By – Anthony Fishwick @FFootballFish

Drafting a top defense (Def) can be tempting but it is something I typically avoid. My preference is to draft a Def in the final round and adjust as the season progresses. This process is typically referred to as streaming. Don’t get me wrong, I believe you can take a top-tier Def and ride them all year. However, by adding value and depth at other positions you have the potential to gain a competitive advantage over your league-mates. This process focuses on finding a Def on waivers each week with a favorable matchup. Here are some teams I am targeting in week 1.

Washington Commanders (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

ESPN: 47% Rostered

Sleeper: 50% Rostered

Washington finished 2022 as the number 13 Def. They had 43 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. Washington Def also tallied nine interceptions and scored three touchdowns. They surrendered 20.2 points per game (8th). More importantly, they play an Arizona Cardinals team that appears to be in shambles. The Cardinals will enter week 1 with either rookie 5th-round pick QB Clayton Tune or journeyman Joshua Dobbs. If Tune gets the nod as a rookie he will be prone to more mistakes. Even Payton Manning and Andrew Luck were susceptible to interceptions in their rookie year.  On the other hand, if they go with Dobbs; he has only been with the team for a few weeks and lacks chemistry with his new teammates. Washington should finish as a top-10 Def with the potential to be in the top five. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

ESPN: 16% Rostered

Sleeper: 23% Rostered

Jacksonville is coming off a 2022 season where they finished with 35 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 12 fumble recoveries. Jacksonville also ended the year with 14 interceptions and four touchdowns scored. They allowed an average of 20.6 points per game (12th). Jacksonville will start their season against another team in trouble–the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts will be without starting RB Jonathan Taylor, endzone threat Jelani Woods, and another RB Zach Moss. Anthony Richardson will be making his NFL debut. He struggled with accuracy in college which could lead to multiple mistakes.  Add this to a depleted cast of playmakers at his disposal in week 1 and Jacksonville should have no problem finishing as a top-10 Def. 

Seattle Seahawks (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

ESPN: 7% Rostered

Sleeper: 29% Rostered

The Seattle Seahawks are led by a defensive-minded head coach in Pete Carroll. Seattle finished 2022 with 45 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries. Seattle accumulated 14 interceptions and scored one touchdown. They look like an interesting Week 1 option as they go against their division rival the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles enters the 2023 season with the 28th-rated offensive line according to Pro Football Focus. The Rams enter Week 1 without star receiver Cooper Kupp, who is currently battling a hamstring injury. Seattle has a strong opportunity to be a top-12 Def.

Be sure to check in next week for my week 2 defensive streamers. And as always, win on the wire!