As we head into Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, three offensive line versus defensive line matchups stand out that could have a major impact on their games. As the season progresses, we’ll see who’s for real and who has glaring weaknesses.
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Week 2 OL & DL Matchups
Giants OL vs. Cowboys DL
The Cowboys’ defensive line dominated in Week 1 against the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, leading the league with 12 run stops. If Dallas repeats that performance, Giants quarterback Russell Wilson could be in for a long day, while Dallas’ D/ST could deliver big fantasy points.
On the other side, Dak Prescott faces a challenging matchup against one of the league’s better defensive lines, anchored by rookie Abdul Carter. But Prescott has shown he can thrive under pressure. He posted a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 90 overall last week, 90.4 under pressure (second-best) and 82 when blitzed (third-best). If the Giants can’t get consistent pressure, this game could quickly get out of hand for them.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Avoid Giants running backs: The Cowboys’ defensive line did a great job stopping the run in Week 1 and held Saquon Barkley to 60 yards rushing, his second-lowest output since becoming an Eagle.
- Start Dallas’ D/ST: High upside for sacks and turnovers. They led the league in run stops last week. If they replicate that, expect points.
Seahawks OL vs. Steelers DL
Seattle struggled to protect Sam Darnold in Week 1 against the 49ers, and now faces an even stiffer challenge against T.J. Watt and the Steelers. PFF ranks Seattle’s offensive line 25th overall, with significant weak points at center with Jalen Sundell and right guard with Anthony Bradford.
Steelers EDGE rusher Alex Highsmith generated the sixth-best pass rush grade (89.5) last week and should continue to pressure a shaky Seattle line. With less concern about Darnold’s mobility compared to Justin Fields, Watt, Highsmith and company have the potential to create multiple game-changing plays. The Steelers’ D/ST is a solid fantasy option this week.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Avoid Sam Darnold: Seattle’s offensive line ranked 25th last week. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith present a nightmare for pocket quarterbacks. Multiple pressures or sacks are likely.
- Start Steelers’ D/ST: High pass-rush grades and a weak offensive line make this an excellent spot for defensive scoring.
Rams DL vs. Titans OL
After Aaron Donald’s retirement, some questioned the Rams’ defensive line, but this unit remains among the league’s best. Jared Verse earned the seventh-best EDGE defender grade (89.3) last year, while Braden Fiske earned pressure on 13% of his snaps (fifth-best). Kobie Turner and Byron Young also finished with double-digit sacks last season.
Week 2 presents another prime matchup as the Rams face a Titans offensive line weakened by injury. Second-year tackle JC Latham is out with a hip injury, and his replacement, Oli Udoh, posted a 38.9 PFF grade filling in. Cam Ward‘s line allowed 13 pressures against the Broncos, and now faces a Rams front that generates pressure on 42% of dropbacks. This could be a nightmare scenario for the Titans.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Avoid Cam Ward: His line allowed 13 pressures last week, and the Rams’ defensive line generates pressure on 42% of dropbacks. This could lead to sacks, fumbles or erratic play.
- Start Rams’ D/ST: Expect heavy pressure and potential turnovers. High floor in fantasy.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn