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 in week 2. (Note: All defense mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
1. Cincinnati Bengals
In week 1, Cincinnati scored four fantasy points. They allowed just 17 points and had a sack, but failed to force turnovers against the Steelers. Their offense didn’t help them much, as they turned the ball over five times.
For the second week, the Bengals match up with the Dallas Cowboys, who are completely depleted by injuries. They will be without Dak Prescott, left tackle Tyron Smith and a few of their wide receivers. Cincinnati should have a very big game. They are available in over 60 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s defense scored eight fantasy points against the Panthers in week 1. They gave up 24 points, but had one interception and four sacks. There is reason to believe that their defense can keep the momentum going in week 2.
The matchup for the Browns is the New York Jets. Joe Flacco will be starting at quarterback for the Jets, as Zach Wilson is injured. They managed to score just nine points against the Ravens in the opener. Cleveland can replicate what the Ravens did in week 1. The Browns are rostered in just 46.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams had a tough matchup in week 1 against the Bills. They were still able to walk away from the matchup with six fantasy points. Big plays were the name of the game for the Rams, as they had two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two sacks. The defense has some star power and might not face an offense as talented as the Bills the rest of the season.
Week 2 has the Rams playing the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta scored 26 points in week 1, but are clearly in a rebuild. Marcus Mariota is starting at quarterback, wide receiver Calvin Ridley is serving a one-year suspension and the offensive line could be better. The Rams can take advantage and are rostered in just 32.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Washington Commanders
Washington played Jacksonville in week 1 and came away with three fantasy points. Although they allowed 22 points, the defense registered an interception and two sacks. The Commanders have an easier schedule to help out defensively early on.
In week 2, Washington travels to Detroit to take on the Lions. Detroit did score 35 points in the opener, but struggled offensively last season. They scored just 19.1 points per game in 2021. Washington’s defense should be able to hold them to a lower number than the 35 they scored in week 1. The Commanders are rostered in just 37 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Denver Broncos
The Broncos scored seven fantasy points against the Seahawks in week 1. They had one fumble recovery and two sacks to generate some big plays. Denver has plenty of key pieces on their defense and can find success this season if the matchup is right.
In week 2, the Broncos play the Houston Texans. The Texans only scored 20 points in week 1 and even though the Broncos are on a short week, they should be able to limit Houston. They struggled to consistently move the ball and Denver can capitalize on that. Denver is rostered in 30 percent of ESPN leagues.
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