Green Bay Packers vs Washington Commanders defense: Week 2 fantasy projections and picks

The Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders are set to do battle on Thursday. Both teams are coming off wins, making for an ideal start to the Week 2 slate.

Fantasy managers who started the season on the losing side will be chomping at the bit to get back on track. Most of the usual suspects are likely off the waiver wire for the game, but defenses tend to linger longer than most other position groups. Is it worth taking a defense at the 11th hour to throw into your lineup?

Here's a look at what you need to know about both units.

Is Green Bay Packers defense a good fantasy pick in Week 2?

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Green Bay Packers Defense v Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Getty

The Packers are currently ranked sixth in the league in fantasy defense. Of course, with one game under their belt, the ranking is hardly set in stone. However, blowing up the Detroit Lions in Week 1 is as big an accomplishment as one can hope for.

The addition of Micah Parsons is a key catalyst. While he only earned one sack, he can be credited with soaking up the attention, allowing Rashan Gary to dismantle his side of the offensive line, resulting in seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The Packers' pass rush looks scary this season, but Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is much more mobile than Jared Goff and harder to sack.

According to Sportskeeda's free Who Should I Start Tool, Green Bay is expected to deliver a comfortable showing but nothing spectacular, with 7.2 points projected.

Is Washington Commanders defense a good fantasy pick in Week 2?

Washington Commanders Defense vs Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

The Washington Commanders picked up Von Miller, who quietly is coming off a decent six-sack season, this offseason. The Commanders shut down Russell Wilson for most of the Week 1 contest in New York. However, unlike the Packers, the Commanders faced what most agree to be a much different quality team.

To be fair, the Commanders still have Bobby Wagner, who continues to be an ageless wonder heading into an age-35 season. However, in 2024, the Commanders were ranked in the bottom half of teams in points allowed, one of the biggest factors determining a defense's score in fantasy football.

Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool has projected the defense to earn 6.5 points this week.

Commanders or Packers defense: Who Should I Start in Week 2 fantasy football?

Washington Commanders D/ST vs Green Bay Packers D/ST - Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool

The Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers defenses are both coming off great showings, but with only one spot available, managers need to choose wisely. Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool has projected Green Bay to be the defense to start.

The unit has Micah Parsons and shut down the more impressive team in Week 1. The contest will also take place in Green Bay, which gives the Packers' defense an added advantage.