Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

Surprisingly Good Fantasy Defenses

One of the most unusual subjects thus far in fantasy football is the amount of points D/STs are putting up, and the D/STs who are doing it.   In the past, the amount of points D/STs scored in fantasy football was similar to kickers.  Through the first four weeks of this season, this is all but untrue.  This season the top D/STs rank, in fantasy points, closer to receivers such as Reggie Wayne and Vincent Jackson (Non-PPR).  Is it the emphasis that defenses win championships?  Is it the bad quarterback play?  It could be what’s in the Kool-Aid, or should I say, Gatorade these defenses drink.  Whatever the answer may be there are definitely new teams at the top of the ranks.  This is the great thing about the NFL, you can go from worst to first in a matter of a year.

San Francisco 49ers If you are too young to remember him as a player, I’m sure you heard and saw  in last years press conference Mike Singletary’s intensity and tenacity.  Whether you’re outnumbered in a bar fight or need someone to lead a team that lacks discipline and respect, he’s THE man you want. His ability to turn around one of the worst teams in the NFL just by taking over the reins exemplifies his demand for respect. The troubling aspect to me about Mike Singletary is that people say he’s old school.  Come on, old school?  Tecmo Bowl couldn’t have been that long ago, right? Although he may be old school, this mix of young and old players on defense gains more and more confidence every week.  They have a great centerpiece in Patrick Willis who is having an MVP first half, leading his team in tackles (37), sacks (2.5), and interceptions (2).  Being in the NFC West, and playing the remaining majority of their schedule against offenses that rank at the top of giveaways and sacks allowed, will play a key role in the continued fantasy success of the 49ers D/ST.

New Orleans Saints Gregg Williams could run for mayor of New Orleans.  The quickness he has implemented in his defensive schemes and the ability to translate those schemes to his players could do nothing but contribute to the ongoing process of rebuilding New Orleans.  Mickey Loomis (Saints GM) has provided a plethora of defensive talent, which Gregg Williams has managed and utilized well.  Recent Key Acquisitions:  Past Drafts-Sedrick Ellis, Malcolm Jenkins, Tracy Porter/Off-Season-Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper.  The Saints D/ST has underachieved and has been in the shadow of the offense over the past years.  They’re gaining an identity and improving every week.  The experience and outstanding play of Darren Sharper and the possibility of Reggie Bush taking one to the house on every punt adds to the value of a fantasy D/ST that finished at the bottom of the ranks over the past years. Added discipline and an aggressive scheme has allowed more opportunities for takeaways (league leading 13 takeaways) and sacks, resulting in fantasy points.  Don’t look for the Saints D/ST to slow down.

Key player acquisitions, attitudes, and new hires have played a huge factor in the surprising  success of these emerging fantasy defenses.  These factors have not been more relevant than to the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.   Both of these defenses were ranked at the bottom last year and both have addressed their needs, whether it was attitude, hiring new coaches, or adding new players.  A team can have all great players, but lack of discipline and team camaraderie will not help win championships.   TO, TO, TO, did I say TO, oh yeah the Cowboys too.

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