2.  New York Jets (BUF) – The Jets lost to Tebow and the Broncos on Thursday night, but one can hardly blame the defense.  They gave up 226 yards of offense, and 7 of the 17 points given up were scored on a terrible throw by Mark Sanchez that was returned to the house.  The Bills offense has really been struggling as of late.  They managed only 2 field goals and a safety against the Dolphins while gaining 247 yards.  Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 2 interceptions, but the Bills also put the ball on the ground 4 more times and were lucky to recover them all.  It looks like the Bills will also be without their best weapon this week with Fred Jackson sustaining an injury to his calf.

3.  Cincinnati Bengals (CLE) – The Bengals defense has been a surprise all season and currently rank 7th in fantasy points scored.  This week they get to face the anemic Cleveland Browns who have scored 14.5 points per game on the season.  I wouldn’t be shocked if we see a defensive touchdown scored by the Bengals in this game.

4.  New England Patriots (@PHI) – The Patriots have played their best 2 defensive games of the season these past 2 weeks.  I have them ranked this high because I don’t expect Michael Vick to play, and while Vince Young can be dangerous in his own right he’s nowhere near the same threat as Vick.  Vince Young showed what we’ve come to expect from him on Sunday.  Some good plays to go along with some he scratchers that led to turnovers.  Should be more of those this week for the Pats.

5.  Baltimore Ravens (SF) – I expect the Ravens game against the Niners to be an entertaining defensive battle.  I think they will both make plays on the defensive end, but I think the Ravens offense is a bit more potent than that of the Niners.  Plus they’re at home, so I’m giving them a slim edge this week.

6.  San Francisco 49ers (@BAL) – This ranking is based on the “average” Joe Flacco showing up.  Some weeks Super Joe shows up (which would drop this ranking), other weeks Joe Succo shows up (which would bump this ranking).  I think the Niners are always going to be startable this year, but this week I expect their upside to be a bit less than normal because the Ravens limit their mistakes, and I don’t think SF will be able to stake out a large early lead like they have most of the year.

7.  Chicago Bears (@OAK) – The Bears defense has been playing spectacularly.  They are most likely going to cause all kinds of trouble for Carson Palmer, and we haven’t even touched on the Devin Hester factor.  What are the odds of him returning a punt in any single game?  The way he’s playing right now would it be a stretch to set those odds at 25%? 33%?  If each of his retuns are worth 6 points, that means he alone is worth 1.5-2 points per game for Chicago’s DST.

8.  Oakland Raiders (CHI) – The Raiders have been an up and down defensive unit this season, but it’s clear their best work has come at home.  I would probably have them outside my top 12 if Jay Cutler were playing, but I like the upside here with Caleb Hanie getting the nod.

9.  Atlanta Falcons (MIN) – I think Christian Ponder has a bright future in Minnesota, and will be fantasy relevant sooner rather than later.  That being said, he still makes too many mistakes, and if they are without Adrian Peterson he’ll be asked to do even more.

10.  Jacksonville Jaguars (HOU) – This has been the week all the Andre Johnson owners have been looking forward to, as it seemed he would be back no later than this week from his hamstring injury.  The good news is that he is indeed back.  The bad news is his quarterback is now Matt Leinart.  The Jacksonville run defense has been good all year, and I think they can cheat the run in this game now, and try to force Matt Leinart to beat them. 

11.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TEN) – Jake Locker made some nice throws in relief of Matt Hasselbeck, but this week he’ll have to face a defense that is preparing for him.  It’s going to be tough sledding, unless Chris Johnson of old can finally show up to take some pressure off the quarterback.  I wouldn’t count on it.

12.  Houston Texans (@JAX) – The Texans defense has been a surprise all year, even after losing Mario Williams.  I would have them much higher on this list if they still had Matt Schaub.  I’m worried that Leinart may put their defensive in unfavorable positions, and also have concerns that the Texans won’t be able to string together many long possessions.

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