Fantasy Football

Week 8 Fantasy Football Team Defense Rankings: Giants Getting Jiggy Against Miami?

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The Blue Crew (credits below)

1.  Baltimore Ravens (ARI) – While Baltimore’s offense couldn’t get anything going on Monday, their defense still did their part.  I expect them to come out even faster at home against a struggling Arizona team that is likely missing Beanie Wells.  Look for the Ravens to force Kevin Kolb to throw, which should lead to some turnovers.

2.  New York Giants (MIA) – Miami hasn’t had a good running game to turn to this season, and with Chad Henne out for the season, they haven’t had much of a passing game either.  I expect the Giants to come out of their bye strong following their week 6 win against Buffalo.  Matt Moore will most likely be hit often and early.

3.  New Orleans (@STL) – The Sunday night game the Saints played against the Colts reminded me of an SEC team playing yet another FCS school.  The good news for New Orleans is that the Rams may be another FCS school.  Look for this game to be another blowout, and the Rams may start to try flinging it around the field with AJ Feeley (Bradford is still questionable), which is never a good idea.

4.  San Francisco (CLE) – The Niners come off a huge emotional win at Detroit, and have had a bye week to get their emotions back in order.  I think they come out focused to stop the Browns, who may be missing Peyton Hillis as well as Mossaquoi and Watson who both suffered concussions against Seattle.

5.  Tennessee (IND) – The Titans are looking to bounce back from a terrible performance against the Texans.  Their run defense had looked stout this season until they allowed Arian Foster and Ben Tate to run wild.  No better team to have on deck to get back on track than the Indianapolis Colts.

6.  Cincinnati (@SEA) – The Seattle Seahawks have looked terrible with Charlie Whitehurst leading their offense.  There is a possibility that Tavaris Jackson returns for this game, but at the end of the day he’s still Tavaris Jackson.  With the way the Seahawks have been running the ball this season, it looks like they’ll have to rely on either Whitehurst or Jackson to lead the offense.  Should be some bad throws coming towards Cincy this week.

7.  Houston (JAX) – Houston’s defense has really stepped up their game, while the offense has had to deal with the loss of Andre Johnson.  They get to face a Jacksonville team that is led by a rookie quarterback that the coaches don’t feel comfortable enough with to put him in risky situations.  MJD can still do some damage, but with his ball security issues, there could be some turnovers to be had in this game.

8.  Detroit (@DEN) – Watching last weeks Denver game, it seemed apparent to me that Tim Tebow is not a good passer.  Not even close.  He definitely brings some toughness and excitement to the Broncos, but look for the Lions to spy him, and force him to beat them with his arm rather than his legs.  If McGahee is out, this matchup looks even tastier for the Lions, as neither Moreno nor Ball have been able to do much of anything on the ground.

9.  Cleveland (@SF) – I feel like the Browns defense has been a little underrated this season.  They boast one of the best young corners in the league in Joe Haden, and are second only to Pittsburgh in passing yards per game allowed.  I think this matchup with the Niners, will allow them to really try to stack the box, and try to force Alex Smith to beat them in the air.  I expect a low scoring contest as both defenses are probably better than the opposing offenses.

10.  Buffalo (WAS) – John Beck didn’t look bad in his Redskins debut, but the loss of his starting tailback and #1 wide receiver has to hurt.  Buffalo’s defense hasn’t exactly shut people out this year, but they have been able to force a lot of turnovers and even return some of those for touchdowns.  Playing in friendly confines after a bye week, and I think this matchup looks good for the Bills.

11.  San Diego (@KC) – It’s true that the Chiefs have been playing tons better the past few games, but that has more to do with how awful they looked early in the season.  The Chargers should be able to bring some pressure to Matt Cassel, which could likely lead to some turnovers.  If this weren’t a Monday Night game in arrowhead, I’d probably have San Diego a few spots higher in my rankings.

12.  Pittsburgh (NE) – This will be a very interesting battle to watch.  On one side you have the dynamic offense of the Patriots, led by Tom Brady.  On the other you have the active defense of the Steelers, led by Troy Palomalu.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pats put up over 20 points this week, but I think the Steelers defense can get some points via sacks or turnovers as well.

13.  Philadelphia (DAL)
14.  Dallas (@PHI)
15.  New England (@PIT)
16.  Seattle (CIN)
17.  Denver (DET)
18.  Carolina (MIN)
19.  Jacksonville (@HOU)
20.  Minnesota (@CAR)
21.  Washington (@BUF)
22.  Kansas City (SD)
23.  Indianapolis (@TEN)
24.  Arizona (@BAL)
25.  Miami (@NYG)
26.  St. Louis (NO)

Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

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(October 8, 2011 – Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America)


Tags: the Fantasy Fix, 2011 Fantasy Football,  2011 Fantasy Football Rankings, Team Defense Rankings, Defensive Ranks, Week 8, Ilyn Yeh
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