![Ziggy Ansah would make a great fit for the New York Jets. [image source: Keith Allison - Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/8/27/660x290/b_502x220x82/new-york-jets-ziggy-ansah-would-make-a-great-fit-keith-allison-flickr_2086923.jpg "Ziggy Ansah would make a great fit for the New York Jets. [image source: Keith Allison - Flickr]")
In the last few articles, we went over the best fantasy running backs, the best fantasy wide receivers, and the best fantasy quarterbacks for week 1. In this article, we'll go over an often ignored but important position in fantasy Football: defense. Last season, the Jaguars defense averaged nearly 13 fantasy points per game and was a true difference maker at the position. Let's take a look at the top 10 week 1 fantasy football defenses.
1. Baltimore Ravens D/ST
In week 1, there's no better play than the Ravens defense. The Buffalo Bills offensive line has looked atrocious in the preseason and we still don't know who's starting at quarterback.
The over/under total is the lowest of all NFL games this week, so expect the Ravens defense to have an excellent fantasy outing.
2. Detroit Lions D/ST
The New York Jets did not have a very good offense last season and there's no reason to expect that to change this year. Since Josh McCown is still the likely starter, the Lions defense will have plenty of opportunities for interceptions and sacks in week 1.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST
The Cleveland Browns allowed the highest number of fantasy points to opposing defenses last season. And while the Browns have drastically improved their offense, that doesn't mean the turnovers will go away. Start the Steelers defense with confidence in week 1.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST
The Giants were one of the worst offenses in the NFL last season, but a lot of that was caused by injuries to Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Now that Saquon and Odell are back, the Giants should be much better on offense. However, they are still quarterbacked by a mistake prone quarterback in Eli Manning who should provide the Jaguars defense with opportunities to score fantasy points.
5. New Orleans Saints D/ST
Two years ago, the Saints defense could have never appeared on this last. Last season, the Saints defense made a dramatic improvement. In week 1, they get to play at home against a Buccaneers team that will be quarterbacked by Ryan Fitzpatrick.
6. Green Bay Packers D/ST
The Chicago Bears have significantly improved their defense, but it's hard to see their offense really taking much of a step forward, even after adding Allen Robinson.
Expect a solid fantasy showing from the Packers defense in week 1.
7. Minnesota Vikings D/ST
One of the best defenses in the NFL gets to play at home in week 1 against the Jimmy Garoppolo led 49ers. It's hard to guess how exactly the 49ers offense will function, but the Vikings defense at home is almost always a good play, as they averaged 9.75 fantasy points at U.S. Bank in 2017.
8. LA Chargers D/ST
The Chargers have quietly become one of the NFL's best defenses in the past two seasons. They now boast an amazing pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram to go along with one of the best secondaries in the league. The Chiefs will be led by rookie Patrick Mahomes in week 1, so expect enough mistakes to make the Chargers worth the start.
9. Denver Broncos D/ST
Have you seen the Seahawks offensive line attempt to play football? Russell Wilson seems to be running for his life on every play and now he will face one of the best defensive lines in football. Wilson does usually manage to get around this problem, but it's hard to see him avoiding this fearsome pass rush every time.
10. New England Patriots D/ST
Start this unit with extreme caution. Last time the Texans and Patriots met, it was an absolute shootout. This time, the Patriots get to play at home against DeShaun Watson, who is still young and likely to make some mistakes. Just don't expect a huge day from the Patriots defense.
