Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals defense: Week 7 fantasy projections and picks
We are nearly halfway into the season so we have enough of a sample size to judge what each defense offers in their weekly matchups. So far, the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and the New York Jets have aced their defensive matchups, whereas we've seen the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints struggle to get any consistency on that front.
In Week 7, there are more than a few interesting defensive streamers you should consider. Let's focus on two defenses going up against anemic offenses on Sunday - the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Los Angeles Rams defense fantasy outlook for Week 7
On Sunday, the Rams will go up against a Las Vegas Raiders offense that just dealt All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets. While Adams hasn't suited up for the Silver and Black over the past few weeks because of a hamstring injury, this Raiders offense wasn't all that hot with him on the field either.
Head coach Antonio Pierce settled on Gardner Minshew as the starting quarterback prior to the start of the regular season but it didn't take that long for Aidan O'Connell to pry that job back from Minshew's hands.
Neither the passing game nor the rushing game has been anywhere near consistent enough for the Raiders to pose a problem for opposing defenses.
Now here's why the Rams are set up to terrorize the Raiders on Sunday. To start with, Jared Verse has looked pretty sharp pressuring the offensive line and the Raiders have a patchwork one at best. Secondly, this is a Rams home game where Matthew Stafford will likely have Cooper Kupp back. LA really can't afford to slip to 1-5 after a bye week against this Raiders outfit.
Cincinnati Bengals defense fantasy outlook for Week 7
Now this is a meat-and-potatoes matchup for a defensive streamer. The Cincinnati Bengals just lost Dax Hill for the season in what was another major blow for a defense that was already struggling.
It's fair to say that if the Bengals had spent a little more on their defense this year, the shootout against the Ravens would have gone the other way. But Cincinnati finds itself 2-4 heading into Sunday's matchup against arguably the league's worst team this year - the Cleveland Browns.
If the season ended today, the Browns would have more than a fair shot at the first overall pick, which speaks volumes about the state of this offense. Head coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear he will still roll with Deshaun Watson on Sunday despite another lackluster performance against the Eagles. But this time, Watson won't even have Amari Cooper to throw to since he was traded to the Buffalo Bills.
Running back Nick Chubb will make a comeback, which will be a nice shot in the arm in front of the home crowd, but don't expect him to show out. The Browns have struggled mightily to get first downs and Watson is currently carrying a league-high sack rate of 13.5 percent. The Bengals are an easy start this week.
Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer is in agreement with us, projecting a return of 7.1 points for the Bengals in Week 7.
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 7 Defense Rankings and Streamers feat. Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and more