Defense/special teams: NFC East heavy
In doing some early research on defense/special teams for my keeper league, I noticed that I ended up with all four NFC East teams toward the top of my rankings. The Giants and Redskins scored dramatic upgrades this offseason while Eagles and Cowboys return strong units. Here's a look at the Top-10:
1. Eagles - Finished No. 1 last season in many scoring systems and added Jeremy Maclin to go with DeSean Jackson in the return game. Throw in a Trent Cole-led stout pass rush and a backfield playmaker in Asante Samuel, and Philly is the surprise pick at the top.
2. Giants - Already boasting a stingy run defense and a fierce pass rush, the Giants bolstered the defensive line and lineback corps in free agency and the draft while regaining sackmaster Osi Umenyiora. Safety Kenny Phillips is a breakout candidate.
3. Steelers - A virtual lock for 45-50 sacks plus one of the best safeties in the game in Troy Polamalu. Not to be overlooked, last year's pedestrian return game receives a boost from rookie Mike Wallace and/or CFL signee Stefan Logan.
4. Vikings - They drop a spot or two with the likely loss of the Williams Wall for four games but will hold their own with Percy Harvin in the return game and Jared Allen chasing quarterbacks.
5. Ravens - Another second place finish is unlikely after the defection of Rex Ryan and Bart Scott and the unrepeatability of Ed Reed's ludicrous season.
6. Cowboys - DeMarcus Ware paced a unit that led the league in sacks last season, and a healthy Felix Jones will make the return game more explosive.
7. Chargers - Shawne Merriman and Larry English will get to the quarterback, and Darren Sproles gives the team a dynamic return man.
8. Jets - The Jets have their own Sproles in Leon Washington while improving their defense with Rex Ryan and his Ravens contingent.
9. Patriots - Even with their failure to add a pass rusher, the Pats defense received upgrades in Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Patrick Chung and Darius Butler. A healthy Tom Brady means more blowouts and a greater opportunity for turnovers.
10. Redskins - Albert Haynesworth is a difference-maker in the middle, and rookie Brian Orakpo will get after the opposing passers.
Overrated: Titans, Bears
Sleepers: Dolphins, Seahawks, Texans, Bills, Bengals
Comments
Philly and San Diego are going to be steals this year.
DONT be that guy that is the first one to pick a DEF off the board. Let someone else REACH for PIT or NYG and grab PHI and SD much later.
You'll thank me later.
Bonus Sleeper: Arizona. Check out their Fantasy Playoff schedule and tell me they wont pile up the turnovers.
Posted by: Wes Hale | June 24, 2009 09:37 PM
Wes, I'm just not seeing how the #1 D from 2008 can be a steal this year... if anything, Philly will be the D reached for this year, not NYG.
I do agree with you on AZ' schedule, though I don't think they'll really be a sleeper; any team/player that has postseason success tends to be noticed earlier than usual the year following.
Posted by: jimmo | June 25, 2009 01:04 AM
Here are the Average Draft Positions and Earliest selection of the first 3 DEF taken off the board.
1 Pittsburgh Steelers ADP = 106.59 Earliest = 63
2 Baltimore Ravens ADP = 115.42 Earlist = 70
3 New York Giants ADP = 126.37 Earlist = 81
And here are the 2 I mentioned.
7 Philadelphia Eagles ADP = 142.69 Earliest = 102
8 San Diego Chargers ADP = 145.08 Earliest = 94
Youll notice that on average PHI and SD are going around 40 picks after the 1st DEF is taken. That's at least 3 full rounds in 12-Team leagues.
Some people are even reaching into the Late 5th round to grab the 1st DEF and those who wait can grab 1 of these to 2 gems around the tail end of the 10th early 11th.
Thats a steal for me. Personally, Id take SD. They've got the better schedule, weaker division, and no Jay Cutler to shred their secondary, and Im an Eagles fan.
Posted by: Wes Hale | June 25, 2009 02:28 AM
The Redskins?
Are you on drugs?
They were dead last in Defensive Fantasy Points in 2008 - NO Defensive TD's, just 13 interceptions and a paltry 5 fumbles recovered and 24 sacks total.
Top 10? That's a joke.
Posted by: Dirt Road | June 29, 2009 09:20 AM
C5HxXj
Posted by: Rinhysfv | July 14, 2009 09:27 AM
C5HxXj
Posted by: Rinhysfv | July 14, 2009 09:28 AM
myfreepaysite member
Posted by: myfreepaysite colm | August 29, 2009 06:49 PM