Some of the biggest pushback I get—and I understand why—is when touting the importance of drafting the top fantasy DST. Many/most fantasy footballers apply the “streaming” option, grabbing a low-end DST1 with their list draft pick, and then using waivers / free agency to drop and pick up the best available defenses on a weekly basis.
If you’re playing in a league where you’ve got a great shot at adding the best of the 20+ available DSTs every week, more power to you. For most people, it’s deciding whether to start the 15th best DST vs. the 10th worst offense, or the 20th best DST vs. the worst offense. Some weeks you might field a top 10 DST; other weeks will produce more middling numbers.
As I wrote in the book, elite and near-elite DSTs frequently return numbers in line with the top 50 flex players—yet most remain on the draft board well after the 100th flex player is taken. There’s value to be had.
Let’s look at last year’s top DST producers based on standard scoring metrics:
As a flex player, the Seahawks would have finished one point behind Golden Tate. And unlike positional players, DSTs are not as impacted by injury. If Tate gets hurt, you’re out a mid-round draft pick. If a Seattle safety gets hurt, the unit can still perform at or near its usual production.
Speaking of the Seahawks, despite underperforming in 2014, their DST amassed double-digit points in nine games. 12th highest scoring WR Alshon Jeffery? 10. 12th highest scoring RB Alfred Morris? Seven. 12th highest scoring TE Larry Donnell? Three.
I mention the Seahawks because their current ADP is a seemingly generous 64th overall. But I guarantee—as much as anyone can—that they’re deserving of a top 50 pick, and will reward bold drafters with top 40 flex numbers. Why take the 20th best RB, 20th best WR, or seventh best QB when you can lock in an elite DST—where the 25th best RB, 25th best WR, and/or ninth best QB should be waiting for you in the next round?
If you’re still not convinced, look at the Seahawks’ fantasy playoff matchups:
Week 14 -- @Ravens
Week 15 – Browns
Week 16 – Rams
This is a dream schedule. Seattle is a good bet to be the #1 DST in at least two of these three weeks, and a decent bet to post top 25 flex numbers all three of these weeks.
For these reasons and more, I remain bullish about drafting the #1 DST. Best-in-class talent wins championships.
If you’re playing in a league where you’ve got a great shot at adding the best of the 20+ available DSTs every week, more power to you. For most people, it’s deciding whether to start the 15th best DST vs. the 10th worst offense, or the 20th best DST vs. the worst offense. Some weeks you might field a top 10 DST; other weeks will produce more middling numbers.
As I wrote in the book, elite and near-elite DSTs frequently return numbers in line with the top 50 flex players—yet most remain on the draft board well after the 100th flex player is taken. There’s value to be had.
Let’s look at last year’s top DST producers based on standard scoring metrics:
- Bills – 170 points, would have been 22nd best flex player
- Eagles – 153 points, 29th best
- Seahawks – 150 points, 30th best
- Texans – 147 points, 33rd best
As a flex player, the Seahawks would have finished one point behind Golden Tate. And unlike positional players, DSTs are not as impacted by injury. If Tate gets hurt, you’re out a mid-round draft pick. If a Seattle safety gets hurt, the unit can still perform at or near its usual production.
Speaking of the Seahawks, despite underperforming in 2014, their DST amassed double-digit points in nine games. 12th highest scoring WR Alshon Jeffery? 10. 12th highest scoring RB Alfred Morris? Seven. 12th highest scoring TE Larry Donnell? Three.
I mention the Seahawks because their current ADP is a seemingly generous 64th overall. But I guarantee—as much as anyone can—that they’re deserving of a top 50 pick, and will reward bold drafters with top 40 flex numbers. Why take the 20th best RB, 20th best WR, or seventh best QB when you can lock in an elite DST—where the 25th best RB, 25th best WR, and/or ninth best QB should be waiting for you in the next round?
If you’re still not convinced, look at the Seahawks’ fantasy playoff matchups:
Week 14 -- @Ravens
Week 15 – Browns
Week 16 – Rams
This is a dream schedule. Seattle is a good bet to be the #1 DST in at least two of these three weeks, and a decent bet to post top 25 flex numbers all three of these weeks.
For these reasons and more, I remain bullish about drafting the #1 DST. Best-in-class talent wins championships.