These are the defensive rankings – the best defenses to stream in Week 1 of the NFL season for fantasy football!
Note: All defenses are available in 60% or more of Yahoo Leagues.
First things first—if you drafted a defense like the New York Jets, Ravens, 49ers, or Cowboys, this article is not for you. Even in tougher matchups, these defenses are hard to bench. Set-it-and-forget-it defenses are fantastic to have in fantasy football, and every year, a few emerge. If you drafted one, congrats—it’s one less lineup decision for you to make.
But for most fantasy teams, streaming defenses is the most viable strategy. Playing the matchups, attacking weak offenses, and identifying potential mismatches can provide you an edge over your opponents. With fantasy football becoming more competitive every year, the advantage of a strong defensive performance can be the difference between winning and losing.
Last season, this article highlighted several defenses that thrived last year and helped people win in the fantasy playoffs. I will attempt to do the same this season in Week 1.
As a bonus, I will provide a few defenses for you to stash for Week 2.
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Week 1 Streaming Options
Cincinnati (53%) vs. New England Patriots
The Bengals are one of the easiest streamers on the board. If they are available in your league, scoop them up. The Patriots have one of the worst offensive lines in the league, some of the least intimidating offensive personnel, and a brand-new QB behind center. The Bengals defense is underrated and features DE Trey Hendrickson—a Weapon of Mass Destruction who finished the 2023 season with 17.5 sacks. Don’t overthink this one. New England has an implied team total of only 16 points—about as bad as it gets for an opener.
Chicago Bears (57%) vs. Tennessee Titans
The Chicago defense was red hot to end the 2023 season, with multiple big defensive performances. A midseason acquisition of Montez Sweat turbo-charged the entire unit. They led the NFL in interceptions and were No. 5 in forced turnovers.
Tennessee’s offense will be improved, but they can still concede a big defensive performance. The Chicago home crowd will always be a factor.
Seattle (23%) vs. Denver
Seattle is in a great spot against a Denver Broncos offense breaking in a brand-new rookie QB as well as a new OC. Bo Nix could surprise this season, but a road game in Seattle is not the environment to get off to a nice start. Denver has one of the lowest team totals on the board with 18.25 points. As an added bonus, Seattle gets New England in Week 2.
New Orleans (48%) vs. Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young was terrible in 2023 and is a QB we could continually stream against. While there are signs of life, and Dave Canales should have this offense improved, Young faces a buzz saw on the road in New Orleans. Carolina has an implied team total of only 18.5 points. The Saints finished No. 4 among all defenses in forced turnovers with 29 last season. This matchup has the added bonus of being a divisional matchup.
Atlanta (9%) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Arthur Smith revenge game narrative is in full effect. Smith returns to Atlanta as the new OC in Pittsburgh, and there will be some extra motivation on both sides for this one. There are changes on both sides in this game. Pittsburgh has improved on the offensive line, and Russell Wilson will bring experience to the team behind center, but they only have an implied total of 19.5 points.
The Falcons begin the Raheem Morris era with a new DC in Jimmy Lake and a 3-4 defensive scheme. They have several new players on the defensive side of the ball but return DT Grady Jarrett and S Jeremy Bates—two of the best at their respective positions.
Minnesota (51%) at New York Giants
The New York Giants conceded the most sacks in football last season with 85, the second-most allowed all time. The Giants offensive line will look different and has to be improved (they have to, right?), but this is still a new unit that needs time to gel. Minnesota is not the ideal opponent to open the season against. The Vikings defense has improved rapidly under DC Brian Flores, and they could take an even bigger leap forward in 2024.
New York Giants (3%) vs. Minnesota Vikings
If you are looking for an under-the-radar defense, consider Minnesota’s opponent—Sam Darnold debuts as the Vikings starter.
While there is some optimism that he will have a career year, this is still Sam Darnold. Streaming against questionable QBs on the road is always a lifeline for defensive streamers.
Week 2 Options to Stash
- Seattle (23%) at New England
- LA Chargers (5%) at Carolina
For more articles from Theo Gremminger, click here – Waiver Wire Week 1 – Players to Pick Up Before NFL Kickoff (playerprofiler.com)
