Fantasy: 2016 Team Defense Primer
Fantasy Position Primers
Defenses
Fantasy owners tend to put a lot less time and research into team defenses, which is a mistake.
Drafting a team defense is something a lot of owners do casually once they've filled out the majority of their roster. While it's wise to wait till the later rounds to draft a defense, there's no reason why it should be treated with any less importance than uncovering the next breakout running back or receiver.
After an offseason full of changes, here's a quick look at where all 32 defenses stand heading into 2016.
It's important to remember that these primers are not intended to be tiers for drafting. You can view our complete defense rankings here.
Best of the Best
Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks took a little while to regain their form after Kam Chancellor's holdout. Eventually it was business as usual, as they held their last five opponents to an average of 11 points per game. They deserve to be the first defense off the board this year.
Denver Broncos - Like any Super Bowl champion, the Broncos suffered a few loses in free agency, but their core remains intact and will be as dominant as ever.
Arizona Cardinals - The third best fantasy defense in 2015 added Chandler Jones to their pass rush. The Cardinals have a legitimate chance to take the top spot this year.
Carolina Panthers - The loss of Josh Norman can't be denied, but the strength of the Panthers defense will continue to be their star-studded front seven.
Joining the Elite?
Minnesota Vikings - The development of the Vikings' young defenders reached a new level with their eighth-place fantasy finish last season. The rise should continue in 2016.
Houston Texans - Could this be the year Jadeveon Clowney delivers on his No. 1 overall pick pedigree? The Texans might need him to if J.J. Watt misses time while recovering from back surgery. With Whitney Mercilus showing he can be a source of consistent pressure, a Clowney breakout would make the Texans very scary, assuming Watt is healthy.
Los Angeles Rams - Aaron Donald and Co. will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. As long as Robert Quinn can get back to full health, this will be one of the most feared groups in the league.
Steady Options
New England Patriots - You have to go back to 2009 to find the last time a Bill Belichick defense wasn't among the top-12 in fantasy.
Cincinnati Bengals - Top to bottom the Bengals are one of the most complete defenses in the league. Veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby was a quality pickup, especially since Vontaze Burfict will serve a three-game suspension to start the year.
Underachievers
New York Jets - The Jets have the skill to be an elite fantasy defense, and yet they ended the year outside the top-15. They were also one of the few teams that failed to score a defensive touchdown in 2015, a stat that should change this season.
Buffalo Bills - In Rex Ryan's first year with the team, the defense actually took a step backwards. The talent is there, including their first three picks from this year's draft, which sets them up for a possible rebound.
Winning Teams
Green Bay Packers - The edge rush will get a boost from Clay Matthews returning to his natural position on the outside and few teams have a secondary as complete as Green Bay's, but the Packers defense truly excels thanks to the team normally playing with a lead.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Somehow the Steelers were a top-10 fantasy defense in 2015. It's true they've invested seven of their last eight first-round picks on that side of the ball, but much like the Packers, they benefit from the success of their offense.
Underrated
Washington Redskins - After a top-15 finish last season, Washington should improve with the arrival of Josh Norman.
Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles' front seven is quietly one of the best in the league. Hopefully their defenders remain hungry following an offseason where most of their key players got sizable contracts.
Dealing with Injuries
Kansas City Chiefs - If Justin Houston, who underwent offseason ACL surgery, misses time at the start of the season, the Chiefs defense will be a group to avoid until he gets back on the field. The loss of Sean Smith in free agency will also hurt their upside.
Baltimore Ravens - The heart of the Ravens defense, Terrell Suggs, may not be ready for Week 1 as he recovers from an Achilles tear. Without him, the defense lost its teeth in 2015.
Positive Change
Oakland Raiders - Building around the all-world talent of Khalil Mack, the Raiders brought in Bruce Irvin, Sean Smith, and Reggie Nelson, while drafting a potential starting safety in Karl Joseph. With the entire team on the rise, Oakland's defense has a chance to break out in fantasy this year.
New York Giants - The G-Men threw their money around in free agency and when all the dollar bills had fallen, their defense looked much better. Damon Harrison, Olivier Vernon, Janoris Jenkins, and Keenan Robinson will lift this unit back into fantasy lineups.
Chicago Bears - A revamped linebacker corps, featuring Jerrell Freeman, Danny Trevathan, and first-rounder Leonard Floyd gives hope to the Bears defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Everyone is in love with the Jags after they signed free agents Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson, then drafted two possible difference makers in Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack. Last year's first-rounder Dante Fowler Jr. will also make his debut after a torn ACL forced him to miss his rookie season.
Streaming Options
Miami Dolphins - An easy way to find fantasy points on defense is to follow the pass rush and Miami will have one of the most disruptive lines in the league with Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake, and this year's big free-agent addition Mario Williams.
Detroit Lions - The Lions have some skilled pieces on their defense, but not enough to make you want to play them, outside of easy matchups.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs were active in the offseason, selecting first-round corner Vernon Hargreaves and signing veterans Robert Ayers, Daryl Smith, and Brent Grimes. They join mainstays Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David to form a group that has the potential to take a step forward.
Atlanta Falcons - Dan Quinn's defense will have a few quality performances throughout the year, but they won't be easy to predict.
Indianapolis Colts - This group was a top-10 defense two straight years before Andrew Luck's injury derailed last year's campaign. Unfortunately for them, the AFC South is improving and the Colts defense isn't.
San Francisco 49ers - If Chip Kelly's uptempo attack is immediately successful in San Fran, then the defense has an outside chance to be relevant. If Kelly fails, even NaVorro Bowman won't be able to save this unit.
Stay Away
San Diego Chargers - How much of an impact can Joey Bosa have in Year 1?
Dallas Cowboys - If the Cowboys can control games by running the ball with Ezekiel Elliott it will help their defense considerably. They still won't be a fantasy factor though.
Tennessee Titans - The Titans haven't cracked the top-20 fantasy defenses in three years.
New Orleans Saints - On paper, the Saints defense looks like an improved group, but after a historically bad season, they have a long way to go.
Cleveland Browns - The Browns' lack of talent on defense will be exposed even more if the offense can't find a way to stay on the field.