FanDuel Defenses to Target in Week 2
Week 1 is in the books, and it's time to start setting those lineups for Week 2.
As I mentioned last week, because filling out a multi-layered lineup dependent on salary, selecting defenses on FanDuel isn't just about rostering the defense that gets you the most points. This week does feature a couple high priced teams with projected high fantasy totals but also a few cheaper options who could exceed their value.
Here are five defenses to consider for your week 2 FanDuel lineups.
Miami Dolphins (at Jacksonville)
FanDuel Price: $5,100
numberFire Projected Points: 14.42
Miami is the most expensive defense on the board this week, but we predict them to score the most FanDuel points in a great matchup.
As I mentioned last week, the Jaguars gave up the most fantasy points to opposing defenses last season, and that trend continued in Week 1. Even at home, the Jaguars are predicted to score a league-low 17 points this week based on Vegas odds.
Last year, 37% of FanDuel points scored by defenses came from sacks, and Jacksonville allowed five last week. That’s close to what we’ve come to expect from them as they gave up an average of 4.4 sacks per game last season.
Miami only sacked Kirk Cousins once last week but added two interceptions and showed that their special teams can score points, too, when Jarvis Landry returned a punt for a touchdown.
Baltimore Ravens (at Oakland)
FanDuel Price: $5,000
numberFire Projected Points: 10.92
Baltimore is another expensive option on the road this week but draws a great matchup against Oakland. The Ravens had the second most sacks in the league last season and took down Peyton Manning four times in the backfield last week. They also added one interception which they ran back for a touchdown.
This week they are up against Derek Carr, whose -40.94 Passing Net Expected Points (our in house metric that measures expected points added or lost through passing) last season was worse than every quarterback not named Blake Bortles (-97.97).
If the Ravens continue to get after the quarterback, they will be well worth their high price tag and a potential contrarian play from the Dolphins.
New Orleans Saints (vs. Tampa Bay)
FanDuel Price: $4,500
numberFire Projected Points: 7.82
The Saints are the biggest favorites on the board this week as they are laying 10 points to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are led by Jameis Winston, who threw two interceptions in his debut, including a pick six.
The Tampa Bay offensive line ranked 26th in pass blocking last season and allowed the third most sacks in the NFL. They weren’t any better last week, as they allowed the Titans to rack up four sacks.
At a mid-range price, the Saints are a great option to save a little money and possibly score the most points on the week.
Detroit Lions (at Minnesota)
FanDuel Price: $4,300
numberFire Projected Points: 10.81
Coming off of a week in which they racked up two sacks, three turnovers, and touchdown against San Diego, Detroit draws a great matchup against Minnesota in Week 2. The Vikings gave up five sacks last week and only managed to score three points on offense.
In two games against Detroit last season, Teddy Bridgewater threw for a combined one touchdown and five interceptions, including three at home in Minnesota.
The rushing attack didn’t do much better, as the Vikings only managed to score once on the ground in two games against the Lions last year, though the defense lost Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley from the line this year. The Vikings are relying on the return of Adrian Peterson to lead their rushing attack this year, but he only managed 31 yards on 10 rushing attempts in Week 1.
At a cheap price, Detroit is our second best value on the board this week, behind the number one projected Miami defense.
Washington (vs. St. Louis)
FanDuel Price: $4,100
numberFire Projection: 7.9 points
The Redskins are my almost-minimum priced sleeper play of the week against the Rams, who allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing defenses last season.
Despite beating Seattle last week, they gave up the second most fantasy points in the league to an opposing defense. The Seahawks defense and special teams sacked Nick Foles twice, forced three turnovers, and scored two touchdowns.
St. Louis allowed 2.9 sacks per game last season, giving Washington, one of the cheapest defenses on the board, a potentially high ceiling in their home matchup.
