Green Bay
There’s a good chance that Micah Parsons starts the season on the PUP list. If that happens, the Packers’ defense is vulnerable. Parsons is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league. There’s a reason Green Bay traded a hefty sum for him. Even when he comes back it might take him a bit to get his sea legs back (aka - be in football shape, game ready). Until that happens, Green Bay’s pass rush will probably struggle.
Fantasy strategy- I’d avoid drafting Green Bay. Instead, I’d keep a close eye on if Parsons goes on the PUP list and when he returns. If the Packers defense struggles and is dropped, I’d consider picking them up later in the year when Parsons returns.
Detroit
The legal troubles of former 1st round pick Terrion Arnold has been a shot to the jugular of the Lions’ secondary. Detroit cut it’s losses and let go its top CB. Brian Branch is injured, he could miss some time early in the season. The Lions figure to struggle on defense.
Fantasy strategy- I’d avoid the Lions’ defense, however, I’d load up on Detroit’s offensive players and also look for my players to play against their defense in the playoff weeks. The fact that they play half their games in climate controlled dome should ensure some high scoring contests.
Cleveland
As good as Jared Verse is, he’s not an upgrade over Myles Garrett. However, an even bigger concern is the offensive line. The Browns added a lot to their line, but even the most talented units take time to gel. Throw in the fact, that there’s a new coach and a new offense, and the Browns figure to struggle offensively. That means more punts and turnovers putting the pressure on the defense. I expect the Browns to wear down both physically and mentally.
Fantasy strategy- In the rare chance that you were thinking about picking Cleveland, my suggestion is look elsewhere. This is one “dawg” who seems to be in the fantasy doghouse in 2026.
Atlanta
What had some potential is going down the drain fast. The Falcons are going to be without their two best pass rushers, James Pearce and Jalon Walker. Pearce is most likely looking at a lengthy suspension stemming from a domestic violence charge while Jalon Walker tore his ACL and is out for the year. As good as CBs A.J. Terrell and his brother Avion are in coverage, there is little they can do without help from Atlanta’s two best pass rushers. The odds seem to be against Atlanta stopping anyone from passing at will.
Fantasy strategy- I’m not sure if anyone outside of Georgia was taking the Falcons, but now you know they’re a defense to steer clear of. The holes in their pass rush could force the Falcons to pass more this year if they can’t stop their opponents from scoring. That would be a boon to Drake London and Kyle Pitts if they can get Tua or Michael Penix (once he returns) to stay on the field. That’s a big if. Atlanta brought in veteran QB Cooper Rush to compete with Jack Strand. Don’t be surprised if either is forced into action this year given the injury history of both Tua and Penix. Rush had some good games for Dallas, but struggled last year in Baltimore. Strand is an unknown at the professional level.
