ClutchPoints
The 2025 NFL season is here! Thursday Night Football kicks off tomorrow between the Eagles and Cowboys. That means there’s no time to waste when setting your lineups for fantasy football.
Team defense and special teams units (D/ST) are often (understandably) ignored by most fantasy football fans. They always seem to go off the board last in drafts. And are often viewed as as a complete crap shoot.
But there is an edge to be gained if you put some thought into your D/ST each week. Once you know what to look for, it can be easy to stream defenses using what’s available on the waiver wires.
So which defenses can you trust, and which ones should be avoided at all costs?
Below we will explore the best and worst defenses for fantasy football ahead of Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
The Cardinals are not the first team you’d think of for an excellent defensive performance. But don’t ignore them in Week 1.
Let’s start with the obvious reason. The Cardinals are the pick because the Saints offense does not look great.
New Orleans will start either Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough. The Saints do have some bright spots on offense, but even more questions.
They also have a new offensive system with Kellen Moore at head coach. That could be good in the long run, but not in Week 1.
Arizona’s defense is no slouch either after investing in Josh Sweat to upgrade their pass rush this offseason.
The Cardinals D/ST has a high floor and the chance to have a huge week if the Saints struggle early.
The logic is similar with the Bengals.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation, and the rest of the offense, is far from ideal.
At this point, it is on the Browns to prove to their fans that their offense will not be a disaster this fall. So until they prove otherwise, bet against them.
Cincinnati’s defense was not great in 2024. But Cleveland could be incompetent enough to make Cincinnati viable in Week 1.
And it helps that both Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart are finally back with the team.
You should be able to swipe up the Bengals off waivers in most leagues.
This is a bit of a risky pick. But it could pay off in a huge way and win you Week 1.
The Vikings have the most aggressive defense in the NFL. And they have the players to make it work, at least in their front seven.
They will make an excellent test for the Bears during Ben Johnson’s first game as head coach.
The massive range of outcomes here is what makes this a risky pick.
Chicago may look incredible right away, which could make this pick a disaster. On the other hand, Williams and the Bears’ offense...
