By Jeff PaurSenior Fantasy Writer Realtime Fantasy Sports Def / STs:The big thing with the defense/special teams position is knowing your rules. Some leagues really reward defenses for sacks, turnovers and points allowed while others just give points for touchdowns scored by your defense/special teams. This is quite a different approach, so before ranking or picking a defense during your draft, know what your league favors. Your rules will dictate the value the position in your league.
With that said, the 49ers are our top selection this season after a monster season last year and most of those key guys returning in 2012. But after them, we have several solid choices. The Steelers, Packers, Patriots, Bears and Cowboys should have solid seasons and are capable of finishing near the top of most leagues in defense/special teams scoring.
And there are a couple different approaches to taking a defense. If you want to use a mid-round pick on a defense/special teams, take the 49ers or Steelers or whoever you have rated high. But if you want to wait until the later rounds, grab two defenses you think you can platoon based on matchups. This is a good strategy to use if you want to wait a while before taking a defense and use that mid-round pick on another position. Getting two teams like the Lions and Falcons could do just as well as taking the Steelers with a higher pick. It is just something to think about heading into your draft. Platoon options can work well with this position. | | Player News:
The 49ers were the top rated defense/special teams in most formats. This unit was dominating for much of the season. They did have a few struggles stopping the pass (16th) but did get 23 interceptions and 42 sacks, so all wasn't bad when teams dropped back to pass against San Fran. The 49ers were especially tough against the rush, ranking first overall. And they were first by a lot, holding team to just 77.3 yards per game. The 49ers have the guys in place to be very good once again. Aldon Smith is an emerging star at outside linebacker and Patrick Willis already is a star at his linebacker spot. Justin Smith just keeps going and does a great job of supporting the rush while providing a top pass rush. The secondary has some solid corners in Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown - two guys with plenty of talent that should be better this season. The special teams are above average as well with Ted Ginn handling the return duties. Ginn is as explosive as any return man in the game.
Fantasy Outlook:
The 49ers are our top rated fantasy defense/special teams. This unit has it all - sack and interception potential, low yardage and point totals and above-average special teams play. Don't hesitate making them the first defense/special teams off the board come draft day. | | | Player News:
The Broncos started out well defensively but really faded down the stretch. Denver ranked 20th overall (18th against pass, 22nd against run). They had their issues against both the pass and run. The secondary probably is the strength with Champ Bailey remaining a premier cover corner. He'll be joined by Tracy Porter this year, who should improve the coverage in the secondary. The Broncos also have some guys that can get after the quarterback, including Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. The Broncos had 41 sacks last year, which was above average. They do lack some bulk up front, though, which leads to the team getting pushed around at times when it comes to stopping the run. The special teams aren't too special with Eric Decker and Matt Willis handling the return duties. Both do alright in their roles, but are nothing too special.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Broncos have some sack and interception potential, but they won't limit the yards or points too well. Consider them a spot starter in the right matchup. They'll be up and down for fantasy teams. | | | Player News:
The Seahawks had a solid year defensively, getting the benefit of playing in a pretty weak offensive division. Seattle finished ninth overall defensively and were a top 10 fantasy defense in most formats. They did a great job of creating turnovers, though, grabbing 22 interceptions, which was among the best in the league. Seattle didn't have a great pass rush but weren't terrible, notching 33 sacks last season. That number could improve some with newcomer Bruce Irvin expected to generate a top pass rush. The secondary remains the strength of the team with cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Brandon Brower emerging as solid players. The Seahawks added linebacker Barrett Ruud to try to improve a mediocre run defense. The Special teams remain strong for the Seahawks with two top return men at their disposal. Both Leon Washington and Golden Tate are big-play threats and do well in the return game.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Seahawks probably will be overlooked some come draft day but they have upside in a weak division. Seattle could be a nice platoon option for fantasy teams. They cause turnovers and their sack totals should be improved a little. | | | Player News:
The Bears remain an elite fantasy defense because of their great return man (Devin Hester) and tendency to create turnovers. Chicago had 20 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries last season - both totals were among the best in the league. And Hester is a dynamic return man, capable of scoring every time he touches the ball. He makes this unit elite. Chicago's defense was especially tough against the run last year, ranking 5th overall while their pass defense ranked just 28th. The pass defense remains a concern for the Bears but should be improved some if the defense can stay healthier this year. Linebacker Brian Urlacher is the heart and soul of the defense and can dominate a game.
Fantasy Outlook:
The special teams really help the value of this unit. If not for Hester, this squad is more middle of the pack than anything. But with Hester around and some guys getting healthy, consider the Bears a legit No. 1 fantasy defense. They won't get you a ton of sacks but have some touchdown potential and are usually an opportunistic unit under Lovie Smith. | | | Player News:
The Steelers were the top ranked defense last year but weren't the top fantasy defense. Pittsburgh had great numbers against both the pass and rush but lacked fumble recoveries and interceptions, which hurt their fantasy production. They did do pretty well against getting after the quarterback, though, notching 35 sacks. This should be a very good defense once again with linebacker James Harrison leading the way. Ike Taylor is a shutdown corner in the secondary and safety Troy Polamalu continues to wreak havoc to the opposition. The special teams improved some with Antonio Brown providing a bit of a spark in the return game. He should continue to handle those duties this season and brings big-play ability to the position.
Fantasy Outlook:
Don't get too down on the fantasy numbers from last season. The Steelers can improve their interception and fumble recovery totals. That was more of a fluke than the norm for this team. The Steelers are a top-five fantasy unit. | | | Player News:
The Packers actually ranked dead last defensively last season but still finished fifth in fantasy scoring in most formats. The secondary did a great job last season of creating turnovers and scoring with all those interceptions. Green Bay had an amazing 31 interceptions, which lead the league. They might allow some yards through the air but the secondary will make some big plays as well. Expect more of the same this season. The Packers struggled a little getting after the quarterback, though, notching 29 sacks. The Packers hoped rookies Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy can provide more of a pass rush for the team. The rush defense is stout with defensive tackle B.J. Raji stacking the middle. The special teams is dynamite with Randall Cobb handling the return duties. He made big play after big play last season and should be excellent again in 2012.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Packers continue to produce a lot of touchdowns defensively and on special teams, making them a top fantasy defense. They will allow more yards and points then your typical top fantasy defense/special teams but the interception and touchdown potential make them a top squad. | | | Player News:
The Bengals not only were a surprise team last season but a surprise defensively. This unit really improved, finishing seventh overall and scored the 13th most fantasy points. The big strength of the defense was pass defense. The Bengals ranked ninth against the pass and had 45 sacks. The Bengals have an emerging top corner in Dre Kirkpatrick and some nice veterans to compliment him, including Nate Clements, Terrance Newman and Leon Hall. Pass defense should be a strength for this team once again. The Bengals also aren't too shabby against the run, ranking 10th against the rush. Cincinnati has some real playmakers at linebacker, which helps the run defense. Special teams are pretty solid for the Bengals. Brandon Tate has some big-play ability and a history of some long returns.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Bengals are a low-end No. 1 for fantasy teams. This unit has some potential but it wouldn't surprise to see them take a bit of a step back with a tougher schedule. They are still a spot starter, though, as they have sack potential and will do a decent job of limiting points and yards. | | | Player News:
The Patriots didn't do much to limit yards and points last season but were a strong fantasy defense because of high sack and interception totals. They made up for the high scoring games with a lot of turnovers and quarterback pressures. Expect more of the same as the defense remains pretty young and should get better with more seasoning. The Patriots used their first six draft picks on defensive players this season, hoping to improve the area even more. The pass defense needs the most improvement and could be a concern again for this season. But the pass rush should be good and the run defense should be improved some with more bulk on the line. Special teams isn't a huge strength but Danny Woodhead and Julian Edelman are above-average return men, so it isn't a weakness, either.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Patriots are a solid pick for fantasy teams unless you are in a league that penalizes for yards and points allowed. They will get you plenty of sacks and interceptions, and normally are good for a few defensive scores. Just know your scoring. Consider them a top-10 option in most formats. | | | Player News:
The Cowboys really underachieved defensively last season but still ranked 14th overall. The pass defense and pass rush were the biggest issues. The Cowboys ranked 23 against the pass and had 42 sacks, which is a decent total but more was expected from this highly touted unit. Dallas revamped the secondary for this season, though, drafting Morris Claiborne and signing Brandon Carr. Both should start and be an upgrade for the secondary. Dallas also hopes to get DeMarcus Ware playing at a high level once again. Ware is one of the more talented defensive players in the league but was a little quiet at times last season. If he gets going and the pass defense just becomes average, the Cowboys' defense will be scary. The special teams are just alright with Dez Bryant handling punts returns and Dwayne Harris likely serving as the kick returner. Bryant has big-play ability but tends to be erratic in this role.
Fantasy Outlook:
This is a fantasy defense with top-five potential. They are worth grabbing as a starter in hopes of a bit of a turnaround. The talent is there for big things from this unit. They have a lot of sack potential and interceptions should be up with Claiborne around. | | | Player News:
The Falcons made some strides defensively last season, moving up to 12th overall for the season. Atlanta still struggled in pass defense (20th overall) but played better overall as a unit. The addition of cornerback Asante Samuel should help the pass defense even more this season. Brent Grimes and Samuel form a pretty good duo in the secondary for the Falcons. And if safety William Moore can stay healthy, the pass defense could be a strength. The Falcons had a bit of a down year rushing the passer but have the players in place to post some nice sack totals (i.e. John Abraham, Ray Edwards). The rush defense is stout for the Falcons with Corey Peters and Jordan Babineaux clogging the middle. The special teams are decent with Harry Douglas and Dominique Franks handling the return duties. Douglas is shifty in the open field with some big-play ability.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Falcons' defense continues to make strides, but still aren't an every-week starter for fantasy teams. Atlanta remains a spot play but are worthy of a platoon role for fantasy teams. They have some upside with an emerging secondary and a pass rush that can generate some sacks. | | | Player News:
The Giants defense played well at the right time of the year, peaking at the end of the year and during their Super Bowl run. But they really disappointed for much of the regular season, failing to generate much pressure on the quarterback and struggling against the pass. The Giants finished the season just 29th against the pass while ranking 27th overall defensively. New York did have 28 sacks, though, which was among the highest in the league. The pass rush will be a strength once again this season but the secondary remains a bit of a concern. A healthy Prince Amukamara at cornerback would be a plus, though. He gives the team some good depth and has shutdown ability if he continues to grow at the position. Special teams aren't too exciting for the Giants. Jerrel Jernigan is the favorite to handle both punt and return duties for the Giants. He is a young player with upside but didn't get many chances in that role last season, so the verdict is still out on him.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Giants have a lot of talent on the defense side of the ball and we expect them to play better from day one this season. They are a legit starter for fantasy teams, mainly because of their top sack potential. The Giants aren't an elite unit but just outside that group. | | | Player News:
It might be hard to believe but the Texans were a dominate defense last season, ranking second overall. They were third against the pass and fourth against the run. This unit did it all as the team took a big step forward. It might be hard for the team to repeat last season, especially with Mario Williams gone, but they still have plenty of talent in place and should do well. The secondary is very good with cornerback Jonathan Joseph leading the way. And the linebackers do a great job for the Texans, including Brian Cushing and Bradie James - two young players on the rise. The pass rush is a bit of a concern with Williams gone but Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt should provide some nice sack totals for the team. The special teams have potential with Daniel Manning as their kick return man. He has a history of some big returns and rookie Keshawn Martin should get his chances as punt returner, filling the void left by Jacoby Jones.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Texans will have a hard time matching last season but should be considered a fantasy starter. They have sack and interception potential while limiting yards and points. Houston is the real deal defensively. Last season wasn't a fluke. | | | Player News:
The Rams had all sorts of problems defensively last season but most of it was because they couldn't keep a cornerback healthy. Hopefully, that changes this season, especially with new cornerback Cortland Finnegan in the mix. Finnegan finally gives the Rams a shutdown corner. The Rams also were awful against the rush last season, which has been an issue for years. They ranked 31st against the run and allowed 17-rushing touchdowns. New coach Jeff Fisher should help in this area as will the additions of defensive tackles, rookie Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford. The pass rush could be pretty good with Chris Long and Robert Quinn coming off the edge. Both have double-digit sack potential. The special teams have been nothing special the last several seasons. Rookie Isaiah Pead could help as the kick returner. Pead is a big-play threat with speed and good moves in the open field.
Fantasy Outlook:
We expect this unit to be much improved. Fisher will have them playing hard. Pass defense remains a concern but they could post some good sack totals while keeping yardage totals down more this season. The Rams will be worth some spot starts, especially in the weak NFC West. | | | Player News:
The Eagles had some struggles at times defensively but played pretty well for most of the season despite a few down games. They ranked eighth overall defensively and also had the eighth most points for fantasy teams. Their pass rush is one of the best in the league, getting 50 sacks last season, which tied the league lead. And despite a few hiccups in the secondary, the Eagles boast three of the top corners in the game and can shut down an opponent any given weeks. Philadelphia a bit below average against the run, though, ranking 16th last season. They lack a little bulk up front and the linebackers had a few struggles. This could be an area of concern once again for 2012. The special teams are solid for the Eagles with DeSean Jackson explosive as a return man. He is capable of taking it to the house every time he touches the ball.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Eagles are an elite fantasy defense. They have a well rounded squad that should produce dependable numbers for fantasy teams. The special teams have touchdown potential and the defense should produce above average sack and interception numbers with a bunch of talent on that side of the ball. | | | Player News:
The Jets continue to boast a top defense. New York ranked fifth overall and scored the ninth most fantasy points. Their huge strength, thanks to shutdown corner Darrelle Revis, is their pass defense, which ranked fifth. The Jets also had 19 interceptions, which was among the best last season. They don't do a great job of pressuring the quarterback, though, which might be their one weakness. The Jets had 35 sacks, a number that isn't terrible but not great, either. The Jets also had a few issues against the run, ranking 13th but that number is higher because teams try to run a lot more than pass against this squad. The Jets have a pretty good special teams unit with Joe McKnight leading the way in the return game. He has big-play ability and gives the special teams a spark.
Fantasy Outlook:
The sacks are about the only thing holding this unit back, but the interception, yardage and point totals make the Jets a top fantasy starter. New York isn't an elite fantasy defense but close to that group at the top. | | | Player News:
The Ravens continue to boast a top defense, ranking third overall last season while finishing fourth in fantasy points. They continue to do a very good job of limiting points and yards, causing turnovers and getting sacks. Baltimore remains the complete package although the loss of linebacker Terrell Suggs for likely the entire season is a big loss for the team. This could impact the defense for the '12 season. Not only do the Ravens have a solid defense but their special teams do pretty well with Lardarius Webb serving as both punt and kick returner. He is capable of the big play and has done well in this role in recent seasons.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Ravens have to slow down at some point as some of their key players get older but for now, expect more of the same. They are a top-10 fantasy defense. The Ravens won't get you a ton of sacks compared to some of the other top teams but do a great job of causing turnovers and scoring touchdowns. Baltimore also will be among the best when it comes to points and yards allowed. | | | Player News:
The Redskins made big strides last year defensively after a terrible season the previous year. Washington still didn't score much for fantasy teams, ranking 28th overall, but were 12th defensively. The strength of the defense was the secondary, which ranked 12th overall. They had just 13 interceptions, hurting their fantasy value. The pass rush is solid, though, having 40 sacks last year. Expect the interception totals to get better with guys like DeAngelo Hall and Cedric Griffin starting at cornerback. The rush defense isn't off the charts but decent with veteran linebacker London Fletcher making plays all over the field. The special teams play is just alright for the Redskins with Brandon Banks likely returning both punts and kicks. Banks has some good moves in space and a little big-play ability but isn't an elite option in the return game.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Redskins aren't a bad fantasy defense. The special teams aren't much of a factor, but they have good sack potential and should limit the yards with a decent amount of talent at linebacker and in the secondary. Consider them a platoon option, just outside the group of starting defenses/special teams. | | | Player News:
The offense certainly made huge strides last season but the Panthers' defense had plenty of struggles, ranking 28th overall. Carolina was about the same against the run and pass, so both areas need work for the coming season. The rush defense should get a boost with rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly and a healthy Jon Beason back in the mix. Both players should make a difference in preventing the big plays. The secondary remains a big concern, though. The Panthers are going with the same talent they had last year at cornerback, which didn't do much to stop the pass. Expect this part of the defense to struggle once again. Rookie Joe Adams should help the special teams some as he is expected to serve as the punt returner. Adams has some big-play ability and does well in space, so he'll provide an upgrade for this unit.
Fantasy Outlook:
You can't get too excited about the Panthers' defense. They are middle of the pack when it comes to sacks and their secondary will have some struggles. Expect a bit of an improvement over last season but not enough to make them a consistent producer for fantasy teams. They are a spot starter at best - and even that might be a reach. | | | Player News:
The Titans had a mediocre showing defensively last season, ranking 18th overall. Tennessee was about the same when it came to fantasy points, coming in at 19th in fantasy points. Their pass defense was more of a strength than rush defense but that unit lost Cortland Finnegan, who was their top cover corner. He'll be missed. But even with that said, the pass defense should be able to produce similar numbers, mostly because of an improved pass rush with Kamerion Wimbley helping at defensive end. And Derrick Morgan should be better at the other defensive end spot, providing some good pressure on the quarterback. Marc Mariani was a surprise find on special teams last season. He did well in the return game and should provide a spark once again in this area for the Titans.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Titans look to be about the same defensively this season, so count on them to be a spot starter for fantasy teams. Their return game has a little upside and the sack totals should be better, but they don't turn the ball over a ton and could allow some high yardage and point totals on occasion. | | | Player News:
The Vikings continue to be a team that does well against the rush (11th) but struggle stopping the pass (26th). This trend is like to continue for this season. The Vikings still have some beef up front to stop the run but lack some top corners in the secondary although the additions of rookies Harrison Smith and Josh Robinson should help this area some. The main strength of the team remains the pass rush, mainly because of Jared Allen, who remains one of the best in the game. The Vikings had 50 sacks last season, which tied for the league lead. Expect more of the same this year. Special teams can be solid when Percy Harvin is returning kicks, but he doesn't always get that assignment. When he does, though, big things can happen.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Vikings are a decent fantasy starter because of their sack potential. If the secondary can make some strides and create a few more turnovers, this unit can be a top fantasy defense. We just aren't sure the secondary will be much better, though, especially if you consider the division they play. For now, take them as a low-end No. 1 and hope for the best. | | | Player News:
The defense continues to be up and down for the Cardinals. They have their moments but usually end up about middle of the road, which was the case last season. The pass defense is the area of strength for the Cardinals with Patrick Peterson, Greg Toler and William Gay serving as the top corners of the team. Peterson has shutdown potential but hasn't lived up to that billing just yet. Another area of strength for the Cardinals is the pass rush, which generated 42 sacks. Calais Campbell does a great job of pressuring the quarterback up the middle. And Sam Acho is emerging as a solid pass rusher off the edge. The rush defense can be an issue for the Cardinals, though. Campbell does well in run support but the linebackers have the occasional struggles stopping the run, which could be an issue once again this season. The Cardinals have a top special teams unit with Patrick Peterson leading the way. Peterson is one of the top return men in the game right now. He is a difference maker.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Cardinals are a decent platoon team. Their secondary has some potential and they'll get some sacks. And their return game is top notch with Peterson back there returning punts and kicks. But we wouldn't use them against a great offensive team. Arizona is capable of allowing some big point and yardage totals. | | | Player News:
The Chargers had a so-so showing defensively last year, ranking 16th overall. San Diego was a little stronger against the pass, ranking 13th overall. They have some solid corners in Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason, though. These guys will anchor the secondary once again with Eric Weddle wreaking havoc at safety. The pass defense should be a strength once again for the Chargers. The Chargers lack a little bulk upfront, though, which is why they had some struggles stopping the run last season. The addition of Jarrett Johnston at outside linebacker should help some in that area. San Diego will get middle of the pack sack totals. They have a few guys that will get after the quarterback but lack a dominate pass rusher. Special teams should be improved with Eddie Royal in the mix in the return game. The Chargers clearly missed Darren Sproles last year but the addition of Royal should improve this area.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Chargers are just a so-so fantasy defense. They are worth some spot starts but aren't a clear No. 1. Their sack totals are just alright but they will get some interceptions and limit yards against the right opponent. | | | Player News:
The Browns made big strides defensively last season, ranking 10th overall. They didn't get many fantasy points, though, coming in 30th in fantasy points scored. The Browns were much better limiting points and yards than the previous few seasons, which is encouraging for the future. Cleveland has a shutdown secondary. Joe Haden is as good as it gets at cornerback, which helped the Browns finish second against the pass. The Browns will struggle against the rush, though, after finishing 30th against the run last season. This should continue to be an area of concern for the Browns as they lack top run stuffers at tackle. The Browns have a huge strength on special teams with Josh Cribbs manning the return game. Cribbs is an explosive return man and always has a chance to break a big play with the ball in his hands.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Browns are an improving fantasy defense/special teams. If they can start getting a few more sacks and turnovers, the Browns can be worth using on almost a weekly basis. But until that happens, consider them a platoon unit at best. | | | Player News:
The Saints didn't cause as many turnovers or get after the quarterback like previous seasons. They had just nine interceptions, which was one of the lowest totals in the league. And New Orleans had just 33 sacks, which is another concern. This unit should be a little more discipline with Steve Spagnuolo taking over as defensive coordinator. He has a reputation for getting sacks and turnovers but won't play the reckless style of former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The big concern for the Saints is pass defense. Jabari Greer can be shut down but after him, the Saints are a bit thin. Teams had success throwing the ball against the Saints at a huge clip last season as the team ranked 30th against the pass. The special teams are very good for the Saints with Darren Sproles handling the return duties. You won't find a much better return man in the NFL than Sproles.
Fantasy Outlook:
We expect this unit to rebound this season even with all the turmoil surrounding them. Spagnuolo should be able to get some sacks and turnovers for this group, which has some talent. They'll be worth using as a low-end No. 1 or spot starter for fantasy teams. | | | Player News:
The Dolphins' defense was stout against the rush (ranked third overall) but had plenty of struggles stopping the pass. Miami ranked 25th against the pass and allowed some very big passing games throughout the season. This is a concern for the coming year. The addition of Richard Marshall should help some at cornerback but he isn't exactly a shutdown corner. The Dolphins still lack that elite guy in the secondary. They will give up some big passing plays once again in 2012. The pass rush does do a pretty good job, though, notching 41 sacks last season. Cameron Wake and Jared Odrick create some havoc at the end spots. The special teams have a host of guys that can handle return duties, including Clyde Gates, Davone Bess and Reggie Bush. All are decent options, making this unit above-average for the Dolphins.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Dolphins might be worth using on occasion, but that is about it. They have some sack potential and could make some big plays, but won't be among the top teams in the league when it comes to yards and points allowed. The secondary remains a concern for the coming season. | | | Player News:
The Chiefs made some real improvement defensively last season, ranking 11th overall. The pass defense was the big strength, ranking sixth overall while getting 23 interceptions. Expect more of the same this season, especially with the addition of Stanford Routt at the other starting cornerback spot. Brandon Flower is emerging as a top corner in the league, and Eric Berry makes plays all over the field at safety. This until will be hard to throw against. The rush defense had some issues last year, though, ranking 26th overall. The Chiefs made some moves in the offseason to hopefully shore up this area. They drafted tackle Dontari Poe with their first pick, hoping to find that run-stuffing force in the middle. Poe should provide a boost. The Chiefs have so-so special teams with Javier Arenas expected to handle both punt and kick return duties. He has some big-play ability but isn't a game changer at the position.
Fantasy Outlook:
This unit is definitely making strides but isn't a legit No. 1 just yet for fantasy teams. They still lack some sack potential. But they will cause some turnovers and limit yards and points most weeks. Consider the Chiefs a solid spot starter, low-end No. 1 defense/special teams. | | | Player News:
The Bills have a top fantasy defense/special teams because of their touchdown potential. This unit made a ton of big plays on interceptions and in the return game despite giving up a lot of yards and points. Buffalo ranked 26th defensively but was sixth in fantasy points scored. This unit had 20 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. The sack totals weren't very good but should be much better with Mario Williams now in the mix at defensive end. He'll really give this defense a boost. Terrence McGee is a big-play threat at cornerback and will help in the return game. Rookie T.J. Graham is expected to take over the punt and kick return duties, though. Graham is a speed demon with big-play ability.
Fantasy Outlook:
Don't consider the Bills a No. 1 defense/special teams but a good spot starter. They'll be hit or miss for fantasy teams but have big-game potential, especially with Williams now in the mix. The defense should play better throughout the season. | | | Player News:
The Colts were a mess defensively last season, ranking 25th overall. It didn't help the offense couldn't score any points or move the ball with consistently, leaving this unit on the field way too long. With an improved offense, the defense should be better this season. The Colts have some pieces in place for success on this side of the ball, including, defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. These guys give the Colts a ton of sack potential. The secondary is a concern for the Colts. Indy didn't allow a ton of yards through the air but the corners made very few plays, having just eight interceptions last season. The special teams aren't too exciting for the Colts as they have several options vying for the return roles. This could be an area of concern for the team.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Colts have some sack potential but that is about it. This unit might be worth a spot start in the right matchup but aren't a group you want to draft. Indianapolis was dead last in fantasy scoring in most formats. They are far from exciting. | | | Player News:
The Raiders had huge struggles last season, ranking 29th defensively. Their once top pass defense took a step backwards. But the talent is there for this team to turn it around defensively, especially with a new coaching regime. Richard Seymour can dominate along the defensive line and Aaron Curry continues to emerge as a top linebacker. Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer were both acquired this offseason and should be the starter at cornerback, providing an upgrade over last season. The Raiders had 39 sacks last year, a solid total, but they can do even better this year with the talent they have on that side of the ball. The special teams have a lot of upside with Jacoby Ford leading the way. He has been an explosive return man since joining the league.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Raiders can turn it around some this season and help fantasy teams on a spot start basis. They have potential in the return game and should post solid sack totals. The secondary remains a bit of a concern but should at least be better than last season. | | | Player News:
The Bucs were miserable defensively last season, ranking 30th overall. Tampa was especially torched against the rush, ranking dead last while allowing an amazing 26-rushing TDs. There wasn't another team in the league that gave up at least 20-rushing scores. Needless to say, this is a concern area for the Bucs for the coming season. The Bucs did add some new talent in free agency and the draft but probably not that impact guy to really turn this weakness around. The pass defense should be improved with rookie safety Mark Barron added to the mix. Aqib Talib has endured some struggles but still is a talented player with the upside to be a shutdown corner. The special teams for the Bucs are so so with Preston Parker and Sammie Stroughter handling the return duties. Both are decent in this area but not off the charts. They do have the ability to break some long plays, though.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Bucs aren't much of a fantasy factor these days. Their defense will produce a few turnovers, but won't get you many sacks and will give up a lot of yards and points. Tampa should be improved some on last season but that isn't saying much. They aren't a team fantasy teams should target come draft day. | | | Player News:
The Lions are an emerging fantasy defense/special teams. To the surprise of many, this unit ranked second in fantasy scoring in most formats. They did rank just 23rd overall defensively but did a great job of getting sacks, causing turnovers and scoring some points. This is a young unit that should continue to get better. The Lions had 41 sacks last season and can improve on that with the likes of Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril getting more seasoned. The Lions do have some issues stopping the pass, though, if they don't get the pressure on the quarterback. They lack a shutdown corner and allowed some huge passing games last season. This should be a weakness once again. The return game isn't too special with Stefan Logan and Titus Young getting the chances. Young has more upside for the big play but lacks some consistency.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Lions are a legit fantasy starter. They'll get you sacks and turnovers with the best of them. Detroit will allow some big yardage and point totals, though, so keep them in mind. We doubt they finish second in scoring again this year but can be around a top-10 defense/special teams. | | | Player News:
The Jags really made some strides defensively last season, ranking sixth overall while finishing 12th in fantasy scoring in most formats. The Jags won't get a ton of sacks (31 last season) but their secondary continues to improve and should be one of the better ones in the league after finishing eighth against the pass last season. Cornerback Rashean Mathis is a big-play threat in the secondary, which is a plus for fantasy teams. Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts should handle the return duties for the special teams. Neither are big-time threats in the return game but adequate.
Fantasy Outlook:
The Jags are a squad many fantasy teams will overlook but they should be considered a low-end No. 1. You can platoon this unit and have success. They are capable of making some big plays and causing turnovers. |
»  Hot -- Moving Up in the Player Rankings.
»  Cold -- Moving Down in the Player Rankings.
»  Injury Concern.
»  Sleeper.
» Auction values based on std 12-team scoring league with $100 cap.
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