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)
The Cardinals ranked 18th in fantasy defense a season ago, scoring 5.9 points per game. They had four double-digit scoring performances, but also had four negative scoring games. Cornerback Will Johnson was drafted, while defensive lineman Calais Campbell returned as a free agent.
In week 1, the Cardinals are playing the New Orleans Saints. The Saints scored just 19.9 points per game last season and now are dealing with the retirement of Derek Carr. Spencer Rattler is set to start at quarterback, which gives the Cardinals a chance to take advantage of the subpar quarterback play. The Cardinals are rostered in 44.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
San Francisco ranked 25th in fantasy defense last season at 4.9 points per game. They had three double-digit scoring games in 2024, but five negative-scoring games. The 49ers finished the season strong and should be healthier this season, which could greatly help them.
The opening week matchup for the 49ers is with the Seattle Seahawks. They scored 22.1 points per game last season, but Geno Smith is now with the Las Vegas Raiders. Sam Darnold comes into a new system and a few weird fits, including having two slot receivers in Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. With Robert Salah back at defensive coordinator, the 49ers could open up the season on a high note. They are rostered in just 16.4 percent of ESPN leagues.
Last season, Chicago scored 7.1 fantasy points per game, ranking them 11th in the league. They had five double-digit scoring games and four negative-scoring games. Grady Jarrett was brought in to help the interior of the defensive line and other additions were made so improvement is probable.
In week 1, the Bears play the Vikings on Monday Night Football. The Vikings had a solid offense that scored 25.4 points per game last season. There have been a few changes though, that could allow the Bears to play well. J.J. McCarthy is making his first NFL start after getting injured last season. Wide receiver Jordan Addison is suspended for the first game as well, making it harder for McCarthy. If the Bears can get some pressure, they can score some fantasy points. They are rostered in just 10.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
The Commanders had the 24th-ranked fantasy defense at 5.3 points per game. They had two double-digit scoring games and four negative scoring games in 2024. Having corner Marshon Lattimore for a full season and new addition Von Miller should help them take a jump in productivity.
This week, the Commanders play the Giants. Last season, the Giants scored just 16.1 points per game, which ranked second-worst in the league. Russell Wilson will be starting the opener at quarterback, which might limit what the offense can do. The Commanders shouldn’t be a first option for anyone to play, but they can be used in case of emergency. They are rostered in 12.7 percent of ESPN leagues.
The Dolphins scored 4.9 fantasy points per game in 2024, ranking 26th in the league. They had two appearances in which they scored double-digit points, but also had two where they scored negative points. A lot of changes to the defense were made this offseason, so a step back is possible.
In week 1, the Dolphins match up with the Indianapolis Colts. The focus will be on stopping the run. If they can do that, Daniel Jones will have to beat them with his arm. That could allow the Dolphins to have success and force turnovers. They are available in over 95 percent of ESPN leagues.
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