Fantasy Football Week 2: 3 Defenses That Will Dominate Competition

Can a defense really win or lose a fantasy week? Well, their points count the same as everyone else's, so yes, they can.

Some defenses are just good defenses. Others are good defenses in a given week because they are playing against a bad offense. In three of these cases, both guidelines apply.

If you are playing against these defenses, be aware that some pretty good point totals are going to come against you from an unlikely source. If by some remote any of these defenses are available, claim them as soon as you can.

Detroit Lions

This is going to be a common theme throughout the season. The Lions have an incredible defensive front, and that will do a lot to pick up fantasy points for their owners.

They will pressure the quarterback, force bad passes and get sacks. When that happens, they're probably not going to allow a lot of points.

Now, they get the Chiefs, who were just embarrassed at home against the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the road gets no easier in Detroit.

The Chiefs do have talent on offense, but Ndamukong Suh and company are going to give their offense fits. Even if the Chiefs do well on the scoreboard, it's not likely that a few turnovers and sacks won't happen.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens played the opener with a chip on their shoulder and destroyed the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a team that will always be a good one to have.

Even in their bad weeks, the Ravens defense will always do plenty to pick up fantasy points. Opposing teams just don't score much on them.

Going against a Tennessee Titans team that scored only 14 points in a loss to Jacksonville, it's hard to imagine Baltimore not doing quite well for fantasy owners. Chris Johnson rushed for only 24 yards in the opener. The task gets no easier against Ray Lewis and his teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Relax, Pittsburgh owners and fans. They had a bad week, but that happened on the road against a good team.

So what are a couple of good remedies? Well, a trip home is nice. It would also be nice to play a good opponent.

As luck would have it, the Steelers are getting both. The Seattle Seahawks offense was abysmal in San Francisco.

They may just need a week or two, but Pittsburgh’s not the team to take baby steps against. The Steelers will win this game convincingly and will produce a monster game for fantasy owners everywhere.