Fantasy football 2019 tier defense rankings
By Bill Pivetz
These fantasy football defenses are not at the “start every week” level but with a few good match-ups on the schedule, they are worth streaming.
Green Bay
Looking at their 2018 numbers, the Packers could be the next breakout defense. They recorded 44 sacks, seven interceptions, eight fumbles along with 374.5 yards and 25 points per game.
With the offense backing off the arm of Aaron Rodgers, the defense will step up to help the team win games. Notable matchups include the Broncos, 49ers, Raiders and Redskins.
Atlanta
The Falcons suffered a ton of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. They could use help on the defensive line but the secondary is solid with Desmond Trufant and Keanu Neal and linebacker Vic Beasley.
Facing the Saints and Panthers twice each could lead to trouble so maybe stay away from those games. But their games against the Bucs, Titans, Cardinals, 49ers and Jags make them an every-other-week streamer.
Carolina
The Panthers defense was good, not great last season. They allowed 366.6 yards and 23.9 points per game last year. They recorded 35 sacks, 13 interceptions and 19 fumbles. Gerald McCoy, Luke Kuechly, Bruce Irvin and Eric Reid are the anchors of the defense.
Like I said with the Bucs and Falcons, there are a couple of high-performing offenses that could limit their fantasy value. Two of their first six games are against the Bucs, which is a favorable matchup. They also have the Jaguars, 49ers and Titans on their schedule.
Kansas City
The Chiefs are the talk of the NFL because of their offense, both good and bad. The defense is improved but will not be a top-10 option this season. In their first preseason game, they held the Bengals to 274 yards and two interceptions.
If you play DFS or need a streamer to start the season, the Chiefs face the Jaguars and Raiders in Weeks 1 and 2. Once the fantasy playoffs come around, I’d look elsewhere as they face the Patriots, Broncos and Bears in Weeks 14-16.
Tennessee
The Titans added Adam Humphries to the offense and Brent Urban, Cameron Wake and Malcolm Butler to the defense. The defense was a middle-of-the-road squad last year so these improvements will help move them to the top 12.
They allowed 18.9 points per game, third in the league. Who is on the schedule is an important part of their success. I like their matchups against the Jags, Bills and Broncos to start the season. After that, it gets a little rough.
Indianapolis
The Colts aren’t known for their defense. They finished 10th in scoring, 11th in yards, 19th in sacks and ninth in interceptions. With Andrew Luck under center and the weapons around him, the defense doesn’t need to do as much.
Their first half schedule is not too friendly but the second half eases up. They have games against the Jags (twice), Dolphins, Titans and Bucs. If you are looking for a defense for the fantasy football playoffs, look at the Colts.
Pittsburgh
The Steelers got to the quarterback a lot last year, recording a league-high 52 sacks. Though their eight interceptions had them in the bottom five in the league. They also allowed 22.5 points per game.
In their first preseason game, they allowed 28 points to the Bucs while recording four sacks. Those counting stats are going to be important if the Steelers plan on giving up 20-plus points per game. They are not a top-12 draft option.