After a somewhat surprising and certainly entertaining Week 1 of the NFL, your team could be in desperate need of something special to create the competitive edge in your matchup this week. If you had a highly ranked defense like the Steelers fall (extremely) flat and spark the downward spiral into last place in your league, you may want to start looking at the waivers for a defense that could put the life back into your team.
Besides the stout Defenses that are taken in majority of leagues, there are favorable matchups each week that could be your Sherpa to the post season this year. Fearing the worst for your defense, here are some Defenses that are likely waiver pickups in your league that could be the game changer for Week 2:
Dallas DEF vs. SF
Barring another Ted Ginn Jr miracle this week, I like the matchup that the Dallas Defense has against a dreadful San Francisco offense. In Week 1, we saw the Dallas D hold the typically run heavy Jets to a mere 45 total rushing yards, granted they did throw the ball 44 times. Still, they were able to swarm the pocket, force 2 fumbles, and sack the QB a total of 4 times against a very stout offensive line. I saw a very weak and lackluster offense in San Francisco last week who only managed to put in one offensive touchdown (a rush by QB Alex Smith) against Seattle’s Defense and expect the Cowboys to come out with an extra chip on their shoulder after a very tough loss in Week 1.
Houston DEF vs. MIA
After acquiring DEF Coordinator Wade Phillips, who molded DeMarcus Ware into the sack-monster he is today, the Houston Defense displayed their dominance against a Peyton-less Colts offense from start to finish. Although Hou was adjusting to the 3-4 scheme, they were able to collapse the pocket, force turnovers, and completely eliminate Indy’s hopes of establishing any sort of rhythm. Mario Williams looked like a natural at the OLB position and sacked the statuesque Collins twice and also forced a fumble. Although the matchup against Miami isn’t as favorable this week, Houston should be able to put pressure on Henne and create turnovers as we saw the past weekend in Houston.
Detroit DEF vs. KC
I know, this matchup could easily turn out to be a shoot out this week, leaving both defenses with large Points Scored Against numbers. However, based on the performance that Kansas City had last week against a Buffalo defense that used to be the punching bag of plug ‘n’ play, this could possibly be a huge pickup off the waiver wire. Last week, Detroit’s solid defensive line was able to keep Tampa Bay to only a total of 56 rushing, while the Chiefs’ explosive run game was only able to peel off 108 total rushing yards against a defense that was ranked last against the run just a season ago. I expect Suh to be a dominating force on the line, creating chaos and confusion for Kansas City, who are clearly having trouble getting things started this season.
Surprise Streamer of the Week:
Buffalo DEF vs. OAK
Here’s something you never thought you would read coming into the 2011 season, someone might actually start the Bills’ Defense. WHAT? After routing the Kansas City Chiefs last week, Buffalo has proven that they have the ability to stop a high octane offense by allowing only 213 total yards. It was clear in the 2011 Draft that Buffalo’s main focus this off season was to improve their defense by spending 7 of their 9 picks on defensive players. Although Terrence McGee may be out this week, their corners should be able to shut down a rather unexciting passing game in Oakland. The Bills managed to hold their ground against the Chiefs’ elite running game and could very well do the same against McFadden and the Raiders this week. Another thing to consider is that Oakland allowed a return for a TD last week in Denver and the Bills have a very elusive return man in CJ Spiller that is capable of taking it to the house on any given return. If Buffalo is able to get out in front again this week, which is very possible with Fitzpatrick at the helm, Oakland will be stuck in the same situation as KC was on Sunday.
