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The report below identifies fantasy-friendly and unfriendly NFL defenses.
Highlighted statistical variables include success rate allowed, expected points added (EPA) allowed per play, explosive plays allowed, offensive plays allowed per game, offensive pass play rate faced, quarterback pressure rate and blitz rate.
Success rate allowed and EPA per play allowed
Success rate allowed and EPA allowed per play among NFL teams:
The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears’ ineffectual pass-rush units and injury-ruined secondaries form two of the NFL’s seven worst defenses. Both teams should be targeted aggressively in fantasy. Bears No. 1 cornerback Jaylon Johnson tore the adductor muscle off his pelvis (groin) in an offseason workout and picked up a calf injury in an undisclosed manner. He is now sidelined indefinitely after suffering a new and unrelated groin injury in Week 2. His 71.9 PFF coverage ranks first among Bears defenders, and linebacker T.J. Edwards’ 61.9 PFF coverage grade ranks sixth. Edwards is expected to miss Week 3 after aggravating a preexisting hamstring injury. Bears slot cornerback Kyler Gordon’s 76.0 PFF coverage grade ranked second among Bears defenders in 2024. He has yet to practice or play this season due to his own hamstring strain. Cowboys slot cornerback DaRon Bland played in just seven 2024 games due to a left foot injury. He is now sidelined by a right foot injury. His 70.4 PFF coverage grade ranks second among Cowboys defenders.