Fantasy Football 2018: Ranking the top 15 defenses

By Jon Dove | Aug 21, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) eyes up Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 14, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /

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IRVINE, CA – JULY 26: New cornerbacks Aqib Talib, left, and Marcus Peters talk on the sidelines during the Los Angeles Rams’ first practice for their 2018 training camp at UC Irvine in Irvine on Thursday, July 26, 2018. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan/Orange County Register via Getty Images) /

5. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are looking to build off last year’s strong defensive performance. They have a deadly pass rushing duo in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Los Angeles also added Uchenna Nwosu in the second round of the draft to help get after the quarterback.

One concern is the depth at cornerback which has again been hit with an injury by Jason Verrett.

4. Los Angeles Rams

Marcus Peters is the poster boy for how one defender can help your fantasy football team. His ability to read the quarterback and jump a route makes him a turnover machine. These are the things that add up when it comes to fantasy.

The Rams also boast a strong interior pass rush with Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. Of course, we need to keep an eye on Donald’s contract situation. It’s possible he misses some game action .

Pharoh Cooper needs to be worked into the equation as he’s an elite return man with touchdown potential.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles defense is loaded with top-end pass rushers. This group includes Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett, Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett and Chris Long. The depth of this unit will help them stay fresh and take advantage of tired offensive lines.

A ball-hawking safety like Malcolm Jenkins is going to clean up the mistakes create by the pressure.

Related Story. Fantasy Football: Ranking the Top 25 Tight Ends. light

2. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s defense is extremely stingy and brings fantasy points by keeping the opponents out of the end zone. They should have a little more firepower after draft corner back Mike Hughes in the first round.

The Vikings return game also provide upside with Marcus Sherels.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

No defense in the NFL can boast the type of pass-rush and secondary combination as the Jaguars. Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye are both shutdown corners capable of holding opposing team’s No. 1 receiver in check.

Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, Dante Fowler Jr. and Malik Jackson are a force up front. The Jaguars also added the physical impressive Tavin Bryan via the draft.

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