Fantasy Football season is kicking into gear and I’m desperate to get back to my winning ways. I literally haven’t had a top three finish since 2005. That’s four years of bottom tier bitterness. I don’t think my liver or wallet can handle it. So this year, I’m prepping by doing research on every aspect of the game, including the creation of top players in every statistical category that matters.
Without further ado, the Top 10 defenses and Top 10 kickers (no comments).
James Harrison, the reigning defensive player of the year, is not the smartest cookie. But he is sure as hell a terrific linebacker.
- Pittsburgh — The Super Bowl champions still have Troy Polamalu and defensive player of the year James Harrison, who has recovered from an offseason dog bite, not including his embarrassing reason for skipping the team meeting with the president this summer. Don’t forget the fact that last year, the Steelers held their opponents to a an NFL low 237.2 yards per game. That’s head over heals better than everyone in the bottom 10 of that statistical category. This is the safest pick of the year, simply because it will hold opponent scoring to a minimum (league best 13.9 points per game).
- Tennessee — With the team’s second pick (62nd overall), the Titans selected Sen’Derrick Marks from Auburn at defensive tackle. The big man will help bolster the 4-3 defense, anchored at left defensive end by Jevon Kearse a.k.a. the Freak (sorry Tim Lincecum). They’ve still got Keith Bullock and Kearse to lead the Titans, which is better than most defenses can say. And after a 2008 season in which the Titans held opponents to 14.6 points per game — second best to the Steelers — I have faith that there will be more goal line stands in store.
- Baltimore — Don’t bet against a team with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on it. If there were comparable names on offense, the Ravens would be contenders year in and out. Too bad they don’t have that luxury. With Lewis trimmed by about 15 pounds, he’s hoping to pick up the speed after being in the league for 14 years. Yes, he will continue to be scary. And there’s no doubt Reed will continue to be a ball hawk.
- Philadelphia — The Eagles were so content with their defense (third best 274.3 yards allowed per game) that they only drafted one defensive player — fifth round pick Victor Harris from Virginia Tech at cornerback. There’s no indication to believe this is a bad thing. But with middle linebacker Stewart Bradley (108 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception) with a possible ACL tear, there might be some worry in the City of Brotherly Love.
- Minnesota — The Vikings are not known for holding their opponents low on points (20.8 points allowed per game) but are a sure thing on stuffing running backs, allowing just 76.9 rushing yards per game to lead the league. Problem is, their secondary is filled with a bunch of junior college all stars. What’s the fix? Cornerback Asher Allen (No. 86 overall) from Georgia? I doubt it. The Star Tribune reports he’s only expected to compete in nickel situations and possibly return kicks. Is that an upgrade? Hell no. But the bigger news is that Pat and Kevin Williams’ (not related) case has been stayed. That’s sweat off your brow Vikings fans.
- San Francisco — Patrick Willis is unstoppable. A younger Ray Lewis even. I expect great things. With Takeo Spikes on his side, improved leadership from Mike Singletary and host of other ballers (Justin Smith, Manny Lawson, Nate Clements and Michael Lewis) and the 49ers have the biggest opportunity for turnaround, based solely on defense.
- New England — Bill Belicheck is known as an offensive mastermind. Which sucks, because he does a pretty good job of putting out an awesome defense every year. But after three rounds of defensive picks (Patrick CHung, Ron Brace and Darius Butler) in the draft, you can see what Belicheck’s focus is. Giving up 107.6 yards rushing a game is not good to him (most coaches would kill for that) and allowing 201.4 passing yards per game is a legitimate reason to get shot. OK, maybe just flogged a little. Still, there’s no smiles until 19-0 is achieved.
- New York Giants — Big sigh of relief for Antonio Pierce getting cleared in the Plaxico Burress fiasco. He’s a leader for the Giants, and it’s critical to have that guy on the field with camp underway. The Giants were tough last year on the rush (95.8 yards allowed per game) and a big part of that was Pierce’s 95 tackles and two forced fumbles. Oh, and don’t doubt that Justin Tuck isn’t coming back as ferocious as ever. He’s a beast. But the key here is that they keep the rushing yards low, and the same for points (18.6 per game).
- Washington — First round pick Brian Orakpo was a hot choice for their No. 13 pick. He can be plugged in to a front line for a team that allowed 1,526 yards last season rushing. The Redskins can only get better. There’s some worries about Albert Haynesworth (DT) being out with knee problems, but he told the Washington Post he could play today.
- Dallas — This is one of those teams that could be great, but they have to keep it together. Starts with the defense. Greg Ellis, DeMarcus Ware and Keith Brooking will need to bring the heat, for a team that gave up 365 points last year (20th overall) and allowed 106.6 rushing yards per game. Losing Pacman Jones and Roy Williams may have an adverse affect on the team’s passing game, which held its opponents to an impressive 187.7 yards per game. No telling if rookies DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens will actually contribute.
He's the new leader of the red and gold.
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of lists I will be doing for the 2009 NFL season. Tomorrow, I’ll do a Top 25 wide receivers and tight ends list. More to come.
Dallas D is tough to figure out. They play great until the game is on the line, then will give up 90+ yard drives to lose. Fantasy-wise, they’re really talented but had a history of being steady but without sacks, picks and fumble recoveries. With Wade again handling the D this year, I do think they’ll be damn productive in the real and fantasy worlds.