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- Defenses
You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers — at least we hope so. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting CeeDee Lamb. But that’s too obvious, so you won’t see such simple analysis here. Instead, we’re exploring more debatable situations. And if you can’t find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings.
Start ‘Em
Will Levis is chaotic in the most fun way possible. He is always going to try to make a play — sometimes it works, and other times, it works for the other team. That is what happened last week, when the Bears got him for three sacks and two interceptions, including one pick-six. The Bears also blocked a punt for a touchdown, scoring 22 fantasy points and finishing as the highest scoring defense. The Jets’ defense is elite. You know that. They could feast in this one.
When T.J. Watt is healthy, the Steelers are an elite defense unit. They certainly looked the part in Week 1, recording two sacks and two interceptions against Atlanta. They will face Bo Nix, who will make his second start in the NFL. Last week, Nix took two sacks and threw two picks. The Steelers are another must-start defense this week.
If Jordan Love were healthy, I would stay away from Indianapolis’ defense. But since the inexperienced Malik Willis is in line to play QB for the Packers this week, this is a must-start unit. In Willis’ three previous starts (all with the Titans), his team averaged 16 points and 285 total yards, with five total turnovers and 10 sacks. Fire up the Colts with confidence.
The Chargers’ defense had a big Week 1, recording four sacks and three takeaways. Their opponent this week, Carolina, took four sacks and had three giveaways last week. Until we see the Panthers give us a reason not to stream defenses against them, we will continue to do so.
The Seahawks’ revamped defense produced nicely last week, compiling two sacks and three takeaways. Now they get to go up against the Patriots. I know New England surprised us against the Bengals in the opener, but I will still take the shot and stream against the Pats.
Yeah, I know the Commanders’ defense scored negative fantasy points in Week 1. But the Giants helped the Vikings’ defense to 22 fantasy points last week, tying the Bears for the most on the week. The Giants coughed up five sacks and two giveaways, allowing one defensive touchdown against Minnesota. I know you might be thinking the Commanders’ defense is nothing special, but you likely would have said the same about the Vikings. Stream defenses against the Giants until further notice.
Sit ‘Em
Don’t play defenses against Josh Allen. I know he has had a tendency to turn the ball over, but he also scores touchdowns at a prolific rate. Plus, he has had tremendous personal success against the Dolphins. Allen has thrown for over 300 yards in each of his last four games against Miami, and he’s averaged 2.8 passing TDs per game against them in his career. Just find a different defense this week.
The Bills’ defense struggled to stop Kyler Murray for much of the game in Week 1. They will have their hands full and then some with the Dolphins, who have given Buffalo fits with their speed in the past. In what could be a potential shootout, I would look to play a different defense.
The Bengals’ defense struggled to produce against the Patriots last week, recording just one sack and scoring two fantasy points. If Cincinnati couldn’t come through in that matchup, there is no way you can trust this group against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs this week.
The Falcons disappointed greatly last week. They recorded just two sacks against Justin Fields, who has taken sacks at an extremely high rate throughout his NFL career. In total, Atlanta scored just three fantasy points. Up next? Jalen Hurts and the high-powered Eagles offense. Get away from the Falcons in the battle of the birds.
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