Fantasy football player analysis: Defensive teams

August 22, 2011 @ 09:04:14

By Cory J. Bonini
Edited by Tim Heaney

1) Green Bay Packers | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
293	275	5	1	1	3	20	8	22	8	40

Analysis: This group tied for second in the league with 47 sacks, and that was with a hodgepodge of linebackers for much of the year. The Packers boast two of the best cornerbacks in the league, a stout run defense and athletic, sack-happy linebacker Clay Matthews. Expect much of the same old, same old from Dom Capers' unit.

2) New York Jets | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
306	290	4	2	1	1	16	13	18	12	38

Analysis: It's scary to think the Jets' D could be better in 2011 than it was last year. They tied for eighth with 40 team sacks. New York found the end zone five times between their defense and special teams. Strong safety Jim Leonhard (leg) returns, linebacker Calvin Pace has the chance to play 16 games, and Muhammad Wilkerson was drafted in the first round to stuff the run.

3) Philadelphia Eagles | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
325	301	3	1	1	1	21	10	23	11	39

Analysis: Philly made huge splashes in free agency to upgrade their defense, namely adding cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Fellow corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie came over in a trade, as well. Defensive linemen Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin were also acquired. While the Eagles' linebackers may be suspect, this side of the ball has enormous upside as a whole.

4) New York Giants | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
334	316	2	1	0	1	17	15	24	12	43

Analysis: The Giants tied for second with 47 sacks but may lose defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) for up to the first three weeks of the season. Jason Pierre-Paul will have a chance to capitalize on a promising rookie year in his absence. Largely, this group remains unchanged and should be strong again in Perry Fewell's extra-aggressive blitzing scheme.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
270	248	2	0	0	2	17	13	18	7	45

Analysis: Pittsburgh has finished inside of the top five in fantasy points (standard scoring) once since 2002 (last year's third-place showing). Their real-life defense is more impressive than their virtual version, but they create turnovers and get to the quarterback enough to be a very strong No. 1 group - just not the No. 1 unit like they are sometimes drafted as.

6) Chicago Bears | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
308	295	4	3	0	1	19	14	19	13	27

Analysis: Chicago added depth along the defensive line in end Vernon Gholston and tackle Amobi Okoye. Rookie defensive tackle Stephen Paea could be a beast against the run. The Bears tied for the fifth most interceptions (21) in 2010. Devin Hester boosts their special teams return unit - nice bonus in some leagues. Look their way once the elite defensive teams are off the board.

7) New England Patriots | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
296	277	3	1	0	2	19	11	22	8	38

Analysis: Defensive end Mark Anderson, end/linebackers Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis, and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth were added in the offseason. Cornerback Leigh Bodden returns from a shoulder injury. The Pats will be rotating more than ever before between 3-4 and 4-3 alignments to take advantage of their new personnel.

8) Detroit Lions | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
360	330	2	1	0	1	17	15	25	16	39

Analysis: Jim Schwartz has this group headed in the right direction. They added defensive tackle Nick Fairley (foot) in the first round. The linebacking corps was overhauled with Stephen Tulloch being reunited with Schwartz and Justin Durant coming over from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Lions are a high-upside fantasy choice as a midrange starting unit.

9) New Orleans Saints | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
291	265	4	1	1	2	18	11	18	12	32

Analysis: Gregg Williams' squad is always aggressive and added some beef up front in tackles Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin. Darren Sproles comes over from San Diego to help the special teams return game. New Orleans' D doesn't do anything particularly special but should be serviceable for your fantasy squad.

10) San Diego Chargers | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
314	292	2	1	0	1	19	10	20	12	44

Analysis: San Diego added Bob Sanders, who could be a key component if he can remain healthy. Takeo Spikes moved south and will likely start at one of the inside linebacker spots. Ron Rivera left to coach the Carolina Panthers, but former Wade Phillips understudy Greg Manusky has taken over for what should be an aggressive system.

11) Baltimore Ravens | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
280	266	4	1	1	2	18	10	19	7	34

Analysis: Baltimore's defense is better in real life than for fantasy purposes because they limit yardage and scores but do not create a lot of turnovers. Age isn't working in their favor and could catch up to some of their stars in 2011.

12) Dallas Cowboys | defensive team

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
389	357	2	1	0	1	16	11	25	11	46

Analysis: The Cowboys welcome Rob Ryan as their new defensive coordinator, so some adjustment period may take place early in the year. They have plenty of individual talent, but injuries have hampered their cohesion in recent years. There is upside to be found in this group later in the season.

13) Arizona Cardinals defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
393	364	4	1	1	2	17	9	23	15	35

Analysis: Believe it or not, the Cardinals led the NFL in fantasy points (standard scoring) in 2010. They scored 10 touchdowns between their defense and special teams, but that won't happen again. Linebacker Stewart Bradley (Eagles), as well as cornerbacks Patrick Peterson (draft) and Richard Marshall (Panthers), headline the offseason additions. Consider this group a borderline No. 1 unit in deep leagues because of their aggressive nature.

14) Kansas City Chiefs defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
325	327	2	1	0	1	15	13	22	14	38

Analysis: KC tied for 10th in sacks last year with 39. They remain largely intact on D, and the Chiefs' schedule, while not be conducive to putting W's on the board, is favorable for fantasy purposes. Linebacker Brandon Siler (Chargers) and defensive tackle Kelly Gregg (Ravens) could be difference-makers; second-year strong safety Eric Berry appears to be on his way to an impressive career.

15) Tennessee Titans defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
361	343	3	1	0	2	18	10	25	14	36

Analysis: Tennessee added linebacker Barrett Ruud (Buccaneers) to replace Stephen Tulloch, who left for the Detroit Lions. Akeem Ayers was drafted and should start at outside linebacker. Losing defensive end Jason Babin's 12.5 sacks will hurt if Derrick Morgan doesn't emerge. Jerry Gray takes over as DC, and his no-nonsense approach could get the most out of a somewhat rag-tag group.

16) Denver Broncos defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
338	316	1	0	0	1	16	15	16	14	34

Analysis: The Broncs finished dead last in the NFL in sacks in 2010 but benefit from the return of Elvis Dumervil (pectoral) and the draft addition of No. 2 overall pick Von Miller at outside linebacker. Converting back to a 4-3 should mean more stability based on the team's personnel. Rookie safety Rahim Moore has the makings of a ball hawk.

17) Minnesota Vikings defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
349	321	3	1	1	1	13	12	25	11	31

Analysis: Ray Edwards is gone, but Jared Allen remains and is as feisty as ever. Chad Greenway comes back to lead the linebacking corps, as well, but Kevin Williams could be suspended four games. Defensive coordinator Fred Pagac's system is aggressive and blitzes more than what Minnesota did under Leslie Frazier. Pressure leads to turnovers.

18) Seattle Seahawks defensive team/special teams

2011 Projected NFL/Fantasy Football Statistics

Score Allwd	Off Pts Allwd	Tot Def TD	Tot Spec Tm TD	Fum TD	Int TD	Int	Fum Rec	Pass TD Allwd	Rush TD Allwd	Def Scks
360	345	2	1	0	1	15	11	25	13	36

Analysis: Alan Branch comes over from the Arizona Cardinals to help anchor the interior of the line. Lofa Tatupu was released, paving the way for David Hawthorne to start in the middle, where he stood out coming off the bench in 2009. Free safety Earl Thomas appears to be on his way to being a star.

KFFLians are saying....

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1

Scott Molyneaux, at 09:10 on 09/05/11, says: Great but where's the rest of the article? Only 18 team defenses were covered?!

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Cory J. Bonini

Cory J. Bonini is a senior editor at KFFL. In late 2002, Bonini joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst. He vaulted himself into one of the industry's leading fantasy analysts.

Bonini has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, he has been featured in print, on the radio and is also a published writer on scores of sites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors.

Follow him on Twitter @CoryKFFL

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