Week 1 of the NFL season, and your fantasy season, started *checks notes* last night. This also means it’s time to figure out which defense you’re going to start on Sunday! Or Monday, if I list one of those defenses.
I’ll be highlighting DSTs that may still be available in your leagues, the ones that weren’t drafted. These are DSTs that are still below both 50% and 35% in roster percentage on ESPN that I feel are startable if you’re still searching.
These options are only for the teams who decided to ignore the DST position in drafts and waited until the week before the season to check the waivers. Maybe you drafted the Cleveland defense because they were ranked high, but just now noticed they play KC in week 1 and want to look elsewhere. No worries, I’ve got you covered.
My projections are based on Vegas odds, defensive and offensive player projections, starters, and positional matchups. These are your defensive detours!
Defenses Under 35% Roster %
CAR Panthers – 17.8%
Opponent – NYJ
Don’t worry, this isn’t a “start every defense against the Jets” pick, there are a few factors here. Vegas has the Jets at the fourth-lowest implied total points this week and they are starting the year with a rookie QB and an entirely new coaching staff. There may be a few hiccups in week 1 and this young and athletic Carolina defense could absolutely take advantage of it. Not to mention the next two weeks that Carolina has on their schedule – facing the Saints and turnover-friendly Jameis Winston and then a week 3 trip to Houston against the Texans. This is a defense with the easiest start to the season and the talent to put up points.
SEA Seahawks – 6.8%
Opponent – IND
There are quite a bit of question marks on the Indianapolis offense. Is Carson Wentz still a good QB? How does this offensive line look without their best piece? Are they having a good day? The Seahawks defense finished the 2020 season as the 11th best fantasy defense, and that’s about where they’ll float around this year too, thanks in part to a solid amount of sacks. This Colts team may struggle and the Seattle DST may score some fantasy points because of it.
Defenses Under 50% Roster %
MIA Dolphins – 37.4%
Opponent – NE
Miami finished as the fourth-best fantasy defense in 2020 and went a little silent in draft rooms. They face rookie QB Mac Jones week 1 and a Patriots offense that has a very mediocre receiving corps. I’m not expecting an electric performance from New England’s offense, especially against a Miami defense that was 10th in sacks and 1st in defensive drives that ended with offensive turnovers.
