Fantasy Sports Fantasy Football

Top 5 Defense Pickups On Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire

Fresh Videos

By @SicEm18

Top 5 Defense Pickups On Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire

fantasy football
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Year in, year out, defenses disappoint and need to be replaced. These are your top five options to replace your struggling (or on a bye week) defense for fantasy football Week 5.

5. Baltimore Ravens

RavensD2-Evan Habeeb USAT
Evan Habeeb - USA TODAY Sports

5. Baltimore Ravens

RavensD2-Evan Habeeb USAT
Evan Habeeb - USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens aren't the same dominant defense they used to be. They're only owned in about 40 percent of leagues, but that figure should go up after a dominant performance over the Carolina Panthers. They're going against a great Indianapolis Colts offense, so the Ravens pickup isn't necessarily for this week, but hopefully to use throughout the season. They've scored double digits in two of four games this season.

4. Indianapolis Colts

ColtsD-Andy Lyons Getty - Copy
Getty Images

4. Indianapolis Colts

ColtsD-Andy Lyons Getty - Copy
Getty Images

The Colts would be higher on this list if it weren't for their next opponent, the Ravens, exploding against the Carolina Panthers' stout defense. The Colts' defense has scored a combined 33 points in their last two games, including one 20-point effort. They've forced six turnovers within that time as well. Look for them to excel again if not only in the turnover department.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman - USA TODAY Sports

3. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman - USA TODAY Sports

Why would the Dallas Cowboys, who were historically bad last season, be on this list? Well, they've scored double digit points in their last three games. In those three games they've forced eight turnovers. Yes, eight. They're going against the Houston Texans who have been a productive offense, but the New York Giants proved in Week 3 that they can be stopped. Don't expect the five percent owned Cowboys defense to stop.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

EaglesD-Pat Lovell USAT - Copy
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Philadelphia Eagles

EaglesD-Pat Lovell USAT
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have been a really hot/cold defense this season. They haven't had two straight double-digit defensive performances, but I expect that to change. They're owned in about 20 percent of leagues, but they're going against the St. Louis Rams who give up the third most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Eagles' points allowed falls in the the Top 10, but they find the end zone, scoring five touchdowns.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens
Getty Images

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens
Getty Images

Whenever in doubt, opt for the team that is opposing the league's worst offense. That team would be the Jacksonville Jaguars as the worst offense. This week they'll face the Steelers, who haven't been too impressive, but they can get the job done. On average, the Jaguars allow defenses to score 17 fantasy points. It's not so much the team here, but the matchup that makes the Steelers a great pickup.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on