ZoneBlitz Fantasy Football Defense Ratings

In the coming weeks, ZoneBlitz will feature rankings for each fantasy position in five scoring formats. The rankings will be accompanied by a brief article highlighting some of the big names, surprises and sleepers. Combined cheat sheets for each format will be available August 1 and constantly updated based on the latest news to keep you prepared for your drafts.

Editor’s Note: Team defense rankings are the sixth and final rankings to be posted to ZoneBlitz.com. Quarterback rankings can be found here, running back rankings can be found here, wide receivers can be found here, tight ends can be found here, and kickers can be found here.

Team defenses: along with kickers, the red-headed step-children of fantasy football. I have to say—my favorite fantasy league that I personally play in is a dynasty league that foregoes team defenses altogether. It’s a purer fantasy football experience in my estimation, but hey, it’s your league. Do what you want with it.

As for my rankings, I’ll just point out a few things. One, I’m high on the Chicago Bears defense, but not necessarily as high as some others. Lovie Smith and his defensive-minded approach has been replaced by offensive guru Marc Trestman. That’s not to discount his coaching staff, but I guess I’m a bit of a pessimist.

The Seahawks and 49ers are interchangeable as far as I’m concerned, and I honestly think division-mate Arizona could be even better than where they are ranked if their offense can show an ability to stay on the field this year and give the weary defenders a breather. Generally speaking I tend to be down on teams that I think will struggle offensively simply because the defense is relied upon too much. But if your league scoring system doesn’t punish you for point surrendered and instead just rewards sacks, turnovers forced, etc., then teams like Buffalo and Cleveland could be a little higher.

On the flip side, I might be too high on the Ravens even at No. 11 due to reputation alone considering the pieces they lost this offseason, but I feel like ranking them as barely a starting defense in a 12-team league I’m not exactly causing an uproar among those who feel like Baltimore will fall off while defending its crown.

I may be giving the Rams too much credit as well. While I knocked the Bills and Browns for their offense, I’m a believer that St. Louis is turning a corner in that regard. But if I’m wrong, it could spell some long afternoons for their defense, which could ultimately mean I’m a little high on them. But again, at No. 15, I’m not exactly their strongest advocate.

Have a question? Take umbrage with any of my rankings? Want to discuss the topic further? Post in the comments section and let’s chat! And if enough questions trickle in through the course of the offseason and training camp, I’ll post a few mailbag stories. Thanks for reading. Now comment away!

For ZoneBlitz.com’s quarterback ratings, click here.
For ZoneBlitz.com’s running back ratings, click here.
For ZoneBlitz.com’s wide receiver ratings, click here.
For ZoneBlitz.com’s tight end ratings, click here.
For ZoneBlitz.com’s kicker ratings, click here.