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The 2026 Week 1 fantasy football D/ST rankings help you target defenses capable of making a difference in your opening matchup. Favorable opponents, sack opportunities, and turnover potential can turn a defensive selection into a valuable source of fantasy points.
Read more Fantasy Football Week 1 Tight End PPR Rankings: Which TEs Should You Start?
Use these rankings to identify the best starting defenses and streaming options, avoid difficult matchups, and give your lineup another opportunity to secure a Week 1 victory.
Read more Fantasy Football Week 1 Wide Receiver PPR Rankings: Which WRs Should You Start?
Week 1 Fantasy Defense Rankings
|
Rk |
Player |
Tm |
Opp |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Rams |
LAR |
SF |
|
2 |
Steelers |
PIT |
ATL |
|
3 |
Ravens |
BAL |
@IND |
|
4 |
Chargers |
LAC |
ARI |
|
5 |
Jaguars |
JAX |
CLE |
|
6 |
Jets |
NYJ |
@TEN |
|
7 |
Titans |
TEN |
NYJ |
|
8 |
Cowboys |
DAL |
@NYG |
|
9 |
Bills |
BUF |
@HOU |
|
10 |
Vikings |
MIN |
GB |
|
11 |
Seahawks |
SEA |
NE |
|
12 |
Raiders |
LV |
MIA |
|
13 |
Broncos |
DEN |
@KC |
|
14 |
Texans |
HOU |
BUF |
|
15 |
Bears |
CHI |
@CAR |
|
16 |
Lions |
DET |
NO |
|
17 |
Eagles |
PHI |
WAS |
|
18 |
Packers |
GB |
@MIN |
|
19 |
Patriots |
NE |
@SEA |
|
20 |
Panthers |
CAR |
CHI |
|
21 |
Commanders |
WAS |
@PHI |
|
22 |
Saints |
NO |
@DET |
|
23 |
Giants |
NYG |
DAL |
|
24 |
Buccaneers |
TB |
@CIN |
|
25 |
Colts |
IND |
BAL |
|
26 |
Bengals |
CIN |
TB |
|
27 |
49ers |
SF |
@LAR* |
|
28 |
Chiefs |
KC |
DEN |
|
29 |
Browns |
CLE |
@JAX |
|
30 |
Falcons |
ATL |
@PIT |
|
31 |
Cardinals |
ARI |
@LAC |
|
32 |
Dolphins |
MIA |
@LV |
Fantasy Football Defense Scoring Format
- 2 points per sack
- 3 points per takeaway
- 3 points per safety
- 6 points per defensive/special teams TD
More Fantasy Football Week 1 Positional Rankings
- Fantasy Quarterback Rankings
- Fantasy Running Back PPR Rankings
- Fantasy Wide Receiver PPR Rankings
- Fantasy Tight End PPR Rankings
- Fantasy Place Kicker Rankings
- Fantasy Defense Rankings
Veteran fantasy football expert Cory Bonini will publish and update free fantasy football PPR rankings with tiers throughout the season. He also has your back for working the waiver wire, playing the right sleepers, avoiding lineup-killing busts, navigating injuries, cashing prop bets, and more!
Read more Fantasy Football Week 1 Quarterback Rankings: Which QB Should You Start?
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This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 10:43 PM.