Fantasy Football

2011 Fantasy Football Week 2: Team Defense Rankings, Steelers Looking For Redemption

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Troy Polamalu (credits below)

1.  Pittsburgh Steelers (SEA) – After being thoroughly outplayed in Baltimore, I expect the Steelers defense to exact some payback on the unfortunate Seahawks.  Seattle couldn’t get any facet of their offense working against the Niners, and also struggled mightily to cover kicks. 

2.  Baltimore Ravens (@TEN) – The Ravens forced their biggest rival into 6 turnovers last week at home.  I think they can continue to dominate on the road at Tennessee.  Chris Johnson looked like a back who joined the team late, and I’m not sure he’ll be back to form by Week 2.

3.  New York Jets (JAX) – The Jets won the Sunday night thriller against the Cowboys, but I doubt Rex is happy with the defense giving up close to 400 yards of offense.  The good news for Jets owners is that only 66 of those yards came on the ground.  Luke McCown isn’t the threat that Romo is, nor does he have the caliber of playmakers on the outside.  The Jets should be able to contain MJD and keep him under triple digits.

4.  Philadelphia Eagles (@ATL) – Matt Ryan struggled to connect deep to Roddy White in Week 1, and I think it’ll be tougher sledding against the top defensive backfield in football.  I expect the Eagles’ relentless pressure to turn into a handful of sacks on Sunday night.

5.  Detroit Lions (KC) – Kansas City’s offense never got into a rhythm at Buffalo.  If Detroit’s secondary can limit the touches by Bowe like they did with Mike Williams they should be in for another good day.  Look for Suh to cause havoc up front.

6.  Dallas Cowboys (@SF) – Alex Smith looks to be in for a long day with DeMarcus Ware coming to town.  Rob Ryan’s debut as defensive coordinator didn’t work out as planned, but that was largely due to a late blocked punt and a terribly thrown interception.  While the 33 points that SF put on the board last week looks gaudy, before Ginn’s two kick returns they had only managed one offensive touchdown to go along with 4 field goals.

7.  Buffalo Bills (OAK) – Buffalo surprised everyone but themselves when they mostly shut down the dynamic duo of Charles and Bowe.  McFadden was able to seemingly run at will, but the Raiders still only managed 289 yards against an uninspired Broncos defense.  Bills could capitalize if the Raiders have a let down week.

8.  Green Bay Packers (@CAR) – Green Bay gave up 400 yards in the air to Drew Brees.  Cam Newton threw for 400 yards in his first NFL game.  Call me crazy, but I don’t think Newton follows up his great debut with another great game.  The Packers’ defensive scheme will be something that Newton hasn’t seen before, and you can be sure that their defensive leaders will make sure they don’t let the press compare Newton to Peyton or his records in Week 2. 

9.  Houston Texans (@MIA) – Houston limited the Kerry Collins led Colts in Week 1.  While Chad Henne had a good season debut, the Dolphins still had trouble running it through the tackles or finishing their drives.  If Henne proves inconsistent it could be another big week for Houston.

10.  Cleveland Browns (@IND) – I definitely overestimated this Cleveland Browns defense last week.  This ranking is not a validation of their defense, but rather an indication of how worried I would be if I were a Colts fan.  Their offense looked terrible, and Kerry Collins couldn’t hold onto the football, which leads to easy fantasy points.

11.  New Orleans Saints (CHI) – The season opener didn’t go the way the Saints had hoped.  Luckily for their fantasy owners they return home to seek redemption.  While the Bears’ offense looked good at times last week, I think this veteran defense will be inspired by their home crowd.

12.  Oakland Raiders (@BUF) – Even though the Bills put up 41 points against KC, I don’t expect them to come close to that number this week.  The Raiders will be able to apply pressure on Fitzpatrick with their front four, which the Chiefs were unable to do.

13.  New England Patriots(SD)
14.  Cincinnati Bengals(@DEN)
15.  Indianapolis Colts (CLE)
16.  Washington Redskins (ARI)
17.  Tampa Bay Bucs (@MIN)
18.  Minnesota Vikings (TB)
19.  Arizona Cardinals (@WAS)
20.  Seattle Seahawks (@PIT)
21.  Chicago Bears (@NO)
22.  Atlanta Falcons (PHI)
23.  Jacksonville Jaguars (@NYJ)
24.  San Francisco 49ers (DAL)
25.  Denver Broncos (CIN)
26.  St. Louis Rams (@NYG)
27.  New York Giants (STL)
28.  Miami Dolphins (HOU)
29.  San Diego Chargers (@NE)
30.  Tennessee Titans (BAL)
31.  Kansas City Chiefs (@DET)
32.  Carolina Panthers (GB)

Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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(February 5, 2011 – Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)


Tags: the Fantasy Fix, 2011 Fantasy Football, Auction Values, 2011 Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Tips, Draft Kit, Defense Rankings
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