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.