One of the biggest strategies in fantasy football is streaming defenses. Each week owners will look at matchups and make waiver wire acquisitions to find their starting defense. Here are fantasy football defenses to stream week 1. (Note: All defenses mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues. Stats from before Monday Night Football)
Last season, Seattle tied for 23rd in fantasy defense. They averaged 6.4 points per game, with two double-digit performances. The Seahawks also five negative-scoring weeks.
In week 1, the Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos scored just 21 points per game last season. They have added rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but lost wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. With a rookie quarterback and a lot of new pieces, Seattle can make things difficult and have a good game. They are rostered in 41 percent of ESPN leagues.
In 2023, Chicago ranked as the 18th fantasy defense in the league. They averaged 7.1 points per game. The Bears had six double-digit scoring performances and one negative scoring game last season.
Their week 1 matchup is with the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee scored just 17.9 points per game last season. They lost Derrick Henry, but made some upgrades on the offensive line. Chicago should be able to have a decent game in week 1, especially if they can get more pressure than last season. The Bears are rostered in 36.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
Brian Flores really helped Minnesota’s defense last season. They ranked 16th for fantasy defenses at 7.3 points per game. They had five double-digit scoring games and three negative scoring games in 2023.
The Vikings play the Giants in week 1. While the Giants have a new wide receiver to use in Malik Nabers, they lost running back Saquon Barkley. Minnesota has acquired more personnel to fit what Flores wants to do, so their defense could make things tough for Daniel Jones. The Vikings are rostered in ‘just 19.4 points per game.
The Chargers ranked as the 22nd overall fantasy defense in 2023 at 6.6 points per game. They tallied four double-digit scoring games, but also had four negative-scoring games.
In week 1, the Chargers play a divisional game against Las Vegas. The Raiders lost Josh Jacobs in free agency and are starting Gardner Minshew at quarterback. With that, the Chargers can have a solid first week to the season. They are rostered in 11.7 percent of ESPN leagues.
Tampa Bay ranked as the 13th-best fantasy defense in 2023. They averaged 7.8 points per game. They racked up five double-digit scoring games, but also had one negative scoring game last year.
This week, the Bucs play the Washington Commanders. The Commanders will be breaking in a rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. He’ll have a good target in Terry McLaurin, but the Commanders don’t have too much more help at the skill positions, so the Bucs can build momentum in week 1. They are rostered in 4.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
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