Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Rams @ Arizona Cardinals – $3700
The last game of Week 1 gave us a look at a popular Super Bowl selection from the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams. After adding a handful of big names to their defense, the Rams shut down the Oakland Raiders in every facet of the game. Their defense looks like the dominant force that can match their high scoring offense.
An offense that should give this defense little trouble awaits in Week 2 in the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona was abysmal offensively in Week 1 against Washington. Los Angeles should make easy work of the Cardinals and get to Sam Bradford while shutting down David Johnson and the running game.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Buffalo Bills – $3600
An odd selection for the second ranked defense this week is the Los Angeles Chargers. Their defense is solid but they just let Patrick Mahomes throw four touchdowns in Week 1. This ranking is more about the opposing offense.
The Buffalo Bills have yet to announce a starter but it is looking like rookie Josh Allen will get the nod. Regardless of who is the signal caller, the Bills are one of the worst offenses in the league and both quarterbacks will be turnover prone. Even without Joey Bosa lining up on the edge, Los Angeles will give this Buffalo offense headaches all Sunday.
Value Defenses
San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions – $2900
The ninth ranked DraftKings defense in Week 2 is the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their loss in Week 1, they looked like a strong unit, especially up front. Minnesota’s offense is solid, meanwhile this week they play a Lions offense that was putrid in Week 1 against the Jets.
San Francisco makes this list also because Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford was banged up and did not finish Monday night’s game. If he sits this becomes an even better match-up for Deforest Buckner and the 49ers defense.
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans – $2600
It is odd to see a defense featuring J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Tyrann Mathieu outside of the top ten defenses for the week. Especially against a Titans offense that did not do itself favors in Week 1. Tennessee could point to the rain delay for their tough outing in Week 1. Meanwhile Houston hanged tough against the Patriots offense.
The Texans defense has it’s holes but overall it’s a strong unit. Like San Francisco, there is a chance this Houston defense gets to play against a back-up quarterback. Should Marcus Mariota sit out Week 2, the Texans will top the charts of the most played defenses in DraftKings.