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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 27: Pat Surtain II (2) of the Denver Broncos celebrates making a tackle for a … More
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One of the things that fantasy owners are constantly underprepared for year in and year out is what defense they should select. While it’s not the most fun topic to discuss, if you’re in a traditional league format such as an ESPN league, you likely have to start one for your 2025 fantasy football team.
With a defense being part of your starting lineup, it’s crucial you nail this pick. While most people know to go to the wavier wire in-season, many struggle with a draft strategy.
Today, we’ll be breaking down the top three defenses to draft in 2025 fantasy football. The plan is simple: since you’re going to be streaming a defense most weeks anyway, target defenses that produced last year and also have a good week one matchup.
The last thing you want to do is have two defenses on your team in week one.
Draft These 3 Defenses In 2025 Fantasy Football
1. Denver Broncos
Starting with an elite defense, you have the Denver Broncos. Right now, the Denver Broncos are going as the number one ranked defense on FantasyPros ADP for a good reason.
They finished as the number one defense last year with 10.5 PPG, and they’re facing off against the Tennessee Titans in week one.
The Titans allowed 9.4 PPG to defenses in 2024 fantasy football, which was 2nd in the NFL. Even with Cam Ward coming into town, this should still be a rough offense in week one. If you have the option to select the first defense, the Broncos should always be the pick.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going as the 4th ranked defense this year, and this is a more reasonable price point for you to target. Last season, the Steelers finished 4th in PPG at 8.6, and they have a solid week one matchup.
Now, a lot of this is going to depend on T. J. Watt. In 2024, Watt had 11.5 sacks, but there have been some trade rumors around Watt recently. If Watt gets traded, the Steelers will be a fine pick still, but they might not finish in the top five. As of now, though, Watt is still on the team.
In week one, the Steelers take on the Jets, who allowed the 9th most points to defenses (5.9 PPG) last season. From a passing perspective, Justin Fields should be considered a downgrade from Aaron Rodgers, and the team didn’t get significantly stronger on offense.
Expect the Steelers to be a good season-long play with the ability to have a massive week one.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 16: Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a play … More
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3. Cincinnati Bengals
Similar to the Steelers, there’s a lot up in the air with the Cincinnati Bengals. For reference, the Bengals are going as the 25th defense off the board in 2025.
If Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart end up playing right away, the Bengals will be a great selection. That said, both players are possible candidates to hold out due to a contract issue.
Aside from that, the Bengals could be a sneaky play in week one. The Bengals were fine last season, scoring the 16th most points in the NFL at 6.1 PPG. What makes them appealing is the week one matchup.
The Bengals take on the Browns, who allowed the most points to defenses last year at 10 PPG. In the NFL Draft, the Browns passed on the right to select Travis Hunter, and they didn’t take a quarterback until Dillon Gabriel in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft.
While the team has improved overall, the offense hasn’t made any drastic changes. Expect the Bengals to have a big week one in 2025 fantasy football.
