Just like with any statistical-based science, fantasy football always works better with a sample size. The D/ST position in particular is always a little easier to rank after we see all 32 teams in action. Our Week 2 fantasy defense rankings highlight which defenses are the real deal, which are better off as matchup-based streamers, and which should be avoided at all costs.
Variables will always exist — injuries, coaching, weather, matchups — but for the most part, a defense either has a good floor and/or ceiling at the start of the season or it does not. Our job is to dive into the research, hypothesize based on what we have ascertained, and share our results so that you have a solid basis of knowledge with which to move forward.
Call it the "scientific method of starting a D/ST," if it helps you get into it a bit more. If you aren't taking it seriously, this position will burn you like bad habits in a chemistry lab. We're not saying to waste multiple days agonizing over decisions related to fantasy defense — we're saying to check in here early and often to let us do the difficult work for you. You can be Jesse Pinkman, and we'll be Walter White.
WEEK 2 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
Yeah, science! Let's get to our D/ST rankings from No. 1 to No. 32, revealing our educated guesses as to which units will help fantasy squads to victories and which will blow up like a science fair volcano. Good luck, and go crush your Week 2 opponents!
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Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 2?
The best of the best is pretty obvious. The 49ers (@ Rams) obliterated the Steelers on the road in Week 1, then the Cowboys (vs. Jets) did the same to the Giants in the Meadowlands. These squads will roll over Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers like my Roomba rolls over my feet at 7:00 in the morning.
WEEK 2 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
The Bills (vs. Raiders) go from a road game against the Jets to a home game against the Raiders, and emotions will be high with defensive back Damar Hamlin making his triumphant return to the field in Buffalo. We also love the Eagles (vs. Vikings) even though Justin Jefferson and company will be rolling into town. Kirk Cousins was sloppy last week, and he still has to deal with this potent pass-rush. The Philly faithful will be more than ready to play the part of the 12th man, too.
The Saints (@ Panthers) and Broncos (vs. Commanders) weren't amazing against the Titans and Raiders, respectively, in Week 1, but they also weren't bad. Their matchups this week are much better than their season openers. Not having to worry about Derrick Henry or Davante Adams is a good start. We have a good likelihood of seeing sacks and turnovers in both these contests with rookie Bryce Young leading Carolina and second-year QB Sam Howell leading Washington into Mile High.
The Ravens (@ Bengals) look quite good again, notching five sacks and a takeaway while holding C.J. Stroud and the Texans to single-digits. They don't have nearly as juicy of a Week 2 matchup, but then again, the Bengals looked about as bad last week as we've seen them in the Joe Burrow era. As for the Patriots (vs. Dolphins), this defense just continues to show up for Bill Belichick year in and year out. They nearly pulled off an upset of epic proportions against the NFC-champion Eagles, indicating that they're once again matchup-proof.
Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers, waiver pickups in Week 2?
No. 1 on your priority list if you have a shaky Week 2 defense should be the Browns (@ Steelers) after their dominant win over the Bengals that made Cincinnati fans want to adopt the brown-bag ritual. Now Myles Garrett and this Cleveland D draw a Pittsburgh squad that employs Kenny Pickett at QB, just lost Diontae Johnson (hamstring) to injury, and still refuses to throw the damn ball to Najee Harris. Sounds like a recipe for continued success.
Oddly enough, the Falcons (vs. Packers) messed around and got good over the offseason. They added solid safety Jessie Bates (one of the reasons Cincy's secondary is now so bad) and defensive tackle David Onyemata, and they still have a great cornerback in A.J. Terrell. This entire franchise seems like it's overflowing with confidence, and a home game against Jordan Love and the Packers should only add to the positivity.
In deep leagues, the Giants (@ Cardinals) are not a terrible option even though they just got annihilated by the Cowboys on national television. The G-men clearly gave up halfway through, and the rainy weather didn't help matters. Literally everything that could have gone wrong for New York went wrong, but we don't think Brian Daboll and his gang will hang their heads. They can exert some pent-up frustrations on a hapless Cards offense with Joshua Dobbs under center. Sounds like a formula for D/ST success to us.
We also think the Packers (@ Falcons) can continue playing well, and the Colts (@ Texans) have some appeal in a much friendlier matchup than in Week 1. Don't sleep on Houston (vs. Colts) in the other side of that matchup, and watch out for Tampa (vs. Bears) in a favorable home spot. Both of those defenses forced multiple turnovers last week.
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 2: Who to start, sit at D/ST
Rank Player
1 San Francisco 49ers @ Rams
2 Dallas Cowboys vs. Jets
3 Buffalo Bills vs. Raiders
4 Philadelphia Eagles vs. Vikings
5 New Orleans Saints @ Panthers
6 Denver Broncos vs. Commanders
7 Baltimore Ravens @ Bengals
8 New England Patriots vs. Dolphins
9 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Browns
10 Cleveland Browns @ Steelers
11 New York Jets @ Cowboys
12 Washington Commanders @ Broncos
13 Cincinnati Bengals vs. Ravens
14 Atlanta Falcons vs. Packers
15 Indianapolis Colts @ Texans
16 Green Bay Packers @ Falcons
17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Bears
18 Chicago Bears @ Buccaneers
19 Miami Dolphins @ Patriots
20 New York Giants @ Cardinals
21 Carolina Panthers vs. Saints
22 Detroit Lions vs. Seahawks
23 Los Angeles Chargers @ Titans
24 Arizona Cardinals @ Commanders
25 Houston Texans vs. Colts
26 Kansas City Chiefs @ Jaguars
27 Seattle Seahawks @ Lions
28 Tennessee Titans vs. Chargers
29 Los Angeles Rams vs. 49ers
30 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chiefs
31 Minnesota Vikings @ Eagles
32 Las Vegas Raiders @ Bills
