Fantasy Football

2011 Fantasy Football, Week 13 Defense Rankings: 49ers Ready To Ram-In The Rams

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Aldon Smith (credits below)

1.  San Francisco 49ers (STL) – The Niners defense has been great all year, and after a Thanksgiving day loss to the Ravens, I expect them to have a field day at home against the Rams.  The Rams have given up the most sacks in the league bye far.  Keep an eye on rookie Aldon Smith as he should have a big day.

2.  Chicago Bears (KC) – Palko is still the Chiefs’ starter, but that could change by the time this article is published.  Whether it’s Palko or Orton, I don’t think matters much for the Bears.  The Chiefs haven’t been able to do anything lately, and things will only get harder as they face Chicago at Soldier Field.  Huge day for the Bears forthcoming.

3.  Baltimore Ravens (@CLE) – This matchup on paper might scream that the Ravens should be the clear #1 this week.  Two things have them lower for me.  First, they’re on the road facing a divisional opponent.  Secondly, they’re coming off a big win in the Harbaugh Bowl.  Their games following other big wins (@TEN and @SEA after victories over PIT).  Should still be a very good play, but there is cause for slight concern.

4.  New England Patriots (IND) – That Patriots’ defense started the year off poorly, but since then has improved.  They get to face the winless colts with new starter Dan Orlovsky.  Colts will have to pass often, unless they decide to try to run the ball to shorten the game, and save themselves from further embarrassment.

5.  New York Jets (@WAS) – The Jets’ secondary didn’t look very good at times last week against Buffalo.  They are well aware that they were pretty lucky that Stevie Johnson couldn’t catch a perfectly thrown pass down the middle of the field late in the game.  I think they step up their game, and with Grossman back at the helm for the Redskins, that should mean some turnovers are coming.

6.  Dallas Cowboys (@ARI) – Last week against the Rams, Beanie Wells had a huge day for Arizona.  I doubt he’ll get the same opportunity this week, as Dallas should be able to score, which would force the Arizona QB (Skelton?Bartel?) to be forced to pass.  They haven’t been to successful this season, and I expect Ware to add to his sack lead this week.

7.  Atlanta Falcons (@HOU) – With T.J. Yates leading the Texans this week, it will be no surprise that Houston is going to lean on their running attack.  Rush defense has been Atlanta’s strength this year, as they’re second only to San Francisco.  If Atlanta can contain Foster and Tate early while putting some points on the board, Yates may be forced to make plays with his arm.  I can’t imagine a rookie third stringer to come in and excel.

8.  Philadelphia Eagles (@SEA) – Are the Eagles done trying?  It seems like every time that question is asked they come out and respond defensively.  It will be a tough environment for them to play in, but their talent on the defensive side of the ball is far superior to the Seahawks’ offense, that I think they are a good play this week.

9.  Houston Texans (ATL) – Matt Ryan has a TD:INT ratio of 12:5 at home, butonly 6:5 on the road.  This week he will face a tough test, as the Texans’ defense has been one of the surprises of the season.  Somehow they have been able to absorb the loss of Mario Williams, and continue t play at a high level.  If Yates can limit his turnovers, I think the Texans have a good shot at stifling the Falcons.  That’s a big if.

10.  Denver Broncos (@MIN) – Lost in the Tebow hype, has been the Denver defense.  They’ve performed great since Tebow took over(aside from the Detroit game).  With their offense running the ball almost exclusively, the game is also drastically shortened which limits their opponents’ possessions and opportunities to score.  Adrian Peterson has yet to be cleared, so this matchup should be a good one.

11.  New Orleans Saints (DET) – The Saints defense gave up a lot of yards to Eli and the Giants, but a lot of that came after the game was out of hand.  The Superdome is a tough place to play especially during a night game.  With Matthew Stafford’s recent interception woes, I expect the Saints to post a decent number.

12.  San Diego Chargers (@JAX) – Jacksonville fired Jack Del Rio today, so it will be interesting to see how they come out on Monday night.  The good news for the Chargers is that the Jaguars are sticking with Blaine Gabbert who has yet to prove to be a threat.  If Philip Rivers doesn’t hand touchdowns to the Jags this week, I think they’re a safe play.

13.  Green Bay Packers (@NYG)
14.  Oakland Raiders (@MIA)
15.  Pittsburgh Steelers (CIN)
16.  Jacksonville Jaguars (SD)
17.  Miami Dolphins (OAK)
18.  Minnesota Vikings (DEN)
19.  Tennessee Titans (@BUF)
20.  Cincinnati Bengals (@PIT)
21.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (CAR)
22.  Buffalo Bills (TEN)
23.  Washington Redskins (NYJ)
24.  Cleveland Browns (BAL)
25.  Seattle Seahawks (PHI)
26.  Carolina Panthers (@TB)
27.  Kansas City Chiefs (@CHI)
28.  St. Louis Rams (@SF)
29.  New York Giants (GB)
30.  Arizona Cardinals (DAL)
31.  Detroit Lions (@NO)
32.  Indianapolis Colts (@NE)

Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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(September 24, 2011 – Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)


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