Streaming Defense & Kickers
The beginner's secret weapon
What is "Streaming"?
Streaming means you don't keep the same Defense or Kicker all season.
Instead, you pick up a new one each week based on matchups.
This is a secret weapon for beginners because it requires almost zero skill but gives you a huge advantage.
Why? Because matchups matter MORE for defenses and kickers than talent.
Why Streaming Works
The Problem with Holding One Defense:
Let's say you draft the 49ers defense. They're elite!
Even elite defenses have bad matchups.
The Streaming Solution:
What if you picked up whichever defense plays the WORST offense each week?
By streaming, you consistently get 10-15 points. By holding one defense, you get 3-15 points.
How to Stream Defenses (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Every Tuesday, Drop Your Defense
Don't get attached. Drop them immediately after their game.
Step 2: Look at Next Week's Matchups
Find which offense is the WORST (most turnovers, fewest points)
Step 3: Pick Up the Defense Playing That Team
That's it. You're done.
Example:
Week 5 schedule:
Where to Find This Info:
Best Matchups to Target
Target defenses facing:
✅ Rookie QBs
First-year QBs throw picks. Defenses feast on them.
✅ Bad Offensive Lines
Teams with terrible O-lines give up tons of sacks.
✅ Backup QBs
Starter injured? Stream against the backup.
✅ High-Turnover Offenses
Some QBs just throw interceptions. Target them.
✅ Low-Scoring Offenses
Teams that only score 14 points per game are gold for streaming.
Red Flags (Avoid These):
❌ Offenses with elite QBs (Mahomes, Allen, etc.)
❌ High-powered offenses (Chiefs, Dolphins, etc.)
❌ Teams on win streaks
How to Stream Kickers
Kickers are even EASIER to stream than defenses.
The Rule:
Pick the kicker on a good offense playing in a dome or good weather.
Why?
Step-by-Step:
1. Check next week's weather forecasts
2. Find games in domes or 70°+ sunny weather
3. Pick the kicker on the better offense in that game
Example:
Week 8:
Kickers to Avoid:
❌ Outdoor games in November-December cold
❌ Games with heavy rain or wind
❌ Kickers on bad offenses (they never get in field goal range)
Streaming Schedule: Your Weekly Routine
Sunday Night (After Games End):
☐ Drop your defense and kicker immediately
☐ This prevents others from blocking you
Tuesday Morning (Waiver Claims):
☐ Submit waiver claims for next week's best streaming options
☐ Prioritize defense over kicker (defense matters more)
Wednesday Morning:
☐ If you didn't get your defense, grab best available
☐ Pick up a kicker
Saturday (Optional):
☐ Check weather updates
☐ Swap kicker if weather turned bad
Never:
❌ Don't hold a defense through their bye week
❌ Don't hold 2 defenses "just in case"
❌ Don't hold a kicker longer than 1 week
Advanced Streaming Tips
Tip #1: Look Two Weeks Ahead
If a defense has great matchups Week 10 AND Week 11, grab them early.
Tip #2: Target Home Defenses
Defenses perform better at home. If it's a toss-up, take the home defense.
Tip #3: Check Vegas Lines
If a team is favored by 10+ points, their defense is a good stream.
Why? They'll be ahead and the other team will be desperate (= turnovers).
Tip #4: Stack Your Defense
If your opponent has a QB, stream the defense playing AGAINST that QB.
If the QB does well, at least the defense cancels out some points.
Tip #5: Don't Overthink Kickers
Seriously. Just pick anyone on a decent offense. They're 90% random.
Common Streaming Mistakes
❌ Holding a "Good" Defense All Season
Even the best defenses have 4-5 terrible matchups. Stream those weeks!
❌ Streaming Too Late
Waiting until Saturday to stream? Best options are gone. Do it Tuesday.
❌ Getting Cute with Kickers
Don't waste time. Just pick a kicker on a good offense and move on.
❌ Ignoring Weather
Kicker playing in 20° with snow? Drop him for someone in a dome.
❌ Rostering 2 Defenses
Unless one has an elite playoff schedule, don't waste a bench spot.