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. Here’s the link.
If your fantasy team needs some help on the defensive side of the ball, there are some solid sleeper options you can insert into your lineup as last-minute emergency plays before the games begin. These are not the top five overall options, but they are in good positions to succeed and may be available for a last minute plug-and-play option. All scoring references are to ESPN standard scoring
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts host St. Louis today in Indianapolis. Indy struggled last week against the Texans, but should fare better at home against Kellen Clemens. The Rams have allowed opposing defenses to score 32 points against them in their last three games. The one top option the Rams have is Zac Stacy, but there should be sacks and turnovers to be had if Indy can contain him and get a lead forcing Clemens to take to the air to beat them.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are in a great matchup this week as they host the Jags who allow the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Titans D has forced multiple turnovers in all but two of their eight games while getting multiple sacks in every game. They should be in for another solid week and should be played in all formats.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins visit Tampa on Monday Night in the ultimate last-minute option. They are coming off a game-winning walk-off safety and a huge performance against the Bengals offense which had been rolling along. They’ve had plenty of time to recover since that was last Thursday, but they’ve had plenty of distractions as well with th Incognito-Martin saga. They’ve been a solid defense all year and make a decent start against rookie QB Mike Glennon and the Bucs.
Houston Texans
Houston’s D was almost universally drafted and expected to be among the best this year, but they’ve struggled and have been dropped in many leagues. This week a trip to Arizona to face Carson Palmer could result in a better showing and hopefully some turnovers. Playing the Cardinals means sack and interception opportunities if the Texans can capitalize on them.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills D has been inconsistent, but they’ve had some nice performances. They’ll be in Pittsburgh this week against the struggling Steelers offensive line. Pittsburgh has given up the sixth-most points per game to opposing defenses, so the Bills could have a solid week and are an option if you need a “Hail Mary” play from the waiver wire this week.
If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 10, 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 insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page. MAke sure to check out our Fanduel freeroll this week as well