Defenses don't get the attention they deserve in most fantasy drafts. On many occasions, defenses can get more points than a receiver that you take to be a number three in the 7th round. Even though you can play the waiver wire for good matchups each week, it's important to get a defense that can consistently get you points. Most of the defenses on this list should go starting in the 6th round and some should still be on the board until the 9th or 10th round.
1. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers are a great defense for many reasons. They get a good pass rush with Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillps and they have two elite corners in Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie. Plus add a dangerous return man in Darren Sproles. This defense could be even better this year as Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo were both hurt and should be fully healthy this year. In most leagues, this should be the first defense taken.
2. Seattle Seahawks: This defense could be at the top of the list next year as they have everything to succeed. Julian Peterson and Patrick Kerney give the pass rush 40 sack potential and Lofa Tatupu is among the elite linebackers in the league. Marcus Trufant is also coming off a year where he led the NFC in interceptions. Nate Burleson doesn't get that much hype, but he is one of the best punt returners in the league. But if you include that the Seahawks play the Rams and 49ers a combined 4 times, you have a fantasy defense that can consistently put up lots of points.
3. New York Giants: This unit didn't get all much attention until their performance in the Super Bowl, but this unit was putting up numbers all year. They forced 25 turnovers to go with 53 sacks. Don't worry about Michael Strahan retiring as Justin Tuck is more than capable of replacing him. What you should worry about is the secondary as it is still a major weakness.
4. Green Bay Packers: This unit has it all as they are strong at every position. They have great depth at defensive line, athletic linebackers and two elite corners in Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Plus they have Atari Bigby at safety that was a turnover machine as he forced 8 turnovers last year. Plus like the Seahawks, the Packers have a weak division and play the Lions and Bears a combined 4 times.
5. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts defense all depends on if Bob Sanders is playing. When Sanders plays they are among the best defenses in the league and when he doesn't, it isn't fun to watch. Out of all the fantasy defenses, this unit is the biggest risk but if Bob Sanders can stay healthy for a whole season, you will be rewarded.
6. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have arguably the best defensive line in football but with issues in the secondary, the unit could be a bit of a risk. But due to the fact they play the Bears and Lions a combined four times, they should be a solid fantasy defense and used as a number one unit to start the season.
7. Chicago Bears: This unit could be ranked higher but surprisingly this unit’s main problem is the offense. With Rex Grossman at quarterback and inexperience at the running back position. The Bears defense could be on the field for the majority of games and would start wearing down towards the end. They have the potential to be a top 5 unit though and you can never underestimate a team that has Devin Hester back returning kicks.
8. Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles now have arguably the best secondary in the league and as Brodrick Bunkley continues to improve as a run stuffer, this unit could be one of the best values in fantasy football. With Jim Johnson at the helm, you know the Eagles will get lots of pressure on the quarterback which means lots of sacks and interceptions. This unit could be even higher on the list next year.
9. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys made fantasy owners happy last year with lots of sacks and turnovers but they could be even better this year. They now have an elite return man in Adam Jones who will help out dramatically. But this unit isn't getting any younger and they still don't have a replacement for Roy Williams at safety.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This unit is one of the most consistent in all of fantasy football as Monte Kiffin is one of the best defensive minds in the league. Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are getting older, but they have young players like Barrett Ruud, Tanard Jackson, Jermaine Phillips and Aqib Talib who should all have big impacts next year.
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