The best D/ST matchups of Week 6 belong to the elite defenses, with games like the Bills-Giants, 49ers-Browns, Saints-Texans, and Dolphins-Panthers. That makes things tricky for D/ST streamers this week, and may mean taking a swing on some big upside plays. The three players with the most turnovers in the NFL since 2022 may surprise some people: Josh Allen, Kirk Cousins, and Trevor Lawrence. It’s not just the Zach Wilsons of the world that are targetable in fantasy, since those turnovers are worth hundred of yards in offense when it comes to D/ST scoring. Whether we’re targeting gunslingers capable of huge offensive performances (Sam Howell), or game managers just trying to control the ball (Gardner Minshew), we’re taking a risk. This week we embrace the risk.
Atlanta Falcons (AVAILABLE IN 97.1% OF LEAGUES)
The Falcons’ defense has been a top-10 unit in yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and points allowed in 2023. They’ve struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but that could change this week against Howell and the Commanders. Howell has taken 29 sacks so far this year, and is currently on pace to crush the NFL record for most sacks taken in a single season. In between those struggles, Howell has moved the ball often at will, except against the elite Bills’ defense. He’s still learning, which is exactly what we want to target when choosing a fantasy D/ST. Like the Commanders D/ST, the Falcons have a nice stretch of games coming up against the Buccaneers and Titans in the following weeks.