If the first two weeks of the NFL season have taught fantasy managers anything, it’s this: streaming the right defense can be a genuine difference-maker. Whether you’ve suffered from early busts or are just looking to squeeze out every last point from your D/ST slot, Week 3 is where smart lineup choices separate contenders from pretenders. With a fresh set of matchups featuring turnover-prone offenses and injury-riddled lines, the fantasy landscape is ripe for a shakeup. Let’s break down the top D/ST plays—and busts—to help your squad lock in an edge as crunch time approaches.
DST Start ‘Em For Week 3
GB DST at CLE
The Packers defense sits at the top of nearly every expert ranking for good reason. Green Bay has emerged as an elite defensive unit through two weeks, ranking first in EPA allowed per play and holding two high-powered offenses in Detroit and Washington to under 20 points. The addition of Micah Parsons has transformed their pass rush, as they've recorded four sacks in consecutive games while generating 12 QB hits against the Commanders.
Cleveland presents an ideal matchup for Green Bay's defense. The Browns have committed four turnovers through two games while averaging just 16.5 points per contest. Defenses facing Cleveland have scored the fourth-most fantasy points after two weeks, making this a must-start situation. Joe Flacco's immobility behind a struggling offensive line plays directly into the Packers' strengths. Green Bay's run defense has been exceptional, allowing just 48.5 rushing yards per game and 2.4 yards per carry. The Browns offense lacks reliable playmakers and faces a defense that has allowed a mere 32.3 percent third-down conversion rate. With extra preparation time and Cleveland's offensive limitations, the Packers should dominate this matchup.
TB DST vs NYJ
The Buccaneers defense offers tremendous upside against a Jets offense that has struggled significantly in recent weeks. New York managed just 10 points against Buffalo in Week 2, with Justin Fields completing only 3 of 11 passes for 27 yards and potentially out for Week 3 with a concussion. The Jets' offensive line remains a major concern, having allowed multiple sacks and failing to establish consistent protection for their quarterbacks.
Tampa Bay's defense under Todd Bowles historically performs well at home and has the personnel to exploit New York's weaknesses. The Jets have committed several turnovers early in the season and appear to be dealing with internal dysfunction on offense. Their inability to sustain drives and protect the quarterback creates multiple scoring opportunities for opposing defenses. The Buccaneers rank favorably in several defensive categories and should benefit from facing an offense that has averaged fewer than 20 points per game through two weeks. This matchup offers both a solid floor and significant ceiling for fantasy purposes.
ATL DST at CAR
The Falcons defense has emerged as one of the most improved units in the NFL, currently ranking first in EPA allowed per play and third in total defense. Atlanta made significant offseason additions, including Leonard Floyd and several impact rookies like Jalon Walker, Xavier Watts, and James Pearce Jr. These additions have paid immediate dividends, as the Falcons rank second in passing defense, fifth in sacks, and are tied for first in takeaways through two weeks.
Carolina presents an extremely favorable matchup for Atlanta's defense. The Panthers lead the league in total pressures allowed and rank poorly in multiple offensive categories. Bryce Young has struggled mightily, committing five turnovers in less than five quarters of play. The third-year quarterback has shown particular vulnerability under pressure, with the Cardinals defense recording six sacks against Minnesota in Week 2. Making matters worse, Carolina lost two starting offensive linemen in Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett to injuries, further compromising an already struggling unit. The Falcons defense should capitalize on Young's inconsistent play and the Panthers' offensive line issues to produce multiple turnovers and sacks. Atlanta scored 20 fantasy points against Minnesota and should exceed that total against a weaker Carolina offense.
DST Sit ‘Em For Week 3
NYJ DST at TB
The Jets defense faces a challenging road environment against a Buccaneers offense that has shown explosive potential. Tampa Bay's offensive line has improved significantly, and Mike Evans remains a dangerous deep threat capable of breaking games open. The Jets have struggled with consistency on defense, particularly in coverage situations where they've allowed big plays.
Road games present additional challenges for defensive units, especially when facing veteran quarterbacks who can exploit defensive weaknesses. The Buccaneers have historically performed well at home under Bruce Arians' offensive system, creating difficult conditions for visiting defenses. New York's defense lacks the elite playmakers necessary to consistently generate pressure without blitzing, which could leave their secondary vulnerable to Tampa Bay's receiving corps. The Jets have shown inconsistency in their defensive performances and could struggle to contain the Buccaneers' offensive weapons in a potentially high-scoring affair.
DAL DST at CHI
The Cowboys defense has been historically poor through two weeks, allowing 37 points to the Giants in a humiliating Week 2 performance. Dallas has struggled against the run, allowing 121 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry while surrendering four rushing touchdowns. Their secondary has been equally problematic, with the team desperately needing DaRon Bland to return from injury.
Chicago's offense, despite early struggles, benefits from having Ben Johnson as their coordinator, who historically finds ways to exploit defensive weaknesses. The Bears have shown the ability to move the ball effectively when their offensive line provides adequate protection. Dallas's defensive struggles were evident against inferior competition, suggesting they could face significant challenges against any competent offensive unit. The Cowboys rank among the worst defenses in multiple categories and have shown little improvement from their poor 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers should avoid this unit until they demonstrate consistent improvement.
BAL DST vs DET
While the Ravens defense showed promise in their Week 2 victory over Cleveland, Monday Night Football against Detroit presents a significantly more challenging test. The Lions offense ranks third in total points and has committed just one turnover through two games. Detroit's offensive line has provided excellent protection, and their skill position players present multiple threats that could exploit Baltimore's defensive weaknesses.
The game environment adds another layer of difficulty, as primetime divisional matchups often favor offensive units with superior talent. DraftKings has set the over/under at 51.5 points, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair that would limit defensive fantasy production. The Ravens defense, while improved from Week 1, faces a Lions offense that has averaged 40.5 points per game and shows no signs of slowing down. Detroit's ability to control the game through their running attack and efficient passing game creates an unfavorable situation for fantasy defensive production. The Ravens should be benched in favor of units facing weaker offensive competition, particularly those with turnover-prone quarterbacks or struggling offensive lines.
