The Eagles and Chiefs square off again with defensive chess at the forefront. Jalen Carter returns to anchor Philadelphia’s interior, while Jordan Davis threads the run game and frees space for a revamped pass rush. Za'Darius Smith slanks in off the edge alongside Nolan Smith/Jalyx Hunt and the rookie duo Baun-Campbell to pressure Patrick Mahomes and chase big plays from Kelce.

The secondary faces a stern test as Adoree' Jackson starts and Jakorian Bennett brings fresh depth. Rashee Rice is out, Xavier Worthy is banged up, and Andrew Mukuba logged heavy snaps in the opener, setting the stage for a strategic day of containment and opportunistic plays in big-game reps.

Key mismatches, game plans, and the rotation will define fantasy angles at each defensive spot, from interior disruptors to edge theatrics and secondary misdirections, all shaping the Sunday narrative.

Za'Darius Smith signs with Philadelphia, bringing a veteran edge presence and a 69-sack resume to a retooled Eagles pass rush. He’s entering a scheme led by Vic Fangio that leans on versatile pressure around the edge and mentoring younger players, with his role to be determined as he acclimates post-practice ramp-up.

Philadelphia backed Smith with one-year adds like Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and Ogbo Okoronkwo to rebuild depth after losing Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat. Jalen Carter’s status looms, but the rotation should boost sacks and pressure in coming weeks, elevating fantasy angles for the Eagles’ front.

Goedert remains a primary target, while Adoree’ Jackson’s expected start against Kansas City frames the secondary’s challenge. The edge crew’s evolution will drive sack upside and per-game fantasy value for Eagles pass-rushers, so monitor snap splits and how quickly Smith and co. meld with Fangio’s system.

Week 1 laid bare Philadelphia's cornerback gaps: Quinyon Mitchell on the boundary, Cooper DeJean in the slot, and Adoree' Jackson for whom the jury is still out. The Eagles are expected to hunt for help on the market, with Greg Newsome II floated by Kristopher Knox as a trade target for a 2026 third-round pick. Newsome’s versatility to play boundary or slot would be a meaningful upgrade, potentially reshaping Philly’s secondary and elevating fantasy prospects across the defense.