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With the first week of the 2023 NFL season officially in the books, it's time to focus on Week 2 and look at which fantasy football defenses (D/STs) you should be adding, streaming, and starting in your Week 2 fantasy football lineups.
It was a very solid start to the season regarding our Week 1 DST rankings, as my top-six ranked defenses for the first week all finished inside the top ten and scored double-digit fantasy points. In Week 1, there were 12 defenses that scored double-digit fantasy points. Compared to QBs scoring in fantasy -- 10 starters, including Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, failed to reach that double-digit mark in their first game.
At the top of this list was the Dallas Cowboys D/ST with a ridiculous 37 fantasy points. To put this into perspective, they outscored every fantasy player other than Tyreek Hill in Week 1, including QBs. This further proves that you should not be overlooking defenses, as this past week showcased how detrimental not having a top defense can be.
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How To Determine What Defenses To Start
When it comes to determining the top fantasy football defenses each week, you should look at which DST units have the most upside and can help you win your matchups. Defenses are often overlooked in fantasy, but as stated above, the top ones each week can outscore some of your opponent's key starters.
To maximize the upside of your defense, you need to target defenses that can cause several turnovers and get to the quarterback constantly that game. Turnovers, sacks, and defensive touchdowns are what create high ceilings for these fantasy defenses. To determine a somewhat safe start at defense, you should look at low point totals and teams that can hold their opponent to single digits.
Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 1 | Dallas Cowboys | vs. NYJ |
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers | @LAR |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | @PIT |
| 4 | New Orleans Saints | @CAR |
| 5 | New York Giants | @ARI |
Dallas Cowboys D/ST @NYJ (Yahoo % Rostered: 99%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DAL favored by 9.5, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 25-15, 15 points against
Dallas has finished as the first or second-best fantasy defense the last two seasons -- and this will be the case again in 2023 barring any injuries. As mentioned earlier, the Cowboys were the top-scoring fantasy defense in Week 1, putting up 37 total fantasy points. Not only that, but they were also the only team to complete a shutout in their 40-0 destruction of the Giants.
This defense checks all the boxes for fantasy football, as they led all teams in sacks during Week 1 with seven, had three takeaways, and two D/ST touchdowns in their Sunday night divisional showdown.
DARON BLAND PICK-6!
ANOTHER D/ST TD FOR THE @DallasCowboys!
📺: #DALvsNYG on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/DITLbvj034 pic.twitter.com/mOHKVHVIxU— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2023
With Aaron Rodgers now expected to be out for the season with an Achilles injury, Dallas will face the Zach Wilson-led New York Jets in Week 2. Despite the Jets pulling out an overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the New York offense managed just 117 passing yards with Wilson under center.
Gang Green's offensive line was pressured constantly by the Buffalo Bills, as they gave up eight QB hits and three sacks. Dallas has one of, if not the best, defensive lines in the entire league and will punish the turnover-prone Wilson and the Jets’ offensive line all game.
San Francisco 49ers D/ST @LAR (Yahoo % Rostered: 100%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: SF favored by 8, Total ~44, Implied score: 26-18, 18 points against
The San Francisco 49ers have a top-two defense. This unit went into Pittsburgh and absolutely dominated Kenny Pickett and company. The Niners racked up five sacks and intercepted the former first-round pick twice. Pickett averaged just over five yards per pass completion and finished the game with a 23.9 QBR. The 49ers scored 13 fantasy points in their first week, which tied for the fifth most among Week 1 defenses.
The Rams pulled a stunning Week 1 upset against the Seattle Seahawks, defeating them 30-13 on the road. However, this depleted Rams offense will not be able to thrive against what is arguably the best defense in the league.
The Seahawks put very little pressure on Matthew Stafford and ended with zero sacks in the game -- but this will not happen against one of the best defensive lines in all of football. With Cooper Kupp out again, they must depend on Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell to replicate what they did in Week 1. This is set up to be another game that is dominated by San Franciscos’ defense.
Cleveland Browns D/ST @PIT (Yahoo % Rostered: 12%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CLE favored by 2.5, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 21-18, 18 points against
Cleveland’s defense looked elite in their Week 1 matchup against the Bengals. They allowed just three points to Cincinnati and held Joe Burrow to a Week 1 low 2.6 pass yards per attempt. As I mentioned in our Week 1 article, having a dominant pass rusher like Za'Darius Smith play alongside Myles Garrett elevates this defense to degrees we couldn’t imagine.
There were only five players with four or more QB Hits in Week 1; two of those five included both Garrett and Smith. This duo will give opposing offenses trouble all season long and make this defense playable almost every week for fantasy.
#Browns defensive ends Myles Garrett and Za'Darius Smith each had 6 pressures generated on Sunday. Steelers LT Dan Moore allowed 9 total pressures--6 hurries, 2 QB hits, 1 sack--to the 49ers defense. If the Browns stay focused and relentless on Monday Night Football, Kenny… pic.twitter.com/88rGOHapAs
— The Dawgs - A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) September 12, 2023
This will be another division game as the Browns travel to Pittsburgh in Week 2. Granted, it was against the Niners, but Pittsburgh’s offense did not look promising in their first game. Despite their offseason changes, the offensive line still did not look good, and the team didn’t try to establish a run game whatsoever.
Steelers WR Diontae Johnson is expected to be out for this game, making it even more difficult for Kenny Pickett and this offense to get something going. I expect another dominant performance from Cleveland’s offense, with Garrett and Smith shredding the Steelers’ offensive line.
New Orleans Saints D/ST @CAR (Yahoo % Rostered: 78%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 3, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 22-19, 19 points against
The Saints have a good defense and the benefit of having one of the easiest schedules in the league. New Orleans absolutely locked up Ryan Tannehill and the Titans, as Tannehill went 16-for-34 for just 198 yards and three interceptions. The defense also held Derrick Henry to just 63 yards on the ground and no touchdowns. While Tennessee does have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, the Saints should still be credited for this performance.
First-overall pick Bryce Young had a rough debut, completing just over 52% of his passes and averaging just 3.8 yards per pass attempt. The rookie was also picked off and sacked twice during Week 1. While I believe Young can be a great talent in the league one day, it will take time for him and this offense to gel as they will continue to make constant mistakes. I would confidently fire up the Saints’ defense without hesitation for Week 2.
New York Giants D/ST @ARI (Yahoo % Rostered: 9%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NYG favored by 6, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 23-17, 17 points against
After a brutal 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, the Giants can regain their confidence against the Cardinals in Week 2. While Dallas scored 40 points, only 20 were actually on the Giants’ defense. New York did not force any turnovers and had zero sacks, but they did cause Dak Prescott to go 13-for-24 for just 143 pass yards and no touchdowns.
Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals' offensive line did not look good in Week 1, and I don’t expect Dobbs to be starting for Arizona much longer. This is an offense you should target when determining what defense to start weekly, and the Giants should be in a strong position to produce fantasy points for Week 2 streamers.
Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 6 | Denver Broncos | vs. WAS |
| 7 | Philadelphia Eagles | vs. MIN |
| 8 | Washinton Commanders | @DEN |
| 9 | New York Jets | @DAL |
| 10 | Buffalo Bills | vs. LV |
| 11 | Green Bay Packers | @ATL |
Denver Broncos D/ST vs. WAS (Yahoo % Rostered: 79%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DEN favored by 3.5, Total ~ 39.5, Implied score: 22-18, 18 points against
Despite losing to the Raiders in Week 1, Denver did their job defensively. Las Vegas’ offense consisted of constant low ADOT passes, hence why Jimmy Garoppolo completed about 77% of his throws. The Broncos held the league's 2022 rushing champ, Josh Jacobs, to just 2.5 yards per carry on 19 attempts. While they had no sacks and forced just one turnover, it was clear that this Denver defense is much improved from last season.
Sam Howell’s second career NFL start did not go great, as he turned the ball over twice and got sacked six times against a not-so-talented Arizona defense. With Washington’s offensive line playing at this level, I expect Denver to get much more pressure than they did in Week 1 and force multiple turnovers. I would plug in their defense confidently this week.
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs. MIN (Yahoo % Rostered: 99%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: PHI favored by 7, Total ~48.5, Implied score: 28-21, 21 points against
Update 9/13: Cornerback James Bradberry (concussion) and Saftey Reed Blankenship (ribs) have been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. These are both big losses for Philiedphia's defense, especially against one of the league's top passing offenses.
After allowing Mac Jones to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against them, the Eagles' defense will look to bounce back. Despite getting shredded in the passing game, Philadelphia still forced two turnovers, got two sacks, and took home a pick-six -- allowing just 3.5 yards per carry on 22 attempts.
The Eagles host Minnesota on Thursday night and will look to build on their Week 1 victory. The Vikings have one of the most lethal passing offenses in the entire league -- however, their inability to run the football and constant turnovers make them an intriguing target when starting a defense.
Kirk Cousins turned the ball over three times during the team’s 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Philly has the personnel to both pressure Cousins and contain the receiving core. If you have them, I would not hesitate to play their defense in Week 2.
Washington Commanders D/ST @DEN (Yahoo % Rostered: 78%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DEN favored by 3.5, Total ~ 39.5, Implied score: 22-18, 22 points against
While Washington’s defense didn’t put up top-3 defense numbers in Week 1 like many of us expected, they still scored double-digit fantasy points and allowed no touchdowns. The unit had three sacks and turned Joshua Dobbs over twice, allowing just 4.4 passing yards per attempt.
The Commanders have a dominant defensive line that can overpower Denver’s offensive line. The Broncos' offense did look much improved in Week 1, as they committed zero turnovers and were sacked twice. The offense still lacked explosiveness and big-play ability, as Russell Wilson had just 177 passing yards on 27 completions.
Washington continues to prove that they have a consistent defense, and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
New York Jets D/ST @DAL (Yahoo % Rostered: 90%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DAL favored by 9.5, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 25-15, 25 points against
Despite losing Aaron Rodgers, the Jets still pulled out an impressive Week 1 victory -- primarily credited to their elite defense. Proving to have one of the best defensive units in all of football, the Jets sacked Josh Allen five times and made him commit four turnovers. There was relatively no offense going for the Buffalo outside of Stefon Diggs:
WOW Josh Allen is losing the game for the #Bills - nightmarish day, losing to Zach Wilson and the Jets defense, not Rodgers
4 turnovers now!!
A fight on the field after.pic.twitter.com/SS20ITK8slhttps://t.co/uEX9llppAS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 12, 2023
While keeping this high level of play on defense will be challenging when the offense is so inconsistent, I would still take the risk in fantasy lineups this week. The Jets defense has no real weaknesses, and has proved they can lock down a top offense. Unless you have a defense unit listed above I would not be benching the Jets’ defense, regardless of their tough matchup.
Buffalo Bills D/ST vs. LV (Yahoo % Rostered: 98%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: BUF favored by 9.5, Total ~47, Implied score: 28-19, 19 points against
Despite Rodgers getting hurt in the Jets’ first drive and not coming back in, Buffalo’s defense did not dominate as they probably should have. The Bills allowed 172 rush yards in Week 1, which was the fourth most allowed in the league. While a large chunk of this did come on Breece Hall’s 83-yard run, the run defense could still be a question.
What scares me most about this matchup is that Buffalo just let Hall run for 127 yards on 10 carries, and they match up against the reigning 2022 NFL rushing leader in Week 2. The Raiders’ offense looked conservative for the most part, which worked, considering they won the game.
I would still play this Bills defense if you can’t play one of the other DSTs ranked above. But the possibility of Josh Jacobs running all over this unit is something to be concerned about.
Green Bay Packers D/ST @ATL (Yahoo % Rostered: 32%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: GB favored by 1.5, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 21-19, 19 points against
The Packers had an excellent defensive performance against the Bears in Week 1. Green Bay caused two turnovers, sacked Justin Fields twice, and scored on a pick-six. The defense’s pressure looked too much for Chicago, while Jaire Alexander and the secondary held DJ Moore to just two catches.
Green Bay now travels to Atlanta to face the Falcons in Week 2, and this is not the easiest matchup. The Falcons threw the ball a league-low 18 times for just 91 yards -- and despite throwing the ball so little Atlanta’s offense still put up 24 points, which is scary for the Packers considering their run defense is not great.
Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 12 | Indianapolis Colts | @HOU |
| 13 | Houston Texans | vs. IND |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | vs. CHI |
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | vs. CLE |
| 16 | Atlanta Falcons | vs. GB |
Indianapolis Colts D/ST @HOU (Yahoo % Rostered: 2%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: IND favored by 1, Total ~40, Implied score: 21-20, 20 points against
While the Colts' defense was shredded by Trevor Lawrence and the Jags' offense, they sometimes also made it difficult for them in Week 1. Indianapolis forced two turnovers and held Jacksonville to just three yards a carry in Week 1, and they were leading the game heading into the fourth quarter.
Houston Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud is another QB who did not have an ideal debut -- he was sacked five times, turned the ball over once, and failed to score a touchdown. Houston could not get the run game going and decided to air the ball out 44 times. If the Colts can stop the run game once again and force Stroud to throw the football constantly, they are a solid fantasy DST streamer in Week 2.
Houston Texans D/ST vs. IND (Yahoo % Rostered: 1%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: IND favored by 1, Total ~40, Implied score: 21-20, 21 points against
What DeMeco Ryans has done to this defense is incredible. Houston forced two Lamar Jackson turnovers in Week 1 and sacked him four times. To put up a game like this against Baltimore with the personnel Houston has on defense is fantastic, to say the least.
Houston now plays the Colts in Week 2 and faces Anthony Richardson in his second career NFL start. Richardson had a rather impressive debut, totaling 263 yards and two touchdowns while turning the ball over just once. However the Colts had very little production from their running backs with Jonathan Taylor out.
Considering this and the fact that Richardson will make rookie mistakes as expected, Houston is a solid defensive play this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs. CHI (Yahoo % Rostered: 21%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: TB favored by 3, Total ~41.5, Implied score: 22-19, 19 points against
The Bears offense looked sloppy and the offensive line did not look that much improved from last season. That being said, Justin Fields did show passing improvements and ran the ball considerably well despite turning it over twice.
The Bucs' defense had a surprisingly solid game against one of the league's best passing attacks last week. Tampa Bay turned the Vikings over three times and sacked Kirk Cousins twice. Chicago has a much less talented offense as a whole, giving Todd Bowles and the Bucs another opportunity to be a viable fantasy defense in Week 2.
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs. CLE (Yahoo % Rostered: 66%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CLE favored by 2.5, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 21-19, 21 points against
Update 9/13: Defensive end Cameron Heyward (groin) will undergo surgery - he is likely heading to IR and could miss up to eight weeks. This is really bad news for Pittsburgh's pass-rushing unit, as losing Heyward for an extended amount of time is significant.
The Steelers have one of the most talented defenses in all of football, led by former-DPOY T.J. Watt. However, the team’s secondary and rush defense can be a weakness, as we saw in Week 1.
Nick Chubb constantly punishes defenses behind one of the best offensive lines in the league and will be a massive problem for Pittsburgh on Monday night. Deshaun Watson started the game off rusty but eventually got it going in the team’s division win against the Bengals. If you can’t get one of the defenses above, I would consider playing Pittsburgh strictly because of Watt and their pass rush.
Atlanta Falcons D/ST vs. GB (Yahoo % Rostered: 17%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: GB favored by 1.5, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 21-19, 21 points against
The acquisition of Jessie Bates showed up immediately for Atlanta, as the former Bengal had 10 total tackles and two interceptions in the team’s 24-10 win. It is evident that this Falcons defense is much improved from last season with the additions they made.
Facing Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers will undoubtedly be a more difficult matchup than Carolina in Week 2. Love had a big Week 1 performance as he threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns -- without his number-one receiver Christian Watson. However, Aaron Jones did suffer a hamstring injury and his status for this game is questionable.
Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 17 | Baltimore Ravens | @CIN |
| 18 | New England Patriots | vs. MIA |
| 19 | Miami Dolphins | @NE |
| 20 | Los Angeles Chargers | @TEN |
| 21 | Arizona Cardinals | vs. NYG |
| 22 | Carolina Panthers | vs. NO |
Baltimore Ravens D/ST @CIN (Yahoo % Rostered: 94%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CIN favored by 3.5, Total ~46.5, Implied score: 25-21, 25 points against
I do expect a comeback game from Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense. Baltimore piled up five sacks in Sunday’s win and will look to cause this type of pressure on Burrow.
The Ravens’ secondary is banged up, as Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams will likely be out for this game. Cincinnati’s passing attack has an opportunity to dominate Baltimore here, so the Ravens will need to get to Burrow constantly to try and slow the offense down.
New England Patriots D/ST vs. MIA (Yahoo % Rostered: 72%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: MIA favored by 2, Total ~46.5, Implied score: 24-22, 24 points against
The Patriots seem to have solid defensive games against top offenses, as they did against the Eagles in Week 1. However Mike McDaniel and this Dolphins offense is one that I do not want any part of when starting a defense.
Miami had 536 total yards on offense, which was over 100 yards more than any other team in Week 1. This has less to do with New England’s defense and more with Miami being dominant offensively.
Miami Dolphins D/ST @NE (Yahoo % Rostered: 63%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: MIA favored by 2, Total ~46.5, Implied score: 24-22, 22 points against
While Miami’s defense did have three sacks, they forced no turnovers and allowed 34 points to the Chargers. Granted, the Chargers’ offense is high-powered, but the Dolphins don’t look like an elite defense as long as Jalen Ramsey is out.
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST @TEN (Yahoo % Rostered: 9%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: LAC favored by 3, Total ~45, Implied score: 24-21, 21 points against
As mentioned, the Chargers got absolutely shredded by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and the Dolphins offense. However, they did force two turnovers on one of the league's top offenses. I would still not play them against the Titans because of their weak run defense -- and as we know Derrick Henry can torch susceptible defenses.
Arizona Cardinals D/ST vs. NYG (Yahoo % Rostered: 7%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NYG favored by 6, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 23-17, 23 points against
The Giants put up an embarrassing zero points in Week 1. It was against arguably the best defense in all of football, so a slight pass can be given, but it was still disturbing to see -- especially for fantasy managers with Giants players. Daniel Jones and the offense still did not perform well whatsoever and will look to bounce back here against the Cardinals in Week 2. Jonathan Gannon did appear to have a significant impact on the Cardinals’ defensive performance, but their personnel is too weak to be betting on in fantasy right now.
Carolina Panthers D/ST vs. NO (Yahoo % Rostered: 1%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 3, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 22-19, 22 points against
Update 9/13: Cornerback Jaycee Horn suffered a "serious" hamstring injury during the team's Week 1 win. This is a huge blow for Carolina's defense as Horn is their number one cornerback and takes the task of guarding the opposing team's WR1.
Carolina got cooked on the ground by one of the league’s best-rushing offenses. However they did pile up four sacks, despite the Falcons dropping back a significantly low amount of times. This week, the Saints will likely be much more aggressive with their passing game, as Panthers’ number one cornerback Jaycee Horn’s status is in question for Week 2. I would not play this Panthers defense in fantasy for Week 2, especially if Horn is inactive.
Tier 5 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 23 | Kansas City Chiefs | @JAX |
| 24 | Cincinnati Bengals | vs. BAL |
| 25 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs. KC |
| 26 | Detroit Lions | vs. SEA |
| 27 | Chicago Bears | @TB |
| 28 | Tennessee Titans | vs. LAC |
| 29 | Seattle Seahawks | @DET |
| 30 | Los Angeles Rams | vs. SF |
| 31 | Minnesota Vikings | @PHI |
| 32 | Las Vegas Raiders | @BUF |
These are the defenses I would not be playing in Week 2 under any circumstances. These units are either going up against a top offense in the league or aren’t a good defense altogether. They offer low ceilings and significantly low floors that can hurt your chances of winning your fantasy matchups. Avoid all these choices entirely and try to get a defense in the top 2-3 tiers for Week 2. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!
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