DFS: Debate Team - Which D/ST is the Strongest Week 4 Play?
Each week, two of theScore's DFS experts weigh in on a contentious daily fantasy topic. This week: what team represents the best D/ST option of the week?
Ken Conrad: They're among the most expensive defenses available, but since I have them in my cash game lineup, I'll put my money where my mouth is and say that the Broncos will be the week's highest-scoring defense.
Defensive TDs are tough to predict, so my reasoning comes from Denver's strong performances in other areas through the first three weeks: 11 sacks, six interceptions and five forced fumbles, with four recovered. Depending on how your DFS game of choice's scoring is set up, the Broncos' D has averaged close to 20 points a game so far.
A home game against a Minnesota Vikings team featuring a shaky offensive line and the tentative Teddy Bridgewater at QB should provide an opportunity for DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and Co. to feast. Bridgewater has averaged 150 passing yards with one total passing TD on the season; if he does let loose and go deep, I trust Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and the rest of the secondary to contain Minnesota's unimpressive receivers.
That leaves Adrian Peterson, who of course could singlehandedly destroy any defensive game plan. Still, I'm willing to bet that Denver will key on Peterson and dare Bridgewater to beat them. Based on this season's early evidence, I don't see that happening.
Esten McLaren: The Broncos are an excellent choice, and they should continue their strong start to the season, but despite Bridgewater's inexperience, he has been quite good at keeping control of the ball.
Only five teams have fewer interceptions thrown this season than Bridgewater and the Vikings (two). That coupled with the ever-present danger of a big performance from Adrian Peterson is enough for me to worry about the Broncos' upside in Week 4.
Despite the high price tag, I'm going back to a Seattle Seahawks defense that should deploy SS Kam Chancellor into a more complete role in his second week of 2015. Seattle has zero interceptions and just four fumble recoveries through three weeks, but they'll be fielding their most skilled and intimidating defense of the season.
The Detroit Lions are giving the ball away via any means necessary, with five interceptions and three lost fumbles contributing to a total of eight giveaways on the season. After witnessing Matthew Stafford's performance while at home in the Week 3 Sunday Nighter, a total collapse is certainly a possibility while playing in one of the league's most hostile environments.
The final X-factor for me is WR Tyler Lockett. While it's a pace that won't keep up, Lockett has two return touchdowns already this season, and he's a threat to take any punt or kickoff the other way. That added potential for scoring can be a major difference-maker in larger GPPs.
Ken Conrad: I also can't argue with your choice, but the Broncos are a little cheaper than the Seahawks, and while Peterson could wreck havoc, so could the trio of Calvin Johnson, ex-Seahawk Golden Tate and Stafford, though admittedly they haven't shown much thus far.
If the game happens to get out of hand, the Lions, with those players as well as Ameer Abdullah and Eric Ebron, could put up some garbage time points, though I'm sure you'll be hoping that Seattle's defense will have racked up significant return before that.
Denver's consistency in terms of sacks and turnovers clinches it for me, and I'm banking on Bridgewater getting just as potentially flustered as Stafford against an aggressive pass rush.
I also feel like Seattle is a household name when it comes to strong defenses, so it's likely to be heavily owned. Denver could represent a differential in tournament play, while Seattle is a good cash game choice.
Esten McLaren: I'm going to continue to pick on Matthew Stafford, quite simply, because he deserves it.
The seventh-year pro has played in 82 career regular season and playoff games and thrown 93 career interceptions. So far this season, Stafford has already thrown five interceptions in three games, including two games with multiple picks. Woof.
The Seahawks also don't have to worry about Peterson, and they'll be dealing with the trio of Joique Bell, Abdullah and Theo Riddick instead. That trio - combined with Stafford, Zach Zenner and Michael Burton - have rushed for a paltry 2.6 yards per attempt on 51 carries. At that current rate, the Lions are on pace to rush for just 720 yards as a team this season.
What anyone paying up for the Seahawks should be hoping for is the aforementioned garbage time. At 1-2 the Seahawks are desperate to not only get back to .500, but to also reestablish their dominance in the NFC. The legendary Legion of Boom should remain on the field regardless of the score, and they'll be ready to feast on Stafford's desperation downfield attempts.