The goal of a real-life NFL defense is to prevent the other team from scoring points. When we select a defense to roster in fantasy, we’re trying to score the most fantasy points. It’s a subtle shift in thinking, but an important one.
The optimal way to select a defense in DFS is to think in terms of big events, not points allowed. Around 2% of games end in a shutout and around 10% end with one team being held to six points or fewer. In other words, targeting the “points allowed” category is a fool’s errand.
The real fantasy points come from sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions and defensive touchdowns. These events are by far most likely to happen when a quarterback is under pressure. The best possible outcome on a single play for our defense is a strip sack which results in a defensive touchdown as we get one DraftKings point for the sack, two for the fumble recovery and six for the touchdown.
With that in mind, below you’ll find the biggest mismatches between defensive and offensive lines for Week 2. The objective is to project QB pressure through film study, injuries, scheme, coaching and talent.
New for this year, I’ve added my up-to-date defensive line pass-rush and offensive line rankings. You’ll find those at the top.
DL Rankings – Week 2:
- 49ers
- Steelers
- Browns
- Washington
- Chiefs
- Colts
- Titans
- Bills
- Cardinals
- Ravens
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