A couple of defenses looked truly dominant in Week 1. T.J. Watt picked up exactly where he left off, wreaking havoc along with the rest of the Pittsburgh defense. Many expected the Atlanta offense to make significant improvements this year, but Watt and company made it seem like Desmond Ridder was back under center. Micah Parsons and the Dallas defense put on a clinic in Cleveland this week. They allowed 17 points and forced boos from the Cleveland fans that were directed at the Browns' offense.
Much like Watt and the Steelers, the Washington defense picked up right where they left off. After spending all of 2023 getting torched by wide receivers, the Commanders' secondary was torn apart by Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and even rookie Jalen McMillan. It seems like they'll be a defense to target once again this season.
But it's a new week with new matchups, meaning we have to reevaluate our opinion of each defense based on their opponent. Our Week 2 defense rankings will be continuously updated, so be sure to check back in throughout the week.
WEEK 2 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 2: Who to start, sit at D/ST
These rankings were updated on Sept. 14 and will continue to be updated throughout the week.
Italicized defenses have already played this week.
| RANK | TEAM | OPPONENT | CHANGE |
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | at DEN | |
| 2 | Los Angeles Chargers | at CAR | |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | at JAC | Up 2 |
| 4 | San Francisco 49ers | at MIN | |
| 5 | Seattle Seahawks | at NE | Up 5 |
| 6 | New York Jets | at TEN | Down 3 |
| 7 | Baltimore Ravens | vs. LV | |
| 8 | Denver Broncos | vs. PIT | Down 2 |
| 9 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs. CLE | Down 1 |
| 10 | Tennessee Titans | vs. NYJ | Down 1 |
| 11 | Washington Commanders | vs. NYG | |
| 12 | Philadelphia Eagles | vs. ATL | Up 1 |
| 13 | Houston Texans | vs. CHI | Up 2 |
| 14 | New England Patriots | vs. SEA | Down 2 |
| 15 | Dallas Cowboys | vs. NO | Down 1 |
| 16 | Kansas City Chiefs | vs. CIN | |
| 17 | Chicago Bears | at HOU | |
| 18 | Detroit Lions | vs. TB | |
| 19 | New Orleans Saints | at DAL | |
| 20 | Miami Dolphins | vs. BUF | |
| 21 | Minnesota Vikings | vs. SF | |
| 22 | Indianapolis Colts | at GB | |
| 23 | Green Bay Packers | vs. IND | |
| 24 | Cincinnati Bengals | at KC | |
| 25 | Las Vegas Raiders | at BAL | |
| 26 | Los Angeles Rams | at ARI | |
| 27 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | at DET | |
| 28 | New York Giants | at WAS | |
| 29 | Carolina Panthers | vs. LAC | Up 2 |
| 30 | Buffalo Bills | at MIA | Down 1 |
| 31 | Atlanta Falcons | at PHI | Down 1 |
| 32 | Arizona Cardinals | vs. LAR |
What are the notable D/ST rankings changes?
The biggest mover this week thus far is the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn't the toughest challenge in Week 1 against the Broncos, but the Seattle defense looked pretty stout. Now, they draw Jacoby Brissett and the New England Patriots. They do have to travel across the country for this one, but new head coach Mike Macdonald may be in a new place, but he didn't leave his trademark defense behind.
WEEK 2 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE
Trade Report | Start 'Em, Sit 'Em | Usage Report | Sleepers | Busts | Weather
Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 2?
After dominating Kirk Cousins and the Falcons last week, it shouldn't be shocking to see the Steelers' defense atop our rankings. They will take on Bo Nix and the Broncos, who allowed two sacks and threw two picks in Week 1. Watt should be able to tee off on Nix in his second career start and the Steelers' defense must be in lineups in all leagues.
Wow, things have not changed for Bryce Young and the Carolina offense. They looked like a JV team out there in Week 1 and just could not get anything going against the Saints. The Panthers offense was one to target last year for those streaming defenses and it seems like they will carry this reputation once again in 2024. The Chargers are a premium option thanks to this matchup.
Let's be honest, the matchup between the Broncos and Steelers is appealing to nobody other than the fans of those teams. The Steelers' defense may be a "set it and forget it" defense all year long, but the Broncos' defense is also a strong option this week. Regardless of whether Justin Fields or Russell Wilson is under center, things don't seem too promising for the Pittsburgh offense. Both defenses are high-end options this week in what should be a brutal game to watch.
WEEK 2 DFS: Best Values | TNF DFS Lineups | Top DFS Stacks
Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 2?
The Bears may have won in Caleb Williams' NFL debut, but the victory came on the back of the defensive and special teams units. Williams threw for less than 100 yards and the offense didn't score a single touchdown. Williams made some solid plays, but he is still very much adjusting to the NFL. The Texans' defense can be started in an effort to target a rookie quarterback who is struggling in the initial stages of his career.
The vast majority of NFL fans were likely devastated to see Jordan Love go down with a knee injury on Friday night in Brazil. This injury will leave the Packers with one of Malik Willis or Sean Clifford under center for the next few weeks, making the Packers offense a prime target for defensive streamers in upcoming weeks. The Colts' D/ST fantasy outlook is elevated in Week 2 thanks to what should be poor quarterback play.