Which D/ST jumps into the top 10 (1 Viewer)

[TheFanatic]

D/ST seems to vary wildly from year to year. There are a few teams that are in the top 10 every year but the rest can come from any where.

These teams in order were the bottom 10 D's in my main league last year. Which one of these will make significant strides this year and why?

I'll hang up and listen...

 

[49erBamBam52]

D/ST seems to vary wildly from year to year. There are a few teams that are in the top 10 every year but the rest can come from any where. These teams in order were the bottom 10 D's in my main league last year. Which one of these will make significant strides this year and why?I'll hang up and listen...

i voted for my Niners Patrick Willis is just a beast first off...With Manny Lawson (or ManLaw as we all call him) back from injury (he was looking good last year until he blew out his ACL) coupled with Justin Smith rushing the passer, we should be getting a lot more pressure on the QB.They have also moved some of the DL around to their more natural positions.there are a few ?? regarding a true NT and who is going to play the TED role next to Willis, but all in all i think we will see a much improved Niners D Another aspect is, the Niners D didn’t play all that bad last year, they were just on the field so often because of an inept offense (coordinator!?!?) that they were bound to fail.with an offense that *hopefully* will stay on the field for at least a little bit longer, our D will be fresher, and the opposing O will have less opportunity (time) to score.My BAM

 

[eric rymer]

D/ST seems to vary wildly from year to year. There are a few teams that are in the top 10 every year but the rest can come from any where. These teams in order were the bottom 10 D's in my main league last year. Which one of these will make significant strides this year and why?I'll hang up and listen...

i voted for my Niners Patrick Willis is just a beast first off...With Manny Lawson (or ManLaw as we all call him) back from injury (he was looking good last year until he blew out his ACL) coupled with Justin Smith rushing the passer, we should be getting a lot more pressure on the QB.They have also moved some of the DL around to their more natural positions.there are a few ?? regarding a true NT and who is going to play the TED role next to Willis, but all in all i think we will see a much improved Niners D Another aspect is, the Niners D didn’t play all that bad last year, they were just on the field so often because of an inept offense (coordinator!?!?) that they were bound to fail.with an offense that *hopefully* will stay on the field for at least a little bit longer, our D will be fresher, and the opposing O will have less opportunity (time) to score.My BAM

Get out of my head BAM. I had this same line of thought when reading the OP. That D is good and when the offense can keep them off the field, it'll be great.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Buffalo - Added Stroud. Drafted McKelvin. Will regain Posluszny and Ko Simpson. Expect Youboty and McCargo to emerge.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I like Philly out of this group.

 

[brock]

Buffalo - Added Stroud. Drafted McKelvin. Will regain Posluszny and Ko Simpson. Expect Youboty and McCargo to emerge.

if we can go with teams not on the list then i'll pick dallas. the eagles get my vote for best chance of the teams listed.

 

[LBH]

I voted for the Jets. They played like a top 10 defense after the bye week last year. Now they added a player better built to play NT in Jenkins, a good 3-4 LB in Pace, and pass rusher in Gholston.

Harris,Ellis,Jenkins,Gholston,Pace,Revis,Rhodes makes for a pretty solid group that can make some plays.

 

[49erBamBam52]

Buffalo - Added Stroud. Drafted McKelvin. Will regain Posluszny and Ko Simpson. Expect Youboty and McCargo to emerge.

if we can go with teams not on the list then i'll pick dallas. the eagles get my vote for best chance of the teams listed.

dude NFL.com has Dallas statistically as the #1 defense last year... this thread is about up and commers who were in the bottom 10 last year, not the best overall last year staying the best...

http://www.nfl.com/stats/teamhttp://www.nfl.com/stats/team

Eagles is a decent pick for next year though... if i had to pick one other than the niners, it would probably be them or the Jets (im a big fan of Vernon)

BAM

 

[Mister CIA]

New Orleans added Vilma and drafted Sedrick Elllis. If McKenzie comes back 100%, the secondary may be borderline respectable. If Reggie returns punts, that might give it another boost.

Now, take a look at their schedule, especially weeks 14-16:

Tampa Bay
Washington
Denver
San Francisco
Minnesota
Oakland
Carolina
San Diego
BYE
Atlanta
Kansas City
Green Bay
Tampa Bay

Atlanta
Chicago
Detroit
Carolina

 

[Andy Dufresne]

New Orleans added Vilma and drafted Sedrick Elllis. If McKenzie comes back 100%, the secondary may be borderline respectable. If Reggie returns punts, that might give it another boost.

I like New Orleans too. The addition of Randall Gay and Tracy Porter are upgrades at corner too.

 

[Chase Stuart]

New Orleans fielded one of the worst pass defenses I've ever seen last year. Chris Redman and Luke McCown threw for 600 yards and 4 TDs in two weeks against them.

I think the Bills are a good sleeper D, although I'm not sure if they qualify since they were pretty good last year when not playing the Patriots. The Jets D made some huge moves in the off-season too -- Gholston, Pace, Jenkins. Both the Jets and Bills could have top 10 Ds this year.

 

[MCguidance]

I voted for the Jets. With key additions, I think Rhodes may even be a borderline MVP candidate. I'm not saying he will win it, but I see him getting much more recognition (as he should have had in the past) in a vastly improved defense.

Just a thought

Rhodes:

2006 24 16 16 5.0 4 46 0 25 13 3 0 1 4 0 76 23

2007 25 16 16 2.0 5 76 0 36 10 2 0 1 11 1 51 16

Polamalu

2006* 25 13 13 1.0 3 51 0 49 9 1 0 0 0 0 57 20

2007* 26 11 11 0 0 0 0 9 3 0 1 13 0 45 13

Sure, different players, different teams. But I personally think Rhodes got shafted in 2006 by not making the probowl with those numbers, when Polamalu did. But I am sure others feel differently, and there are other snubs more deserving than even Rhodes. Anyway, I love the improvements the Jets made, whether they translate from paper to the field, that's a different story. But purely based on paper, I picked the Jets.

 

[TheFanatic]

What about Carolina. If that Offense improves and they actually have a offensive line, couldn't that help the D quite a bit?

 

[Marc Levin]

New Orleans fielded one of the worst pass defenses I've ever seen last year. Chris Redman and Luke McCown threw for 600 yards and 4 TDs in two weeks against them.I think the Bills are a good sleeper D, although I'm not sure if they qualify since they were pretty good last year when not playing the Patriots. The Jets D made some huge moves in the off-season too -- Gholston, Pace, Jenkins. Both the Jets and Bills could have top 10 Ds this year.

In leagues that do not penalize for high yardage/points, the Saints could be a decent FF D this year.But my money is on the phins or Jets making the biggest move up.

 

[vincentvega722]

I chose the 'Niners. Their young but they are in the 2nd to the last weak division in the NFL. Patrick Willis already has a year under his belt. They have a solid secondary and front 7.

I live in Carolina and love rooting for them, but their defense might be the problem holding them back this year. The front 4 isn't the same without Rucker and Jenkins. They have a pair of good linebackers in Beason and Connor, and the secondary just got somewhat of a boost with Terrance Holt. But overall this defense missed the leadership of Mike Minter and it has shown since he has retired.

 

[dmac37]

I like the combo of the Saints and Raiders. I know teams change from year to year but between the two there seems to be some good matchups, and both Def. can be had dirt cheap.

NO OAK

1 TB DEN

2 @WAS @KC

3 @DEN @BUF

4 SF SD

5 MIN BYE

6 OAK @NO

7 @CAR NYJ

8 SD @BAL

9 BYE ATL

10 @ATL CAR

11 @KC @MIA

12 GB @DEN

13 @TB KC

14 ATL @SD

15 @CHI NE

16 @DET HOU

 

[OldMilwaukee]

Bills

 

[Man who'd fire the Yorks]

Like a few others I pick the 49ers to make it into the top 10. If not I'd have to peg the Jets to make it there.

 

[FantasyTrader]

LionFan78 has sold me on the Iggles this year - here's his Eagles Def. breakdown...

PHILADELPHIA

2007 Fantasy Finish: 27th

Defensive Losses: DT Ian Scott, CB William James, LB Takeo Spikes, DE Jevon Kearse.

Defensive Additions/Contract Status: LB Rocky Boiman (1 year), DE Chris Clemons (five years); CB Asante Samuel, (six years, $57 million).

Rookies/Round Drafted: DT Trevor Laws (2nd), OLB Bryan Smith (3rd), FS Quintin Demps (4th), CB Jack Ikegwuonu (4th), ILB Joe Mays (6th), OLB Andy Studebaker (6th)

Notes: DE Chris Clemens should be a factor in the pass rush this season. Philadelphia had an average number of sacks last year, so this should help. Asante Samuel was easily the most sought after defensive player in free agency. He will no doubt provide a well-needed level of playmaking ability. Rookie Trevor Laws is an instant fit in DC Jim Johnson’s 4-3 scheme. LB Bryan Smith, although undersized, is extremely quick and could fit in at weakside linebacker. FS Quintin Demps was a former 3-year starter, with 17 career interceptions at UTEP. And let’s not overlook WR/KR Desean Jackson. For a club that finished at the bottom in special teams touchdowns last year, he’s an impact upgrade.

Fantasy Points Allowed for 2007

QB Points – 14.1 (t-23rd)

RB Points – 15.6 (27th)

WR Points – 20.5 (t-16th)

TE Points - 5.5 (23rd)

2007 Stats - Top Third - Middle Third - Bottom Third

95.8 Rushing Yards Per Game Allowed (7th)

215.6 Passing Yards Per Game Allowed (18th)

18.8 Points Allowed Per Game (9th)

11 Interceptions (t-30th)

8 Fumble Recoveries (t-27th)

37 sacks (t-9th)

0 safeties

2007 Breakout/Bust Fantasy Performances

W3 - DET (15 FP)

W15 - @DAL (17 FP)

W7 - CHI (1 FP)

W9 - DAL (-5 FP)

W12 - @NE (-1 FP)

Projected Favorable Matchups: 7

W1 vs. STL

W4 @ CHI

W5 vs. WAS

W6 @ SF

W8 vs. ATL

W12 @ BAL

W13 vs. ARI

Projected Tough Matchups: 5

W2 @ DAL

W3 vs. PIT

W10 vs. NYG

W14 @ NYG

W15 vs. CLE

Favorable Bye-week Matchups:

NYJ (@ OAK)

MIA (vs. BAL)

HOU (vs. DET)

BAL (@ MIA)

Combo Defenses: MIA. Besides a difficult decision week 2, against either NE or PIT, Miami matches up very well with Philadelphia, and counters Philly’s rough fantasy playoff schedule with 3 very solid matchups (@BUF, SF, @KC). Although they’ll likely be one of the higher defenses chosen, MIN also matches up perfectly with PHI, with the exception of having to choose between IND or DAL week 2. Honorable mentions include TEN and KC.

Fantasy Playoff Schedule (Weeks 14-16): @NYG, CLE, @WAS

Quick Hits: Zero defense/special teams touchdowns last season…..2 NFC east matchups during the fantasy playoffs (weeks 14-16)…..Actually finished worse last season in leagues that don’t penalize/award points for points-allowed.

Breakdown: Philadelphia was just a mess last year for fantasy football purposes. Drafted in the top half of nearly every league, they finished a mere 27th in scoring. Problem is, when you look at their numbers, they really don’t look bad at all. They ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed per game (7th) and points-allowed per game (9th), as well as sacks (9th). The problem was turnovers and special teams. And turnovers are what make the world go around for fantasy defenses. They were near the bottom of the league in interceptions with 11, and were in a four-way tie for 27th in fumble recoveries. Add to that fact that they scored zero special teams/defensive touchdowns, and you can see why they fared so poorly. They also had a very tough fantasy playoff stretch, with games against future Super Bowl Champion NY Giants, Dallas and an improved New Orleans team.

Outlook: Philadelphia shouldn’t be one of the top defenses drafted off your league’s board this year. Too many people will remember their letdown performance from last year. You’ll be able to grab them relatively late, and if “Defense by Committee” is your approach, there are plenty of teams that match up perfectly with them. I only wish they had a better fantasy playoff stretch. There’s certainly reason for optimism here. There’s no reason to believe that they can’t improve on last year’s horrible turnover and touchdown totals with Asante Samuel hanging out in center field, which should elevate their value even more in leagues that don’t penalize for points-allowed. Remember folks, they’re a good football team. Good fantasy defenses can thrive on good offenses. Philadelphia should continue to be a strong team this year, which will only create opportunities for their defense. While I like their schedule during the first half of the season much more than the second, we all know how team strength can fluctuate. Opponents during the second half of the season such as SEA, CIN and ARI could very well turn out to be very favorable matchups. There are plenty of mid-season games against teams such as SF, ATL, and BAL, together with the borderline teams mentioned above, to help you down the stretch. After all, having a great defense during the playoffs is one thing. Having a defense that will help you even reach the playoffs is an even more important thing!

Why they're ranked __st: Section will be added AFTER all teams have been ranked.

How they might disappoint: Like I said before, it’s all about the turnovers and touchdowns with this team. True, we should never count on touchdowns to carry our fantasy defense, but getting ZERO scores from them the entire season is just ridiculous. If those numbers don’t improve by much, and if their fantasy playoff stretch does indeed prove to be tough for them, they could very well finish in the bottom half of the league again this year

 

[s_ezy]

Browns

this might be a homer pick, but th browns pass rush should b much improved and should allow for mor pressure on the QB, which will b disruptive no matter who is trying to cover the othr teams WRs.

The NY Giants scondary wasn't all that last year, yet the strength of the D-Lined carried them all season.

Wimbley will have an insane season now that teams can't double him every play and with D-Qull Jackson getting another yer under his belt i see him beeing a force at linebacker

 

[ditka85]

Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! Am I the first one to say the Bills?

Buffalo - Added Stroud. Drafted McKelvin. Will regain Posluszny and Ko Simpson. Expect Youboty and McCargo to emerge.

 

[BassNBrew]

Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! Am I the first one to say the Bills?

Buffalo - Added Stroud. Drafted McKelvin. Will regain Posluszny and Ko Simpson. Expect Youboty and McCargo to emerge.

Nope...you're not the first one not to be able to read either.

 

[BassNBrew]

What about Carolina. If that Offense improves and they actually have a offensive line, couldn't that help the D quite a bit?

Forget about them. Horrible pass rush and a staff that refuses to blitz. Team speed is improving, but has been horrible. They may be a slightly better than average NFL D, but from a fantasy standpoint they'll continue to suck donkey knobs.

 

[gheemony]

LionFan78 has sold me on the Iggles this year - here's his Eagles Def. breakdown...

PHILADELPHIA

2007 Fantasy Finish: 27th

Defensive Losses: DT Ian Scott, CB William James, LB Takeo Spikes, DE Jevon Kearse.

Defensive Additions/Contract Status: LB Rocky Boiman (1 year), DE Chris Clemons (five years); CB Asante Samuel, (six years, $57 million).

Rookies/Round Drafted: DT Trevor Laws (2nd), OLB Bryan Smith (3rd), FS Quintin Demps (4th), CB Jack Ikegwuonu (4th), ILB Joe Mays (6th), OLB Andy Studebaker (6th)

Notes: DE Chris Clemens should be a factor in the pass rush this season. Philadelphia had an average number of sacks last year, so this should help. Asante Samuel was easily the most sought after defensive player in free agency. He will no doubt provide a well-needed level of playmaking ability. Rookie Trevor Laws is an instant fit in DC Jim Johnson’s 4-3 scheme. LB Bryan Smith, although undersized, is extremely quick and could fit in at weakside linebacker. FS Quintin Demps was a former 3-year starter, with 17 career interceptions at UTEP. And let’s not overlook WR/KR Desean Jackson. For a club that finished at the bottom in special teams touchdowns last year, he’s an impact upgrade.

Fantasy Points Allowed for 2007

QB Points – 14.1 (t-23rd)

RB Points – 15.6 (27th)

WR Points – 20.5 (t-16th)

TE Points - 5.5 (23rd)

2007 Stats - Top Third - Middle Third - Bottom Third

95.8 Rushing Yards Per Game Allowed (7th)

215.6 Passing Yards Per Game Allowed (18th)

18.8 Points Allowed Per Game (9th)

11 Interceptions (t-30th)

8 Fumble Recoveries (t-27th)

37 sacks (t-9th)

0 safeties

2007 Breakout/Bust Fantasy Performances

W3 - DET (15 FP)

W15 - @DAL (17 FP)

W7 - CHI (1 FP)

W9 - DAL (-5 FP)

W12 - @NE (-1 FP)

Projected Favorable Matchups: 7

W1 vs. STL

W4 @ CHI

W5 vs. WAS

W6 @ SF

W8 vs. ATL

W12 @ BAL

W13 vs. ARI

Projected Tough Matchups: 5

W2 @ DAL

W3 vs. PIT

W10 vs. NYG

W14 @ NYG

W15 vs. CLE

Favorable Bye-week Matchups:

NYJ (@ OAK)

MIA (vs. BAL)

HOU (vs. DET)

BAL (@ MIA)

Combo Defenses: MIA. Besides a difficult decision week 2, against either NE or PIT, Miami matches up very well with Philadelphia, and counters Philly’s rough fantasy playoff schedule with 3 very solid matchups (@BUF, SF, @KC). Although they’ll likely be one of the higher defenses chosen, MIN also matches up perfectly with PHI, with the exception of having to choose between IND or DAL week 2. Honorable mentions include TEN and KC.

Fantasy Playoff Schedule (Weeks 14-16): @NYG, CLE, @WAS

Quick Hits: Zero defense/special teams touchdowns last season…..2 NFC east matchups during the fantasy playoffs (weeks 14-16)…..Actually finished worse last season in leagues that don’t penalize/award points for points-allowed.

Breakdown: Philadelphia was just a mess last year for fantasy football purposes. Drafted in the top half of nearly every league, they finished a mere 27th in scoring. Problem is, when you look at their numbers, they really don’t look bad at all. They ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed per game (7th) and points-allowed per game (9th), as well as sacks (9th). The problem was turnovers and special teams. And turnovers are what make the world go around for fantasy defenses. They were near the bottom of the league in interceptions with 11, and were in a four-way tie for 27th in fumble recoveries. Add to that fact that they scored zero special teams/defensive touchdowns, and you can see why they fared so poorly. They also had a very tough fantasy playoff stretch, with games against future Super Bowl Champion NY Giants, Dallas and an improved New Orleans team.

Outlook: Philadelphia shouldn’t be one of the top defenses drafted off your league’s board this year. Too many people will remember their letdown performance from last year. You’ll be able to grab them relatively late, and if “Defense by Committee” is your approach, there are plenty of teams that match up perfectly with them. I only wish they had a better fantasy playoff stretch. There’s certainly reason for optimism here. There’s no reason to believe that they can’t improve on last year’s horrible turnover and touchdown totals with Asante Samuel hanging out in center field, which should elevate their value even more in leagues that don’t penalize for points-allowed. Remember folks, they’re a good football team. Good fantasy defenses can thrive on good offenses. Philadelphia should continue to be a strong team this year, which will only create opportunities for their defense. While I like their schedule during the first half of the season much more than the second, we all know how team strength can fluctuate. Opponents during the second half of the season such as SEA, CIN and ARI could very well turn out to be very favorable matchups. There are plenty of mid-season games against teams such as SF, ATL, and BAL, together with the borderline teams mentioned above, to help you down the stretch. After all, having a great defense during the playoffs is one thing. Having a defense that will help you even reach the playoffs is an even more important thing!

Why they're ranked __st: Section will be added AFTER all teams have been ranked.

How they might disappoint: Like I said before, it’s all about the turnovers and touchdowns with this team. True, we should never count on touchdowns to carry our fantasy defense, but getting ZERO scores from them the entire season is just ridiculous. If those numbers don’t improve by much, and if their fantasy playoff stretch does indeed prove to be tough for them, they could very well finish in the bottom half of the league again this year

Wow, where can I find this for all teams?