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Defenses worth prioritizing in 2026 fantasy football drafts
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- Defenses worth prioritizing in 2026 fantasy football drafts
Defenses worth prioritizing in 2026 fantasy football drafts
Defenses are often overlooked in fantasy football drafts, and understandably so. Hunting matchups via streaming defenses is certainly a viable strategy, even though it requires plenty of waiver wire due diligence.
Still, the comfort of week-to-week consistency that an elite defense brings is underrated. It could give you a unique matchup advantage akin to having a standout tight end.
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While this is by no means a case against streaming defenses, here are five units worth prioritizing in 2026 fantasy football drafts if you do decide to dedicate a premium pick to it.
Houston Texans
DeMeco Ryans' defense is the NFL's best, full of hard-hitters and a turnovers machine in cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Houston also has one of the 10 easiest schedules, so matchups are in its favor as well.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are loaded to the brim with defensive talent, particularly in the front seven with standouts like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Getting to play the Washington Commanders , who have one of the NFL's worst offensive lines, twice is year is also an advantage.
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Denver Broncos
Denver comfortably led the NFL in sacks a season ago and is well-positioned to finish atop the league again. If Sean Payton's offense can take another leap, it'll lead to more passing downs for the defense, which means plenty more opportunities for sacks and interceptions.
Seattle Seahawks
Mike Macdonald has a strong case to be the NFL's top defensive mind, and he has the exact right personnel to realize his vision in Seattle. The Seahawks' young secondary, led by second-year safety Nick Emmanwori, is one of the most league's most fun groups to watch.
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald came out of retirement to join Myles Garrett on the Rams. That's a combined 17 Pro Bowls and five Defensive Player of the Year awards. Need I say more?
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Defenses worth prioritizing in 2026 fantasy football drafts
