In a league where even Darrelle Revis is getting flagged for illegal contact, very few D/STs are every-week plays.
The NFL has become so high-scoring, so designed for quarterbacks to shine, only 400-yard passing days are noteworthy.
Most likely, then, many of us are not fortunate enough to own an every-week D/ST like the Ravens.
This is when it pays to look ahead. There are three defenses available in many leagues that have favorable schedules in upcoming weeks. (Houston was on this list too before we learned of Mario Williams' season-ending injury).
If you have roster space and can grab one to pair with your current D/ST, you should be able to find a plus matchup most weeks.
DALLAS: You’re not going to play the Cowboys at New England in Week 6, but they host the hapless Rams in a Week 7 dream matchup. Then they visit the Philadelphia turnover machine.
Week 9 (Seattle), Week 10 (Buffalo), Week 12 (Miami), Week 13 (at Arizona), Week 15 (at Tampa Bay) and Week 16 (Philly) are also intriguing possibilities.
Rob Ryan’s bunch got 13 sacks in the first three games.
CINCINNATI: The Bengals host Indy this week, then get their bye. Week 8 (at Seattle), Week 12 (Cleveland), Week 15 (at St. Louis) and Week 16 (Arizona) present nice opportunities.
Cincy has allowed more than 300 yards only once in five games.
PFF’s Ben Stockwell points out that the Bengals could be doing even better if they’d let their two best defensive ends play more. Carlos Dunlap (+1.2 pass rush) and Frostee Rucker (+3.3 overall) outperformed starters Robert Geathers (+0.4 overall) and Michael Johnson (-0.9) in the win over Jacksonville. Dunlap is registering pressure once every five times he rushes the passer, and should get more snaps than the 20 he’s seeing.
WASHINGTON: The Redskins rank fifth in pass rush (+18.7) and are coming off a seven-sack destruction of the Rams.
OLB Brian Orakpo (+10.4 pass rush) ranks behind only Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware (+12.2) in that category.
With overly aggressive Jim Haslett calling the shots and “MeAngelo” Hall gambling for picks, Washington is bound to give up big plays. But this D/ST is more than serviceable in the right matchup.
The ‘Skins host Philly this week, then visit Carolina. Week 10 (at Miami), Week 11 (Dallas), Week 12 (at Seattle), Week 13 (Jets), Week 15 (at Giants) and Week 16 (Minnesota) also are potentially appealing.
© 2025 PFF - all rights reserved.