By Rob Shaw, SPORTSNET.CA
One of the most attractive elements in fantasy sports is that it does away with defense. In fantasy baseball, the saying that chicks dig the long ball holds true. In fantasy hoops, the more points the merrier for fantasy managers. When it comes to fantasy football, we talk most about the touchdowns and field goals.
While no individuals on defense are rewarded with fantasy points, there is one position granted per team defenses and special teams. Fantasy defenses rack up points for interceptions, sacks, points allowed, and touchdowns scored.
When targeting a defense, I believe the most important statistic is sacks and the remaining categories are interrelated. As the New York Giants proved last season, if you put pressure on the quarterback there will be plenty of turnovers and fewer scoring opportunities. Rather than concentrate on the team names, think about the personnel.
Last season, fantasy managers learned this lesson the hard way when they grabbed two traditional power house defenses, Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens, in the middle rounds. Based on the aforementioned strategy, here’s a list of the top 10 fantasy defenses in the NFL.
1) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
The injury to Shawne Merriman is concerning, and though the Chargers star outside linebacker tells us he’ll play through the pain, one good hit to his knee could sideline him for the season. The good news is that the Chargers are not a one-man show. The Bolts led the NFL with 30 interceptions last season and Shaun Phillips has helped Merriman bring pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In addition talented cornerback Antonio Cromartie is not just a threat for interceptions, but one of the best when it comes to scoring touchdowns on behalf of the defense.
2) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
They allowed the fewest points per game last season and now that Dwight Freeney is healthy, the sacks should increase as well. Robert Mathis also offers some pressure up front, while Mr. Do It All, Bob Sanders, is pretty much everywhere. Linebacker Gary Brackett is also one of the better defensive players in the league.
3) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
This is one of my favourite picks for the season, and their offense actually plays a role. The fact that the Vikings rush the ball often limits the time of possession and the opportunities for the opposition to move the ball. As a result, the scores should be low. Of course, the biggest difference this season will be the addition of defensive end Jared Allen, who led the Chiefs with 15.5 sacks last season. Another season of improvement from talented linebacker E.J. Henderson can also be a lift for a team that allowed fewer than 20 points per game last year.
4) PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Despite allowing the second fewest points per game last season, the Steelers are a fantasy concern since they struggle to force turnovers or rack up sacks. Nonetheless, James Harrison and James Farrior should keep the Steelers near the top of the fantasy scene, with solid production from the linebacker position. Troy Polamulu also hopes to rebound from a season plagued by injuries while defensive back Ike Taylor will be called upon for more interceptions.
5) DALLAS COWBOYS
The addition of Adam Pacman Jones may prove combustible, but combined with Roy Williams, Terrance Newman, and Anthony Henry, the secondary should be special this season. Zach Thomas also joins DeMarcus Ware this season for a team that hopes to follow their nemesis New York Giants to deploy some pressure up front, with a better secondary in the back.
6) CHICAGO BEARS
If special teams count, you can knock this team up a few spots because of the incredible playmaker Devin Hester. On the other hand, though the defense is aging and are fresh off a tough season, they still have some solid linebackers and a decent secondary that can vastly improve from last season, assuming they can stay healthy.
7) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
While fantasy managers remember the Patriots most for their incredible offense last season, their defense was one of two teams to allow 190 yards or fewer in the air and less than 100 on the ground. This season Mike Vrabel returns after his breakout season, while Rodney Harrison hopes to return to greatness. Asante Samuel leaves the squad, but the Pats hope to break in some younger talent to remain fresh on defense.
8) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Despite the loss of Marcus Stroud, the Jaguars hope to improve with veteran Rob Meier and big John Henderon up front. Cornerback Rashean Mathis has been a pleasant surprise since entering the NFL from Bethune Cookman, while Florida’s own Reggie Nelson hopes to make strides in his second season.
9) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The third best team in the NFL last season when it comes to sacks, the Seahawks survived a scare after Lofa Tatupu was injured in the preseason. Patrick Kerney is one of the best defensive ends in the league, and Marcus Trufant is fresh off a season with 7 interceptions. Expect another solid season from one of the NFL’s most consistent defenses.
10) NEW YORK GIANTS
The Super Bowl championship was great, but ever since they lost one defensive end to retirement (Michael Strahan), and another to a season-ending injury (Osi Umenyiora). The Giants will now rely on the capable Justin Tuck to fill in for Strahan, while former first round pick overall Mathias Kiwanuka will get the call to man the other end. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster will be relied upon to handle the corners for the Giants this season. They will be good, but far from great.