With the best defenses in the NFL stuck playing very rough matchups in week two, the underdog defenses should be your start in the second week of the season. The two best defenses in fantasy football, the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, face off against the Patriots and Saints this week. They both obviously cannot be considered for “sit’em”, but I think you should possibly look elsewhere for a one-week replacement.
Start ‘em: Week Two Team Defenses
Atlanta Falcons vs ARI: The Falcons had a big week one let down in overtime versus the depleted Steelers without Big Ben. In week two, I like the Falcons to bounce back on defense and take control of this game with Michael Turner and the run game which will take some of the pressure off the Falcon defense. Start the Falcons defense.
Carolina Panthers vs TB: Causing four turnovers last week versus the Giants, Carolina’s defense is much improved from last season and I think they will show themselves in week two at home versus the Buccaneers. Josh Freeman had a good showing last week, but that was against the Browns, this week he will go against a little big different of a defense. Start the Panthers defense.
Oakland Raiders vs STL: After getting burned by Tennessee last week, I really like Oakland to bounce back at home versus the Rams. Bradford’s first defense he saw was a rebuilding Cardinals one, now he will go against one of the best cornerbacks in the game as well as a defense that ranked 7th in the pass last year. Start the Raiders defense.
Denver Broncos vs SEA: To be honest, I would have probably picked any defense facing Seattle in week 2. The reason is I just do not buy into their week 1 dominance of SF, and I would definitely take a chance on the Broncos this week because of the strength of Denver’s secondary. Pete Carroll’s merry-go-round ends in week 2 and Denver puts Matt Hasselbeck back down to earth. Start the Broncos defense.
Sit ‘em: Week Two Team Defenses
Chicago Bears @ DAL: I am going to sit the Chicago Bears defense this week based on the potential explosion of the Cowboys offense. I just do not want to be sitting there on Sunday watching Dallas put up points, not turnover the ball and control the clock. Sit the Bears defense on Sunday because I simply do not trust them to produce the statistics needed to put up fantasy points versus the Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ TENN: With Big Ben still sidelined by his suspension, I just do not like the Steelers defense this week versus the best running back in the NFL. Pittsburgh played well last week, but I simply do not trust them on the road in Tennessee, having to face Chris Johnson and Vince Young. I really like Tennessee as a team this season, and I just do not feel comfortable starting them this week. Sit the Steelers defense this week versus the Titans.
New York Giants @ IND: The Manning Bowl… A great Sunday night game this week, but I do not like the Giants defense versus a 0-1 Peyton Manning. The Colts have not started 0-2 since Peyton’s rookie year in 1998 where they started 0-4, and I just do not see that in their future this season. I like the Colts and Manning to come out firing at home versus Eli; especially with Giant receivers dropping so many passes last week that contributed to Eli’s three turnovers. Sit the Giants defense this week.
