You’ve got your fantasy football lineup all but set for the week, with a few tweaks to be made here and there as Sunday’s slate of games is ready to kick off.
But you’re trying to optimize your lineup to make sure you get the most points. And that’s why you have to make sure your D/ST position has the best possible squad to win you the week.
That’s what these rankings will help with: A look at the elite, solid, and streamable options that could win you some virtual games in your league.
Let’s break down the Week 2 D/ST tiers:
1
Elite
1. Cleveland Browns (vs. Jets)
2. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Seahawks)
3. Denver Broncos (vs. Texans)
4. Los Angeles Rams (vs. Falcons)
5. Buffalo Bills (vs. Titans)
The best of the best, either with relatively easy opponents or because they’re great defenses anyway.
2
Solid
6. Cincinnati Bengals (at Cowboys)
7. Green Bay Packers (vs. Bears)
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Saints)
9. Indianapolis Colts (at Jaguars)
10. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Dolphins)
I think the Bengals might be a tier above … but will there be garbage time with Cooper Rush that’ll hurt them? The rest are good options this week.
3
Streaming options
11. New England Patriots (at Steelers)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Patriots)
13. Carolina Panthers (at Giants)
14. New Orleans Saints (vs. Bucs)
These are … tricky. The Saints are a great defense in a tough spot (but at home!) against Tom Brady. The Pats’ offense hasn’t looked great, but maybe they break out? The Steelers have the talent on offense, but … Bill Belichick.
And Saquon Barkley is back, so … beware with the Panthers. Maybe Daniel Jones throws some picks, though.
4
Throw a dart if you're desperate
Washington Commanders (at Lions)
Detroit Lions (vs. Commanders)
Carson Wentz could throw picks! Maybe the Lions’ run game gets stopped a bit!
