NFL Fantasy Preview: Defense

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Antonio Cromrartie is a pivotal part of the explosive Chargers attack.
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI]

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

Defense is a position that needs to be valued in fantasy. It could be the difference between a third and first place finish. Most of the time, defenses aren’t drafted until the last couple of rounds. Especially in points leagues, defenses can make or break you. UPDATE! gives you the breakdown of who the top defensive teams really are.

TOP 15!

1. DALLAS COWBOYS
2007: 46 SACKS, 19 INT, 2 INT TD, 26 FUM, 39 TO, 0 ST TD
Comments: The reason why Tony Romo is the number one quarterback in our rankings has everything to do with the Cowboys’ defense. They were ranked near the top in every defensive category, and they made two key additions. Pacman Jones and Zach Thomas are great additions for a team that may be the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl this year.

2. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
2007: 42 SACKS, 30 INT, 2 INT TD 25 FUM, 55 TO, 2 ST TD
Comments: This defense was built for fantasy football. This year’s defense is comprised of essentially the same cast that led the NFL in interceptions (30) and ranked in the Top 5 in sacks (42), points allowed per game (17), and defensive TD’s (5) in 2007.

3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2007: 38 SACKS, 15 INT, 6 INT TD, 27 FUM, 42 TO, 1 ST TD
Comments: The Vikings scored an NFL best 8 Touchdowns last season on defense. Key additions of safety Madieu Williams and Jared Allen put them over the top, and make them an elite pick for a defense in fantasy football.

4. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2007: 46 Sacks, 19 INT, 3 INT TD 18 FUM, 37 TO, 2 ST TD
Comments: The Patriots have had a solid defense for a while now. With Teddy Bruschi back and Rodney Harrison anchoring the secondary, the Patriots are in line for yet another big season. Their one significant free agent addition was former Jets linebacker Victor Hobson. He gives them stability and depth at the linebacker position.

5. CHICAGO BEARS
2007: 41 SACKS, 16 INT, 1 INT TD, 33 FUM, 49 TO, 6 ST TD
Comments: The Bears don’t exactly scream great defense, but they may have the best return man in the history of the NFL. Although he was recently upset about his contract situation, those problems have been solved.  HE accumulated 934 yards in kick returns last season, and is one of the most exciting players in the game. His numbers alone make the Bears an attractive fantasy option.

6. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2007: 33 SACKS, 16 INT, INT TD, 25 FUM, 41 TO, 1 ST TD
Comments: The Bucs may have been the best pass defense in the NFL in 2007. They allowed only 16 points per game, which was tied for first. They also forced the most fumbles in football with 27. Eugene Wilson was a nice acquisition for them, and this defense will be a force in 2008.

7. NEW YORK GIANTS
2007: 53 SACKS, 15 INT, 3 INT TD, 22 FUM, 37 TO, 1 ST TD
Comments: The Giants defense is what brought them a championship in 2007. They would be higher on the list, but they lost two key pieces to the puzzle. Michael Strahan decided to hang up his cleats, and Kawika Mitchell left via free agency. They still have guys like Osi Umenyiora and Antonio Pierce to anchor the defensive core, but other guys are going to need to step up to fill the voids that Mitchell and Strahan left. The Giants are still a quality defense in fantasy.

8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2007: 45 SACKS, 20 INT, 1 INT TD, 23 FUM, 43 TO, 3 ST TD
Comments: The Seahawks are often the team that gets overlooked defensively. They were near the top in nearly every defensive stat category in 2007, and they are returning with almost the identical team. Patrick Kerney and Marcus Trufant will be the veterans leading the charge for the quality Seahawks. They could be a steal when people forget about them in the late rounds.

9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
2007: 37 SACKS, 20 INT, 2 INT TD, 13 FUM, 33 TO, 1 ST TD
Comments: The Jaguars have an excellent core of young defensive players, and they have a very good kick returner in Maurice Jones-Drew. After forcing 33 turnovers last season, the Jaguars will be looking to prove that they are one of the best defensive teams in the AFC, and the stats certainly support that.

10. BALTIMORE RAVENS
2007: 32 SACKS, 17 INT, 1 INT TD, 15 FUM, 32 TO, 3 ST TD
Comments: Until recently, many people considered the Ravens defense to be in a league of its own. In a defensive force led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Ravens defense was feared around the league. While it is still respected, it is not the force it once was. With Terrell Suggs still in Baltimore, this team will continue to be a force, but will not be as dominant as it once was.

11. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2007: 32 SACKS, 13 INT, 3 INT TD, 22 FUM, 35 TO, 0 ST TD
Comments: It is going to be hard to score against the Saints defense this season, especially with the new guy they acquired to play middle linebacker. Jonathan Vilma was the prized piece they acquired to fill that void. Also, Reggie Bush will probably be returning a lot more kicks, and if he can prove worthy, this may be the sleeper pick in fantasy.

12. GREEN BAY PACKERS
2007: 36 SACKS, 19 INT, 0 INT TD, 22 FUM, 41 TO, 2 ST TD
Comments: This is going to be a defense that needs to be watched closely. The likely loss of Brett Favre probably means that the Packers defense will be on the field much more. This has been the same cast of characters for a while, led by Al Harris and Charles Woodson. The Packers should be a decent play.

13. NEW YORK JETS
2007: 29 SACKS, 15 INT, 0 INT TD, 20 FUM, 35 TO, 3 ST TD
Comments: The Jets had two key additions in the off season, Kris Jenkins and Calvin Pace. With them, the Jets are definitely a more formidable pass rushing team. Leon Washington is what this team an attractive option in fantasy leagues. This team will be available in the late rounds, and could be a nice sleeper if you give them a chance.

14. DENVER BRONCOS
2007: 33 SACKS, 14 INT, 0 INT TD, 30 FUM, 44 TO, 1 ST TD
Comments: Dre Bry and Champ Bailey lead the way for a defense that forced 44 turnovers last season. Although their defense and special teams combined for only one touchdown, they should be in line for more this season. Look for them to be a formidable fantasy defense.

15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2007: 37 SACKS, 11 INT, 0 INT TD, 19 FUM, 30 TO, 0 ST TD
Comments: Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown will be returning to help anchor a defense that was very good last season. They added a piece that makes them a solid fantasy. That was Asante Samuel. Look for the Eagles to be a very formidable defense next season in fantasy.

KEY ACQUISITIONS

1. ASANTE SAMUEL
Philadelphia Eagles
2007: 44 TCKL, 6 INT, 1 TD
Comments: Samuel will be a nice addition to the Philadelphia defensive back crew, and he joins veterans like Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. This team definitely has big play abilities, and it is why they made this year’s UPDATE! Top 15 list.

2. ZACH THOMAS
DALLAS COWBOYS
2007: 52 TCKL, 1 SACK
Comments: Thomas has been one of the most feared defensive players in the game for years, and the Cowboys got him for cheap. The reason was that Thomas is coming off of an injury and is getting older. Thomas enters the perfect situation in Dallas, and it will be a good avenue for him to wreak havoc. If he stays healthy, this cowboys’ defense could be a force.

3. KRIS JENKINS
NEW YORK JETS
2007: 38 TCKL, 2.5 SACK
Comments: Jenkins joins a revived New York Jets defense that made the UPDATE! Top 15 list. Although he had a down year last season, a change of scenery will probably do him well. Look for Jenkins to be a man on a mission in 2008.