Washington signs Miller to a one-year deal, betting on a sharper edge rush with Dorance Armstrong stepping up. Armstrong flashed with five sacks and playoff bursts last season, and coach Joe Whitt says Miller’s fast start and vast knowledge elevate the entire unit. Washington aims to turn defense into more frequent ball turnovers, a critical edge given Fowler’s 10.5 sacks from 2024. The pairing could lift sacks and generate more fantasy-friendly DC points this season.

Armstrong’s all-around game and Miller’s veteran pulse should create a more dynamic front. The Commanders hope Miller accelerates development on younger rushers while Armstrong capitalizes on cleaner rush lanes. If the front can pressure more often and disrupt dropping passes, fantasy managers drafting DC defenders could reap wins in bountiful turnover games.

Six quick takeaways from Commanders' 2025 defensive depth chart: 12 starters listed, with Von Miller tagged as an outside linebacker in a likely situational role. New starters Deatrich Wise Jr., Javon Kinlaw, Marshon Lattimore, Trey Amos and Will Harris anchor the unit. Jer'Zhan Newton starts behind Payne and Kinlaw; Noah Igbinoghene backs up inside/slot behind Mike Sainristil. LB depth is thin behind Jordan Magee and Nick Bellore; rookies Kain Medrano and Ale Kaho may contribute later. Special teams: Matt Gay, Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane.

Parsons' departure opens a leadership void on Dallas' front, and Dante Fowler Jr. is lined up to lead the sack charge with a cadre of young hens ready to rotate. Fowler, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and James Houston form a deep, aspirational group that could keep the Cowboys productive without Parsons.

For fantasy managers, watch Week 1 vs Philadelphia for early snap counts and rotation. If Fowler hits a double-digit mark again, Dallas can still pressure the passer effectively, aided by Houston's burst and the developmental upside of the rookies.

Dallas faces the defending champs in Week 1 after a blockbuster move, betting on a youth-led pass rush to fill Micah Parsons' void. Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, and Donovan Ezeiruaku are spotlighted by Dante Fowler Jr. as ready to lift the edge, with new coaches driving their push. The front office remains optimistic the group can generate pressure without Parsons, and Kenny Clark inside could stabilize the run defense as the youngsters grow into larger roles.

The opener signals a test for Dallas' post-Parsons plan and a chance for the young edge to prove itself on a big stage. If the rotation hits, Dallas could transform a controversial trade into a blueprint for the season, with sleeper fantasy upside emerging as the defense evolves under the new scheme.