We correctly predicted six of the top 10 defenses last week—our third week in a row doing so! It seems we’re hitting our stride.
Some picks, like the Seahawks and Dolphins, matched popular opinions, while the 49ers moved up due to worsening weather forecasts. I did take some heat on Reddit for placing the Bucs in the top 10 despite their struggles, so it was a relief when they managed to squeak into it.
I was surprised that the Rams and Texans didn’t perform better, especially with favorable matchups. Meanwhile, the Panthers, Bengals, and Bills shocked everyone by ranking among the top defenses. This just goes to show how unpredictable this game can be!
Each week, I’ll provide my rankings and thoughts on the defenses:
- Top Tier: Teams that I view as elite plays for the week.
- Strong Tier: Good options that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Borderline Tier: Teams that might not crack the top 10 but are still worth considering.
- Deep-League Tier: Defenses that could be useful in specific formats.
- Avoid Tier: Teams that you should probably steer clear of.
I’ve been keeping track of our accuracy rate for the season, and it’s solid!
Defense Rankings
The Seahawks lead the pack. They’ve been outstanding recently, ranking first in pressure and scoring defense. They face a Falcons team struggling to find footing, especially after their recent loss to the Jets. If Drake London returns, it could help, but overall the Seahawks look strong here.
The Rams, despite a tough past week, rank high due to their solid overall numbers in turnovers and scoring defense. A matchup against the Cardinals should give them a chance to rebound.
The Broncos are another team to watch. They’ve shown strength in pressuring the quarterback and restricting scoring. With key players back, they’ll look to capitalize against a vulnerable opponent.
Insights into the Game
According to recent studies, teams’ defensive rankings can sometimes correlate with their ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers. Historically, defenses that pressure the quarterback effectively have been shown to result in lower scoring for the opposing teams.
This season, defense strategy has shifted a bit, with teams employing more aggressive tactics to secure turnovers. For instance, the Seahawks and Rams have excelled in creating pressure, helping them rank at the top.
In social media discussions, fantasy football audiences express their views sharply, often debating the positions of defenses based on both recent performances and matchups. Sites like Twitter and Reddit brim with fans weighing in on who’s worth starting and who’s not.
So, whether you’ve been following closely or just tuning in for the current rankings, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on not just stats, but also player health and recent performances as you make those critical lineup decisions!
