Fantasy Football Rankings Week 1: Defense

The 2024 NFL season begins this week, and with it fantasy football managers will be tasked with drafting their lineups for the first time! Like them or not, fantasy defenses are part of the equation in most leagues.

Week 1 is always a particularly intriguing opportunity for fantasy managers to scout defenses around the league. Year after year, roster turnover, coaching changes, and more can provide fantasy managers with several dormant options that emerge as valuable D/ST streamers, and the beginning of that reveal begins now.

(Week 1 Half-PPR Fantasy Rankings: QB’s | RB’s | WR’s | TE’s | BEND | D/ST | Shovels)

The Cincinnati Bengals D/ST could be a top option to open the season, with a matchup against the New England Patriots — projected for just four wins this season as they move into the post-Bill Belichick era with Jacoby Brissett as their starter. Bengals-Patriots is tied for one of the lowest point totals of the week (40.5), with the Bengals favored by as much as nine points.

Even if you didn’t snag the Bengals for that juicy Week 1 matchup, there are still plenty of options available. Here, our team ranks their top defenses for Week 1, including several streaming options that may be available on your league’s waiver wire:

Who are you going to start at D/ST in week 1?