“Start” These are going to be D/STs that are rostered but that have a unfavorable matchup.

“Sit” These are going to be the D/STs that need to be benched until next week’s evaluation.

“Stream” These are going to be the D/STs that are sitting on your waiver wire begging to be picked up.

Start

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

The Patriots offense has a lot more to prove if they’re going to compete with their division. One of their rivals, New York Jets, have one of the best defenses in the league. They defend the run just as well as they defend the pass. They are arguably the most well rounded defenses and it’s going to be tough for the Patriots to play their game against them. It’s no clue that the Patriots have decided to air the ball out more this season but with Sauce Gardner and Jordan Whitehead defending those passes. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones will also have to throw the ball with Quinnen Williams pressuring him all game. It’s not a good look for an offense trying out some new things and their first true test will be against the Jets. The cherry on top is the Patriots are playing away, you don’t gotta be scared if you’re rostering the Jets.  

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders

We saw the way the D/ST of the Steelers dominate against the Browns. This is only the beginning. The Raiders are last in the league in plays from scrimmage (94), 25th in passing yards, 30th in rushing yards, and only 3 touchdowns this season. The Steelers are going to absolutely ruin the Raiders. This may be a little tougher with them having to travel to Las Vegas, but you wouldn’t be taking a gamble starting this D/ST. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals 

I really don’t even have to say anything about this one. This is the highest scoring D/ST in the league and if you have a massive advantage if you were lucky enough to get them in your drafts. I remember someone saying to draft the elite D/ST’s early so you can take gain the advantage, I wonder who that was…

Sit

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

The Patriots gave up 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns to Raheem Mostert last week. RAHEEM MOSTERT. There is no doubt in my mind that the backfield of Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook will be able to eat against the Patriots D/ST. The Patriots are also facing injuries in their secondary which is not ideal to have against the offensive weapons like Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. I would rather stream than play this D/ST. 

New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers

The Saints have won 3 of the last 4 matchups against the Packers, two of them being in dominant fashion. This Packers team is a lot different from the Packers team they faced two years ago. The Saints have also made some changes. The Packers are spreading their offense around and it’s working for them. The Saints D/ST may not be able to keep up with that as we’ve seen them struggle with that before.This game should be competitive as any game on this slate so I’m fading away from the Saints with a game that could realistically go both ways.

Washington Commanders vs. Buffalo Bills 

This Bills offense was electric in the last game and most of it came from their running game. Once their passing game gets going, it’s going to get very touch for the Commanders to handle. This is a simple sit.

Stream

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