Welcome back for another year of rent-a-defense, another year of fantasy football, and another year of one of our last somewhat universally shared experiences in these strange times. When I started this column (12 years ago? 14 years ago? The past gets blurrier in the rearview mirror, and I’m not much of a record keeper), it was still common practice for most fantasy football players to try to draft a “good” D/ST and ride them. Now more and more people are streaming, so we have to go deeper. And sometimes the shark move is to ride a hot D/ST instead of trying to catch lightning in a bottle each week when more others are doing the same. So as we slough D/ST and depend on the waiver wire and even randomness to save us every week, let’s consider this more “rent-to-buy” than pure “rent-a-defense” when weighing our potential pickups, especially at the beginning of the season when the big reveal shows us who might be the new elite D/STs along with the usual important information of who the best matchups for D/ST scoring will be going forward.
Week 1 Candidates
Cincinnati (vs New England)
The Patriots have the worst offense in the league, and Jacoby Brissett isn’t saving them. The Patriots traded away their best defensive player at the end of training camp. This could get ugly.
A Look Ahead: @KC WAS @CAR—The matchup with the Chiefs is one to avoid, but it might be worth suffering to keep the Bengals for Weeks 3 and 4 if roster spots aren't tight.
Seattle (vs Denver)
The 12th Man, plus a rookie quarterback debut, could bring back memories of the Legion of Boom. The Broncos offense will have trouble moving the ball if Courtland Sutton and company can’t win outside against the Seattle corner duo.
A Look Ahead: @NE MIA @DET - It’s tempting to put Seattle #1 because of the Week 2 matchup, but Sean Payton could have some tricks up his sleeve to keep this game interesting.
Tampa Bay (vs Washington)
Todd Bowles is going to test Jayden Daniels and the Washington offensive line. Commanders fans should light a prayer candle for Daniels.
A Look Ahead: @DET DEN PHI - If Bo Nix struggles in Seattle, Week 3 looks good.
LA Chargers (vs Las Vegas)
How much was Brandon Staley holding back the Chargers defense? There is talent here, and Gardner Minshew II backed into the Raiders quarterback job. This could be a tough game for the Las Vegas offense.
A Look Ahead: @CAR @PIT KC - We’ll be willing to play the Chargers again if they have a good Week 1.
Chicago (vs Tennessee)
Matt Eberflus had this defense clicking late last year. Brian Callahan and his pop might get this offense and offensive line working and give Will Levis a chance of success, but it’s a lot to ask for that to happen in Week 1.
A Look Ahead: @HOU @IND LAR - We’ll find out just how good the Bears defense is in these games.
New Orleans (vs Carolina)
The Saints defense is still a good unit and who knows if Bryce Young and the Carolina offense will see the gains from hiring Dave Canales and making additions at wide receiver and on the offensive line in the Superdome. Good thing Panthers fans are patient.
A Look Ahead: @DAL PHI @ATL - The Saints go marching out of your lineup and to the waiver wire.
Minnesota (at NY Giants)
Brian Flores loves chaos, and Daniel Jones is prone to embarrassing games. So this combination could be a winner. Year two in Flores' defense could see the Vikings become a fantasy D/ST factor.
A Look Ahead: SF HOU @GB - We’ll find out how good this defense is in Weeks 2-4.
Week 2 Preemptive Pickups
- Seattle (vs New England)
- Washington (vs NY Giants)