Roundtable: Defenses to Exploit

Understanding the weaknesses of opposing defenses is not only helpful for NFL offenses, but also for fantasy GMs.

Welcome to Week 4 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.

This week's roundtable features these four topics:

• Backup Running Backs of Value
• Fantasy Assets/Fool's Gold: QB Edition
• Offensive Line Liabilities 
• Defenses to Exploit (see below)

Let's roll.

Defenses to Exploit

Matt Waldman: After three weeks, I'm convinced the Rams' secondary is awful. I can think of at least three other units with a lowly status, but I'd rather know your takes.

Which defenses are worth knowing about to break ties among potential starters as we enter bye weeks? Name one unit that is a boon for fantasy GMs. 

Jeff Haseley: The Commanders have allowed 9 touchdown passes in 3 games while also giving up 392, 304, and 436 yards to opposing quarterbacks. Washington visits Arizona in Week 4 and has a home game against Cleveland in Week 5.

Kyler Murray and company should have a strong game this week. I'd even consider Deshaun Watson for Week 5 if the trend continues. 

Jeff Bell: The Commanders' pass defense is the obvious answer. They are both first in points allowed to quarterback and wide receiver. They blend everything you want in an opponent's defense: learning a new scheme, lacking blue-chip playmakers, and an offense capable of continuing to push opponents.  

The Cowboys run defense is another. They've allowed nearly 10 points per game more than the No. 2 fantasy defense against running backs. We have seen Derrick Henry and Alvin Kamara shred them. Given Cleveland's struggles in Week 3, Jerome Ford's 69 yards from scrimmage with 1 score looks like an anomaly for Dallas. 

My third unit is rooted in scheduling. The Chiefs have been hurt by tight ends through the first two weeks, but Kyle Pitts' lowly output ended what was looking like a trend.

If the first two weeks are more indicative of the Chiefs against opposing tight ends there are two possible explanations. First, Trent McDuffie is head and shoulders above the other players in the Chiefs' back seven to the point of funneling targets inside. Second, Isaiah Likely's Week 1 production influenced the Bengals to attempt a similar game plan with Mike Gesicki in Week 2.