2007 Fantasy Football Preview: Defenses/Special Teams
08/10/2007
Sports Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
Drafting defenses early is a dicey proposition. Generally, they’re very hard to predict year-to-year, so there always are a few surprise DTs to be had on the waiver wire. For that reason, we don’t recommend drafting a top defense early, though that mostly depends on the league’s scoring system.
There are four teams that have a great chance to finish in the top five: Baltimore, Chicago, New England and San Diego. After that, none of the defenses would be considered a sure thing. Most of them could end up as DT5 just as easily as they could finish DT15, so it’s wise not to waste a high pick on any of them.
On draft day, it’s not necessary to pick a backup DT (as there are always good options on the waiver wire), so we’ve listed our top 20 to get you started. Once the season is under way, feel free to pick up another DT and play the one with the better matchup week-to-week. That’s one way to maximize your production at the position without burning an early pick on draft day.
We’ve ranked the position in tiers in order to give you a better idea of how we view the dropoff within the position. In parenthesis, we’ve included the teams’ Average Draft Position (ADP), which is the average round that the team is selected in Antsports’ 12-team leagues with a high performance scoring format. We’ve also included the ADP ranking (DT1, DT2, etc.) to see where the team is going relative to its peers. All of the data is from mock drafts conducted at Antsports.com from July 15th to July 31st.
Ravens (DT1, 7.07)
201 PA, 28 INT, 12 FR, 60 SK
They lost Adalius Thomas to the Pats, but the rest of last year’s #1 defense returns intact. They don’t have an easy schedule, but it was easier than 2006, so expect the Ravens to finish near the top once again.
Bears (DT2, 7.11)
255 PA, 24 INT, 20 FR, 38 SK
The Bears have a favorable schedule again in 2007 and Devin Hester is a nightmare to cover on special teams. You can pencil ‘em in every week.
Patriots (DT3, 9.09)
237 PA, 22 INT, 13 FR, 43 SK
The addition of Adalius Thomas, a more potent offense and a much easier schedule means that the Pats’ DT is primed for a big 2007.
Chargers (DT4, 9.10)
303 PA, 16 INT, 12 FR, 60 SK
The Chargers also have an easier schedule, but with a new coaching staff, they’re not a sure thing.
283 PA, 8 INT, 19 FR, 47 SK
Jason Taylor and an easier schedule should yield a good season for the Miami DT.
305 PA, 17 INT, 13 FR, 37 SK
Dre Bly, Jarvis Moss and Sam Adams join a defense that is projected to face the easiest schedule in the league. Jim Bates is the new DC, and his defenses are always stingy.
Jaguars (DT9, 13.03)
274 PA, 20 INT, 4 FR, 35 SK
Jacksonville’s schedule in the fantasy playoffs is nice, and they don’t make many mistakes.
Steelers (DT5, 11.10)
315 PA, 20 INT, 9 FR, 39 SK
Mike Tomlin wants to move to a Cover 2, which could cause some problems. The schedule is easier than last year and this unit is perennially good.
Cowboys (DT8, 12.09)
350 PA, 18 INT, 13 FR, 34 SK
New coach Wade Phillips should improve the 3-4 attack in Dallas.
Eagles (DT10, 13.08)
328 PA, 19 INT, 10 FR, 40 SK
Philly’s schedule is tougher, but all that blitzing leads to sacks, making the Eagles a great choice against weaker offenses.
Panthers (DT11, 14.01)
305 PA, 14 INT, 7 FR, 41 SK
Having Julius Peppers helps, but the turnovers are low and the schedule is quite a bit tougher, so Carolina may struggle.
Vikings (DT20, 15.08)
327 PA, 21 INT, 15 FR, 29 SK
Minnesota has a nice schedule, but the Vikings need some pass rush to go with their stout run D.
Packers (DT17, 15.07)
366 PA, 23 INT, 10 FR, 46 SK
The (mostly) young Packers are poised to make a leap this season. They have a nice schedule during the fantasy playoffs.
Bengals (N/A)
331 PA, 19 INT, 12 FR, 35 SK
Cincinnati’s schedule is much easier than last year, and with the run D and coverage showing some life, there is reason for optimism.
Raiders (DT18, 15.08)
332 PA, 18 INT, 5 FR, 34 SK
Oakland has the personnel to succeed, but they also have an offense that constantly puts them in tough spots.
Chiefs (N/A)
315 PA, 15 INT, 15 FR, 32 SK
Herm Edwards is defensive-minded and the Chiefs have one of the easiest schedules in the league. They could surprise.
Seahawks (DT15, 15.05)
341 PA, 12 INT, 14 FR, 41 SK
With Patrick Kerney and Deon Grant in town, the Seahawks could make a jump with their favorable schedule.
49ers (DT21, 15.11)
412 PA, 14 INT, 13 FR, 34 SK
The addition of Nate Clements and Michael Lewis should bolster the 49ers secondary. The schedule is tougher, however.
295 PA, 16 INT, 9 FR, 35 SK
The schedule is once again on the rough side, so it will be difficult to repeat last year’s inspired performance.
Bills (N/A)
311 PA, 13 INT, 11 FR, 37 SK
Buffalo played some inspired defense in 2006, but the schedule has taken a turn for the worse and their poor size up front will catch up to them.