D/ST preview: San Diego, Chicago rank 1-2

by Roger Rotter

Updated: August 7, 2008, 8:30 PM EST 47 comments

1. San Diego: The talented young defense has all the keys to a great fantasy unit: a formidable pass rush to create sacks; playmakers to force turnovers and a ball-hawking secondary to return interceptions for touchdowns. The Chargers forced the NFL's most turnovers (48) and interceptions (30) last year. It also had the fifth-most sacks (42) and third-most defensive scores (5). In addition, its special teams squad led by Darren Sproles has the potential to return punts for touchdowns. Individuals like lineman Luis Castillo, linebacker Shawne Merriman and cornerback Antonio Cromartie will ensure the Chargers remain among the top fantasy defenses.

2. Chicago: Two words: Devin Hester. That's all an owner needs to know why to select Chicago as its fantasy defense. Most leagues count special teams touchdowns for the fantasy defense, and Hester has scored 12 touchdowns from kick (4), punt (7) and field-goal (1) returns in just two seasons. He's only one short of tying the NFL record for most career return touchdowns. Hester has also scored six returns in each of his first two seasons, setting an NFL single-season scoring record. In addition, the Bears return all of their major contributors on defense, and their star playmakers like lineman Tommie Harris and linebacker Brian Urlacher help create many turnovers. Chicago's defense is just two years removed from allowing the league's third-fewest points (15.9) and creating the most turnovers (44).

3. New England: Playing nearly 40 percent of its games against the feeble AFC East offenses of Buffalo, Miami and the Jets gives the Pats' fantasy defense an advantage over many. The Patriots had the second-most sacks (47) and allowed the fourth-fewest points (17.1) last year. In fact, it yielded only an average of 9.6 points in five divisional games and permitted just 12.7 points in six divisional contests. The combination of powerful linemen like Richard Seymour, sack artists like Adalius Thomas and effective game-planning helps create consistent sacks and turnovers. Though they lost All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel, the Pats have shown they rebuild easily and will remain one of fantasy's top defenses.

4. Minnesota: Acquiring last year's sack leader Jared Allen (15.5 sacks) gives Minnesota a ferocious pass rush to complement All-Pro tackles and run-stuffers Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. That inside tandem led Minnesota's No. 1 rushing defense while helping the squad finish among the top-10 in sacks last year. In addition to their prowess in stopping running attacks, the Vikings will improve their ranking in sacks and have a strong chance to finish No. 1 in that category with the addition of Allen. Of note, Minnesota's gambling secondary helped the team record the NFL's most defensive scores with a remarkable eight touchdowns. The Vikings' opportunistic, aggressive style resulted into a top-10 ranking in turnovers (31) as well. As the defensive line becomes even more dominant, look for the Purple Eaters to chew up offenses and continue to be a fantasy force.

5. New York Giants: Last year's most dominant defensive line was the biggest key to the Giants being a top-10 fantasy defense. It generated great pressure on the quarterback, creating the league's most sacks and limiting points. Both young ends Osi Umenyiora (13 sacks) and Justin Tuck (10) will aim to repeat their double-digit sack totals. Of note, the Giants recorded mediocre turnover totals. They only had 10 fumble recoveries last season; just in 2005, they led the NFL with 20 recoveries. New York also had just 15 interceptions; top cornerback Aaron Ross will help boost that stat as he improves in his second season.

6. Green Bay: The NFL's youngest team will only continue to improve. Green Bay's strong pass rush is led by ends Aaron Kampman (12 sacks) and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (9.5). The Packers produced the fourth-most interceptions (19) and was still a top-10 fantasy defense even though they had the third-fewest fumble recoveries (9). Star linebackers Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk are tackling machines, and cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson are steady, reliable veterans. Altogether, Green Bay is solid at the line, linebacker and secondary, helping it climb the fantasy charts for defenses.

7. Indianapolis: The healthy return of speedy pass rusher Dwight Freeney will help boost Indy's sack totals. It's finished in the bottom quarter in sacks for each of the past two seasons after generating the fourth-most sacks in 2005 when Freeney recorded his fourth straight season of double-digit sacks. Significantly, though, the Colts defense was superb in other areas last season, allowing the NFL's fewest points (16.4) and forcing the league's second-most interceptions (22). As the run defense improved from last to 15th, this progression gave All-Pro safety Bob Sanders more freedom to wreak havoc and create turnovers.

8. Dallas: The move to a 3-4 defense increased Dallas' sacks by 12 from 2006. Pass-rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware had an even better season, acquiring the league's third-most sacks (14.0). Linebacker Greg Ellis also benefited, recording a career-high 12.5 sacks. This constant pressure on the quarterback helped the Cowboys finish with the league's fourth-most interceptions (19). Though Dallas had the league's fourth-fewest fumble recoveries (10), a few more bounces that go Dallas' way will result into more fumble recoveries. The Cowboys upgraded the nickel coverage with first-round pick Mike Jenkins. A full season of health from cornerback Terence Newman will also make the Cowboys' fantasy defense more potent.

9. Pittsburgh: The Steelers allowed the second-fewest points (16.8) last year, but yielded an average of 29 points in the final five games, including their playoff loss. Impressively, through the first three-quarters of the season, Pittsburgh had pitched two shutouts and yielded 10 points or fewer six times. This year, though, it will have to be better conditioned to withstand the rigors of the NFL for the entire season. In addition, its best defensive player Troy Polamalu missed five games with a knee injury and end Aaron Smith had his season end early. The healthy return of both players will ensure the Steel Curtain returns to its place among the top fantasy defenses.

10. Baltimore: After recently being one of the most dominant fantasy defenses, the Ravens declined drastically last year to finish outside the top-20. However, significant injuries to Baltimore's starting cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle accounted for much of its struggles with pass defense. In fact, Baltimore was ranked No. 6 in pass defense and allowed the fifth-fewest passing scores (16) in 2006. But it dropped to No. 20 in pass defense and allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns (27) last year. Though its sacks also sharply declined this past season, Baltimore had the second-most sacks (60) just two years ago. Expect the Ravens to generate a ferocious pass rush again led by Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and Trevor Pryce (who was injured last year). In addition, a full season of health by aggressive playmakers like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will help force more turnovers. For instance, Baltimore recovered the league's fewest fumbles (6) last year and that figure can be expected to improve with its great talent on defense. Altogether, a season of better health will lead to a very productive fantasy defense once again.

11. Seattle: The addition of defensive end Patrick Kerney bolstered Seattle's pass rush last season. He had the league's second-most sacks (14), helping the Seahawks generate the fourth-most sacks (45) last year. As the Seahawks increased pressure on the quarterback, they increased their interceptions from the league's fourth-fewest (12) in 2006 to the league's third-most (20) last year. Its increased interceptions was also helped by the improved play of All-Pro cornerback Marcus Trufant and upgrades of Deon Grant and Brian Russell at safety. In addition, playmaking linebackers Lofa Tatupu (109 tackles) and Julian Peterson (9.5 sacks) will help keep Seattle as a starting fantasy defense.

12. Jacksonville: The Jaguars still ranked No. 11 in creating turnovers (30) despite recording the league's fourth-fewest fumble recoveries (10) last season. Jacksonville's 20 interceptions rated as the NFL's third-most picks, helping the defense still make a fantasy impact. The signing of cornerback Drayton Florence bolsters an already proficient pass coverage led by former All-Pro cornerback Rashean Mathis. A committee of pass rushers headed by Paul Spicer resulted into the league's ninth-most sacks (37). First-round pick Derrick Harvey can also be expected to help make an impact at end. As a bonus, Maurice Jones-Drew is the wildcard as one of the NFL's better returners; he ranked in the top-10 in kickoff return yardage last year.

13. Tennessee: Defensive-oriented coach Jeff Fisher emphasizes stopping the run, being aggressive and forcing turnovers. The game's most dominant lineman Albert Haynesworth creates numerous sack chances for talented pass-rushing ends like Kyle Vanden Bosch (12 sacks). The Titans capitalized on their talent by generating the league's seventh-most sacks (41). As the result of its excellent pass rush, Tennessee had the league's second-most interceptions (22), helping it finish with the fourth-most turnovers (34). The Titans hope the addition of pass rusher Jevon Kearse will help offset their free-agent losses at end. Its largely young defense will keep progressing, making the Titans an underrated fantasy defense on draft day.

14. Philadelphia: Its once fearsome defense has lost some luster, but Philly's prospects are brighter with the addition of top cornerback Asante Samuel. After ranking in the top-10 in interceptions in both 2005 and 2006, the Eagles had the NFL's fewest picks (11) last year. In fact, Philly also generated the least turnovers (19) in 2007. A positive, though, is that Philly had the league's ninth-most sacks (37) despite a poor season by the now-departed pass rusher Jevon Kearse. He will be replaced by the free-agent signing of end Chris Clemons, who had eight sacks with Oakland last year. A significantly improved secondary will help Jimmie Johnson's varied blitzing schemes become more effective in converting turnover opportunities.

15. Arizona: As the result of their aggressive, ball-hawking style, the Cardinals have surprisingly ranked in the top-10 among fantasy defenses for the past two seasons. They've rated in the top half in turnovers in both years, helped by heavy blitzing and dominant play from one of the league's top safeties Adrian Wilson. As Arizona's young defense continues to improve, it will be a sleeper start against turnover-prone offenses like St. Louis and San Francisco in its own division.

16. Tampa Bay: After producing the league's third-fewest turnovers (20) two seasons ago, the Bucs returned to their dominating ways by generating the league's third-most turnovers (35) last year. This rebound was helped by the defense recovering the most fumbles (19) in 2007 after securing only nine in 2006. Tampa Bay has upgraded its defense with early draft picks like defensive end Gaines Adams and linebacker Barrett Rudd. In addition, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is regarded as one of the best tacticians and effectively utilizes the most from his talent.

Denver cornerback Champ Bailey plays tight man-to-man coverage and is a weekly threat for interceptions. (Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)

17. Buffalo: This young, talented defense has been rebuilt with recent high picks like linebacker Paul Posluszny (returning from injury) and safety Donte' Whitner. The addition of veteran run-stuffer Marcus Stroud promises to improve the run defense. Fortifying the interior line will also help pass rusher Aaron Schobel in his bid to return to double-digit sacks. The Bills had the league's fourth-fewest sacks (26) last year. Tactically, Yale grad and coach Dick Jauron employs solid game plans. Adding an improved pass rush will significantly boost Buffalo's fantasy points by generating more sacks and turnovers.

18. Denver: Though the Broncos start one of the game's best pair of cornerbacks with Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly, they intercepted the fourth-fewest passes (14) last season. Replacing the defensive coordinator is the first step into employing an aggressive defense that will better utilize the cornerbacks' talents and generate more blitzes from linebackers and safeties. Bailey and Bly have the ability to play tight man coverage, allowing the safeties to help more with the league's third-worst run defense. Improvement along the defensive line and linebacker would help the rush defense and enable more third-and-longs in order to boost sacks and interceptions.

19. Cleveland: Instead of standing pat in the offseason and only improving via the draft, the Browns opted to acquire talented defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. Both will immediately improve the league's sixth-worst run defense and increase the league's sixth-fewest sacks (28) from last year. An improved run defense and better pass rush will help the secondary increase its interceptions, especially with opposing offenses forced to pass frequently and keep pace with Cleveland's high-scoring attack. For increased fantasy scoring, Joshua Cribbs is one of the NFL's most talented returners. He ranked third in kickoff and punt returns while totaling three touchdowns on returns last season.

20. Detroit: The Lions surprisingly ranked No. 3 in turnovers (35), finishing only behind San Diego and Indianapolis last season. However, their defensive talent isn't the caliber of those dominant ones. Detroit was second in the volatile category of fumbles recovered (18), accounting for its rise as a strong fantasy defense. Without many top playmakers to create turnovers consistently, Detroit will be hard-pressed to rank among the top-10 fantasy defenses again.

21. New York Jets: This disappointing unit had the second-fewest turnovers (21) and ranked in the bottom quarter in sacks (29) last season. Of note, it also rated in the bottom third in turnovers (25) in 2006. The Jets upgraded their pass rush with the addition of linebacker Calvin Pace (he had 6.5 sacks last year) who fits well in a 3-4 scheme. Yet its secondary lacks playmakers outside of second-year cornerback Darrelle Revis. In addition, the Jets have been weak against the run for two straight seasons under Eric Mangini. If newly acquired run-stuffer Kris Jenkins fulfills the role of a run-stuffing nose tackle, the Jets will put offenses in more third-and-long situations and create more turnovers. For a boost in fantasy scoring, returner Leon Washington is a legitimate kickoff return threat to score touchdowns; he tied for the league's most with three.

22. Houston: Though former No. 1 overall pick and defensive Mario Williams (No. 3 in sacks with 14 last year) is fulfilling his lofty expectations, Houston's overall pass rush still ranked in the bottom third. In addition, more playmakers are needed in the secondary, especially with top cornerback Dunta Robinson likely out for half of the season recovering from a torn ACL knee injury. Run-stuffer Amobi Okoye and Pro-Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans are brilliant in help defending the run. But upgrades are required at defensive line and secondary to create more turnovers; the defense ranked in the bottom third in turnovers (25). In addition, Houston's special teams can boost its fantasy scoring. Andre' Davis is one of the league's most dangerous kickoff returners, tying for the league lead with three touchdowns.

23. Washington: After ranking last in turnovers with a measly 12 in 2006, the team doubled its total to 24 last year. However, it still ranked in the bottom quarter in turnovers last year. Washington lacks a formidable pass rush and playmaking cornerbacks to become one of the league's better fantasy defenses. Until talent is upgraded at defensive line, linebacker and secondary, it will remain a turnover-challenged defense.

24. Oakland: Acquiring talented DeAngelo Hall to pair with former first-rounder Nnamdi Asomugha gives Oakland two shutdown cornerbacks. This will help the Raiders generate even more interceptions after they had the league's fifth-most picks (18) last year. In order for significant fantasy progress to be made, the league's second-worst run defense must improve. To help resolve this, safety Gibril Wilson has been added to improve the tackling from the secondary. Still, Oakland had only the league's fifth-fewest sacks (27) last year, so an improved pass rush will help boost the interception total. As more playmakers are added to the defense, look for Oakland's second-lowest number of fumble recoveries (8) to increase. This will allow its aggressive blitzing and single coverage to result into more turnovers and a better fantasy defense.

Gravitate towards the bully of these divisions with offensive weaklings: AFC East, AFC West, NFC North and NFC West.