Michael Johnson, Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals
Take your pick, each and every one of these stud defensive linemen will standout in fantasy football on Monday Night Football. Whether it is Atkins taking on an interior of a Pittsburgh Steelers line without center Maurkice Pouncey or Dunlap going up against Marcus Gilbert this is a ridiculous mismatch.
Johnson Projected Statistics: Four tackles, four solo and one sack
Dunlap Projected Statistics: Three tackles, two solo, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble
Atkins Projected Statistics: Three tackles, two solo and one sack
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
Watt is going to be a DE1 every single week that he suits up this season. Despite not really showing up on the stat line last week against the San Diego Chargers, Watt was his dominating self in the opener. He batted one Philip Rivers' pass at the line and got pressure on a few other players. The mismatch here is Watt going up against Tennessee Titans' right tackle David Stewart, who is pedestrian in pass protection.
Projected Statistics: Six tackles, four solo, 1.5 sacks and two passes defended
Cameron Wake, Miami Dolphins
Do you realy expect Gosder Cherilus of all people to be able to contain Wake today? If so, I have a bridge in Africa for sale. Wake recorded 2.5 sacks last week against the Cleveland Browns, who have a much better offensive line than the Indianapolis Colts. Cherilus might have held down the fort against the Oakland Raiders last week, but going up against Miami's elite front seven is a completely different story. Wake will have himself one hell of a game.
Projected Statistics: Five tackles, three solo, two sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defended
Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
Quinn's ridiculous performance last week against Levi Brown and the Arizona Cardinals was nothing short of amazing. He recorded three sacks and multiple pressures on Carson Palmer, proving that he has taken that next step towards elite status. In fact, Pro Football Focus graded Quinn out as the best defensive player from the opening weekend. He now goes up against Detroit Lions left tackle Riley Reiff.
Projected Statistics: Four tackles, three solo, two sacks and one pass defended