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!

• Week 1 vs Steelers: 12 points ✅

• Week 2 vs Rams: 3 points ❌

• Week 3 @ Jets: 15 points ✅

• Week 4 @ Chiefs: -2 points ❌❌

Even elite defenses have bad matchups.

The Streaming Solution:

What if you picked up whichever defense plays the WORST offense each week?

• Week 1: Stream defense vs Panthers: 14 points

• Week 2: Stream defense vs Broncos: 11 points

• Week 3: Stream defense vs Cardinals: 13 points

• Week 4: Stream defense vs Giants: 16 points

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:

• Giants offense is ranked 32nd (dead last)

• They're playing Seattle

• Pick up the Seahawks defense

Where to Find This Info:

• FantasyPros: "Defense vs Position" rankings

• Reddit r/fantasyfootball: Weekly "Defense Streaming" thread

• Your fantasy app: Sort defenses by "Projected Points"

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?

• Good offenses move the ball → more field goal attempts

• Domes/good weather → kickers don't miss

Step-by-Step:

Check next week's weather forecasts
Find games in domes or 70°+ sunny weather
Pick the kicker on the better offense in that game

Example:

Week 8:

• Chiefs (great offense) vs Raiders in Las Vegas (dome)

• Pick up Harrison Butker (Chiefs kicker)

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.

Streaming vs Holding: When to Break the Rule

When to HOLD a Defense All Season:

• You have a top-3 defense (49ers, Cowboys, Bills)

• They have a great playoff schedule (Weeks 15-17)

• Your league penalizes streaming (limited moves)

Otherwise: STREAM.

When to HOLD a Kicker:

• Never. Okay, maybe if they're in a dome on an elite offense.

• Example: Justin Tucker (Ravens) in good weather weeks.