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Kickers and defenses/special teams are becoming obsolete across fantasy football. However, for those that still utilize both, these positions are likely the last thing on your mind entering your fantasy football draft. They are the last draft picks in nearly every draft – with some teams not drafting either at all. So, what if your league mates decide to jump on DSTs a round early? Who are some DSTs to target if you are the last in your draft to select the position? Here are three defenses I believe you should draft – and feel comfortable – to kick off your fantasy football season.
Denver Broncos
FantasyPros ADP: DST9
Early season scheduling plays a major factor in targeting defenses and special teams, and Denver arguable has the best opening schedule. Denver opens up on the road against the Seahawks on Monday night, and follow up with the Houston Texans in Week 2. Seattle and Houston are two of four teams with a season-long win total under six courtesy of BetUS. Seattle’s offseason consists of a quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Geno Smith, while Houston will, likely, trot out second-year starter in Davis Mills.
The Broncos’ schedule gets more difficult in Week 3, with their next four games against the 49ers, Raiders, Colts and Chargers. Three of those four teams finished as bottom-10 teams in points allowed to opposing DSTs in 2021. If you manage to find the Broncos on waivers after Week 6, you get two juicy matchups before their Week 9 bye: hosting the Jets and a trip to London to face the Jaguars. The Broncos’ early season schedule makes them one of the DSTs to target, and currently the 9th defense off the board, you can potentially manage to wait and still grab them in the last round.
Cleveland Browns
FantasyPros ADP: DST18
While Browns spend the fewest on their defense ($65.2M), they benefit from a strong early season schedule. Their first four games open up at the Panthers, hosting the Jets and Steelers, and a road trip to face the Falcons with a rest advantage. Three teams will have a new quarterback, while the Jets allowed the 9th most points to opposing DSTs in 2021. At the 18th DST off the board, the Browns are likely freebies at the end of drafts. Make them one of the DSTs you target in the last round.
Philadelphia Eagles
FantasyPros ADP: DST19
The Eagles were one of the more active teams this offseason on both sides of the ball. On defense, the Eagles went from spending the 27th most in 2021 ($50.6 M) to 13th in 2022 ($91.2 M). And like the Broncos and Browns, the Eagles schedule starts strong. Alternating road and home games, the Eagles start with the Lions, Vikings, Commanders, and Jaguars. The Commanders and Jaguars both ranked in the top-5 most points allowed to opposing DSTs in 2021. And while the Vikings surrendered the 5th-fewest points to DSTs last year, they will face Kirk Cousins in primetime.
Their next two games before a Week 7 bye are at Arizona and hosting the Cowboys. The Cardinals matchup is not enticing. Yet, the Cowboys matchup could still find the Eagles DST as viable. In only two of Dak Prescott’s five starts at Philadelphia have the Cowboys scored over 20 points. Even if you don’t feel comfortable with the Eagles in Weeks 5 and 6, they are still a prime option for the first month. Another freebie at the end of the fantasy football drafts, make the Eagles one of your DSTs to target.
Agree? Disagree? Let’s discuss! Follow me on Twitter and let me know your thoughts!
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