By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer
Maybe more so than any other position, ranking fantasy defenses depends on specific league scoring formats. My rankings will try to be as general as possible, with teams that create turnovers and force sacks getting emphasized. The ability to hold opponents’ scoring down and a strong special teams unit also gets credit. Remember, predicting defenses in the NFL is often a crap shoot, so if you miss out on the big-3, I think it’s safe to wait till near the end of your draft to select a fantasy defense.
1. Chicago Bears – History suggests it’s nearly impossible to sustain this unit’s level of play for three consecutive seasons, but the team is in the right situation to buck the trend. They draft well, have a huge homefield advantage, play in a great system and sit in a division littered with turnover-prone QBs. Devin Hester won’t be as good as last year, but he’s still a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
2. Baltimore Ravens – Rex Ryan makes this team fantasy gold, with an ultra-aggressive style that often leads to the squad being at or near the top of the league in takeaways. Samari Rolle was the team’s scapegoat last year, but it’s the hugely overrated Ed Reed who struggles with zone pass coverage. Nevertheless, the Ravens are a top-flight fantasy defense.
3. San Diego Chargers – How many sacks is Shawne Merriman going to get with a full 16-game slate? This unit is all about pressuring the passer and should continue to do so in 2007. If JaMarcus Russell and Brodie Croyle start for their respective teams, the Chargers will face three divisional teams with QBs who have a combined five NFL starts to their credit.
4. New England Patriots – With the additions of Brandon Meriweather and Adalius Thomas, the once weak spot at linebacker now becomes a strength. When you add in a solid secondary and a dominating defensive line, the Patriots look like an elite defensive unit once again. Their offense should also be improved, so expect the defense to be aggressive while playing with numerous leads during second halves of games.
5. Philadelphia Eagles – Philly is typically a solid fantasy D even without great personnel simply because of Jim Johnson’s aggressive scheme. Now, they might have the talent as well. Jevon Kearse, who was a beast before injury last year, returns healthy and motivated, while the addition of Takeo Spikes should be a big help. He’s one more year removed from surgery and will be back playing his natural position, making this unit a solid option.
6. Denver Broncos – Champ Bailey and Dre Bly form a pretty tough cornerback duo, even if Bly is a little overrated. However, an improved pass rush would go a long way toward making the Broncos an even better fantasy option.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Oakland Raiders
10. Carolina Panthers
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Green Bay Packers
13. Dallas Cowboys
14. New York Giants
15. Minnesota Vikings
16. Indianapolis Colts
17. Cincinnati Bengals
18. Kansas City Chiefs
19. St. Louis Rams
20. Seattle Seahawks
Leave a Reply