RealGM Football: The Red Zone - Ranking Fantasy Football's Best Defenses

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Ranking Fantasy Football's Best Defenses

Authored by Andrew Perna - 13th July, 2009 - 9:28 pm

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In the second installment of a seven-part series, RealGM will help you prepare for your upcoming fantasy draft. As you can see, today we’ll cover defensive/special teams units.

Picking a unit for your fantasy team isn’t rocket science. Choosing a good one is slightly more important than selecting the right kicker and the production is far more predictable.

If you stay away from the Lions, Bengals and Chiefs you should be fine. Opting for a perennial top-flight group like the Steelers, Eagles or Giants is probably a smart choice as well.

Unfortunately, there are 26 teams inbetween the “best” and the “worst.” You can thank us for clearing up the picture whenever you feel it’s most appropriate.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

They have 17 touchdowns over the last three seasons and have won two Super Bowls in the last four years. A Lombardi trophy isn’t going to get you a ring, but the Steelers are about as close as they come.

2. New York Giants

Even without Osi Umenyiora, the Giants were a top unit in 2008. We don’t care that Steve Spagnuolo is in St. Louis either; the playmakers are still playing in New York, er …New Jersey.

3. Tennessee Titans

The Titans control the clock with the running game, and the loss of Albert Haynesworth won’t be quite as drastic as some are making it out to be. They still have Kyle Vanden Bosch, Keith Bulluck and Cortland Finnegan.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Coordinator Jim Johnson’s health problems could cause issues in Philadelphia this season, but studs like Trent Cole and Asante Samuel are money.

5. Carolina Panthers

With it looking more and more likely that Julius Peppers will remain in Carolina, this unit is one of the most solid among the lot.

6. Baltimore Ravens

A good chunk of Baltimore’s unit went to the Jets, but they still have Ray Lewis. Enough said.

7. Minnesota Vikings

Antoine Winfield isn’t happy with his contract status, but the Vikings weren’t that good against the pass anyway. You’ll be drafting them for their prowess against the run.

8. New York Jets

Fans in New York are counting on Rex Ryan to revitalize their favorite team’s defense. It won’t happen right away, but they’ll certainly be better than they were in 2008.

9. New England Patriots

Labeled as old, the Patriots have a decent group of young talent. They won’t lose a matchup for you, but they have the potential to put up some big performances.

10. Miami Dolphins

Don’t expect Joey Porter to record 17.5 sacks again, but the Dolphins will continue to be dangerous.

11. Chicago Bears

The Bears used to be the best unit in the game, but age has them gasping for air.

12. San Diego Chargers

Just like kickers, there is no reason to fill a roster spot with a backup defense. We’re betting that Shawne Merriman will make the Chargers a top unit again.

Full List Of Fantasy Rankings
-Kickers: Saturday’s Ranking List
-Defense/Special Teams: Sunday
-Tight Ends: Monday
-Wide Receivers: Tuesday
-Running Backs: Wednesday
-Quarterbacks: Thursday
-2009 Fantasy Football Big Board: Friday