Fantasy Defense Rankings

Fantasy DST Rankings - Ranking defenses is always a challenge since it is the one fantasy position that is treated very differently in most leagues. Defenses are often a barometer of how well an NFL team does since it must contend with whatever the offense did or did not accomplish. Teams like Atlanta and Oakland did a nosedive last season offensively and due to that, their defenses turned in a markedly worse season. Let’s face it, bad offensive teams give fantasy defenses more opportunities to have success. This is even truer when the points allowed or yards allowed are calculated into your fantasy points scoring system. Keep these tips in mind when you pick your fantasy team's defense this year, and keep in mind that you don't want to take a defense too early in your draft. A bad draft mistake is taking a defense to early.

Fantasy Defenses/Special Teams 1-6 (Teams You Just Have To Have!!)

1) Chicago Bears -- Bye Week: 7

The Bears return all 11 starters on a young defense that allowed only 12.6 points per game in 2005. The Bears have a deep, exceptionally quick front seven, and close quickly on runners and create awesome upfield pressure on passing downs. Speedster LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs run down anything that moves, make plays in coverage and get in on the pass-rushing fun. CB Charles Tillman is an enforcer who has the right kinds of skills for a Cover 2 corner, and CB Nathan Vasher and SS Mike Brown-though small-play like they were born to ball-hawk. With so much youth and speed on the bench, including rookie return ace Devin Hester, the special teams again should be dangerous. Weaknesses? The undersized front seven can be worn down, but increased depth and a stronger passing game should keep everyone sharp.

2) Carolina Panthers -- Bye Week: 9

The Panthers ranked fifth in the league at 16.2 points allowed per game despite experiencing injuries that forced shuffling of personnel. DEs Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker (18 sacks combined) create steady upfield pressure, forcing quarterbacks into poor decisions, or onto their backs. Big, physical and steady CBs Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas came into their own in 2005. Their play, combined with regular front-four pressure, allows Carolina's safeties and linebackers to be more aggressive in going after big plays. Depth at linebacker is an issue, especially if Dan Morgan has more trouble staying healthy. But barring a rash of injuries to key players, this unit has all the elements-playmaking, a stingy streak in the red zone, explosive return teams-to be a fantasy owner's dream.

3) Jacksonville Jaguars -- Bye Week: 6

Jack Del Rio built his team on a strong defensive line (47 sacks) which creates opportunities for linebackers and defensive backs to make plays (34 turnovers and 2 TDs). DE Reggie Hayward is a fine edge rusher, and the Jags' pressure would be even more potent if someone would step up to exploit single blocking on the other side. ILB Mike Peterson is fast, diagnoses plays quickly and makes a ton of plays roaming free behind those blocker-gobbling tackles. SS Donovin Darius, returning from a knee injury, provides leadership and clock-cleaning intimidation against the run and pass. Underrated CB Rashean Mathis is tall, rangy and entering his prime; he and free agent Brian Williams form one of the NFL's better CB duos. Even with a far more grueling schedule than last season and uncertain special teams (we'll see how rookie return man RB Maurice Drew works out), this is a platinum-solid defense.

4) Pittsburgh Steelers -- Bye Week: 4

Pittsburgh works to stuff the run with nose tackle Casey Hampton (86 yards per game). With the run in check, linebackers and safeties are free to roam. The linebackers are aging, but the group still is very physical, versatile and rarely blows assignments-perfect for the team's 3-4 zone-blitz scheme. The run D is powered by a line that ties up blockers (Hampton is an anvil in the middle) and allows the interior ’backers to get after the ball. Polamalu basically is a fifth linebacker on running downs, but he's so fast and relentless that he also makes plays as a blitzer and in coverage against the pass. The rest of the secondary is only okay, but CB Ike Taylor is an up-and-comer who has shutdown potential. And coordinator Dick LeBeau hides a lot of blemishes by keeping opponents off balance with numerous blitz packages and personnel groupings. Antwaan Randle El's departure is a blow to the return game. And in addition to catching Cincinnati twice, Pittsburgh faces a flurry of potentially dominant offenses

5) Seattle Seahawks -- Bye Week: 5

Seattle allowed only 94.4 rushing yards per game last season, forcing opponents into long passing downs and allowing them to accrue 50 sacks. With new signee Julian Peterson matched with second-year wunderkinds Lofa Tatapu and LeRoy Hill, Seattle has one of the NFL's best linebacker crews. The linemen are only decent, but the re-signing of Rocky Bernard and the acquisition of Russell Davis will allow for a rotation that should keep everyone fresh and active. Few teams make more second-effort sacks. if FS Ken Hamlin is okay after a frightening off-field altercation, the Seahawks' pass rush and takeaway potential will get a boost. SS Michael Boulware has made the transition from college LB with relative ease and is a two-way playmaking force. CB Marcus Trufant can lock down an opponent's best receiver and allow Marshall to take more risks. All told, if the chemistry holds, the Seahawks will be stronger than ever.

6) Indianapolis Colts -- Bye Week: 6

Tony Dungy finally has the talent on defense to match his high-flying offense. He can call an aggressive game with big hitters Bob Sanders and Mike Doss in the secondary DE Dwight Freeney, the game's most disruptive defender, makes everyone around him substantially better. He also forces opponents to use a running back or tight end as an extra blocker in pass protection, limiting their options-and freeing up DEs Robert Mathis (11.5 sacks in 2005) and Raheem Brock (6.5) and DT Montae Reagor (5.5). The in-season addition of DT Corey Simon took Indy to a new level (especially against the run), and Simon should be in far better shape and more comfortable in the scheme in 2006. The Colts' QB pressure and Cover 2 help eliminate the deep ball, while the secondary, assuming it can stay healthy, might finally have the blend of talent and experience to be a strength instead of a weakness. SS Bob Sanders is a speedy punisher, and FS Mike Doss and CB Marlin Jackson can be impact players. The return teams are a nonfactor, but the Colts do face a cakewalk of a division slate.

Fantasy Defenses/Special Teams 7-11 (If You Don't Get a Top 11 Defense just quit now !!)

7) Baltimore Ravens -- Bye Week: 7

The Ravens ranked 10th in total defense last season despite a mountain of injuries to key players, such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The team addressed the depth issues by drafting DT Haloti Ngata and signing 286-pound DE Trevor Pryce. With those two up front, Ray Lewis will take on fewer blocks and stay healthier. Pryce's presence also should allow dangerous pass-rushing DE Terrell Suggs to play in space and face more favorable blocking matchups. Reed, a phenomenal ball hawk and student of the game, will help calm a talented but unsteady secondary. He sees the field extremely well, reads QB's tendencies and has few peers among defensive players with the ball in his hands. CB Chris McAlister still is one of the best pure cover men around and CB Samari Rolle could be the NFL's top No. 2, but they give up too many big plays. Equally troubling are the gaping holes at safety. The Ravens were a run-stopping force last season, and also had dangerous return teams. With Lewis and Reed healthy, expect a return to greater things.

8) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Bye Week: 4

Monte Kiffin doesn't often get mentioned among the hot assistants or head coach candidates, but there isn't a better defensive mind in the league. The unit ranked ninth in total defense at 17.1 points per game and forced 33 turnovers. DE Simeon Rice is a perennial double-digit sack threat who can single-handedly create turnovers and favorable down-and-distance scenarios. DT Anthony McFarland complements Rice as a disruptive interior force, playing with great leverage. Derrick Brooks prepares like a pro and still gets to the ball in a hurry. CB Ronde Barber is a perfect fit for the Tampa 2 (the team's longtime and oft-copied 4-3 Cover 2 scheme). He plays the run well, blitzes like hellfire, is crafty in coverage and makes countless big plays. Age is an issue for a unit that relies so heavily on speed, and the supporting cast is rather ordinary. The return teams and ominous schedule are two more strikes against this unit, but if any defense deserves the benefit of the doubt, it's Kiffin's.

9) Minnesota Vikings -- Bye Week: 6

A hot sleeper pick a year ago, this unit crashed and burned badly, but better things are on the horizon for the Vikes D this year. They registered 32 turnovers and 32 sacks last season FS Darren Sharper and CB Antoine Winfield marauded passing lanes and WR Koren Robinson and RB Mewelde Moore electrified the return teams. Now, this unit again looks like a potential bargain. (Do we dare call them a sleeper again? Yes, we do.) E.J. Henderson and rookie Chad Greenway are big and fast LBs, their questionable reads and instincts portend trouble in a Cover 2. Still, the elements that fueled last season's late push remain in place. With better health and a new ball-control offense, the Vikes could field a dynamite big-play defensive and special teams unit.

10) New England Patriots -- Bye Week: 6

The New England defense was riddled by injuries in 2006 starting with Tedy Bruschi's stroke in February of 2005 to a rash of injuries in the secondary. Over the last eight weeks though, the Pats had fantasy's No. 10 defense in traditional scoring formats. How much more lethal could it have been with Harrison's leadership, toughness and playmaking ability, plus better depth and versatility in the secondary? We'll find out in 2006. Harrison is expected back, vets SS Tebucky Jones and CB Eric Warfield were signed and a strong front seven returns almost intact. LB Willie McGinest has moved on, and age and depth are increasing concerns at linebacker. But Rosevelt Colvin is a quality replacement for McGinest, and coach Bill Belichick and DE Richard Seymour won't let this D be mediocre. Belichick is the best at preparing and executing schemes, many of which wouldn't be possible without the insanely talented Seymour.

11) San Diego Chargers -- Bye Week: 3

The Chargers received stellar play from rookie Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman in 2005, both of whom are destined for stardom in this league. The Chargers had the NFL's top run D last season and could have the best front seven for years to come. Shawne Merriman, who rarely played third downs as a rookie yet had 10 sacks. And if his off-season pass-drop work takes hold, he'll add invaluable flexibility to the defense. LBs Donnie Edwards and Randall Godfrey are smart, gifted playmakers whose only real weakness is taking on blocks-a task they rarely face working behind this line. A secondary littered with underachievers is all that stands between this unit and utter dominance. As it is, thanks to a more manageable schedule, jet-fueled return man Darren Sproles and the assistance of a clock-munching offense, this is a starter-caliber unit with serious upside.

Fantasy Defenses/Special Teams 12-20 (If you didn't get a defense earlier you'd better grab one of these)

12) Philadelphia Eagles -- Bye Week: 9

The Eagles were positively decimated by injury in the 2005 season, dropping them from their usual perch at the top of team defenses. This year its Howard and Kerse on the edge?? Wow! Plus their D is led by versatile FS Brian Dawkins, the DBs strike a sweet balance between brute force and skill, attitude and ability. Huge SS Michael Lewis is an enforcer against the run and a good blitzer who isn't a liability against the pass. CBs Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard are accomplished man-to-man cover men who get their hands on passes and know what to do when they corral one. LB Jeremiah Trotter is an interior banger who can carry the run D, but he shouldn't have to as often if the DTs make strides (particularly Mike Patterson) and stay healthy. Of course, few units are more vulnerable to injuries than this undersized bunch.

13) New York Giants -- Bye Week: 4

We've got two good reasons why these guys merit your consideration: coordinator Tim Lewis' attacking scheme, and better health. Wait, how about two more: DEs Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. It's hard to believe that a surefire Hall of Famer like Strahan is still underrated-but he is. He knows every trick and nuance, remains quick off the ball, plays the run with leverage and passion, uses his hands remarkably well and has an endless supply of pass-rush moves. The speedy Umenyiora exploded last season (14.5 sacks), working against blocking schemes rolled to Strahan's side. The D benefits from a high-scoring offense and a scheme that seeks out the big play. LB Antonio Pierce might have to fight through more traffic in the wake of DT Kendrick Clancy's exit, and this unit will still rely to a large extent on the aged (CB Sam Madison) and infirm (LB LaVar Arrington). However the return teams are an asset,

14) Atlanta Falcons -- Bye Week: 5

The Falcons had one of the league's strongest pass rushes last season-and now they've acquired DE John Abraham (53.5 sacks in 73 career games). Abraham will team with Patrick Kerney to form one of the best defensive end tandems in the game and to mount a persistent pass rush. Problem is, breakdowns on offense and opponents who smelled blood forced the Falcons' undersized and shallow front line into too many no-win physical confrontations. Former undrafted free agent Antwan Lake (a 308-pound DT) is the biggest defender in the team's line rotation, so the battle in the trenches again figures to be a losing one. Hard-hitting SS Lawyer Milloy does bolster the run D a bit, and the secondary's speed and playmaking ability are greatly improved with Milloy and Williams teaming with free agent FS Chris Crocker and CB DeAngelo Hall. If you're looking for big plays, these guys will deliver. But in leagues that count yards and points against, they will deliver nothing but stomach aches.

15) Dallas Cowboys -- Bye Week: 3

The Cowboys will get to be more creative on defense and will see more turnover potential as the potent offense forces opponents to press. They'll also benefit from another season in the 3-4 and personnel upgrades. Although LB DeMarcus Ware wore down as a rookie, he's an ideal edge rusher with big-play potential. DEs Chris Canty and Marcus Spears should help the front line better hold the point and protect the linebackers. SS Roy Williams is a knockout artist who wreaks havoc in the box, but he's been forced into more coverage situations (not his specialty) because of a still-existing black hole at free safety. CB Terence Newman's game is coming along, and CB Anthony Henry's size and ball skills help too. But this unit remains just a tad too volatile to rank among the elite options. Give this unit one more year before they're in the top 5.

16) Arizona Cardinals -- Bye Week: 3

Arizona allowed 24 points per game last season, and will need 2005 draft choice Antrel Rolle to play like a veteran on day one in order to improve its defensive presence. Arizona bolstered its front line by signing DT Kendrick Clancy and drafting DT Gabe Watson. Hopefully, those two can help the Cards more effectively clog the middle and protect their fleet linebackers. You can bet the Cardinals will be all over the QB again: DEs Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor are strong edge rushers; explosive DT Darnell Dockett has upside; LB Karlos Dansby is an excellent blitzer; and SS Adrian Wilson set an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back in a season (eight). With Wilson, FS Robert Griffith and CB Antrel Rolle (last year's first-round pick), no team will be more physical in the secondary. Relatively little turnover should improve continuity, and Edgerrin James' arrival will aid that fourth-quarter fatigue problem. This group might be a year away.

17) Miami Dolphins -- Bye Week: 8

Saban has hired a sterling staff (including coordinator Dom Capers) and helped smooth the transition from a strict 4-3 to a multiple-front scheme. The line generally pulls its weight by occupying blockers and creating more quarterback pressure than the average three-man front, and the run D was surprisingly effective last season. Now the bad news. Miami has one of the oldest defenses in the league, which is particularly dangerous for a group that still relies heavily on speed. The top four linemen are in their 30s, including Taylor. And though LB Zach Thomas still reads plays and finds the ball as well as anyone in the league, he's 32, undersized (especially for a 3-4) and missed significant time last season. LB Channing Crowder showed promise as a rookie, and DE Matt Roth and DTs Manuel Wright and Rodrique Wright have upside. But the Dolphins need production, not potential. And with a secondary that lacks high-quality talent and a coach who demands much of his defensive backs, Miami's defense appears to still be in transition.

18) Cincinnati Bengals -- Bye Week: 5

The Bengals capitalized on the opportunities afforded by its potent offense, racking up 31 interceptions. The Achilles' heel for this defense was its poor results in stopping the run. Cincinnati led the NFL with 44 takeaways. The credit goes to Lewis' ability to confuse opposing QBs and motivate his players to stay active in pursuit of turnovers. Give an assist to the offense for giving this D a cushion to work with. Signing DT Sam Adams, a two-down anvil, was a good first step toward addressing the first problem. Meanwhile, FS Madieu Williams and LBs Odell Thurman and David Pollack-the back seven's young nucleus-could be ready to make quantum leaps. Ball-hawking CBs Deltha O'Neal and Tory James get most of the ink, but Williams is the Bengals' best defensive back. The additions of SS Dexter Jackson and rookie CB Johnathan Joseph give Cincinnati more depth, flexibility and playmaking potential than any other secondary. Thurman and Pollack struggled with their reads and the speed of the game as rookies, but they're future stars who could enhance that feeble pass rush. This unit still needs work.

19) Denver Broncos -- Bye Week: 4

Denver was tied for third in total defense at 16.1 points per game and tallied a strong 38 turnovers courtesy of John Lynch and Champ Bailey. This unit, though fairly deep, has some serious age and injury issues. The line lost DE Trevor Pryce, but it remains deep, is extremely well-coached and effectively controls the line of scrimmage. LBs Al Wilson and Ian Gold also are fantastic in coverage, and D.J. Williams is only a healthy dose of discipline away from a Pro Bowlfilled career. The pass defense lives and dies with CB Champ Bailey, probably football's best cover man. His ability to shut down an opponent's best receiver allows Denver to roll coverage elsewhere and aggressively seek turnovers. It's also nice that CBs Darrent Williams and Domonique Foxworth showed all kinds of promise as rookies. Will a Tatum Belland Ron Dayne-led running game keep this unit off the field? This ranking is our answer.

20) Washington Redskins -- Bye Week: 8

Washington employs an aggressive system, which leads to a high turnover rate and decent sack total. The clear strengths of this unit are discipline, versatility and coordinator Gregg Williams' ability to put his charges in positions to make plays. Even though they ranked just 20th in sacks last year, few teams blitz as often or as effectively as the Redskins. Veteran CB Shawn Springs arguably had the best season of his career in 2005, CB Carlos Rogers is coming into his own, new SS Adam Archuleta can be a devastating blitzer and FS Sean Taylor's natural abilities are just plain sick. The disciplined, physical and stout line returns intact, but upfield pressure from that group has been abysmal. LaVar Arrington brings another top-tier talent into the fold, and he's certainly motivated after being relegated to bench duty in 2005. New DE Andre Carter, who has only 14 sacks in three seasons since notching 13 in his second year in the league, had better be the real deal. He and DT Cornelius Griffin had better stay healthy, too; the Redskins have precious little depth anywhere on this D.

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