Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kate Magdziuk shares her Week 2 defense rankings and highlights several streaming options that could be available in your leagues.
As it turns out, streaming your fantasy football defense was the way to go in Week 1. Sitting inside that top-five D/STs in Week 1 were the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, LA Chargers and New Orleans Saints. You’ll note that outside of the Dallas Cowboys — drafted as the DEF3 off the board per the FantasyPros ADP composite — each of these other units may have very well been on waivers early last week.
What other fantasy defenses are bound to surprise us here in the week to come? We’ll take a look at three defenses to consider streaming in Week 2. Then, we’ll dive into Week 2 rankings!
Week 2 defense streamers
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs. Panthers
I have the distinct feeling that the Carolina Panthers will be the offense to stream your fantasy defenses against this season. Though there were plenty of hopes that 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young would be able to find his footing under new HC Dave Canales with a re-tooled offensive line and a couple of new weapons on offense, Week 1 made it clear that he hasn’t done so just yet. Young completed just 43.3% of passes for 161 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs and took four sacks for 26 yards.
The LA Chargers head to Carolina with several strong playmakers, including Joey Bosa (who had two sacks in Week 1) and Khalil Mack (who had two) on the edge while Derwin James and Ja’Sir Taylor contribute in the secondary. Expect the magic to continue with this group of playmakers in what projects as one of the lowest-scoring matchups this week with an over/under of 38.5.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs. Patriots (43%)
Fantasy managers may suddenly be feeling wary about streaming their fantasy defenses against the New England Patriots after the Cincinnati Bengals — the consensus DEF1 among experts for Week 1 — finished as the DEF27 on the week. However, I’m feeling confident that the Seahawks can be a solid play in Week 2. That’s mostly because of the projected game script with a 37-point over/under, paired with the resurgence of this unit under new HC Mike McCarthy.
The Patriots will likely continue with their run-heavy game script, having posted the third-highest run rate in the league in Week 1, especially considering the assets the Seahawks are deploying in the secondary. Neither of their starting cornerbacks, Devon Witherspoon or Tariq Woolen, nor safety Julian love allowed a passer rating above 56.3 in coverage in Week 1. Witherspoon in particular is among one of the most dynamic threats at cornerback in the league, with a penchant for not just his skills in coverage but also his ability to rush the passer and defend the run. This all spells trouble for the Patriots heading into Week 2 — even if they are coming off a win.
Houston Texans D/ST vs. Bears (53%)
Yes, I know that 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is the second coming of Patrick Mahomes. Yes, I know he’s working with some very talented weapons in his offense. However, maybe — just maybe — we should extend him (and the rest of the Chicago Bears offense by extension) the same amount of grace we offer others making that big-time jump into the league.
In Week 1, despite all of that top-tier talent within the offense, the Bears managed just 148 yards of total offense in Week 1, averaging an abysmal 2.8 yards per play up against the Titans defense.
This week, the Bears will face the Houston Texans’ defensive front laden with talent that they’ve meticulously rebuilt over the past two seasons. While second-year edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. attempts to pressure Williams, CB Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre will look to lock down the secondary. Don’t be surprised if they force the young rookie to make some mistakes.
Fantasy football: Week 2 defense rankings
Kate Magdziuk is an editor and contributor for Yahoo Fantasy and co-host of the Locked On Dynasty Football podcast. She is also the managing editor for Behind The Steel Curtain, SB Nation’s exclusive Pittsburgh Steelers blog. Her previous bylines include Pro Football Focus, NBC Sports Rotoworld and 4for4 Football, among others.
