Why the Ravens, Chargers are best defense values in Week 1 DFS

The NFL season is about to begin and with it comes the start of daily fantasy football! When you’re crafting your winning DraftKings lineup, it’s important not to overlook defense. While While they may feel like a fantasy afterthought, they could be the difference maker between winning or losing your contest.

A good defense could be the exact advantage you need to beat your opponent without investing too much of your overall budget into the position. Here are three such defenses that are worth trying to get onto your DraftKings squads this week given their price and matchup. (Salaries via DraftKings.)

Baltimore Ravens (@ Dolphins) — $3,800

Yes the Ravens are the most expensive defense this week but man, could you ask for a better matchup than the Miami “we’re not tanking we promise” Dolphins? Who on the Dolphins do the Ravens realistically have to worry about? If I were Don Martindale (Ravens’ DC), I’d blitz seven every single snap and make an offensive line that just lost their franchise left tackle try and stop it. Besides, I love Ryan Fitzpatrick, but you know he’s good for at least two back-breaking interceptions late in the game.

Los Angeles Chargers (vs Colts) — $3,000

The Chargers were a top 10 defensive unit last year and allowed the eighth fewest points per game in the league. They take a hit this year missing Derwin James, but I don’t expect that to hamper them too much against a still reeling Colts team. There’s no way this Colts offense will be firing on all cylinders less than two weeks after Andrew Luck surprisingly retired from football. The Chargers will take full advantage of any miscues that may arise and keep Indianapolis under control in Week 1.

San Francisco 49ers (@ Buccaneers) — $2,200

This is my value buy for the week. The 49ers have what could be a dominate defensive unit if everyone plays up to their full potential. They have a ton of youth and talent along the defensive line and good old Richard Sherman is still kicking around in that secondary. I love Bruce Arians and I’m excited to see what this Buccaneers offense looks like, but Jameis Winston isn’t going to suddenly stop throwing interceptions or turning the ball over in frustrating ways. I could see this being a high scoring game, but one where the 49ers get a lot of sacks and a few timely turnovers.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is petermcdrogers) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.