8. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders eventually allowed 27 points to the Baltimore Ravens in a wild Monday night game Week 1. But they pressured Lamar Jackson a lot (led by Maxx Crosby), sacking him three times and forcing two fumbles from the 2019 MVP.
The Raiders will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on a short week. But the Steelersā offensive line is not particularly good, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not the ājust wonāt go downā force he was in the prime of his career. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will have something for āBig Benā on Sunday. The key will be holding running back Najee Harris in check.
Las Vegas has a long way to go before becoming a good all-around defense. But they have serious potential for fantasy numbers against the Steelers, based on sacks and residual mistakes.
Highest pass-rush win rate among edge defenders in Week 1:
ā PFF (@PFF) September 16, 2021
ā ļø Maxx Crosby - 47.2%
ā ļø Yannick Ngakoue - 42.9% pic.twitter.com/3OEg4Z7yDq
7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles held the Atlanta Falcons to six points in Week 1, as they sacked Matt Ryan three times and allowed just 260 yards of offense.
In Week 2, Philadelphia will welcome the San Francisco 49ers to town. The 49ers had their way with the Detroit Lionsā defense in Week 1, but thatās well, the Lions. The Eaglesā defensive line will be a tougher test, and Jimmy Garoppolo will not scare them.
Thereās a case for the Eaglesā defense to be higher on this list. But this spot feels safe, with built-in upside and a solid floor against San Francisco.