Week 1 Defense Special Teams Rankings: Stream Your Way to Victory

Welcome to our 2026 Defense & Special Teams Rankings — your Friday cheat sheet for which defenses to play and which to avoid. This is a practice/preview article showcasing the format we'll use every Friday during the regular season.

No fluff. Just the matchups, the numbers, and the call.

3 Defenses to Start

1. Pittsburgh Steelers DST

Projected matchup: vs. a bottom-10 offensive line

The Steelers led the NFL in sacks per game in 2025 and return their entire front seven. Pittsburgh's pass rush projects to generate 3+ sacks per game against weak offensive lines, and their turnover rate ranked top-5 league-wide. Against an offense still building chemistry in Week 1, the Steelers are the safest DST play on the board. The numbers: 2025 sack rate: top-3 NFL. Turnover differential: +12. Opponent projected implied total: under 20.

2. Philadelphia Eagles DST

Projected matchup: vs. a turnover-prone offense

Philly's defensive line is arguably the deepest in football. The Eagles ranked top-5 in pressure rate last season, and their secondary converted those pressures into interceptions at an elite clip. When facing quarterbacks with interception rates above 2.5%, Philadelphia's DST averaged 12+ fantasy points in 2025. The numbers: 2025 pressure rate: top-5 NFL. INT rate vs. turnover-prone QBs: 3.8%. Average fantasy points in favorable matchups: 12.4.

3. Baltimore Ravens DST

Projected matchup: vs. a bottom-third rushing attack

Baltimore's run defense was dominant in 2025, holding opponents to under 90 rushing yards per game. When teams are forced to become one-dimensional against the Ravens, the sack and turnover numbers spike. Week 1 against a run-limited offense puts the Ravens in their best defensive script. The numbers: 2025 rushing yards allowed per game: 88.3. Sack rate when opponents pass 60%+: top-3 NFL. Average DST points vs. run-weak teams: 11.2.

3 Defenses to Sit

1. Las Vegas Raiders DST

Projected matchup: vs. a top-10 offense

The Raiders are rebuilding around Fernando Mendoza on offense, but the defense lost key pieces this offseason. Against a high-powered offense in Week 1, the Raiders project for a negative game script — meaning their defense will be on the field too long against an offense that can score in bunches. The numbers: 2025 points allowed per game: 26.1 (bottom-5 NFL). Projected opponent implied total: 27+.

2. Carolina Panthers DST

Projected matchup: vs. an offense with a strong rushing attack

Carolina's run defense was among the league's worst in 2025, and roster turnover hasn't addressed the gap. Against a team that can control the clock on the ground, the Panthers project for minimal sack and turnover opportunities — the two categories that drive DST scoring. The numbers: 2025 rushing yards allowed per game: 138.6 (bottom-3 NFL). Turnover rate vs. run-heavy teams: 0.8 per game.

3. New England Patriots DST

Projected matchup: vs. a balanced attack

The Patriots are still in rebuild mode, and their defense lacks the playmakers to overcome a tough matchup. Drake Maye's development on offense could mean short drives and extended defensive possessions — a recipe for garbage-time points against. The numbers: 2025 average time of possession (defense on field): 32.1 minutes (bottom-5 NFL). Fantasy points in unfavorable matchups: 3.2 average.

Quick-Reference Card

Start with confidence: Steelers, Eagles, Ravens Sit this week: Raiders, Panthers, Patriots Streaming tip: During the regular season, we'll publish this column every Friday with updated data including Vegas implied totals, sack rate matchups, turnover differentials, and weather forecasts. The formula is simple — target defenses facing bottom-10 offensive lines and turnover-prone quarterbacks. Avoid defenses facing top-10 offenses, regardless of the defense's talent level.

Check back every Friday. Stream smart, win big.