Defense/Special Teams

Tier 1: Seattle, Carolina, Denver, Arizona, Houston

Tier 2: Los Angeles, New England, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City, New York Jets, Oakland, Minnesota 

Tier 3: Buffalo, Green Bay, Miami, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh 

Analysis: 

Contrary to what some fantasy analysts will tell you, a top level defense/special teams unit can be worth a late mid-level draft pick (let’s say round 10). But not every season has a team or teams worthy of such a selection. This season is one of those years where you should avoid drafting a defense/ST early, as there’s no clear best.

Denver has lost a few key participants from last year’s historic unit. The other teams in tier 1 also boast strong defenses, but not herculean enough from a fantasy perspective to merit an earlier pick. Further, the drop-off from tier 1 to tier 2 is not all that steep. Once you hit tier 3, you’re looking more at weekly matchups, with teams droppable as needed. So the advice here – shore up your other non-kicker positions before selecting a team defense/ST unit.

More 2016 Fantasy Football Previews

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends