Fantasy Football Defensive/Special Teams on the Rise
Fantasy football D/ST value can change quickly when teams add pass rushers, improve the secondary, or bring in a new coordinator with a proven track record. The 2026 offseason created several potential risers, with some defenses attacking obvious weaknesses through free agency and the NFL Draft.
Sacks and takeaways remain the easiest path to usable fantasy production, so units that added pressure players, coverage help, and proven coaching deserve a closer look. These defenses still need to prove the upgrades translate, but their offseason moves give fantasy managers more reason to track them before draft season.
Las Vegas Raiders
Star DE Maxx Crosby returns following a failed physical that nullified a trade. Free-agent additions in pass rusher Kwity Paye, linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, and cornerback Taron Johnson put more talent around him and give new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard building blocks for this 3-4 realignment. Vegas also invested second- and third-round picks in safety Treydan Stukes and EDGE Keyron Crawford. All told, few teams have overhauled a unit as heavily as the Raiders.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams already offered top-10 fantasy value in 2025, finishing with 47 sacks (T7) and 26 takeaways (5th). Cobie Durant's departure matters less after LA added corners Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in what amounts to a noteworthy upgrade at the position, while Kamren Curl returns to man the starting strong safety role. Chris Shula returns as defensive coordinator, and LA is positioned for a leap into the elite fantasy tier.
Dallas Cowboys
Only two defenses produced fewer takeaways than the Cowboys a year ago, and this was among the worst groups regardless of fantasy scoring wrinkles. In the offseason, Dallas brought in veteran help with EDGE Rashan Gary, safety Jalen Thompson, and corner Cobie Durant. The franchise also drafted S Caleb Downs and EDGE Malachi Lawrence in Round 1, later adding a trio of depth picks spread across all three defensive layers. New DC Christian Parker has a formidable foundation to mold after a dreadful 2025 effort.
Honorable Mentions
Carolina Panthers
Carolina's 30 sacks in 2025 tied for third-fewest in football. The Panthers attacked that weakness by adding pass-rushing linebacker Jaelan Phillips. Prized free-agent thumper Devin Lloyd brings a force inside, second-rounder Lee Hunter beefs up the run D, and coordinator Ejiro Evero's return gives the upgraded group coaching continuity in a shaky NFC South.
Tennessee Titans
Of the 20 teams that recorded fewer than Tennessee's 42 sacks in 2025, 14 managed more takeaways than the Titans' 14. Proven defensive-minded coaches in Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley bring new hope for a group that added Keldric Faulk, Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Cor'Dale Flott, and Alontae Taylor, plus revamped depth across the board. T Tennessee is on the come-up thanks to established veteran coaches and an influx of personnel talent.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 3:33 PM.