Fantasy Football Rankings Week 3: 3 Defenses That Will Take You to Victory

We know who the top defensive teams are in the NFL. Unfortunately, your rivals in fantasy have that same knowledge.

But going week to week as it relates to defense is not a bad idea. Don't be afraid to pick up some bad defenses based on favorable matchups.

Even if a bad offense has a good day, it will still likely turn the ball over a few times. Depending on your league's scoring, turnovers can make the difference between a win and a loss.

So, even if it's just for one week, don't be afraid to claim these defenses.

Cincinnati Bengals

The San Francisco 49ers have just not gotten the memo that this is supposed to be a high-scoring NFL season.

The 33 points the 49ers scored in the opening week looks impressive, but two of those touchdowns were via special teams.

In Week 2, the 49ers scored a respectable 24 points, but still looked lost offensively.

With Braylon Edwards out, the 49ers' offensive attack isn't likely to get any better.

Now, I do believe that the 49ers will win this game, but I don't see them going up and down the field on Cincinnati. Best case scenario for the 49ers will have them in the low 20's. Even there, a few turnovers are likely.

If you're looking to stream in a defense, the Bengals are a pretty good team to go with.

Dallas Cowboys

Here's another team that I actually have losing. The Redskins are 2-0, but Rex Grossman has already thrown two interceptions and lost one fumble.

Dallas' defense has already forced four turnovers this season. With the injuries to the offense, the defense will need to be aggressive.

Sure, that does make them vulnerable to allow some big plays. But with a quarterback like Grossman, a few turnovers are likely to come Dallas' way. Don't even be too surprised if one of them goes back.

Oh, and did I mention that they have DeMarcus Ware? The Cowboys are pretty reliable to pick up a sack or two.

Even if you agree with me that Washington will win, don't let that keep you away from Dallas' defense.

Arizona Cardinals

This is normally not a defense that I would advise anyone to go anywhere near. Their secondary leaves a lot to be desired.

Still, Week 3 will provide a nice cure for that problem. That cure will come in the form of a Tarvaris Jackson-led offense.

Unlike the first two teams, I have Arizona winning this one. But even if they don't, how many points will Seattle score?

I like Arizona to get a few turnovers and keep the scoring low. Anything more than two touchdowns from Seattle is being pretty optimistic.