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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 14 D/ST’s to Start

By Zachary Thompson

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Oct 27, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Marcus Benard (59) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (98) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Marcus Benard (59) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (98) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Every point matters even more than normal this week in fantasy football as the playoffs are underway in most formats. If you’ve made it to the playoffs streaming defenses, here are five options to take a look at who are available in many leagues and facing good matchups this week:

Arizona Cardinals

Why the Cardinals D is still available in almost half of ESPN leagues, I’m not sure I understand. What I do know is they create turnovers and have a nice matchup this week as St. Louis comes to the desert. Last week, Arizona didn’t force a turnover for the first time this year, but the Rams have turned the ball over in five of their last six. Arizona is fourth in rushing D which should force Kellen Clemens to throw creating opportunities for the opportunistic Cardinals secondary.

St. Louis Rams

Nov 24, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) pass is blocked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) pass is blocked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rams D on the other side of the same game is also very under-owned. They’ve forced 11 turnovers in their last four games and scored three defensive touchdowns. Carson Palmer isn’t extremely mobile and does give up the ball at times, so the Rams should be able to be a top ten D this week as well.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders play the Jets offense which has been horrible the last few weeks. Geno Smith has turned into a turnover machine and the Raiders D has been solid apart from two ugly games against Nick Foles and Peyton Manning.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs host the Bills this Sunday looking to get to double-digit fantasy points for the third time in four games. They struggled to contain Cam Newton last week, but had 32 ESPN standard scoring points in the last two weeks before putting up just one last week.

Buffalo Bills

Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams (95) and defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Roethlisberger recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams (95) and defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Roethlisberger recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo gets pressure on the QB and has picked up 14 sacks in the last three games while scoring 31 points in ESPN standard scoring. The Bills should be able to pressure Mike Glennon since Tampa has struggled running the ball and have given up 11 sacks in their last three.

For more week 14 sleepers check out our sleeper posts for each position: QB, RB, WR, TE, K and make sure to bookmark our fantasy football page.

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