With Ahkello Witherspoon on IR, the Rams face a cornerback crunch that could push outside help or a heavy internal reshuffle. The plan centers on balancing in-house depth with possible upgrades, leveraging Forbes Jr. and Durant as likely starters while Williams handles the bulk of Witherspoon’s snaps as CB3. A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin loom on the practice squad as quick-elevate options, and a veteran could be dipped into if a steady starter is required. Week 7 timing after the bye could shape the decision timeline.

From there, the Rams’ Week 2 clash with Tennessee highlighted where the defense flashed and where coverage stress showed, underscoring the need for reliable depth as the schedule tightens. The decision matrix weighs immediate competitive impact against long-term stability, with external signings or quick practice-squad promotes as the two main routes.

Week 2 brought instant-impact rookies into fantasy focus. Tetairoa McMillan ripped off 100 receiving yards in only his second NFL game, staking Carolina as a promising target outside the usual rookie ladder. Kansas City's Josh Simmons anchored the line with zero official pressures on 39 pass-blocking snaps against Philadelphia, boosting Mahomes' ceiling. Cam Ward battled through pressure to deliver big-time throws for Tennessee, while Travis Hunter split time as WR/CB for Jacksonville, flashing two-way upside. Cincinnati’s Dax Hill and Andrei Iosivas added defensive and secondary spark as the rookie class makes its Week 3 impact felt.

Week 3’s fantasy defense slate centers on streaming value and clear starts, led by Green Bay, Seattle, Buffalo, and Indianapolis in Tier 1 with favorable matchups and strong pressure outputs. Expect continued sack-heavy games from these units, plus solid floor from the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Chiefs. Tier 2 adds Vikings, Texans, and Cardinals in matchups that carry swing potential if pass rush and turnover luck align. Tier 3 brings Commanders, Steelers, and Eagles in sturdy, mix-and-match starts. Tier 4-6 caution managers to seek safer streams or deeper-league plays and exploit waiver opportunities.

Key Week 3 takeaways: target defenses with high sack rates and favorable implied game scripts, especially when facing rookie QBs or O-lines with documented struggles. Watch injury reports and quarterback status closely, as even small changes can swing a D/ST’s Week 3 upside. This guide emphasizes tiered rankings, waiver adds, and start/sit decisions to help fantasy managers optimize lineups and shave points off potential losses.

Jadeveon Clowney joins Dallas amid an unsettled edge room, ready to play versus Chicago after no offseason or preseason. Snap count will be coach’s call, but his presence raises the Cowboys’ run defense and edge pressure, especially with Parsons traded to Green Bay.

Dallas stacks options with Fowler, Williams, Ezeiruaku, Kneeland and Houston, giving Schottenheimer flexibility to mix veteran savvy with youth. Fantasy managers should monitor rotation and opportunistic downs, as Clowney’s impact could come in bursts and situational pressure rather than heavy early snaps.