Updated Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 1: Who to start, best sleepers and streamers at D/ST

We did it. The seven-month gap between the Super Bowl and the start of the next season has just about closed. The Baltimore Ravens meet the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium to kick off the 2024 NFL season. The rest of the Week 1 slate is full of marquee matchups, highlighted by Packers vs. Eagles in Brazil, Lions vs. Rams in Detroit, and 49ers vs. Jets in San Francisco.

The beginning of the NFL season is exciting on its own. But fantasy managers also get the pleasure of setting their lineups for the first time this season. After hours of draft preparation and piecing together the perfect roster in your draft, it's finally time for your team to take the field on the virtual gridiron.

The key components of your lineup may consist of running backs and wide receivers, but identifying a strong defense to roll out in your starting lineup is important as well. With these defensive rankings, you'll be able to make informed decisions to create the best lineup possible.

WEEK 1 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS:
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Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 1?

Heading into Week 1, we have little knowledge of which defenses are strong. We can inform our decisions based on last year's performances and the projected strength of each roster. Until more information is gathered in the first few weeks, the best option is to attack offenses that will likely be weak.

Using this approach, the Cincinnati Bengals slot in as our top defense this week. The Patriots will start Jacoby Brissett under center and feature a rather pedestrian group of skill players. Their offensive line was also quite porous throughout the preseason, which will likely lead to the Bengals' pass rush getting to Brissett early and often.

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Targeting the Panthers' offense was a very viable strategy last season. You know what they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Until the Panthers prove that they have a competent offense, starting their opposing defense will be a strong choice each week. If the Saints are on your roster or available on your waiver wire, they're a no-brainer this week.

The Broncos had another one of those targetable offenses last year. But you could argue that the situation is even better this week. Bo Nix may be the answer to the Bronco's quarterback woes, but this is still a rookie making his NFL debut. The receivers aren't anything to get excited about either. Don't be shocked to see this team struggle in Nix's first career game.

WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL ADVICE
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Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 1?

The Kansas City Chiefs featured one of the league's most frightening defenses in 2023. They did lose their top corner in L'Jarius Sneed, but they brought back several key pieces from last year's roster. They have a tough matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, but if they can pick up where they left off last year, the Kansas City defense is capable of having a strong week.

The Titans' defense may be able to take advantage of all the changes occurring in Chicago this year. Not only will Caleb Williams be taking his first NFL snaps, but this will also be the first game running Shane Waldron's offense. The Bears could very easily get off to a slow start and allow the Titans' defense to succeed in fantasy.

Anthony Richardson is as good as a rookie quarterback after playing in just 10 quarters last year. He also showed in the preseason that he is capable of making some ugly turnovers, throwing a pick-six against the Bengals. If the Houston defense can force a few turnovers, it can be a high-end fantasy option.

WEEK 1 DFS LINEUP STRATEGY
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Notable changes in Week 1 Defense rankings

None of the injury updates over the weekend had any bearings on our rankings, so the below updates were from the update on Sept. 5.

Perhaps the biggest change was moving the Jets back up to D/ST6. The initial fear was that they're going up against one of the best offenses in the entire league. But Brandon Aiyuk missed the entire preseason until finally ending a contract holdout less than a week ago. And Trent Williams, arguably the best left tackle in the NFL, only ended his holdout a couple days ago. There could be some rust and continuity issues here, which could be enough to allow the Jets' defense to set the tone. 

The Steelers also moved up to D/ST8. They're going up against a Falcons team which should boast a much-improved offense after the departure of Arthur Smith. Ironically enough, Smith is now the offensive coordinator for the Steelers. While Atlanta will likely put up many more points over the course of the entire season this year, Pittsburgh's defense is a stout one, plus we know how much Smith loves to run the ball, which could keep scoring down. 

WEEK 1 START 'EM AND SIT 'EM
Ravens at Chiefs | Sunday Main Slate

Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at D/ST

These rankings were updated on Sept. 8. Teams that have played already are in italics.