September 12, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense didn't offer much fantasy value during the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons last week. The Bucs secondary was carved up by Michael Penix Jr. who threw for nearly 300 yards. Despite that, the Bucs only gave up 20 points, but didn't do much outside of that. They recorded one sack in the game and failed to get any turnovers. Now, they head into a matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. The good news is, the Texans only scored nine points in the season opener last week. It doesn't seem that the Texans offense is as high-powered as years before. They should be able to keep this offense in check, but the Bucs defense won't offer much value unless they can create turnovers. There are certainly better streaming options available for Week 2.--Andy Webb
Source: ESPN

September 12, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams unit is a low-end starting option with the possibility for more against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. The Vikings lost a key part of their run defense when linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve. They will be without edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) and nickel back Jeff Okudah (concussion), and they have yet to play safety Harrison Smith (illness). Further, Falcons receivers Darnell Mooney (shoulder) and Drake London (shoulder) are off the injury report and slated to play. However, Minnesota's new-look defensive line was dominant in Week 1 -- Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen alone combined for 13 pressures and two sacks -- and Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has never faced Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. With the home crowd, there's reason to believe Minnesota can cause some disruption.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

September 12, 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders defense surprised skeptics in Week 1, tying for sixth in fantasy scoring with 10 points against the Patriots. However, Week 2 presents a significantly tougher challenge against Justin Herbert's Chargers, who showcased the NFL's fifth-ranked passing attack last week. While Las Vegas effectively stifled New England's ground game (allowing just 60 rushing yards), the Chargers' aerial assault poses a different threat entirely. The Raiders' defensive success hinges on Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce generating consistent pressure on Herbert, potentially forcing the turnovers that fantasy managers crave. Despite their promising start, the Raiders defense remains off the streaming radar this week due to the unfavorable matchup, though their overall unit appears notably improved from last season's disappointing campaign. Consider them a high-risk option with limited upside.--Shaun Albin
Source: Raiders.com

September 12, 2025

After an ugly season-opening performance in a 41-40 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, the Buffalo Bills' defense will try to rebound in Week 2 against the New York Jets. While the Jets don't have a one-two punch that's as potent as Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they boast a formidable rushing attack that could cause problems for the Bills. After Jackson and Henry combined for an absurd 239 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, Jets dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields and running back Breece Hall may be licking their chops. Those two accounted for 155 yards and a pair of scores on 31 attempts in a 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Their chances of having another productive day have increased with the news that the Bills will go without injured defensive tackle Ed Oliver (ankle). He was by far their best defensive player last Sunday. There's also the matter of trying to slow down a premier wide receiver in Garrett Wilson, who caught seven of nine targets for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. The Bills couldn't stop Zay Flowers a week ago (seven catches, 143 yards, TD), and they're dealing with questions at cornerback with Tre'Davious White (groin) and Taron Johnson (quadriceps) banged up. Buffalo's D/ST finished 30th in fantasy points in Week 1, and though it should fare better against a lesser opponent than Baltimore, it's not a trustworthy unit heading into Sunday.--Connor Byrne
Source: NFL.com

September 12, 2025

Outside of the second quarter, the Carolina Panthers' defense didn't play terribly in their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They surrendered just nine points in the first, third, and fourth quarters, while giving up 17 in the second. Some of the damage can be attributed to the three turnovers by the Panthers' offense. The defense also had some high points. They recorded one interception and played well on third downs, limiting the Jaguars to just five first-down conversions on 12 attempts. However, they struggled against the run, giving up 200 rushing yards, and failed to generate any pressure on Trevor Lawrence, recording zero sacks. Stopping the Arizona Cardinals' offense in Week 2 will be tough. The Cardinals could only muster up 278 total yards against the Saints, but they were efficient in the red zone, putting up 20 points. To make things more difficult, the Panthers will be without their veteran defensive tackle, Tershawn Wharton, for 2-4 weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 1. Given their struggles in Week 1 and a key injury to their defensive front, the Panthers' defense is best left on the waiver wire and not a recommended streamer versus the Cardinals.--Jp Sticco
Source: ESPN

September 12, 2025

The Detroit Lions' defense allowed 27 points without recording a sack or forcing a turnover against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. They should have an easier matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 2, particularly in terms of getting pressure on the quarterback. Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in 2024, the most of any NFL QB. Detroit suffered an injury scare in Week 1 when cornerback Terrion Arnold (groin) was forced to leave early with a groin injury, but Arnold has practiced in full this week and is expected to play on Sunday. The Lions D/ST profiles as a low-end top-12 unit for fantasy in Week 2 against Chicago.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

September 12, 2025

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (groin) was limited in practice again on Friday, but head coach Aaron Glenn expects him to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. It's good news for the Jets' defense this weekend, but it doesn't mean we wouldn't fade their defense/special teams unit in fantasy against the high-octane Bills offense, especially after the Pittsburgh Steelers just put up over 30 points against the Jets in Week 1. Gardner could end up being listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, but it looks like he'll be able to suit up on Sunday. When fully healthy, Gardner is one of the NFL's best lockdown corners. UPDATE: Gardner was removed from the final injury report and will play on Sunday.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garofolo

September 12, 2025

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) will be inactive for the Week 2 divisional clash against the New York Giants on Sunday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Bland is dealing with a foot sprain and could also be forced to miss Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. In his absence this weekend, Schottenheimer said that the team will use safeties to help in Bland's nickel cornerback spot against the G-Men. It will leave Dallas' secondary more vulnerable against Russell Wilson and Company, with Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell likely to see more playing time in the slot. It could be great news for Giants wideout Wan'Dale Robinson, who was the Giants' clear No. 2 wideout in their Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota

September 11, 2025

Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (back) is officially active for Thursday night against the Washington Commanders to kick off Week 2 after he was listed as questionable on Wednesday's final injury report. Parsons was also questionable for Week 1 before making his Packers debut last Sunday at Lambeau Field in the convincing win over the Detroit Lions. The former Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher played 30 of the team's 67 defensive snaps against Detroit and had a sack in his first game with the team. Parsons was limited in all three practices this week and could continue to have his snaps curtailed on Thursday night, which makes him more boom/bust in IDP fantasy leagues, but he should be started in most formats if you have him. In two games against the Commanders last year with Dallas, he notched 4.5 sacks.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky

September 10, 2025

The Green Bay Packers' defense and special teams unit aim to keep their strong results going when they host the Washington Commanders in Week 2. With a limited Micah Parsons, the Packers' defense wreaked havoc on the Detroit Lions in Week 1 with four sacks of Jared Goff and an interception. Keeping track of Jayden Daniels is going to be a challenging task, but the Packers represent a strong check to Daniels' athleticism with their stout pass rush and linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper. While the Commanders can put up points, the Packers at home are at least a streaming candidate for fantasy managers in Week 2, with the hopes that games like Week 1 against the Lions were the rule and not the exception.--Kevin Tompkins
Source: RotoBaller

September 7, 2025

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (illness) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears. Smith had been listed as doubtful after logging a limited practice on Friday. He will not travel with the team. The 36-year-old will have to wait at least one more week before kicking off his 14th NFL season. He made 16 starts last season, totaling 87 tackles, three interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one sack. Theo Jackson and Jay Ward should earn more defensive snaps in Smith's absence.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Minnesota Vikings

September 7, 2025

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (foot) is officially active for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The 30-year-old is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign in which he totaled a career-high seven sacks, along with 42 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. His presence will help the Buccaneers' defensive front work to slow down Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson on Sunday.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Greg Auman

September 6, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense will look to take a step forward in 2025. This is a defensive unit that will be reliant on the success of their young defenders. Last season, the Bucs defense had a tough time defending the pass. They didn't make many additions to the secondary in the offseason, but injuries played a big factor last season. The Bucs will need to find a way to contain Bijan Robinson who figures to be the focal point of the Atlanta Falcons offense in Week 1. It's unclear how well the Falcons will be able to pass the ball with Michael Penix Jr. under center. There are certainly better streaming options for Week 1, but the Bucs should be a viable option, assuming they can contain Robinson in the backfield.--Andy Webb
Source: ESPN

September 6, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams is facing an above-average season-opening matchup against the new-look offense of the Chicago Bears in Week 1. As Detroit's offensive coordinator, new Bears coach Ben Johnson helped the Lions beat the Vikings five times in a row, scoring 30-plus points each time, but this matchup is a different beast in his first game in Chicago. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked an NFL-high 68 times and faced pressure on nearly 24% of all dropbacks as a rookie, while Minnesota blitzed more than any team in the league and tied for second in quarterback pressures. A road game against a new offensive scheme brings some risk, but there is good reason to think a Minnesota defensive line that added Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen can cause some havoc.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

September 6, 2025

The Los Angeles Rams defense/special teams is an intriguing fantasy option for Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Although Houston has a solid offense, they're a bit shorthanded right now with Joe Mixon (foot) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) sidelined. The unit also regressed slightly last year as C.J. Stroud's interception total increased to 12 in his second pro season. In addition to some concerns about the Texans' offense, fantasy managers should be optimistic about the Rams' defense's upward trajectory. Los Angeles forced 20 turnovers last season, and that number is due to increase with players like Jared Verse and Darious Williams continuing to take steps forward. RotoBaller's experts currently have the Rams ranked ninth in the latest D/ST fantasy rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller