When selecting a D/ST, you want a team that is favored to win by a big margin and a team that has an advantage up front. The hope is to get a lead and force the opposition to throw the ball from a position of vulnerability, allowing your defense to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback. We can’t always find that exact set up of course, but it’s a good base to work from.

D/ST Starts

Tennessee Titans

The Titans get a boost in this matchup with Von Miller out and Bradley Chubb on a snap count, That should help them control the game and push second-year QB Drew Lock to throw into the Titans tough secondary. Reports out of training camp weren’t glowing for Lock and I expect the Titans to push him into mistakes.

Indianapolis Colts

The Jaguars are going to be bad this season. I like Gardner Minshew, but he has a sever lack of personnel surrounding him. The defense, which used to be their strength, is now a severe weakness and will likely have Minshew and company trailing in most of their games.

D/ST Sits

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings defense is usually one to have on your starting side, but they look a little different this year after losing a handful of strong defensive linemen in free agency. Then they lost their own free agent signee, Michael Pierce, as he opted out due to Covid-19 concerns. And now Danielle Hunter is on IR to start the season.

Denver Broncos

The Titans were a difficult team for D/STs to score substantial points last season. An efficient and balanced passing and rushing attack while playing solid defense kept the Titans and Ryan Tannehill in their comfort zone. With Miller done for the year and Chubb being eased back, I like the Titans chances to get a lead and control the tempo.