Should I Start The Ravens DST In Week 1? Fantasy Football Defenses

The DST position is one of the trickier positions to figure out in fantasy football, because there's always a lot of uncertainty and randomness with team defense. It's hard to predict turnovers, for example, which play a major role in DST scoring.

This week, the Baltimore Ravens DST is a popular fantasy option as they take on the Houston Texans, a team that will be starting a rookie quarterback.

So, should we start the Baltimore Ravens DST this week against Houston?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

What Is The 2023 Outlook For The Ravens DST?

The Baltimore Ravens defense is no longer one of the league's elite defenses like it has been in other seasons, but that doesn't mean the Ravens don't have a very good unit on that side of the ball.

The Ravens linebacker unit is especially strong, with Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith in the middle. Those two will form a strong base for a defense that allowed the third-fewest points per game last season.

On the back end, the team has to replace Marcus Peters and will be without Marlon Humphrey for a little bit after he had foot surgery. But there's talent in the secondary, including a good safety duo of Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams.

Should I Start The Ravens DST In Week 1 Fantasy Football?

The biggest reason to start the Ravens defense in Week 1 is that the team faces a Houston Texans team that will be starting a rookie quarterback. First-round pick C.J. Stroud is set to make his NFL debut under center for Houston.

While the Ravens won't have much tape on him, Stroud also has never faced an NFL defense. The Ravens have a good chance to force some turnovers and keep the Texans from putting up points.

Fantasy managers who need a DST this week should be confident in playing the Ravens. Consider them a top-five unit in fantasy football in Week 1.

Click here to find out where RotoBaller has this DST in our DST Rankings!

More Fantasy Football Analysis