-2025 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2025 Draft Kit
Recency bias. When we last saw the Buffalo defense in the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, the Bills surrendered more points than the Chiefs had scored in any other game of the year. Meanwhile, we forget that the Bills Defense and Special Teams (DST) finished as the No. 4 DST in fantasy football for the 2024 season. The Bills DST finished in the top 5 in takeaways in 2024, with 16 interceptions and consistently forced turnovers. Buffalo focused heavily on their defense in the 2025 NFL draft, spending their first five picks and six of nine total picks on that side of the ball, addressing needs at cornerback and defensive line. Given their recent draft investments and coaching changes, they have the potential to be even better than in 2024.
The Packers face tough divisional opponents like the Lions, who have a potent offense. While their mediocre performance against the run in 2024 and strength of schedule in 2025 should be carefully considered, there is plenty to like as well. The Packers' defense has demonstrated a knack for forcing turnovers, ranking high in the league in takeaways, which can be a valuable source of fantasy points. They recorded 19 takeaways (1st) and 17 takeaways (3rd) the last two seasons. The team boasts talented defenders like Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt, and Edgerrin Cooper, who can provide sacks, tackles, and other big plays that contribute to fantasy scoring. Cooper, for example, had 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and an interception while playing limited snaps, suggesting high upside with increased playing time. The defense is working under their defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, for a second year, which should lead to better understanding and execution of the scheme. The Packers defense has the potential to be an elite fantasy option, especially in leagues that reward takeaways
There is no doubt that the Patriots defense in 2024 was poor. But we see that as the opportunity to potentially buy low in 2025, as there are several factors that lead us to believe that this unit will not only be improved this season -- but possibly prove to be a real diamond in the rough. The Pats are now coached by Mike Vrabel, a defensive-minded coach who is expected to run a 3-4 base defense, prioritizing a strong defensive line and versatile linebackers. The roster has been stock piled with quality veterans and a recent emphasis on DEPTH. The Patriots are projected to have one of the easiest schedules in the league, facing relatively weak offenses.
The Seahawks' defense showed significant improvement during the latter half of the 2024 season, allowing fewer points per game and forcing more turnovers after their Week 10 bye. With new head coach Mike Macdonald and quality talent in their pass rush and secondary, the Seahawks defense has the potential to be a surprising force in 2025. The defensive line, including returning veterans Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed, and first-round pick Byron Murphy II, is a strength of the team. The early season schedule includes tough matchups against the 49ers, but better matchups against the Steelers, Saints, and Cardinals follow. We see the Seahawks as an underrated defense with potential fantasy upside, especially in deeper leagues.
The Commanders showed some improvement under coach Dan Quinn in 2024 compared to their 2023 performance, where they had the worst pass defense in the league. They finished the 2024 season with a 12-5 record and made it to the NFC Championship game. While they traded away some key players like Montez Sweat and Chase Young in 2023, they added defensive end Dorance Armstrong and have a solid defensive line including Daron Payne. They ranked 3rd in the league with 187.1 passing yards allowed per game in the later part of the 2024 season. The Commanders DST can be a viable fantasy option in favorable matchups, particularly against teams with struggling offenses or turnover-prone quarterbacks. Bottom line: they are a great streaming option.