Fantasy Football Rankings: Defense and Special Teams
by Josh Gaier
It’s almost time for fantasy football, and we’re here to make sure your draft is flawless. Josh Gaier breaks down the defensive and special teams rankings.
1) San Diego Chargers
The Chargers supply consistent and tenacious pressure to opposing quarterbacks. That and their combination of having ball-hawking corners, specifically Antonio Cromartie, bodes well for any fantasy defense. With the defense still intact, the Chargers look to once again fire bodies toward the line of scrimmage with hopes of forcing turnovers. Although the Chargers don’t have the best return man in the game, Darren Sproles is more than capable of taking one the distance.
2) Chicago Bears
The Bears defense was dreadful last year compared to the previous seasons. However, the catalysts of their defense – Tommy Harris and Brian Urlacher – missed a number of games due to injures, and the effects were evident. Although the defense is a shadow of their past, the Bears should be vastly improved. Devin Hester, the best return man in football, adds the extra spice to boost the Bears to the number two fantasy defensive rankings. Hester alone makes the Bears a valuable commodity.
3) New York Giants
The Giants love pressuring and attacking opposing teams other quarterbacks. The defensive line is vicious and can make even the Tom Brady’s of the NFL world look like mediocre quarterbacks. The Giants pressure starts with their defensive line, but their linebackers deserve praise as well. The secondary is above average, and burgeoning star Aaron Ross should become better with another offseason under his belt.
4) Seattle Seahawks
The Hawks’ defensive line keeps quarterbacks on their toes, and the linebackers are athletic and fast. The Hawks will also generate pressure, as they are one of the best pass rushing teams in the league, while at the same time will get you at least 20 interceptions. With a rather weak division in terms of offense, the Seahawks should put up plenty of big defensive games.
5) Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ run defense will remain atop in the NFL, and the addition of Jared Allen finally provides their stellar defensive tackles – Kevin Williams and Pat Williams – an explosive pass rusher off the edge. With the pressure heating up, the Vikings’ secondary should see a ton of more easy balls to pick off. The Vikings also force teams to be one dimensional due to their sensational run defense.
6) Dallas Cowboys
7) Pittsburgh Steelers
8 New England Patriots
9) Green Bay Packers
10) Jacksonville Jaguars
11) Indianapolis Colts
12) Tennessee Titans
13) Philadelphia Eagles
14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15) Washington Redskins
16) Baltimore Ravens
17) Buffalo Bills
18) Arizona Cardinals
19) New York Jets
20) Cleveland Browns
21) Denver Broncos
22) Oakland Raiders
23) Houston Texans
24) Kansas City Chiefs
25) New Orleans Saints
26) Cincinnati Bengals
27) Detroit Lions
28) San Francisco 49ers
29) Carolina Panthers
30) Miami Dolphins
31) St. Louis Rams
32) Atlanta Falcons