Fantasy Football is a difficult task to take on weekl and choosing the right players every single week can get a bit tricky. So far, I've taken a look at some solid fantasy football sleepers and some busts that could get fantasy players into trouble. In this article, I'll take a look at the best ten fantasy football defenses for week 1.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST
Any defense that gets to play the Browns this season immediately has a huge edge. The Browns gave up the third most points to fantasy defenses last season, and a large portion of that was due to turnovers and low scoring.
Last season in Cleveland, the Steelers scored a whopping 23 fantasy points. Don't second guess this one, and start the Steelers D/ST if you have the opportunity.
2. Denver Broncos D/ST
The Broncos defense was the second highest scoring unit in fantasy football last season, and I don't expect that to change this season. At home against the Chargers, I like this unit to have another solid performance against Philip Rivers, who will struggle against the tough Broncos pass rush.
3. Buffalo Bills D/ST
Similar to the Browns, any team playing the New York Jets will be an elite fantasy unit. The Jets might have the worst offense in the history of football, and it's hard to see them avoiding mistakes, especially against a Bills team that is going to get after the quarterback all game.
If you don't have the Steelers defense, the Bills defense is an excellent fantasy replacement.
4. Houston Texans D/ST
The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the five best teams to score fantasy points against in 2016. A large portion of that was due to Blake Bortles, who can't seem to stop throwing interceptions. Guess who the quarterback is?
Still Blake Bortles. The Jaguars propensity for turnovers makes the Texans defense one of the best options in week 1.
5. Indianapolis Colts D/ST
The Colts were one of the worst fantasy football defenses last season, so it's hard to recommend them for anything. However, their opponent in week 1 is the Rams, who gave up the most points to opposing fantasy defenses last year.
Jared Goff is still terrible, and that makes the Colts a startable fantasy defense in week 1.
6. Cincinnati Bengals D/ST
The Bengals weren't a great fantasy unit last season, but they were actually pretty good in their divisional battles against the Ravens, averaging 8 fantasy points a game. Ravens Bengals games tend to be low scoring, and that should help the Bengals post a decent fantasy outing in week 1.
7. New England Patriots D/ST
The Patriots, for all their offensive success, are actually a solid fantasy unit as well. They've finished in the Top 10 in fantasy scoring in each of the last two seasons, and are a good bet to have a good outing against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. As nine point favorites, Vegas definitely expects the Patriots to beat up on the Chiefs at home.
8. Atlanta Falcons D/ST
The Chicago Bears are either starting the season with Trubisky, a rookie, or Glennon, neither of which are very threatening. That makes the Falcons, even on the road, an intriguing fantasy play for week 1. Be careful though, as the Falcons did allow the sixth highest number of points last season.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST
The Texans gave up the fifth most fantasy points to opposing defenses last season, and a lot of that had to do with Brock Osweiler at starting quarterback. Now either rookie DeShaun Watson or Tom Savage will be the quarterback, and neither would be much of an upgrade. If you're looking for a fringe defense in week 1, the Jaguars are a solid choice for week 1.
10. Carolina Panthers D/ST.
The Panthers were an average fantasy football unit last season, but they land on this list thanks to their week 1 matchup against the 49ers, who allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing defenses last year. The Panthers secondary did get burned quite a lot last season, but the Panthers defense should be a safe play for fantasy owners in week 1.
