Scouring the waiver wire for a defense this week? Some of the league’s hottest units have emerged early, and Week 3 presents multiple stream-worthy matchups. The Seahawks and Falcons are battling for the fantasy D/ST crown, both racking up turnovers and stifling opponents. Meanwhile, the Colts have become a surprisingly solid top-10 group, and even the Bengals are delivering against turnover-prone offenses.
Seattle Seahawks, DEF (vs. NOR)
The Seahawks are the best defense in fantasy football through the opening two weeks of the season, tied with the Atlanta Falcons. Their four interceptions rank second in the league, tied with Cincinnati, while they’ve allowed three total touchdowns, and none on the ground.
This week, they face a New Orleans offense that has scored the seventh-fewest points in the NFL. So far, second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has performed better than many expected, but Seattle’s defense will be the toughest he’s faced.
The Seahawks twice picked off Aaron Rodgers in Week 2 and may have Devon Witherspoon and second-round pick Nick Emmanwori available after both missed the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Atlanta Falcons, DEF (at CAR)
As mentioned above, the Falcons’ defense is also flying high in fantasy this year. Atlanta terrorized Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 2, and came away with six sacks and two interceptions.
I expect them to have similar success rushing the passer against Carolina, although I also expect Young to handle it better. I’ve tipped Young for big things this year, and promoted him as a streamer for this weekend, but I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive.
Young was the QB8 in Week 2 against Arizona, who were still the fourth-best fantasy defense on the week (tied). There will almost certainly be sacks, and another interception wouldn’t be a surprise.
Indianapolis Colts, DEF (at TEN)
All the talk about the Colts before the season centered on their concerning quarterback situation. However, the team made some impressive defensive additions during the offseason and is reaping the rewards.
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo seems to have Indianapolis firing on that side of the ball, and the Colts are tied for the 10th-best fantasy defense in the league. That might not sound like much, but another top-10 finish wouldn’t be too disappointing for a streamer.
The Colts face their first divisional opponents of the year in Tennessee this weekend, and will be eager to pick apart the Titans’ rookie quarterback. Ward has yet to throw his first NFL interception, but that might not still be the case come Monday.
Cincinnati Bengals, DEF (at MIN)
I wouldn’t have imagined I’d be promoting the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense this early in the season, after a wildly turbulent offseason. However, I also didn’t expect to be watching Carson Wentz throw to Justin Jefferson… ever, but here we are.
The Bengals picked off Trevor Lawrence twice in Week 2, and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson was back to his usual disruptive self. Meanwhile, the Vikings were crumbling against the Falcons in another embarrassing display from J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy has faced pressure on 22.2% of his dropbacks this season and is now being replaced by Wentz, whose last start ended in a 38-0 loss. To be fair to Wentz, he will have a much better supporting cast this weekend, but in his nine starts since 2022, he has a 3-6 record, with 13 touchdowns and 10 picks.
If there was ever a time to start the Bengals’ defense, it’s this weekend.
Week 3 Fantasy Defense Rankings
1) Green Bay Packers | at CLE
2) Buffalo Bills | vs. MIA
3) Houston Texans | at JAX
4) Kansas City Chiefs | at NYG
5) Minnesota Vikings | vs. CIN
6) Philadelphia Eagles | vs. LAR
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | vs. NYJ
8) Atlanta Falcons | at CAR
9) Seattle Seahawks | vs. NO
10) San Francisco 49ers | vs. ARI
11) Denver Broncos | at LAC
12) Indianapolis Colts | at TEN
13) Pittsburgh Steelers | at NE
14) Los Angeles Chargers | vs. DEN
15) New England Patriots | vs. PIT
16) Baltimore Ravens | vs. DET
17) Washington Commanders | vs. LV
18) Arizona Cardinals | at SF
19) Dallas Cowboys | at CHI
20) New York Giants | vs. KC
21) Chicago Bears | vs. DAL
22) Cincinnati Bengals | at MIN
23) Los Angeles Rams | at PHI
24) Detroit Lions | at BAL
25) Tennessee Titans | vs. IND
