Fantasy Football Week 2: 5 Defensive Matchups to Avoid

Week 1 of the 2011 NFL regular season generally offers a basis for comparison on what owners can expect from their defense.

In fantasy football, though, you have to play the matchups.

Just because the San Francisco 49ers defense tied for the most points last week does not make them a must start.

Ahead are five defenses you should avoid in Week 2.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills dominated their Week 1 opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a 41-7 thrashing, but their Week 2 opponent will offer a more physical style of play.

The brash-and-bold Oakland Raiders will travel to Buffalo as both teams attempt to stay undefeated.

The Raiders rushed for 190 yards on opening weekend against the Denver Broncos, with 150 of those yards coming directly from Darren McFadden.

While the rush game took over for Oakland, quarterback Jason Campbell showed his ability to manage the game effectively, completing 13-of-22 passes for 105 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers.

Look for the Raiders to bring a physicality the Chiefs were missing in Week 1 against the Bills.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are already struggling as they enter Week 2 after being demolished by the Houston Texans, 34-7. 

With no Arian Foster, the Texans still rushed for 167 yards and threw for 217 yards. The Colts defense, without Gary Brackett, will face a tough test as they match up against the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns struggled against a spotty Cincinnati Bengals unit, as Peyton Hillis slumped into the season to the tune of 17 rushes for 57 yards. 

This slow start for the Browns offense looks great on paper for owners of the Indianapolis defense, but the injury-plagued Colts unit should give Hillis ample opportunities for a huge game.   

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers played a struggling Minnesota Vikings team in Week 1.

In Week 2, they will get the New England Patriots, a team coming off a 38-24 win against the Miami Dolphins and over 500 passing yards from the defending league MVP, Tom Brady.

Yes, the Chargers only allowed 39 pass yards to the Vikings, but Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson ran for 98 yards on 16 carries.

Tom Brady and the Patriots will look to replicate their outstanding Monday night performance as they take on the Chargers in what will be a shootout. 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Atlanta Falcons come off an ugly 30-12 loss to the Chicago Bears, but will show the Mike Vick-led Philadelphia Eagles that the Georgia Dome is their home.

The Bears snagged one interception, sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan five times, and forced two fumbles in a dominating performance.

Despite a confidence-killing result, Ryan still threw for over 300 yards, and running back Michael Turner rushed the ball 10 times for 100 yards.

The Eagles allowed 154 yards rushing and 181 yards passing in their Week 1 contest against the St. Louis Rams as question marks became apparent along the defensive line and in the linebacking core.

Look for the Falcons to take flight through the air and on the ground as they reclaim their home turf and take advantage of the few blemishes in a stout Eagles defense.

Chicago Bears

After being embarrassed in the regular season opener last Thursday night, the New Orleans Saints will attempt to get back on track against the most complete defense in the league, the Chicago Bears.

The Bears have playmakers all over their defense and will ride an emotional high after Brian Urlacher lost his mother earlier this week. With seemingly everything going for them, how do you not start them?

While the Bears have strength at every position, I don't believe they have the speed to hang with the Saints.

Chicago allowed 276 yards though the air and 110 yards on the ground to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints have a plethora of receivers anxious to fill up the Chicago secondary, as well as a combination of speed and strength at running back that should keep the Bears on their toes.

The Saints play at home and face falling into an 0-2 hole in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, the NFC South. 

As hard as it is, if you have any other suitable options on your bench, start them over the Bears defense.

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