Week 1 has just finished, and we will look back at the best and worst DEF/ST Fantasy Football performances of the week. Take note that we are using Sleeper’s PPR scoring system for this analysis.
Golden DAWG: Pittsburgh Steelers 28 FP
1 Blocked Kick, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Defense TD, 4 Interceptions, 7 Sacks, 14-20 Points Allowed (Projected 5.51 FP)
In what is considered one of the weekend’s top games, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense did a little bit of everything to come up with the win. Minkah Fitzpatrick looked like a beast with 14 tackles, a pick-six, and a blocked XP that could have won the game for the Bengals with no time left in the fourth quarter. The sad news is that T.J. Watt did get hurt, so we wish him a speedy recovery.
Silver DAWG: Miami Dolphins 20 FP
2 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Defense TD, 1 Interception, 2 Sacks, 7-13 Points Allowed (Projected 8.23 FP)
Josh Boyer, the defensive coordinator, put up a great game plan to stop the New England offense. New England seemingly looked rattled by the great defense that was led by Brandon Jones, who had 11 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. This win puts the Miami winning streak to four games over the Patriots.
Bronze DAWG: Buffalo Bills 17 FP
7 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, 7-13 Points Allowed (Projected 7.07 FP)
In one of the most surprising results of the week, the Buffalo Bills defense manhandled the LA Rams. Von Miller made his debut and registered two sacks against his former team. This win against the current Super Bowl Champions makes the Buffalo Bills the favorite to win it all.
Golden FRAUD: Detroit Lions 0 FP
1 Sack, 28-34 Points Allowed (Projected 6.14 FP)
The worst DEF/ST Fantasy Football performance goes to the Detroit Lions, who managed only one sack this game. The Lions allowed 216 rushing yards to the Eagles, and Philly averaged 5.53 yards/carry this game. The Detroit Lions are still very young and learning a new scheme. So, hopefully, as the season progresses, they’ll look better each week and make some noise.
Silver FRAUD: Carolina Panthers 1 FP
1 Sack, 21-27 Points Allowed (Projected 7.82 FP)
The Carolina Panthers struggled defending the run against the Browns as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had a field day. The duo combined for 187 rushing yards and a TD. They always found a way to break the tackle and gained those extra yards, which helped Jacoby Brissett in his Browns debut.
Bronze FRAUD: Cincinnati Bengals 3 FP
1 Forced Fumble, 1 Sack, 14-20 Points Allowed (Projected 9.12 FP)
After their magical run to the Superbowl last season, a lot of hype was given to the Cincinnati Bengals. The defense played well, wherein they allowed just one TD and three FGs. However, they didn’t get the turnovers which fantasy puts emphasis on. Even with the loss, the Bengals’ defense is still a good unit, and they can bounce back in the upcoming weeks.
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