Fantasy Football

2011 Fantasy Football, Week 5 Defense Rankings: Giants, Patriots Top First Bye Week

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Jonathan Goff & Co. (Credits Below)

1.  New York Giants (SEA) – Tavaris Jackson has looked like a half-decent quarterback the past couple of weeks.  I think this has more to do with being at home than it does the return of Sidney Rice.  With the return of Osi Umenyiora, and the home crowd behind them I expect the Giants to capitalize on Seattle mistakes.

2.  New England Patriots (NYJ) – The Jets’ offensive line looked flat out offensive last week in Baltimore.  While the Patriots have less talent on the defensive side of the ball than the Ravens, I still expect them to force Mark Sanchez into making bad decisions.

3.  Green Bay Packers (@ATL) – I expect the Packers to be able to put up another large number.  If Matt Ryan, is forced to throw the ball the majority of the time, it could spell disaster for the Falcons, and a big week for the Packers’ defense.

4.  San Francisco 49ers (TB) – The Niners played a great defensive game after giving up early points to the Eagles.  I don’t think the Bucs’ wideouts are performing to the level that they did last year.  The Bucs will be forced to lean on Blount, and I think Willis wins that matchup.

5.  New Orleans Saints (@CAR) – Carolina was able to put up a decent score last week in Chicago, but that didn’t prevent the Bears from capitalizing with 2 DST touchdowns.  Take away Carolina’s garbage time touchdown, and the Bears would have had an even bigger week.  I look for the Saints to do the similarly well.

6.  Cincinnati Bengals (@JAX) – I think this will be a low scoring game between two rookie quarterbacks.  While the Bengals haven’t looked great as a team this year, their defense has been surprisingly stout.  I expect them to limit MJD and force gabber to try to beat them through the air.

7.  Houston Texans (OAK) – Pittsburgh’s offensive line hasn’t been this bad in maybe a decade.  That being said, I think some of the credit for Big Ben’s struggles has to go to Houston.  Look for them to try to take away the Raider running game and force Jason Campbell to beat them down the field.

8.  Kansas City Chiefs (@IND) – Curtis Painter showed some flashes, but nowhere near the consistency that would scare me if I were the Chiefs’ defense.  Throw in the offensive line injuries of the Colts and the short week, and I think Tamba Hali goes off.

9.  Detroit Lions (CHI) – This should be the loudest crowd in Detroit in years, as they look to improve to 5-0 against the rival Bears.  They should be able to contain Forte, and force Cutler into throwing down the field, which has led to sacks and turnovers in the past.

10.  Tennessee Titans (@PIT) – Big Ben has not gotten any protection from his line this year, and now that he’s hobbled with a sprained foot, I expect things to be even tougher for them against the resurgent Titans.  Until the Steelers establish some kind of running game, Ben is going to be facing a ton of heat.

11.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@SF) – Even with the unexpected comeback against the Eagles, I don’t think the Niners’ offense is scaring any defenses around the league.  I expect this to be a low scoring game between these two teams.

12.  Pittsburgh Steelers (TEN) – The Steelers would be ranked higher than this, if James Harrison were playing this week.  His loss due to an orbital fracture is a big one.  Look for Troy Palomalu to try to pick up the slack and make plays.

13.  San Diego Chargers (@DEN)

14.  Arizona Cardinals (@MIN)

15.  Jacksonville Jaguars (CIN)

16.  Minnesota Vikings (ARI)

17.  Denver Broncos (SD)

18.  Indianapolis Colts (KC)

19.  Oakland Raiders (@HOU)

20.  Buffalo Bills (PHI)

21.  Philadelphia Eagles (@BUF)

22.  New York Jets (@NE)

23.  Chicago Bears (@DET)

24.  Carolina Panthers (NO)

25.  Seattle Seahawks (@NYG)

26.  Atlanta Falcons (GB)

Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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Tags: the Fantasy Fix, 2011 Fantasy Football, Auction Values, 2011 Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Tips, Draft Kit, Defense Rankings, Week 5, Ilyn Yeh

(December 12, 2009 – Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images North America)


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