Sep 30, 2026, 10:24 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered 27 points while recording one sack and one fumble recovery in a Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While its subpar performance didn't prevent the team from coming out on top, Pittsburgh's defense will hope for a stronger showing against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Although the Browns are 2-1, Cleveland's offense is averaging just 18 points per contest and ranks third-worst in total yards per game. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has only thrown one interception, but he has been sacked at least twice in each of his three starts to begin the campaign. The Steelers defense is mostly healthy, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) out once again and Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and Brandin Echols (concussion) both questionable after practicing in a limited capacity all week. Fantasy managers should fire up the Pittsburgh DST with confidence in what is projected to be a low-scoring affair.--Jorden Hill
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 30, 2026, 5:12 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns D/ST is hard to trust to put into a starting fantasy lineup for Thursday's Week 4 matchup at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Steelers will be without starting running back Rico Dowdle, they still have plenty of firepower in the backfield with Jaylen Warren. Warren is a threat on the ground with 216 rushing yards already this season and is a big threat to catch the ball out of the backfield from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Warren has 10 catches for 110 receiving yards so far this season. At wide receiver, Roman Wilson is starting to emerge and the Steelers still have DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. At tight end, Pat Freiermuth has a touchdown catch so far this season and is a threat over the middle. The Browns cornerback group will have its hands full with Rodgers and the passing game after Rodgers is coming off of a good game in a Week 3 win over the Bengals, with three passing touchdowns. The Browns D/ST has two interceptions on the season, but has not been able to create a ton of turnovers and sacks which is good for fantasy points. Expect more of the same from Cleveland against a very capable Pittsburgh offense.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN.com

Sep 27, 2026, 3:45 PM ET

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (knee) is questionable to return in Week 3 after sustaining an in-game injury to his knee, ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported via the X platform. Burns sustained an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams and was expected to miss time before appearing in the lineup in Week 3. He joins a growing list of injuries on New York's defense. Burns looked to be in a considerable amount of pain, so it might be a surprise to see him return to a game with rainy, wet weather in New York.--Chelena Goldman
Source: Jordan Raanan via X.com

Sep 27, 2026, 10:43 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are among several teams that "have begun making inquiries" on a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (undisclosed), according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Porter and the Steelers had previously engaged in extension talks, but those came to an end when Week 1 arrived and a new deal still wasn't in place. Pittsburgh intends to uphold its policy against having contract negotiations during the season, leaving Porter on the trade market as the regular season continues. Dallas and Detroit have two of the worst secondaries in football, so it's no surprise that they're interested in Porter, who tallied 52 tackles, one sack, and one interception across 14 games last year. With that being said, Porter has yet to play this season and is questionable for Week 3 with an undisclosed issue.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Adam Schefter

Sep 27, 2026, 8:39 AM ET

Los Angeles Rams superstar defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) faces a six-week timeline for his recovery after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Garrett made his Rams debut back in Week 1 against the 49ers, but he was clearly playing injured, and it didn't take long for the team to place him on injured reserve. Now, it looks like he'll miss more than the minimum four games, as surgery will sideline him through at least the end of October. Losing Garrett, who had 23 sacks and three forced fumbles last season, is a crushing loss for the Rams, but their defense is equipped to handle his extended absence and continue to play well in the meantime. The Rams D/ST ranks 12th in fantasy scoring this year and will be a must-start unit once Garrett does get back in action.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ian Rapoport

Sep 26, 2026, 7:12 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints defense/special teams unit isn't the best streaming option in fantasy for Week 3. They will face off against Ashton Jeanty and the Las Vegas Raiders, who might get Brock Bowers back. The Raiders may not sound like a worrisome opponent on paper, but they roster one of the league's most exciting young offensive weapon duos. Additionally, the Raiders are tied for the most passing touchdowns (six) and have scored 53 points through two games without Bowers. If Bowers plays, it will be the first time head coach Klint Kubiak has called plays with Bowers at his disposal and could be eager to get him the ball early. The Saints unit enters Week 3 as RotoBaller's D/ST17. In their first two games, the Saints D/ST has produced a three-point and an eight-point fantasy outing against some of the league's best offenses. If possible, the Saints D/ST should remain out of fantasy lineups in Week 3.--Wyatt McClintock
Source: NFL.com

Sep 26, 2026, 4:47 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles look to improve to 3-0 with a road matchup against the Chicago Bears. Through two games in 2026, Philadelphia's defense ranks 11th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (293.0), sixth in passing yards allowed per game (166.0), 24th in rushing yards allowed per game (127.0) and 12th in points per game allowed (21.0). The Eagles have recorded three sacks and a blocked extra point, but are yet to generate a takeaway. Meanwhile, the Chicago offense currently ranks third in the league in total yards per game (424.5), first in rushing yards per game (212.5), 15th in passing yards per game (212.0) and fourth in points per game (31.0). However, a large percentage of Chicago's offensive statistics are due to its performance in a 59-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Fast forward to Week 3 and the Bears will be without starting quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) and could very well not have backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (concussion - questionable) available either, which would leave veteran Case Keenum as the starting quarterback for Week 3. Running back Kyle Monangai (knee) also did not practice on Thursday due to a knee issue, but returned to full practice on Friday and does not have an injury designation. Monangai and starting running back D'Andrew Swift form a dynamic duo in Chicago's backfield, but the passing game is likely to struggle for the Bears. The Eagles enter the game healthy, but outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) is questionable. RotoBaller ranks Philadelphia as its No. 5 defense/special teams unit for Week 3 against the shorthanded Bears. Philly is a strong play this week and a good option in DFS as well.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 26, 2026, 1:39 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams D/ST is coming off a dominant performance against the New York Giants, but their ceiling and floor are dropping as they prepare for a much tougher Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Los Angeles had two sacks, allowed six points, and intercepted one pass on Monday against the Giants and Jameis Winston. Now, they'll face off against a Bo Nix-led Broncos offense that dropped 392 yards and 20 points on the Jaguars last week. A full-strength Rams defense might be better equipped to handle this matchup, but for now, they remain shorthanded without Myles Garrett (knee). This is still one of the NFL's better defenses on paper, but the unit sans Garrett might have trouble completely shutting down the Broncos. The Rams D/ST ranks #11 in RotoBaller's Week 3 fantasy rankings, which means managers should feel fine about inserting them into lineups, but there could be better options on the waiver wire.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 26, 2026, 1:07 PM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit isn't the best option in fantasy for Week 3. They face off against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, who are generally viewed as a top offense, but Maye has been turnover-prone of late. This week should tell a lot about both teams, as the Patriots offense will be looking to prove they are still a top offense, while the Jaguars defense will be looking to prove they are a top-tier defense that can match their own offense. The defense played well against the lowly Browns offense, but wasn't the greatest fantasy-wise against the Broncos. Both units feel relatively volatile entering Week 3, making the Jaguars D/ST settle right in the middle of potential options. The Jaguars D/ST has the potential to produce multiple turnovers, but also give up lots of points and yards, making them an okay-at-best option in Week 3.--Seth Quinn - RotoBaller
Source: D/ST Rankings RotoBaller

Sep 26, 2026, 10:07 AM ET

The New England Patriots D/ST has enjoyed a very strong start to the 2026 season, but a tougher test awaits them in the form of the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. On one hand, momentum is on their side after recording four sacks, two turnovers, and one touchdown last Sunday against the Steelers. On the other hand, the Jaguars have been quite disciplined so far this season, allowing just three sacks and one interception while averaging 23.5 points per game. The Patriots D/ST is too strong to drop to waivers, so managers rostering the unit should start New England with the understanding that their upside is likely capped this week. As it stands, the Patriots rank #12 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's Week 3 fantasy football rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 26, 2026, 10:04 AM ET

The New York Jets D/ST played well in the overtime loss to Green Bay, holding the Packers to 199 total yards while recording three sacks and one takeaway. That followed another strong defensive showing in Week 1, but Detroit presents a much different problem. Jared Goff has thrown six touchdown passes without an interception through two games, and the Lions have scored 31 points in both contests. New York will also be without safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, while edge rusher Joseph Ossai is questionable despite returning to a full practice Friday. RotoBaller ranks the Jets D/ST 32nd for Week 3. The defense has played very well through two weeks, but this is still a spot where fantasy managers should look elsewhere.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 26, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

The Buffalo Bills D/ST gets a Los Angeles offense that has scored only 14 points in each of its first two games. Justin Herbert has thrown three interceptions and been sacked six times, with three sacks coming in each loss. Buffalo has created pressure of its own, led by Greg Rousseau, who has four sacks and three forced fumbles through two games. There are a couple of personnel issues to monitor. Ed Oliver is questionable with a hip injury after returning to a full practice Friday, while T.J. Sanders is out after undergoing an appendectomy. The matchup still gives Buffalo plenty of paths to fantasy production if the pass rush can keep Herbert uncomfortable. RotoBaller ranks the Bills D/ST 10th for Week 3. They are a viable starting option against a Chargers offense that has struggled with turnovers and protection.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 26, 2026, 8:42 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns D/ST has a tough matchup with a very talented and emerging Carolina Panthers offense in Week 3. The Browns do return home after a Week 2 win, but the D/ST should not be counted on as a fantasy relevant play this week. Led by quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers feature a duo of pass-catchers in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker who are very talented and could cause matchup problems for the Browns secondary. At running back Chuba Hubbard is having a nice season and is dangerous on the ground. The Browns leading tackler is linebacker Carson Schwesinger with 20 in two games. The Browns also have just one turnover, an interception by Myles Harden, so far this season, so the potential for big fantasy points is not really there. Look for Young and the Panthers to be able to move the ball and put up points against the Cleveland D/ST.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN.com

Sep 26, 2026, 8:21 AM ET

The Baltimore Ravens' defense and special teams (DST) look to put the 17-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints behind them as they head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has taken two sacks so far this season, which is the fifth-best for all qualified passers. In addition, Dak has been rather safe with the football, with one interception over 65 passing attempts. Together, these data points limit the Ravens DST's upside and ability to generate points, as this Week 3 matchup projects as the highest over/unders on the slate. That means managers in leagues that penalize for points allowed over 35 or for yards given up over 350 are heavily reliant on the Cowboys' offense to give up sacks and turnovers. To their credit, the Ravens are averaging 2.5 sacks per game and have two turnovers before heading to Brazil. Moreover, their 43.8% quarterback pressure rate ranks fifth in the NFL, giving managers in deep leagues without better options a small glimmer of hope. However, Teddye Buchanan (knee) and Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) have yet to take the field this season, and both are without injury designations and are set to play on Sunday. Managers may also opt to hold the Ravens DST, which is still learning and growing under the new Jesse Minter system, because they take on the Titans, Falcons, and Browns in Weeks 4-6 after their Week 3 foray in Brazil against the Cowboys. Nonetheless, the Ravens DST is Rotoballer's 15th-ranked unit, making them a fringe starter in 14-person or larger leagues.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN