by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Whatever we think we know heading into the opening week of the season can probably be safely forgotten.  Things are constantly changing in the NFL, and what we knew at the time of our drafts is already “out of date” and irrelevant.  With that in mind, which defenses that were likely ignored on draft day are worth considering for Week 1?  Let’s take a look:

Buffalo Bills
vs. New York Jets

The New York Jets offense is going to be bad.  In fact it may be among the worst offenses the NFL has seen….  Ever.  Outside of Bilal Powell there is no “weapon” that is going to scare an opposing defense, nor is there one that a defensive coordinator needs to game plan for.

Sure it’s the preseason, but the Bills have been one of the better defenses at stopping the run (87.0 yards per game).  That doesn’t mean much, but don’t be surprised to see them focus their efforts on keeping Powell in check and forcing Josh McCown and company to beat them.  Does anyone really believe that they can?

Los Angeles Rams
vs. Indianapolis

With Andrew Luck sidelined the Indianapolis Colts offense is questionable, at best.  Yes they have weapons in the receiving corps, but regardless of who is at QB do we believe that they can get them the football?  The Rams have the upside of being one of the better defensive units in the league, and this is the perfect opportunity for them to make a statement.  Take advantage of the matchup.

Jacksonville Jaguars
at Houston

The Texans are going to have questionable quarterback play this season, meaning that defenses are going to focus on stopping Lamar Miller.  That’s something Jacksonville showed capable of a year ago (he averaged 3.9 YPC against them), and if they are healthy the Jaguars have the potential to emerge as a Top 10 defense.   They are an overall underrated unit, and Week 1 could quickly put them on radars (and allow them to emerge as more than just a streaming option).

Make sure to check out all of our Week 1 Rankings: