Week 2 restored some order to the D/ST world as a couple powerhouses re-asserted their dominance and the NFL didn't go nuts again with return touchdowns.
The Steelers and Jets bounced back from shaky Week 1 performances to allow three points, combined.
Pittsburgh has another dream matchup in Indianapolis this week. The Jets head to Oakland to take on a Raiders team missing several receivers. But what if you don't own one of the top D/STs?
Each week we’ll tell you which D/STs are trending upward, which are trending downward, and which you might be able to snag on waivers for an attractive matchup ahead.
TRENDING UP
New Orleans: The Saints got six sacks without their best pass rusher, Will Smith, who comes back from suspension this week. In the 30-13 dismantling of the Bears, Turk McBride (+2.3) took advantage of his mismatch on the edge with Kellen Davis, and Aubrayo Franklin (+2.1) dominated Roberto Garza to stuff the run. S Roman Harper blitzed 12 times, registering two sacks and two pressures, according to PFF’s Ben Stockwell.
Tennessee: The Titans don’t appear to be missing Jason Babin. Rookie DT Karl Klug forced two fumbles and got a sack, and DE Dave Ball (two tackles for loss) was in the backfield a lot against the Ravens. S Michael Griffin and DE Derrick Morgan also had tackles for loss. The Titans held Ray Rice to 43 yards on 13 carries. Cortland Finnegan deflected a pass that Jason McCourty intercepted – one of two Titans’ picks. Tennessee has a tasty matchup this week at home vs. Denver.
Honorable mention: Houston — Wade Phillips is doing it again.
TRENDING DOWN
Chicago: There’s not too much shame in giving up 30 points in New Orleans, which is humming offensively like it’s 2009. But after getting five sacks and eight hits in the opening win over Atlanta, the Bears managed just one sack and two hits on Drew Brees. In all, Chicago had 13 pressures on 172 total rushes. At times, Stockwell noted, Julius Peppers (-0.7) and Israel Idonije (-0.5) just couldn’t shed their blocks. It doesn’t get any easier, as the Bears host Green Bay this week.
Oakland: After a promising six quarters, the Raiders gave up 35 points in the second half and lost 38-35 at Buffalo. The 38 points were the most Oakland has given up since 1998. The Raiders yielded a whopping 34 first downs and 481 yards. S Matt Giordano was burned repeatedly in coverage. On the game-winning TD, David Nelson was left completely uncovered in the end zone. Another bad sign came afterward, when some Raiders criticized their teammates. Nnamdi Asomugha made everyone's job easier, but now he's in Philly.
Honorable mention: Baltimore — Nice job on CJ2K, but 358 passing yards to the Titans?
PICKUPS
If you don’t have a top D/ST or face a difficult matchup, here are my recommended pickups:
San Diego: Hapless Chiefs are a boon for every D/ST.
Cincinnati: Niners gave up six sacks in home loss to Cowboys.
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