2011 Fantasy Football Week 1: Team Defense Rankings, Patriots On Top
1. New England Patriots (@MIA) – The Pats and Vince Wilfork will be tough to run against again this year. While Henne has shown flashes at times, I’m not sure he can handle the pressure the Belichek will likely throw at him.
2. New York Jets (DAL) – The Jets have been one of the best teams at forcing turnovers, and you can be sure that there will be extra motivation to please their fans on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 . For all of Romo’s accolades on(and off) the field, he has been prone to turnovers. I think Rex is the Ryan that comes out on top in this matchup of “heavyweights”.
3. Cleveland Browns (CIN) – It’s not yet clear if the Browns have the personnel to successfully transition from a 3-4 set to the 4-3. They couldn’t ask for a better way to start building their new defense some confidence. I expect Cincy’s Dalton to be overwhelmed in his first NFL start. This should lead to a nice haul for the Browns defense.
4. San Diego Chargers (MIN) – The Chargers allowed the fewest yards per game last season. Their much-ballyhooed special teams woes cost them directly (4 return TD’s) and indirectly (field position). If the special teams returns to average then this unit should be a top 10 fantasy DST. If they can contain All Day at home they should do well in week 1.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (BUF) – The Chiefs’ defense is loaded with talent. Tamba Hali should again be among the league leaders in sacks. Eric Berry showed flashes last year and should only improve. Getting a weak offensive unit at home, they should be an outstanding Week 1 play.
6. Baltimore Ravens (PIT) – The Ravens were once again among the best defenses last year. With healthy corners this year, they will look to improve on their fantasy production. They face a tough test with the Steelers, but I expect this game to be a defensive struggle.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (@BAL) – The Steelers will most likely finish as one of the top 3 DST’s in fantasy for the season. While in years past Baltimore won games despite having an inept offense. Their offense is now legit with Flacco and Rice leading the way. They know they still have the defense that can lea them to victory, which limits the risks they take. This should limit turnovers for the Steelers.
8. Denver Broncos (OAK) – I’m excited to see rookie Von Miller work to contain Darren McFadden. I’d be surprised if the Raiders manage to scratch more than two offensive touchdowns.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (@STL) – The addition of Nnamdi would help any defense in the league. This relatively low ranking isn’t a dig at the Eagles, but rather my respect(fear) of what Bradford and his stable of wideouts might be able to do at home.
10. Arizona Cardinals (CAR) – The Cardinals are not a threat to finish in the upper half of DST’s for the season. I do like them this week as they face a terrible Panther’s team with a rookie making his first start. Look for the Cardinals to stack the box, and try to force Newton to beat them in the air.
11. San Francisco 49ers (SEA) – There is no love lost between new 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh, and his former Pac 10 nemesis Pete Carroll (What’s your deal!?!). I expect the Niners to come out of the gates pressuring Jackson, and seeing what he can do with his arm. I don’t expect many good things to happen for the Seahawks in this matchup.
12. Tennessee Titans (@JAX) – The Titans defense came out hot at the start of 2010, but finished the year underwhelming. I expect more of the same this year, but this matchup was one I couldn’t pass up. The Jags released their starting quarterback 5 days before their first game. Luke McCown will take over as starter.
And the rest…
13. New York Giants (@WAS)
14. Detroit Lions (@TB)
15. Dallas Cowboys (@NYJ)
16. Green Bay Packers (NO)
17. Atlanta Falcons (@CHI)
18. Houston Texans (IND)
19. Chicago Bears (ATL)
20. Seattle Seahawks (@SF)
21. Carolina Panthers (@ARI)
22. Cincinnati Bengals (@CLE)
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (TEN)
24. Washington Redskins (NYG)
25. New Orleans Saints (@GB)
26. Indianapolis Colts (@HOU)
27. Buffalo Bills (@KC)
28. Miami Dolphins (NE)
29. St. Louis Rams (PHI)
30. Oakland Raiders (@DEN)
31. Minnesota Vikings (@SD)
32. Carolina Panthers (@ARI)
Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com
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(August 10, 2011 – Photo by Elsa/Getty Images North America)