2007 Fantasy Football Rankings

Baltimore Ravens - Once again the top fantasy defense after another great season. They do it all; cause and score off of turnovers as well as holding offenses to 12.6 points per game last season. There are no major changes in personnel, so the success should continue. The total package as a fantasy defense.

New England Patriots - The additions at WR seem to have overshadowed the work the team has done to improve their abnormally average defense this offseason. After signing Adalius Thomas and filling holes in their secondary with Brandon Meriweather and Tory James the Pats seem as loaded and versatile as ever. Playing the Dolphins, Jets, and Bills offenses twice a year doesn’t hurt either.

San Diego Chargers- Losing their defensive coordinator in Wade Phillips would seem to hurt them, but I think this defense is just entering their prime. This offseason they managed to get younger in the middle of the defense with the additions of ILB Anthony Waters and S Eric Weddle. The pressure they apply will continue to force turnovers, and they will improve as this young group gains experience. I expect a huge year from them.

Chicago Bears - I’d like to rank Chicago higher than this, but with all of the distractions this offseason I can’t bring myself to do it. With Lance Briggs continuing his holdout and a suspension of Tank Johnson looming, it’s difficult to know who exactly will be suiting up for their defense, let alone assess how they’ll play. Playing in the same division as the Lions, Packers, and Vikings will provide them plenty of chances at turnovers, but as of now I don’t see them having the type of year we’ve seen from them recently.

Denver Broncos - It’s been an active offseason for the Broncos’ defensive unit. Gone are Al Wilson and Darrent Williams. To fill the weaknesses they added Dre Bly to give them the best CB tandem in the league, and addressed their biggest area of need in the draft when they selected 3 DL, with emphasis on getting pressure on the QB. Jim Bates’ defenses have always been aggressive, and if the front four is able to get any pressure at all turnovers are sure to follow. I don’t foresee DJ Williams move to MLB affecting them much at all. A possible steal in the mid to late rounds.

Dallas Cowboys - The addition of Wade Phillips and his emphasis on an attacking defense cannot be overstated when looking at the Cowboys. They added Anthony Spencer and Ken Hamlin without losing any key personnel, and those players should start immediately at what were previously positions of need. I’m interested to see the new personality of their talented, but seemingly passive defensive team last year. Reference Phillips’ San Diego defensive teams of late and their style of play and it’s easy to predict a successful season and plenty of takeaways for the Dallas D.

Miami Dolphins - The Dolphins’ defensive unit, while aging, is still one of the better groups in the league. Their change to the 3-4 should be complete this year, and the acquisition of Joey Porter will add a weapon to the defense and provide them a pass rusher opposite Jason Taylor to prevent double teams. Their glaring weakness is still the secondary, but the pressure they’ll apply should mask most of their deficiencies and create takeaways. Dom Capers’ ability as a defensive coordinator is known throughout the league, and the Dolphins’ defense should continue to thrive under his watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Much has been made of the hiring of head coach Mike Tomlin and whether he would switch from the 3-4 to the Cover 2 look he ran so successfully in Minnesota, but it appears that he will leave the defense as is; at least for now. Losing Porter has created a void, but draft picks Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley will soften the blow. Historically the Steelers have always been able to get pressure on the QB and create turnovers, and I don’t see why this year would be any different. The Steelers have long built their team around their defense, and this group should continue to thrive.

Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jags added playmakers via the draft that the defense had been lacking. Reggie Nelson will infuse speed and a playmaking element to a defense that has always been solid, if not spectacular. The strength of the defense is still the DL and that’s not likely to change, but by adding Nelson to an already talented secondary it will allow them to do more with the takeaway chances they get in the future.

Carolina Panthers - With Dan Morgan cleared to play after his bouts with concussions the biggest question mark has been answered. They added Jon Beason, who will start right away, and Charles Johnson should get reps at DE on passing downs opposite Julius Peppers which should give him opportunities to make plays. The pressure they apply will continue to cause turnovers, even though last year was a down year in that department for them. I expect this year’s unit to be much better in that area.