Playing well and with a solid matchup, here’s why the Detroit Lions D/ST is a solid fantasy football streaming play for Week 15.
The Detroit Lions defense still ranks pretty poorly for the season on the whole. But there’s no denying Aaron Glenn’s unit has been playing better lately. Over their last six games, they have allowed 20.3 points per game, with 11 takeaways and 15 sacks. With those key numbers driving things on the defensive side, it’s no wonder the Lions have won five of those six games.
As could be expected, the Lions defense has delivered double-digit fantasy points (Yahoo! scoring) in three of those six games, with eight fantasy points in one of the others.
Week 15 is the first playoff week in the majority of fantasy football leagues, and there is actually a pretty long list of viable team defense streaming options for those who are so inclined.
But do the Lions belong on said list?
Why the Detroit Lions D/ST is a sneaky fantasy streaming option in Week 15
In Week 15 the Lions take on the New York Jets. Quarterback Mike White was battered by the Buffalo Bills last week, to the point he went to the hospital to have his ribs checked out after a couple particularly rough hits. But he has told reporters this week there’s no doubt he’s playing against the Lions on Sunday.
While White has his own level of fantasy appeal in a great matchup against the Lions, as long as he’s good to go, he’s potentially one hit away from leaving the game. The Jets have announced Zach Wilson will be the No. 2 quarterback this week, though in theory nothing would prevent Robert Saleh from going with a (if he’s in-uniform) Joe Flacco if it came to that.
White has thrown zero interceptions in two of his three starts this season, with two (and could’ve been a few more if Vikings’ defensive backs could catch) in the other. Going back to last season, he has thrown multiple interceptions in four of his seven career starts.
The Lions run defense has been strong lately, so the Jets will find a path of less resistance through the air. That fits the mode they’ve been in with White under center, with the 11th-highest neutral situation passing rate (57.1 percent) since Week 12.
The Lions defense is unlikely to leave you with a zero in fantasy points this week. There’s upside potential for a handful of sacks/takeaways, mixed with the chance Wilson is forced to play if White is rendered unable to continue.
If you’re seeking a streaming defense and the list of options is short in your league this week, or you’re looking for a cheap DFS play for Week 15, the Lions are a sneaky solid-floor, nice-upside play that shouldn’t be dismissed.