PahtyTom
Footballguy
I assume a lot of us will be using the defense by committee approach this year. Last year I would pluck defenses facing GB, Buffalo, SF, etc. This year I'm not as sure as to who will give up the most points to a fantasy defense. In some cases, I'm not sure if I'd rather have a good defense (like a Philly) versus a formidable offense, or an average defense versus a team like the Jets. Here is how I break down some of the teams that I will be thinking about starting defenses against in a league that rewards turnovers and sacks a little more than the amount of points scored.
Buffalo - I think they will be much more secure with the football this year under Jauron and Levy and company. That being said, it's hard to predict them scoring a ton of points. I'm a little on the fence on if I think any average defense can be played versus them this year.
NY Jets - Almost exactly the same thing as I stated about the Bills, but even more so if Chad is at the helm.
Baltimore - I think the Ravens will be much better with McNair and I'm not really even looking at targeting teams versus them.
Cleveland - I will be targeting them. Good coaching, but not enough healthy talent across the board along with too much youth.
Houston - I know it's easy to think that a defense versus Houston is money, but I really don't agree this year. I'm not targeting them right now.
Tennessee - Right now I'm not certain Tennessee is a team to be starting a defense against either. They could be a big surprise this year, or they could really suffer again. I won't shy away from them if I have a good defense, but I'm not going to go crazy about teams playing them either until I get a better handle on the situation.
Oakland - Volatility, questions, and potential all over this offense. While Brooks should definitely have a few meltdown games, it's hard to think they will be really bad once the regular season arrives with Shell there now. If they show glimpses of being careless, Shell will just go conservative and pound.
Chicago - Good running game, but I'm not sold on Grossman. I could see them taking a step backward this year and possibly becoming a gold mine to start defenses against.
Green Bay - Favre throws picks, but I get the feeling the Packers will be much much better this year. Maybe I'm wrong.
Minnesota - With Brad Johnson under center, they should have good ball control.
New Orleans - Not a very good OL right now, but skilled position players all over the offense. I think the OL will be bad enough to warrant starts vs the Saints in many spots.
Arizona - Almost identical to what I said about New Orleans, but Arizona's skilled players are even better.
San Fran - I'll be targeting them early, but wouldn't be surprised to see major improvement throughout the year.
What teams are you guys targeting early and what are your thoughts?
Buffalo - I think they will be much more secure with the football this year under Jauron and Levy and company. That being said, it's hard to predict them scoring a ton of points. I'm a little on the fence on if I think any average defense can be played versus them this year.
NY Jets - Almost exactly the same thing as I stated about the Bills, but even more so if Chad is at the helm.
Baltimore - I think the Ravens will be much better with McNair and I'm not really even looking at targeting teams versus them.
Cleveland - I will be targeting them. Good coaching, but not enough healthy talent across the board along with too much youth.
Houston - I know it's easy to think that a defense versus Houston is money, but I really don't agree this year. I'm not targeting them right now.
Tennessee - Right now I'm not certain Tennessee is a team to be starting a defense against either. They could be a big surprise this year, or they could really suffer again. I won't shy away from them if I have a good defense, but I'm not going to go crazy about teams playing them either until I get a better handle on the situation.
Oakland - Volatility, questions, and potential all over this offense. While Brooks should definitely have a few meltdown games, it's hard to think they will be really bad once the regular season arrives with Shell there now. If they show glimpses of being careless, Shell will just go conservative and pound.
Chicago - Good running game, but I'm not sold on Grossman. I could see them taking a step backward this year and possibly becoming a gold mine to start defenses against.
Green Bay - Favre throws picks, but I get the feeling the Packers will be much much better this year. Maybe I'm wrong.
Minnesota - With Brad Johnson under center, they should have good ball control.
New Orleans - Not a very good OL right now, but skilled position players all over the offense. I think the OL will be bad enough to warrant starts vs the Saints in many spots.
Arizona - Almost identical to what I said about New Orleans, but Arizona's skilled players are even better.
San Fran - I'll be targeting them early, but wouldn't be surprised to see major improvement throughout the year.
What teams are you guys targeting early and what are your thoughts?
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