Fantasy Football 2019: 5 Sleeper Defenses to Draft
By Bill Pivetz
Here are five valuable defenses for your fantasy football team to think about on draft day if you don’t want to invest an early pick.
Drafting a top defense for your fantasy football team is not as detrimental to your standings as compared to a quarterback or running back. With most owners drafting just one defense for the season, there are plenty available to all teams.
Teams scored more per game last season than any season over the last five years, 23.3 points in 2018 compared to 22.6 in 2014. This makes drafting a top defense more important than ever before. But does it?
Looking at the scoring differentials between the top and 10th scoring player at each position last season, according to NFL.com standard scoring, defense had the smallest margin. Quarterback was 131.1 points, running back 142.4 points, wide receiver 67.7, tight end 161.6 and defense 67.0.
You don’t need to waste an early pick on a defense. Chances are, they won’t finish as the top defense when playoffs come around. You can stock up on positions players and wait until your second-to-last pick for a defense.
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Here are five defenses going outside the top 10 that should be drafted. Hint, most of them have top offenses.
Tennessee Titans
I kick off this list with a surprise team. The Titans have been a middle-of-the-road team because of the question mark regarding Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry finally have his breakout season.
The defense, though, looked good especially towards the end of last season. They scored at least 10 fantasy points in the last four weeks with four interceptions, two touchdowns and six sacks.
They had an eight-game stretch with at least two sacks. The defense allowed just 19.4 points per game, sixth-best in the league.
Playing against the Texans is not ideal but games against the Colts and Jaguars should favor Tennessee. Their schedule is friendly but face the Texans in two of the three playoff weeks.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have been trying to figure out their defense for years. There was the “dream team” when they signed Nnamdi Asomugha (remember him?) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Since then, they’ve done a good job drafting and growing their own talent and mix in the occasional free agent.
Last season, they had 44.0 sacks, 10 interceptions and allowed 22.9 points per game. The front line has always been Philly’s strong point and the secondary could be picked apart but that has changed recently. Rasul Douglas was a standout as the CB3 and will likely start.
The Redskins and Giants are heading in the wrong direction while the Cowboys improved their offense by adding Amari Cooper last year. Though Dak Prescott was sacked 56 times last year.
Green Back Packers
The Packers may be considered a rebuilding team but with Aaron Rodgers under center, they’re always in the playoff race. In the competitive NFC North, the defense is going to have to step up.
The Vikings, Bears and Lions have explosive players that need to be stopped. The Packers defense last season racked up 44.0 sacks, eighth in the league. The secondary was not as good, having just seven interceptions.
The defense allowed at least 20 points in all but two games last season.
They spent a first-round pick on lineman Rashan Gary and signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in the secondary. With their focus shifted towards defense, the Packers will be a top-10 defense this season.
New England Patriots
The Patrios haven’t been known for their stellar defense. They’ve had key players but their success comes from some guy named Tom Brady. Yet, in the AFC East, the defense will have an easy job for at least six games.
The Jets, Dolphins and Bills are all starting second-year quarterbacks. With little support around the QBs, the Patriots defense will feast on the young quarterbacks.
They’ve added depth to the defensive line and a veteran staff in the secondary.
New Orleans Saints
Like the Patriots, the Saints have been known for their high-octane offense. Yet, they allowed just 22.1 points per game with 49 sacks and 12 interceptions, 14th, fifth and 18th in the league respectively.
After their Week 9 bye week, the Saints allowed just 30 points once, in Week 17 against the Panthers.
The NFC South is a tough division but the Bucs and Panthers have had issues on offense. I’d like the Saints going against both of those teams. As for the Falcons, those games are shootouts, so I’d look elsewhere.
The secondary with Marshon Lattimore and Eli Apple at the corners makes throwing deep dangerous.
Next. Five Fantasy Football Running Backs to Watch. dark
Drafting a top defense may work out for a week or two but with scoring increasing, the margin between No. 1 and 10 is smaller than ever. You can wait or even stream defenses throughout the season and still win your matchups. Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR all season long to help you take down your Fantasy Football league!