The D/ST spot in fantasy always seems like the most open-to-interpretation position. Some overvalue it and draft a defense way too early. Others overlook it completely, take what's left at the end of drafts, and mail it in throughout the season. We're of the mindset that elite D/STs can absolutely help you win some matchups, but research can also help us stream defenses on a week-to-week basis.
That's where we come in — we analyze all 32 D/STs and their Week 1 matchups, then rank them for your reference. Is your stud defense a fade this week because of a tough game? Are certain key injuries likely to hurt your D/ST's upside? Which sleeper D offers the most upside? We answer all those questions and more ahead of each week.
Let's get right into it and discuss our Week 1 fantasy defense rankings. We'll first look at the cream of the crop, then cover the streaming options and sleepers you might find on the waiver wire. Finally, we'll list our D/ST rankings from No. 1 to No. 32. Good luck, and go crush your Week 1 opponents!
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Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 1?
The top five fantasy defenses this week include many of the usual suspects. The NFC-champion Eagles (@ Patriots) open on the road but draw Mac Jones in a brand-new offensive system under Bill O'Brien in New England. The Ravens (vs. Texans) should be much healthier this season and draw a dream matchup at home — they're the only team currently favored by double-digit points in Week 1 (-10).
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
The 49ers (@ Steelers) also have a solid matchup and should keep second-year QB Kenny Pickett uncomfortable in the pocket all game. San Francisco scored the second-most D/ST points in the league between Weeks 9 and 17 last season thanks to its elite pass-rushers, run-stuffing linebackers, and ball-hawking defensive backs. The absence of Nick Bosa hurts, but the Niners are still loaded. The Cowboys (@ Giants) have a similarly strong defensive DNA and draw a Giants team that always turns the ball over in prime time and seemingly always gets smoked by Dallas.
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
Rounding out the top five, we have the Bills (@ Jets) — and you can @ me on my '𝕏' all you want (@SloanPiva). This Gang Green offense scored the fourth-fewest points last season (17.4) and suffered 2.5 sacks and 1.4 giveaways per game. Aaron Rodgers and PFF's 23rd-ranked offensive line won't solve all those issues in Week 1, especially not against a division rival that just finished fifth in D/ST points in 2022. Buffalo has endured more turnover than it's used to, including the loss of long-time DC Leslie Frazier, but we can't ignore the obvious upside here.
Who are the best fantasy defense waiver pickups and sleepers in Week 1?
The Commanders (vs. Cardinals) are currently owned in just 67 percent of Yahoo leagues, and they have a juicy tenderloin of a home matchup against the Kyler Murray-less Cardinals. Joshua Dobbs -- good luck with this defensive line. Washington finished one point shy of DST10 last season, thanks mostly to 43 sacks, 18 takeaways, seven forced fumbles, and three defensive TDs. As we wrote in our D/ST sleepers column, the 'manders have top-five upside, both this week and for the rest of the season.
The Broncos (vs. Raiders), now much healthier on both sides of the ball, also make for an interesting sleeper D. The first half of their schedule presents a ton of fantasy scoring opportunities, and it begins this week with Jimmy G behind the underwhelming o-line of the Raiders. Scoop them up if they're available (75-percent rostered), or consider buying low in a trade. The same can be said for the Saints (vs. Titans), who might be the biggest bounce-back D/ST thanks to improved health and a very favorable schedule.
You didn't come here to talk about Denver and New Orleans — you want real, honest-to-goodness sleepers. How about the Seahawks (vs. Rams) and Jaguars (@ Colts)? That juicy enough for ya? Los Angeles and Indy tied for the second-most sacks taken last season (3.5 per game), and both ranked in the bottom six in points per game. The Colts also suffered the most giveaways per game (2.0), they're starting a rookie QB in Anthony Richardson, and Jonathan Taylor (ankle, back) won't be in the backfield.
Jacksonville led the NFL in D/ST points from Weeks 13-18 last season, and it could very well be the breakout D of 2023. Make the Jags (22% owned) your priority add if you're hurting and Washington and Denver are both rostered. Seattle (14%) makes for a fine consolation prize.
We'll be updating these D/ST rankings throughout the remainder of the preseason, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.
Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at D/ST
Rank Player
1 Philadelphia Eagles @ Patriots
2 Baltimore Ravens vs. Texans
3 San Francisco 49ers @ Steelers
4 Dallas Cowboys @ Giants
5 Buffalo Bills @ Jets
6 Washington Commanders vs. Cardinals
7 Denver Broncos vs. Raiders
8 New York Jets vs. Bills
9 New Orleans Saints vs. Titans
10 New England Patriots vs. Eagles
11 Seattle Seahawks vs. Rams
12 Kansas City Chiefs vs. Lions
13 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. 49ers
14 Cincinnati Bengals @ Browns
15 Chicago Bears vs. Packers
16 Green Bay Packers @ Bears
17 Jacksonville Jaguars @ Colts
18 New York Giants vs. Cowboys
19 Minnesota Vikings vs. Buccaneers
20 Carolina Panthers @ Falcons
21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Vikings
22 Cleveland Browns vs. Bengals
23 Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dolphins
24 Miami Dolphins @ Chargers
25 Arizona Cardinals @ Commanders
26 Atlanta Falcons vs. Panthers
27 Los Angeles Rams @ Seahawks
28 Indianapolis Colts vs. Jaguars
29 Tennessee Titans @ Saints
30 Detroit Lions @ Chiefs
31 Las Vegas Raiders @ Broncos
32 Houston Texans @ Ravens
