By – Anthony Fishwick @FFootballFish

What a wild week one in the NFL! The Dallas Cowboys led the defensive play, shutting out the New York Giants in dominant fashion. We once again see that defensive and special teams’ touchdowns lead the way for fantasy scoring. Every team with a top-six defensive performance had at least one touchdown. While chasing a touchdown in fantasy is enticing it is even more difficult to hit on the defensive side of the ball. I encourage you to instead chase opportunity and the touchdowns may pan out in your favor. In addition, play for a high floor with a good opportunity to hold a team to a minimal amount of points. Week two has some tough matchups to predict, here are my favorite streaming options for the week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Chicago Bears)

ESPN: 9% Rostered Sleeper: 4% Rostered

Currently #12 Defense (Sleeper)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense comes into the week off a game where they held the Minnesota Vikings to 17 points. In the week one matchup the Buccaneers dropped the quarterback for two sacks and forced one interception. In addition, they forced and recovered two fumbles. Chicago’s offense is nowhere near as explosive and the Buccaneers will have opportunities to take advantage, especially in the sack category. Chicago comes in after giving up two turnovers and scoring 20 points against the Green Bay Packers. With an implied point total currently at 41.5 I am playing the score with the chance of a turnover or two in the matchup. Lock in Tampa Bay as a solid floor defensive stream.

Indianapolis Colts (vs. Houston Texans)

ESPN: 1% Rostered Sleeper: 2% Rostered

Currently #5 Defense (Sleeper)

In week one the Indianapolis Colts allowed 31 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am looking for a bounce-back week against the Houston Texans. The Colts had one interception in week one and forced three fumbles, recovering one. The Colts were also able to tack on 2 sacks in the week. CJ Stroud, Houston’s rookie quarterback, does not have a lot of weapons at his disposal. We also have an increased probability of rookie mistakes. Another instance of playing on the implied point total of 40.5. Indianapolis has a good chance to be a low-end starting defense. The Colts would be my last choice on this list if others are not available.

New Orleans Saints (vs. Carolina Panthers)

ESPN: 90.% Rostered Sleeper: 51% Rostered

Currently #13 Defense (Sleeper)

My New Orleans Saints! I will admit this is a bit of a homer pick. The Saints are coming off a performance with three interceptions and three sacks. They held the Tennessee Titans to 17 points. The Saints did not allow a 100-yard rusher or receiver. The Saints have a strong passing defense and the Panthers have no clear path to offensive success. The Panthers only managed to put 10 points on the board against the Atlanta Falcons. I project the Saints to hold the Panthers to under 24 points while forcing at least 2 turnovers. With an upcoming schedule against the Panthers, Buccaneers, Patriots, and Texan–this is a defense you can grab now and start for several weeks (and potentially the majority of the season). 

*All stats are from Sleeper, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus