Who's the #1 Fantasy Defense?
I can't remember a season when the number one spots for kickers and defense was so up for grabs. Since we can all agree that kickers are best left for the final two rounds, let's head into the long weekend arguing about who is the top team defense for this season. And just as importantly, how early would draft them?
One season after the Bears and Ravens dominated the early picks (with poor returns), fantasy owners may be hesitant to take a defense early. Since there will be so much disagreement over who is the best, I know I'll be waiting until the last few rounds. There still has to be a top team, and here are my five top candidates, in no particular order.
Chargers: Deep roster, a lot of turnovers last year, and a schedule that includes some ugly offenses. I'm guessing they will wind up with the highest ADP.
Bears: Despite the down year, the Tampa 2 defense is usually a good one in fantasy leagues for it's combination of sacks and turnovers (see Bucs, Colts). Special teams touchdowns don't count in all leagues, but they help the Bears.
Vikings: Jared Allen joining a high-scoring unit from a year ago will get people excited. Too bad they can't play the Vikings.
Patriots: Great schedule, some new blood at linebacker, and one of the few teams that rank high each season.
Cowboys:Wade Phillips quietly knew just how to use the players Bill Parcells drafted for him.
Even cutting this list off at five was very difficult. You could easily make a case for the following teams to be mentioned as a potential first defense chosen: Steelers, Seahawks, Titans, Bucs, Colts, Packers, Giants, and Ravens.
So who are you taking first, and when would you take the first defense? Let's say it's a 15-round draft.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Comments
call me old school, but if they are healthy i gotta go with the ravens. they are older but when healthy they just play more physical than most.
Posted by: mark | May 24, 2008 10:00 PM
call me old school, but if they are healthy i gotta go with the ravens. they are older but when healthy they just play more physical than most.
Posted by: mark | May 24, 2008 10:01 PM
Matt, Cromartie isn't going to be used for returns this year, he's going to concentrate on being a corner.
I think the Cowboys will be great, I drafted them in round 15 last year and was very happy. There'll be plenty of sacks and turnovers - not to mention, because of their explosive offense they will often be ahead and forcing teams to pass when really they don't want to. Plus they're schedule is middle of the pack, not too bad.
Posted by: Ed | May 25, 2008 06:53 AM
I'm kind of surprised no one has mentioned the Vikings, or Giants yet with there strong front lines. I also believe KC will be a surprise defense this year.
Posted by: Cheezhead | May 25, 2008 11:52 AM
i like the giants as well,they'll get a lot of sacks and pressure on q/b's causes int /fumbles
minnys defense should also be great since they now have jared allen rushing the passer instead
bums on the right side
Posted by: brent | May 25, 2008 08:14 PM
I usually play in just one D/ST league (prefer IDP). IMO, the Hester factor is likely to decrease this year, and Baltimore is showing significant decline. So I think it will be new blood at the top. That makes it a great year to hold off and draft two late. As far as who the leaders will be, the Chargers and Cowboys are the obvious choices. But I'm intrigued by Bruce's thoughts on drafting Indy late. They were a great TO team in 06 iirc.
Posted by: Rabbit | May 25, 2008 09:40 PM
I don't usually consider D until late in the draft, so at this point of the offseason I concentrate on the lower-tier teams with upside that will be around at the end of a draft. If you include special teams, my two favorite sleepers this year are Houston and Buffalo.
Among the perceived top-shelf Ds, I'd say my #1 will shake out to be San Diego but they'll be drafted too high for me to even consider.
Posted by: jimmo | May 25, 2008 11:31 PM