Fantasy football defenses to watch in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season
Analyst Gary Davenport highlights several NFL defenses that could be valuable fantasy assets in Week 2, emphasizing the 49ers, Eagles, Seahawks, Texans, Chiefs, Ravens and streaming options such as the Buccaneers and Jaguars.
Gary Davenport evaluated the defensive landscape for fantasy football heading into Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. After a mixed opening weekend, he identified the San Francisco 49ers as a top "no-doubter" against the Miami Dolphins, noting the Niners' strong performance in Australia despite travel fatigue. The Philadelphia Eagles, despite a subpar showing against Washington, are projected to benefit from a struggling Tennessee Titans offense.
The Seattle Seahawks are expected to capitalize on a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals lineup, while the Houston Texans could improve after a poor Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and now face a less mobile Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. Davenport also praised the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive display against Denver and sees them favorably against the Indianapolis Colts. The Baltimore Ravens, after a solid win over the Indianapolis Colts, are positioned to climb fantasy rankings if their pass rush and secondary continue to improve.
For streaming defenses, Davenport highlighted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Cleveland Browns, citing the Browns' offensive difficulties, and the Los Angeles Chargers versus the Las Vegas Raiders, where both units are expected to adjust after Week 1. He also recommended the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Denver Broncos, pointing to the Jaguars' strong sack and turnover production in their previous game. The Green Bay Packers at the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos hosting the Jaguars were noted as less reliable options.
"If you spent early on one of those elite defenses, it was with the knowledge the schedule wasn’t favorable early on," Davenport said, urging fantasy managers to stay patient after a chaotic opening week.