by Cole DeHaven | @CDeHavenFF Oct 2, 2020
As the 2020 "COVID" NFL season pushes forward, we have of course had our surprising share of defenses show out in a good way, and some of course show they are not quite as up to the task as their ADP might have indicated in draft season. Here is your list for the best D/ST plays of Week 4.
TIER 1: STRONG STARTS
#1: Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Football Team
- Coming off a disappointing home loss to the reigning super bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on the back of a blistering performance by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Ravens will look to rebound with a vengeance against a feeble Washington offense. DC quarterback Dwayne Haskins did well to preserve the ball the first two games of the season, but the wheels came off last week against Cleveland as Haskins threw three interceptions and fumbled twice. The Football team is currently ranked #30 in total offense, sitting at #27 in turnover differential at -3, and gives the ball away more than any team not named the Philadelphia Eagles through three weeks . Look for a hungry Lamar Jackson to establish an early lead with the Baltimore run game while the defense rushes the passer at will, forcing the turnover prone sophomore QB of the Football Team to throw into tight windows against the league's best secondary. The Ravens are the top start this week at D/ST.
#2: Los Angeles Rams Vs. New York Giants
- The Rams played a great second half against the Bills before giving up a last second passing touchdown from Josh Allen to backup Tight End Tyler Kroft. Aaron Donald continues to show why he is the best defensive player in the game week in and week out, recording 6 tackles, 2.0 sacks and a force fumble on Allen despite getting double and triple teamed by the Bills line for most of the game. Looking at the Rams opponent for this week, the Giants have allowed an average of 3.0 sacks a game thus far, while also turning the ball over at the third highest rate in the league. Quarterback Daniel Jones has struggled with a 1-2 TD to INT ratio, connecting on his only two TDs with receiver Darius Slayton. Saquon Barkley being placed on season ending IR with a torn ACL certainly makes life more difficult for the Giants, while simultaneously making game planning for New York much easier for opponents. Barkley's replacement backs showed little, as Devonta Freeman led the way rushing against an injured San Francisco front with a measly 5 carries for 10 yards (2.0 average). Expect the Rams to get consistent pressure on Daniel Jones while easily stuffing the run against what looks to be one of the leagues worst rushing attacks for 2020. Fire them up as a clear cut D/ST1.
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