Last week I gave a first-look at my weekly streaming defenses with Denver, and the Broncos were not a disappointment. They are my top defensive play for the DraftKings Week 1 Main Slate from my NFL DFS spreadsheet.
But now I’m going give you three more strong defensive plays for the first weekend for the NFL.
Each week during the season I will provide three defenses a week you can use for DFS and fantasy that should provide you a difference for a nice money win or weekly fantasy W.
Now let’s get into some plays for Week 1.
Pittsburgh at NY Jets (Steelers -3, 38.5 DraftKings)
Steelers DST ($3,300)
For the second time in three years, the Steelers recorded a down year in sacks with 40. In the last five years, the Black and Gold defensive unit has averaged 47.6 sacks a season. So the team has seen a downturn despite still finishing in the Top 20 in sacks. Sacks are the bread and butter for a solid floor in DraftKings scoring.
But according to my spreadsheet, this contest may be a low scoring affair. The Steelers were a Top 10 team last season in points allowed a game, giving up 17.2 points a game. And the defense stepped it up in the turnover department in 2024. The Steelers had 33 takeaways last season (17 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries).
I know this game could be a revenge game for both teams’ QBs, but some videos from training camp have many questioning Justin Fields’ accuracy issues. With their aggressive rush led by T.J. Watt and company, the Steelers should keep Fields uneasy in the backfield. The veteran defensive backfield could take advantage.
Jets DST ($2,800)
Just like the Steelers, the Jets can bring pressure with their front seven. New York recorded 43 sacks last season and has averaged 45.3 sacks a season the last three years.
And just like the Steelers, the Jets slowed down offenses only allowing 16.6 points a game last season. They have a seasoned defensive backfield led by Sauce Gardner and the front seven is led defensive end Will McDonald IV. Gardner is a shutdown corner who could slow Steelers new WR DK Metcalf, while McDonald IV had a breakout second season with a team-high 10.5 sacks in 2024.
Plus, they know Aaron Rodgers’ tendencies as he led the Jets offense last season.
Most sportsbooks have the total for this contest at 38.5 points after opening at 41.5. I can see the defenses dominating this game.
Houston at LA Rams (Rams -3, 45.5 DraftKings)
Rams DST ($3,400)
I know I’m offering up a lot of higher-priced DST as a lot of DFS pundits preferred to use a lower cost play. But I’m not going to sway from my spreadsheet.
The Rams defense is one of the best upcoming, young units in the league, despite not having as impressive stats for the Broncos, Steelers or Jets.
The Rams averaged 4.3 sacks a game during their final six, including the playoffs, in 2024. And during that stretch, the defensive unit only gave up 15.1 points a game.
Aaron Donald may have retired but there is enough firepower returning. Braden Fisk, Byron Young, Jared Verse and Kobie Turner all return to lead the aggressive front seven. And this group faces a Houston offensive line that gave up 49 sacks last season and may be lacking a quality running game with Joe Mixon expected to miss the beginning of the season.
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