Taking a look at the best Week 1 fantasy football streamers at defense, including the Arizona Cardinals.
Oh, we are so back! A brand new NFL and fantasy football season is upon us, and not a moment too soon. Seriously, I’ve been having withdrawals! How’s everyone feeling? How did your drafts go? How does your team stack up? No, we don’t care what your draft report card grade was. Even a roster that some random fantasy platform pegs for a last-place finish could be destined to contend. Even if you fell short at a position or two on draft day, accurately identifying the best fantasy football streamers throughout the season on a weekly basis can solve many of a team’s problems!
So, what do you say we get this party started? Here are our favorite fantasy football streamers at the D/ST position in Week 1. Afterwards, check out our Week 1 fantasy football rankings!
Fantasy Football Week 1 Defense Streamers
Arizona Cardinals Fantasy DST (46.7%)
When it comes to a matchup-based fantasy football streamers strategy, it’s hard to find a better option in Week 1 than the Arizona Cardinals. A season ago, the Cardinals were generally considered average or worse on defense for fantasy purposes. That said, Jonathan Gannon has proven that he can coach better than some anticipated when he accepted the head gig in the desert. With his background being on the defensive side of the ball, it was no surprise to see Arizona show signs of improvement last year relative to 2023. That trend should continue in 2025, aided by the additions of Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Akeem Davis-Gaither to the front seven and mainstay Budda Baker in the secondary.
Although the Cardinals probably still won’t be a dominant defensive outfit, they have a real chance to be in Week 1 thanks to a favorable opening matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Many have the Saints pegged to finish with the worst record in the NFL this season, thanks to a questionable first-time head coach and a quarterback room that is as bad as any in recent memory. When you’re naming Spencer Rattler as your Week 1 starting QB, that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. New Orleans will be a team to stream defenses against all season long. The Cardinals just so happen to be the first opponent in line to benefit.
New York Giants Fantasy DST (16.6%)
Our second fantasy football DST streamers recommendation for Week 1 is far less matchup-based and more of a direct play on a unit that should be better than many expect. While rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart may have been the sexy draft pick the New York Giants made back in April, it wasn’t even their only selection in the first round. Abdul Carter also landed on the Giants, adding another likely stud to a front seven that already includes Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Bobby Okereke. Needless to say, opponents may not be able to afford to double-team Lawrence to the same extent in 2025!
For my money, the Giants just might have one of the best defensive fronts in all of football. Despite this, a season of futility and a tough schedule on paper have resulted in less than 20% ownership of this defense heading into the year. A Week 1 divisional tilt against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders doesn’t look like a terrific matchup. However, the Giants’ defense can no doubt win at the line of scrimmage in this game. Matchups between these NFC East rivals are almost always tightly contested. The Giants should be able to put up a respectable fantasy output and have another decent matchup next week as a fantasy football streamers candidate.
Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy DST (2.1%)
For those in deeper leagues with a willingness to take a gamble out of the gates in Week 1, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be worth a look as a streamer. First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: this defense stunk out loud a season ago. The Jags finished bottom-five in the NFL last year in points and yards allowed, sacks recorded and turnovers generated. Consequently, they were also one of the worst defenses from a fantasy perspective. All of those dubious accolades are honestly kind of embarrassing for a unit that sports a trio of recent first-round draftees.
So, what’s the case to be made that the Jaguars’ defense will do a 180 this season? Truthfully, I wouldn’t expect a drastic turnaround. However, it can’t get much worse than a year ago. With a new coaching staff in place, one can only hope that the players are more bought in and that the new scheme has an impact. From a fantasy football streamers standpoint, Week 1 does present an optimistic matchup as Jacksonville is set to host the Carolina Panthers. While Bryce Young impressed down the stretch last season, it remains to be seen whether he can carry that level of play (which still wasn’t great) into 2025, especially given the young receiving corps he will be working with.
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