.9%)

Oct 31, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (hidden) in the end zone for a safety in overtime at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

The ‘Phins were the third-best D last week against the Bengals where they put up 16 points while forcing four turnovers and scoring a TD. Plus, the Miami defense turned in a walk-off win NFL style with a safety to end the game by Cameron Wake. This week, Miami takes on the Bucs in Tampa on Monday Night Football. Tampa allows the 11th-most points to opposing D’s, so Miami is a solid play especially if you like waiting for points until Monday Night Football.

3. Washington Redskins D/ST (1.4%)

On the other extreme end of week ten, the Redskins travel to Minnesota on Thursday Night Football to take on the Vikings. Minnesota allows the seventh-most points to opposing defenses, and the Redskins should be able to get pressure and make some big plays. They may allow some points, so make sure to understand your leagues scoring and whether scoring or big plays are rewarded.

4. Indianapolis Colts (33.9%)

Nov 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Ben Tate (44) is unable to make a catch as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Pat Angerer (51) defends during the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Colts defeated the Texans 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Colts D was a disappointment against the Texans, but they should be able to bounce back this week as they host the Rams. St. Louis has allowed 22 points in their last three games since Sam Bradford went out injured, and the Colts D has turned in some good numbers although they’ve struggled with consistency.

5. Oakland Raiders (6.8%)

Oakland was destroyed last week by Nick Foles, but they do have a nice matchup this week as they face the Giants who allow more points to opposing D’s than any other team in the league. The Raiders have had good weeks before, but last week they were brutal finishing dead last with -9 points.

This list of D’s is part of my weekly waiver wire focus. If you need further help constructing your team, check out my top ten waiver wire picks of the week as well as my top waiver targets at each of the following positions: QB, RB, WR, TE.

Editor’s Note: FanSided partner FanDuel is hosting a one-week $250 Fantasy Football league for Week 10. It’s free to join and first prize is $50. Starts Sunday at 1pm ET.

LINKS: