Week 1 didn't have any major D/ST outbursts, but we had a few of the better plays in our candidate list, and the lack of big D/ST games reinforced that rent-a-defense is a preferable strategy to taking one of the earlier drafted D/ST. Let's take a look at how it went in Week 1 and who to add to plug into your Week 2 lineup.
Week 1 Results
LA Rams (vs Houston) - 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 9 pts allowed
This was a top 10 D/ST performance this week. The Texans' line actually held up better than expected, but they are still near the bottom of the league and will keep the Houston on our rent-a-defense matchup target list.
A Look Ahead: @TEN @PHI IND - Cam Ward was overwhelmed by the Broncos, so this one is worth considering.
Arizona (at New Orleans) - 1 sack
Spencer Rattler was good enough to keep the Cardinals from running away with this game, and he actually had a chance to tie or win in the end, but that was probably more about the middling nature of the Cardinals' defense than a sign that Rattler was better than we thought.
A Look Ahead: CAR @SF SEA - Bryce Young is also looking like he wasn't better than we thought, so we'll keep the Cardinals in Week 2 consideration despite the dud.
Seattle (vs San Francisco) - 1 sack, 2 INT
The Seahawks defense pitched a winning game until a heroic late drive by Brock Purdy, capped by a risky throw into traffic snagged by backup tight Jake Tonges, put the 49ers ahead to stay. Little came easy for the 49ers' offense despite the win.
A Look Ahead: @PIT NO @ARI - Aaron Rodgers was good in Week 1, so this isn't as attractive, but then again, we know we want to start the Seahawks in Week 3 so…
NY Jets (vs Pittsburgh) - 4 sacks
The Jets also dropped an interception, but overall, the Steelers' line held up better than expected, and Aaron Rodgers executed better than expected. The Jets' defense has to go back to the drawing board after this one.
A Look Ahead: BUF @TB @MIA - We'll come back to them in Week 4.
Chicago (vs Minnesota) - 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 DEF TD
This was the best rent-a-defense play of the week, but it could have been even better if the Bears had just finished strong. J.J. McCarthy threw a bad pick-six, and the Bears' defense controlled the game for three quarters.
A Look Ahead: @DET DAL @LV - The Bears D/ST will go into hibernation for our purposes.
Indianapolis (vs Miami) - 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 INT
This was another rent-a-defense hit. The Miami offense was abysmal, and only garbage time kept this from being a shutout.
A Look Ahead: DEN @TEN @LAR - Bo Nix struggled in Week 1, so the Colts aren't a bad play knowing you'll get to have them against Cam Ward in Week 3.
Washington (vs NY Giants) - 2 sacks, 6 pts against
The Commanders' defense harassed Russell Wilson and kept the Giants' running game stuck in neutral. It still didn't result in a big fantasy D/ST outburst.
A Look Ahead: @GB LV @ATL - The Commanders D/ST is relieved from duty.
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda
Tennessee (at Denver) - 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INT
Let's give the Titans defense some credit while slowing our roll on the projected Broncos offensive improvement this season.
Week 2 Candidates
**Baltimore and Denver are assumed to be rostered**
New England (at Miami)
The Patriots got to Geno Smith four times and might have had a stronger day against a less savvy quarterback… like Tua Tagovailoa, who looked confused and ineffective against the Colts. The Patriots could sweep the leg in this one.
A Look Ahead: PIT CAR @BUF - We may re-enlist the Patriots in Week 4