We’ll have you covered with our array of resources, which includes our Waiver Wire Assistant, for the entire 2023 fantasy football season. See which players are the best fits for your club and receive in-depth research on the potential impact of waiver wire additions.
Naturally, each week, our team of analysts will also provide written recommendations. See below for this week’s top waiver wire targets. Don’t forget to read this week’s complete waiver wire piece.
Weekly Updates on Waiver Wire Picks Rankings for Fantasy Football Experts
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Defenses and Waiver Wire Targets for Fantasy Football
Written by Fitzmaurice, Pat.
38% of the Denver Broncos’ roster
Upcoming Rivals: @CHI, NYJ, and @KC
- Actual worth: $2
In need of $3
Being frugal: $0 
Analysis: “Is it really wise to start a defense that just allowed the Dolphins to score 70 points, according to those idiots at FantasyPros?” Yes, indeed.
Listen to us. Undoubtedly, the Denver defense faces challenges, but it also has exciting games against the Bears and Jets in the upcoming two weeks. With quarterback Justin Fields having now taken 13 sacks and thrown four interceptions, the Bears offense is a disorganized mess.
Since Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury, the Jets have scored ten points in each of Wilson’s first two starts as quarterback. Over the past two weeks, Wilson has thrown three interceptions and taken up six sacks.
It will feel weird to spend FAAB money on the Broncos, but the Denver defense is a smart bet over the next two weeks due to extremely favorable matchups.
45% of the Seattle Seahawks’ roster
Next Opponents: BYE, @CIN, and @NYG
- Actual worth: $1
In need of: $2
Being frugal: $0
Evaluation: Although the Giants and their erratic offense present an intriguing battle for the Seahawks in Week 4, Seattle’s pass defense has been frighteningly flammable thus far this season.
Daniel Jones returned to his turnover-prone ways in his first three games after finishing the season with the lowest interception rate of any qualified quarterback.
In addition, he has been sacked 14 times because the Giants’ insecure offensive line has not provided him with enough coverage.
The Seahawks go on bye in Week 5, so you’ll only be able to keep the defense for a week, but this is a solid streaming choice for Week 4.
37% of the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster
Next Rivals: SEA, @TEN, and @ARI
- Actual worth: $1
In dire need of $1
Being frugal: $0
Evaluation: Cincinnati’s defense hasn’t been spectacular either, and the Bengals’ offense has significant issues.
However, the Bengals’ next two weeks’ opponents are favorable.
They will travel to the Titans in Week 4, who have one of the weakest offensive lines in the entire NFL.
In addition to taking 13 sacks and tossing three interceptions, Titans running back Derrick Henry hasn’t been his usual dominant self, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry. QB Ryan Tannehill has also looked awful. Then, in another intriguing game, the Bengals take on the resilient but lacking-quality Cardinals in Week 5.
4% of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster
Next to Oppose: DET, BYE, and @NO
- Actual worth: $1
In dire need of $1
Being frugal: $0
Evaluation: The Buccaneers are a one-week experiment that will end with a bye in Week 5, but it’s not a horrible one. The Bucs boast a strong defense that is loaded with veterans.
In Week 4, they will probably face backup quarterback Jameis Winston of the Saints, since starting quarterback Derek Carr is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Winston has had an absurdly high percentage of interceptions (4.2% of throws) since 2019 and takes a decent number of sacks.
4% of the Atlanta Falcons’ roster
Next Rivals: WSH, HOU, and @JAX
- Actual worth: $1
In dire need of $1
Being frugal: $0
Analysis: The Falcons’ defense has performed admirably so far, and they face a strong Jacksonville offense in Week 4 of the season. That is, indeed, a mildly endorsing statement. For streaming defenses, this is not a good week, and the Falcons are just an any-port-in-a-storm kind of option.
4% of the Atlanta Falcons’ roster
Next Rivals: WSH, HOU, and @JAX
- Actual worth: $1
In dire need of $1
Being frugal: $0
Analysis: The Falcons’ defense has performed admirably so far, and they face a strong Jacksonville offense in Week 4 of the season. That is, indeed, a mildly endorsing statement. For streaming defenses, this is not a good week, and the Falcons are just an any-port-in-a-storm kind of option.
Candidate Stash:
Browns of Cleveland
This early in the season, we don’t often suggest a defense as a stash, but the Browns are the epitome of a defensive stash possibility. After three games, the Cleveland defense has given up just one offensive touchdown, demonstrating excellent play.
The Browns feature a strong pass rush, spearheaded by the unstoppable Myles Garrett, and a much improved run defense. Their secondary includes some great cover players. However, Cleveland’s game against Baltimore this week isn’t all that interesting.
Following their Week 5 bye, the Browns will face the 49ers in a tough Week 6 game. Seize the Browns now to gain from them later if you can afford to carry a second defense for a few weeks and they are available.
FAQs about Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets:
- What is a waiver wire in fantasy football?
- The waiver wire is a system in fantasy football that allows managers to add, drop, or trade players who are not currently on a team’s roster. It’s a way to balance the competition and give teams a chance to improve their rosters throughout the season.
- How do I use the waiver wire to improve my fantasy football team?
- You can use the waiver wire to pick up free agents who are not currently on any team’s roster. Most leagues have a waiver order or use a bidding system (FAAB) to determine who gets priority for adding players. Pay attention to player recommendations and matchups to make informed decisions.
- What are some top waiver wire targets for the 2023 fantasy football season?
- Based on the provided information, here are some top waiver wire targets:
- Denver Broncos’ defense for favorable matchups against the Bears and Jets.
- Seattle Seahawks’ defense for a Week 4 streaming choice against the Giants.
- Cincinnati Bengals’ defense for games against the Titans and Cardinals.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense for a one-week experiment against the Saints.
- Atlanta Falcons’ defense for Week 4, although it’s not an ideal streaming week.
- Based on the provided information, here are some top waiver wire targets:
- Why should I consider these defenses on the waiver wire?
- These defenses are recommended based on their upcoming matchups and the weaknesses of their opponents. It’s important to pay attention to the performance of your defense and consider streaming options based on the weekly matchups.
- Are there any long-term defensive options to consider?
- The Browns’ defense is suggested as a potential stash option. While not an immediate choice due to their Week 6 matchup, they have shown strong performance and could be valuable later in the season.