Howdy Rush Nation, welcome back to my Individual Defensive Player (IDP) arcadia and my IDP Streamers Week 14 selections. My name is Mason, and my job is to find you the top defensive fantasy streamers of the week. Each player discussed in the streamers section will be rostered by no more than twenty percent of fantasy managers (via Yahoo). This week not only will I be headlining the usual streamers but also a defensive assessment of every Week 14 game and projection for three players per team( Six per contest, and no cap on percent rostered)

 SUNDAY STREAMERS

 (DL) Jack Crawford – TEN @ JAX- 0% Rostered- (1.70 projection)

Jack’s snap count has fluctuated for most of the year. He is coming off of his best game of the season(6 Tackles, 1 TFL), and I expect Tennesse to come out swinging. I believe momentum will carry over for Crawford as he will be a force in the trenches against an actively struggling Jacksonville offense. 

 (DL)David Onyemata – NO @ PHI- 3% Rostered- (3.00 projection)

David is no stranger to this streaming article as he is one of my favorite defensive players. The guy can create havoc on the line anytime and is a stellar complement to teammate C. Jordan. I expect Onyemata to be in the backfield often and assist in making Hurts rookie debut a dismal one. 

 (LB) Germaine Pratt – CIN vs. DAL 1% Rostered- (5.51 projection)

Pratt averages forty-two snaps a game and has a fantastic matchup against a struggling Cowboys offense. When Dallas is the away team, they average twenty-eight rushes a game, and Germaine is a young player who can meet the tackler in the backfield and wrap him up. The Bengals send a blitz about 32% of defensive plays, and Dallas’s line is heavily injured, so I love the matchup here. 

 (LB) A.J. Johnson – DEN @ CAR – 18% Rostered – (7.12 projection)

Johnson is a fantastic player in zone coverage and is quite speedy at spotting the play as it unfolds and quickly responds to it. This week A.J. and company head to a “recovering” Carolina team. Denver allows only 6.3 yards per pass attempt; A.J. has fifty-nine tackles and four for loss on the season.  

 (DB) Darnell Savage – GB @ DET – 1% Rostered – (5.64 projection)

 Savage lives up to his name when he tackles defenders in space, lunging his body into the ball carrier’s legs, sometimes causing a fumble and celebrating to the sideline with that “Cheese Head Swagger.” Thirty-two tackles and eight pass defenses on the year, I expect Darnell to be active in the passing game and assist the linebackers at the second level against Detroit’s run game in this storied rivalry.

  (DB) Jarrod Wilson – JAC vs. TEN – 0% Rostered – (5.58 projection)

Wilson has been somewhat quiet this season, but that is about to change. The Titans are looking like they will have all of their weapons on offense this week. Jarrod is a heads up player who has the IQ to strip the ball and close in on players for a tackle. The opportunity is there; I think Wilson rises to the occasion.

REACHABLE ROOKIE

(CB) Michael Ojemudia – DEN @ CAR – 0% Rostered – (2.00 projection)

Michael has seen his ups and downs on the season, as he saw his starting position fade in week ten due to a  “matchup preference.” Ojemudia averages forty-two play a game, and with Carolina gaining back some players off of covid protocol, I see massive upside for Michael. He is not the most polished tackle; however, he has a knack for knocking the ball away from the receiver.

NFL Week 14 Defensive Assessment

Sunday, December 13th (Early)

Tennessee Titans(8-4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars(1-11)

The Jaguars continue to struggle in just about every aspect of the game; they have allowed forty touchdowns to their opposition this season. Almost every offensive game plan has been successful against Jacksonville; they have allowed the third-most first downs on the year. The Titans have allowed thirteen rushing touchdowns this season and are on the field as a defensive unit, the second-most in the league with eight-hundred and eighteen snaps on the field. The Titan’s offense should have its way with Jacksonville.

•       (TEN-LB) Harold Landry III / 2 Tackles, # Assisted, 3 Pass Def, 1 Sack
•       (TEN-DB) Kenny Vaccaro / 5 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (TEN-DL) Jack Crawford / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Sack

 

•       (JAC-LB) Myles Jack / 7 Tackles, 7 Assisted
•       (JAC-DB) Tre Herndon / 5 Tackles, 1 Pass Def
•       (JAC-DL) K’Lavon Chaisson / 4 Tackles, 1 Pass Def, 1 Sack, 2 TFL

 Minnesota Vikings(6-6) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-5)

Minnesota only allows opposing teams 4.3 first downs per game (2.6 when Vikings are the away team), yet still competing offenses score on just under fifty percent of drives. Tampa Bay’s defense concedes around five yards a play (6th best in NFL) and has twenty takeaways on the year (14.5% of drives end in a turnover).

•       (MIN-LB) Eric Wilson / 4 Tackles, 5 Assisted, 1 Sack
•       (MIN-DB) Anthony Harris / 7 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 Int
•       (MIN-DL) Ifeadi Odenigbo / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Sack

 

•       (TB-LB) Lavonte David / 6 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 2 TFL
•       (TB-DB) Carlton Davis III / 5 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 3 Pass Def
•       (TB-DL) Ndamukong Suh / 2 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Sack

 Kansas City Chiefs(11-1) @ Miami Dolphins(8-4)

The Chiefs have allowed 254 points this season, which is tied with San Francisco for seventh-best in the NFL. Adverse offenses score on thirty-seven percent of their drives against Kansas City. Miami players have forced eight fumbles and allowed twenty-seven touchdowns this season. The Dolphins stop opposing teams from scoring on seventy-three percent of drives. 

•       (KC-LB) Damien Wilson / 5 Tackles, 1 Assisted
•       (KC-DB) Charvarius Ward / 3 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 2 Pass Def, 
•       (KC-DL) Chris Jones / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1.5 Sacks

 

•       (MIA-LB) Jerome Baker / 9 Tackles, 3 Assisted
•       (MIA-DB) Eric Rowe / 7 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (MIA-DL) Christian Wilkins / 2 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def

 Denver Broncos(4-8) @ Carolina Panthers(4-8)

Denver travels to Carolina, which has numerous players out due to COVID. However, the Panthers do have a young, fast, and tenacious defense who have recovered the most fumbles in the NFL with 12. They allow a 68% completion percentage to opposing quarterbacks. Denver’s defense has allowed 244 first downs to competing teams; their turnover rate per drive is 7.9, which is the third wost in the league. Denver likes to keep the ball on the ground when they can, so I expect plenty of tackles and big plays in the backfield.

•       (DEN-LB) A.J. Johnson / 8 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 FF
•       (DEN-DB) Kareem Jackson / 5 Tackles, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (DEN-DL) Dre’Mont Jones / 2 Tackles, 2 TFL, .5 Sack

 

•       (CAR-LB) Jermaine Carter Jr. / 5 Tackles, 3 Assisted
•       (CAR-DB) Tre Boston / 4 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL
•       (CAR-DL) Brian Burns / 3 Tackles, 4 Assisted .5 Sack

 Houston Texans(4-8) @ Chicago Bears(5-7)

The Texans defense has only three interceptions and thirty-eight touchdowns allowed on the year. Also, teams have had success in running as Houston allows the most yards per play average to the opposition. Despite being among the best front seven in the business, the Bears do not force many turnovers (8.3 per drive). However, they run a blitz on about a fifth of plays and pressure opposing quarterbacks around 17% of the time. I believe the Bears will rely on their running game and keep the ball out of Tribiskys hands, tackle-a-palooza for Chi-Town.

•       (HOU-LB) Tyrell Adams / 6 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 Sack
•       (HOU-DB) Lonnie Johnson / 2 Tackles, 3 Assisted, 1 Int
•       (HOU-DL) J.J. Watt / 4 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 TFL, 1 Pass Def

 

•       (CHI-LB) Roquan Smith / 9 Tackles, 3 Assisted, 1.5 Sack
•       (CHI-DB) Eddie Jackson / 5 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 2 Pass Def
•       (CHI-DL) Bilal Nichols / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted

 Arizona Cardinals(6-6) @ New York Giants(5-7)

New York is looking more concrete by the week defensively. They blitz on a quarter of plays, appear to be a cohesive unit, and force a turnover of about fifteen percent of drives. On the other hand, Arizona has eighty-one tackles missed and has allowed 1652 yards after the catch on the year. I believe Murray will struggle with New York’s defensive scheme, and the G-men will feast this weekend.

•       (ARI-LB) De’Vondre Campbell / 7 Tackles, 4 Assisted
•       (ARI-DB) Dre Kirkpatrick / 3 Tackles, 2 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (ARI-DL) Angelo Blackson / 2 Tackles, 1 Sack

 

•       (NYG-LB) Tae Crowder / 4 Tackles, 1 Int
•       (NYG-DB) Jabrill Peppers / 6 Tackles, 2 Assisted 1 Sack, 1 Int
•       (NYG-DL) Leonard Williams / 3 Tackles,1 Assist, 1 TFL, .5 Sack

 Dallas Cowboys(3-9) @ Cincinnati Bengals(2-9)

It’s a tough one; the Bengals pressure the opposing quarterback, a league-worst, only seventeen times a game, and have only thirteen sacks this year. They also allow over ten yards per catch. Dallas has allowed a league-high twenty-seven passing touchdowns and have the fifth-worst turnover ratio in the NFL. I expect a mess of a game and sporadic stats everywhere. Play at your own risk!

•       (DAL-LB) Leighton Vander Esch / 7 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Int
•       (DAL-DB) Jourdan Lewis / 3 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (DAL-DL) Randy Gregory / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Sack

 

•       (CIN-LB) Josh Bynes / 4 Tackles, 4 Assisted, .5 Sack
•       (CIN-DB) Jessie Bates III / 6 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (CIN-DL) Sam Hubbard / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL

 

Sunday, December 13th (Afternoon)

Indianapolis Colts(8-4) @ Las Vegas Raiders(7-5)

A good ole fashioned slobber knocker here; Indy and Vegas are similar in a few defensive stats. Each team is super close in Quarterback hurries (.2% difference), and Vegas has 110 quarterback pressures, which is only four more than the Colts. The colts, however, have forty-nine fewer missed tackles. I trust Phillip Rivers much more than Derrick Carr; Indinapolous players are a must-play this week.

•       (IND-LB) Darius Leonard / 8 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 2 TFL
•       (IND-DB) Kenny Moore II / 5 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (IND-DL) Grover Stewart / 3 Tackles, 1 Pass Def

 

•       (LVR-LB) Nicholas Morrow / 6 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 2 Pass Def
•       (LVR-DB) Jeff Heath / 5 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 2 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (LVR-DL) Maxx Crosby / 3 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Sack

 New York Jets(0-12) @ Seattle Seahawks(8-4)

Both the Jets and Seahawks have allowed over 4,500 all-purpose yards, and both teams give up an average of 5.8 yards per play. The Raiders send a blitz 35% of the time, whereas the Jets blitz on 40% of their defensive plays. The Jets’ secondary always seems to fair well in fantasy regardless of who is playing.

•       (NYJ-LB) Neville Hewitt / 7 Tackles, 3 Assisted
•       (NYJ-DB) Marcus Maye / 4 Tackles, 5 Assisted, 1 Sack
•       (NYJ-DL) Folorunso Fatukasi / 3 Tackles, 1 Sack

 

•       (SEA-LB)  K.J. Wright / 6 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 2 Pass Def
•       (SEA-DB) Jamal Adams / 7 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 2 TFL
•       (SEA-DL) Benson Mayowa / 2 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack

 Green Bay Packers(9-3) @ Detroit Lions(5-7)

Both teams are relatively weak against the run as their opposition averages about four and a half yards per rush. The Lions have allowed twenty rushing touchdowns as opposed to Green Bays’ eleven. Both offenses can “turn it on” anytime; however, I believe the Lions will attempt to run and shoot their way through the Packers.  Linebackers will rack up tackles for Green Bay, and I think the front seven will cause some regretfully hurried throws.

•       (GB-LB) Chriatian Kirksey / 7 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (GB-DB) Adrian Amos / 4 Tackles,1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (GB-DL) Kenny Clark / 2 Tackles, 1 TFL

 

•       (DET-LB) Christian Jones / 3 Tackles, 3 Assisted
•       (DET-DB) Duron Harmon / 5 Tackles, 1 Int
•       (DET-DL) Romeo Okwara / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted 1 Sack

 Atlanta Falcons(4-8) @ Los Angeles Chargers(3-9)

Atlanta and the Chargers respectfully are excellent at shooting themselves in the foot at the most critical times. Both defensive units have allowed twenty-four passing touchdowns on the year and hurry the quarterback around ten percent of the time.  Atlanta allows 7.4 yards per pass, so look for Herbert to come out swinging in play action.  

•       (ATL-LB) Foye Oluokun / 5 Tackles, 3 Assisted, .5 Sack
•       (ATL-DB) Keanu Neal / 6 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 TFL
•       (ATL-DL) Grady Jarett / 2 Tackles, 1 Sack

 

•       (LAC-LB) Kenneth Murray / 8 Tackles, 1 Assisted
•       (LAC-DB) Nasir Adderley / 4 Tackles, 1 Assist, 1 Int
•       (LAC-DL) Joey Bosa / 3 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 TFL

 Washington Football Team(5-7) @ San Francisco 49ers(5-7)

Washington travels to San Francisco with hopes of keeping their playoff hopes alive. Fresh off of an impressive win over Pittsburgh, the Football Team will look to keep the 49er defense on the field as much as possible. San Francisco has exactly one-hundred quarterback pressures and has only twenty-one sacks on the season. Washingtons front seven is one of the best in the league, Sanfrancisco has questions on their interior line, and Washington will exploit it.

•       (WAS-LB) Cole Holcomb / 3 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 Int
•       (WAS-DB) Ronald Derby / 2 Tackles, 3 Pass Def
•       (WAS-DL) Da’Ron Payne / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL

 

•       (SF-LB) Fred Warner / 6 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (SF-DB) Richard Sherman / 3 Tackles, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (SF-DL) Kerry Hyder / 3 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 2 TFL

 New Orleans Saints(10-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles(3-8)

New Orleans heads over to Philly to face Singleton and the Eagles. The Saints have intercepted the ball thirteen times, whereas the Eagles only have three on the year. The Eagles are anything but consistent, and both teams are rolling with their backup quarterback this week. I expect the Eagles to lean on their run offense and the Saints call tons of RPO; opportunity galore for both front seven,   

•       (NO-LB) Demario Davis/ 4 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL
•       (NO-DB) Malcolm Jenkins / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (NO-DL) David Onyemata / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 TFL, .5 Sack

 

•       (PHI-LB) Alex Singleton / 7 Tackles, 5 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (PHI-DB) Jalen Mills / 5 Tackles, 1 TFL
•       (PHI-DL) Brandon Graham / 3 Tackles, .5 Sack, 1 TFL

 

Sunday, December 13th (Night)

 Pittsburgh Steelers(11-1) @ Buffalo Bills(9-3)

The Steelers have allowed seventeen passing touchdowns and intercepted opposing quarterback sixteen times on the season. The Bills have allowed sixteen rushing touchdowns, and opposing teams average 4.7 yards a carry against Buffalo. Both teams have numerous fantasy-relevant players on both sides of the ball, so this contest has the makings of being a great one.

•       (PIT-LB) T.J. Watt/ 5 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL, 1.5 Sack
•       (PIT-DB) Steven Nelson / 3 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (PIT-DL) Stephon Tuitt / 2 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL

 

•       (BUF-LB) Tremaine Edmunds / 6 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 TFL
•       (BUF-DB) Jordan Poyer / 5 Tackles, 2 Pass Def
•       (BUF-DL) Ed Oliver / 2 Tackles, .5 Sack

 

Monday, December 14th

Baltimore Ravens(7-5) @ Cleveland Browns(9-3)

The Ravens “return home” this week; nothing like a long-lived, old fashioned rivalry in primetime. Cleveland allows  4.1 yards per rush, and the Ravens run the ball the second-most in the league (32.7 times per game). This game will be won in the trenches, and look for Baltimore to restrict Cleveland’s rushing attack and make Baker Mayfield pass.

•       (BAL-LB) Partick Queen / 8 Tackles, 2 Assisted
•       (BAL-DB) Marlon Humphrey / 6 Tackles, 2 Assisted, 1 Pass Def, 1 Int
•       (BAL-DL) Derek Wolfe / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted

 

•       (CLE-LB) B.J. Goodson / 5 Tackles, 4 Assisted, 1 TFL
•       (CLE-DB) Karl Joseph / 2 Tackles, 1 Assisted, 1 Pass Def
•       (CLE-DL) Myles Garrett / 2 Tackles, 1 Sack

That is all I have for this upcoming IDP Streamers Week 14 selections; a thousand thank yous for reading and good luck in your final push to your fantasy playoffs. My line is always open, and I always welcome feedback of any sort! Here’s to week 14, and as always, happy streaming Rush Nation, now bring home the hardware!

–       Mase @caliking49er17