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. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals got a big win over the 49ers in week 1 and a lot of that was thanks to their defense. They only registered four fantasy points, but allowed just 20 points to San Francisco. With drafting Isaiah Simmons this offseason, the defense has the potential to continue putting up good numbers in fantasy football.
This week the Cardinals play the Washington Football Team. They upset the Eagles in week 1 in an impressive performance, but will likely have a tougher time against the Cardinals. Arizona is owned in just one percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It was a rough game for the Buccaneers in week 1, as they lost to the Saints. Even though the defense allowed 28 points, they still managed to pick up two fantasy points. Against a good offense like the Saints, that is completely understandable. With an interception, fumble recovery and three sacks, the Bucs have shown they can generate stats.
The Bucs will play the Panthers in week 2. If they can stop Christian McCaffrey, which is easier said than done, they can have a big day on defense. The Panthers played well against the Raiders in week 1, but Las Vegas doesn’t have the defense the Bucs do. Tampa Bay’s defense is owned in just 42.5 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Cleveland Browns
The Browns had an awful game in week 1. It could’ve been expected, as they were playing the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson. They scored no points in week 1, but that shouldn’t happen in every week of the season.
This week, the Browns play the Bengals on Thursday Night Football. The Bengals scored one touchdown in week 1 and also have rookie quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm. It will be tough for a rookie to turn around and play a Thursday night and the Browns should be able to deal with Cincinnati’s offense much better than Baltimore’s. Cleveland’s defense is owned in just 3.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City had a great game in the opener and are now 1-0. The defense showed up against the Texans with one interception and four sacks. They registered five fantasy points and only allowed 20 points to an offense led by Deshaun Watson.
Now the Chiefs are gearing up for the Chargers, who struggled against Cincinnati and scored just 16 points. The Bengals had a bad defense last year, so the Chiefs have a chance to put up some real points this week. Kansas City is available in about 80 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams beat the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football with their defense limiting the Cowboys’ offense. They had three sacks in week 1 and allowed just 17 points. While this was just good enough for three fantasy points, the Rams showed signs of being a viable fantasy defense this season.
In week 2, the Rams play the Eagles. Philadelphia had a tough time with Washington’s defense, especially because their offensive line is so banged up. Aaron Donald will create a lot of pressure, which will help force turnovers. The Rams are available in about 87 percent of ESPN leagues.
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