Here are some defenses that I don’t like in 2026. Some could be busts, while others seem overvalued with their current price tag (consensus ranking being too high).

Before Christian McCaffrey, Andrew Luck, and Aaron Rodgers played for Stanford and Cal respectively, there was a guy named John Elway who played for Stanford. Elway had led Stanford to what seemed like one of his many late drive heroics over arch rival Cal on the road in Berkley. Stanford took the lead with only 4 seconds left. Here is how El;way’s last collegiate game for The Cardinal ended. Note- the video is a little grainy- the gold circle is where the ball is.

The second video is the Bluegrass Miracle. Kentucky seemed poised to deliver a major upset at home in Lexington over Nick Saban and the LSU Tigers. But as Lee Corso would say, not so fast, my friend.

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. Even with Brian Branch making plays at safety, there’s only so much he can do. 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.