Daily Fantasy D/ST: NFC Season Preview
With the NFL season rapidly approaching, it’s time to get caught up on everything that went on this summer. Defense and special teams are often overlooked by daily fantasy players, but we’ve got you covered with a rundown of the major changes to every defense and special teams unit this offseason.
This is the first in a four-part series looking at both offenses and defenses across the league to help get you geared up for Week 1 of the NFL season. So let’s take a look at the defenses in the NFC and consider how they’ve changed, and which ones we should be rostering to start off this new year of daily fantasy NFL.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 22nd, Total Defense: 28th, Pass Defense: 31st, Rush Defense: 15th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 49, Interceptions: 12, Fumble Rec: 16, Defensive TDs: 4, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 4
2014 DK Points Per Game: 11.8
Key Defensive Additions: CB Byron Maxell, ILB Kiko Alonso, CB Eric Rowe, CB/S Walter Thurmond
Key Defensive Losses: OLB Trent Cole, CB Brandon Boykin CB Cary Williams, CB Bradley Fletcher, S Nate Allen
While the Eagles are not going to be a top defense in terms of total defense or scoring defense, I think they can again be a solid fantasy contributor this season. Their front 7 remains mostly intact from last season and they should continue to put a lot of pressure on the QB. The weakest area of their defense last season was in the secondary, which they made a priority this offseason. The signings of Maxwell and Thurmond, and drafting Eric Rowe should lead to improvements in pass defense. Finally, they will continue to have one of the most feared return games in the NFL with Darren Sproles, Josh Huff, and possibly Nelson Agholor. The Eagles defense is still a matchup play, but they will continue to provide upside week after week this upcoming season.
Dallas Cowboys
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 15th, Total Defense: 19th, Pass Defense: 25th, Rush Defense: 8th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 28, Interceptions: 18, Fumble Rec: 13, Defensive TDs: 3, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 7.4
Key Defensive Additions: DE Greg Hardy, MLB Jasper Brinkley, OLB Randy Gregory, CB Byron Jones
Key Defensive Losses: DT Henry Melton, OLB Justin Durant, DE Bruce Carter
The big offseason addition for the Cowboys was DE Greg Hardy. Once he returns from his suspension, Hardy’s addition should be huge for the Cowboys pass rush, as he is one of the best DE’s in the NFL. The other big “addition” is the return of Sean Lee from a season-ending injury. When healthy, Lee is a tackling machine and playmaker whose return improves Dallas’ defense immediately. But, Dallas should again be below average in the secondary and return games. For me, the Dallas defense will likely be used sparingly this fantasy season, mainly as an occasional matchup play or contrarian play.
New York Giants
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 23rd, Total Defense: 29th, Pass Defense: 18th, Rush Defense: 30th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 47, Interceptions: 17, Fumble Rec: 8, Defensive TDs: 1, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 6.9
Key Defensive Additions: OLD J.T. Thomas, SS Landon Collins, DE George Selvie, DE Kendrick Ellis
Key Defensive Losses: SS Antrel Rolle, CB Walter Thurmond, CB Zack Bowman
The Giants are a team that didn’t appear to add a lot on the defensive side of the ball or lose a lot from last season. The strongest area of the Giants defense should again be in the secondary, where they have two good corners in Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The front 7 is again where the Giants appear to be weak. Their defensive line is not very good, and could be without Jason Pierre-Paul for at least the start of the season. The linebacker core is decent if Beason can stay healthy, but not great. Like Dallas, I do not think the Giants will be on many people’s fantasy radars this upcoming season.
Washington Redskins
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 29th, Total Defense: 20th, Pass Defense: 24th, Rush Defense: 12th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 36, Interceptions: 7, Fumble Rec: 12, Defensive TDs: 0, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 4.1
Key Defensive Additions: DT Terrance Knighton, DT Stephen Paea, CB Chris Culliver
Key Defensive Losses: OLB Brian Orakpo, DE Jarvis Jenkins
The Redskins defense was one of the worst in the NFL last year in terms of total defense, scoring defense, and fantasy defense. This offseason, they did go out and strengthen their defensive line by adding Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea. Both players should help bolster their run defense. They also added Culliver, who is a talented CB coming off a very good year in San Francisco. He should help improve their secondary. The only real loss they suffered was Orakpo, who while very talented, had trouble staying on the field. Overall, Washington filled in some holes nicely, but they still aren’t very talented overall on defense, and likely will not be a viable fantasy option very often this season.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 14th, Total Defense: 15th, Pass Defense: 10th, Rush Defense: 23rd
2014 Stats: Sacks: 41, Interceptions: 18, Fumble Rec: 9, Defensive TDs: 4, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 9.4
Key Defensive Additions: CB Damarious Randall, CB Quinten Rollins
Key Defensive Losses: ILB A.J. Hawk, CB Tramon Williams, CB Davon House
The Packers were a middle of the pack defense overall last season but better from a fantasy perspective due to sacks, turnovers, and defensive scores. The Packers were notably absent this offseason when it came to key free agent acquisitions. Both Randall and Rollins were acquired via the draft. While both are very athletic, they are both young, and may struggle to get on the field immediately. Overall, I think this defense may take a step back with the loss of Tramon Williams and to a lesser extent House. They struggled against the run last season, and while they get B.J. Raji back from injury, the rest of their front 7 remains mostly intact.
Minnesota Vikings
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 11th, Total Defense: 14th, Pass Defense: 7th, Rush Defense: 25th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 41, Interceptions: 13, Fumble Rec: 6, Defensive TDs: 4, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 8.0
Key Defensive Additions: CB Terrance Newman, CB Trae Waynes, ILB Eric Kendricks
Key Defensive Losses: ILB Jasper Brinkley
While the Vikings didn’t add many players this offseason, they definitely added some high-quality ones. Terrance Newman had another good year in Cincinnati and should step in immediately as their #1 corner. Trae Waynes was the first CB taken in the draft and should infuse more talent into the secondary. He may not start immediately, but will likely see playing time in the slot. Kendricks was another good draft pick who should start right away at ILB. I think the Vikings defense is looking very good on paper this year, and may be a somewhat under the radar defense to look at in daily fantasy this season, especially in the right matchups.
Detroit Lions
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 2nd, Total Defense: 2nd, Pass Defense: 13th, Rush Defense: 1st
2014 Stats: Sacks: 42, Interceptions: 20, Fumble Rec: 7, Defensive TDs: 2, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 8.2
Key Defensive Additions: DT Haloti Ngata, DT Tyrunn Walker, CB Josh Wilson
Key Defensive Losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley
The Lions didn’t do much in free agency, but adding Haloti Ngata was a huge move, especially after losing both Suh and Fairley from their defensive front. They also added Tyrunn Walker, who will likely start at the other DT spot, but mostly due to the lack of talent on the rest of the roster. That being said, replacing Suh and Fairley with Ngata and Walker this offseason is a net negative for the Lions defensively. Ngata is very good, but he is not Suh, and I think the Lions defense trends downward (maybe significantly with any injuries) this year, especially against the run. I would hesitate to use them much early in the season, especially with 3 road games and a home game against Denver.
Chicago Bears
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 31st, Total Defense: 30th, Pass Defense: 30th, Rush Defense: 17th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 39, Interceptions: 14, Fumble Rec: 10, Defensive TDs: 1, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 1
2014 DK Points Per Game: 6.6
Key Defensive Additions: OLB Pernell McPhee, ILB Mason Foster, SS Antrel Rolle, DL Jarvis Jenkins, DT Eddie Goldman
Key Defensive Losses: DT Stephan Paea, CB Charles Tillman, FS Chris Conte
The Bears had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season and it led to a lot of changes on defense for 2015. Pernell McPhee could turn out to be the biggest addition as it gives them a very dangerous pass rush when paired with Jared Allen. They also added Mason Foster, who is another talented LB, if he can stay healthy. Antrel Rolle is coming off a strong season in New York and should add experience and talent to the secondary. I certainly do not expect the Bears to become a great defense, but I think they certainly improved. They may not be the defense that you automatically target offensive players against, and they could even be a sneaky minimum priced punt option early in the year.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 21st, Total Defense: 10th, Pass Defense: 11th, Rush Defense: 16th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 40, Interceptions: 14, Fumble Rec: 12, Defensive TDs: 2, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 1
2014 DK Points Per Game: 7.2
Key Defensive Additions: CB Charles Tillman, OLB Shaq Thompson, KR/PR Ted Ginn
Key Defensive Losses: DE Greg Hardy
The Panthers were another team that was fairly inactive in free agency. They did add Charles Tillman, who is expected to start, but Tillman has only played 10 games over the last two seasons and is 34 years old. It will be tough to expect a full season out of him. OLB Shaq Thompson may be their best acquisition as both a pass rusher and cover LB, but he is raw, and it may take a while for him to play meaningful snaps. The loss of Greg Hardy is a loss talent wise but doesn’t really affect the Panthers from last year, as Hardy played only one game. Ted Ginn does have the ability to again provide a spark in the return game. Overall, I think the Panthers will be strong up front, but will be held back by a weak secondary.
New Orleans Saints
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 28th, Total Defense: 31st, Pass Defense: 25th, Rush Defense: 29th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 34, Interceptions: 12, Fumble Rec: 5, Defensive TDs: 0, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 4.3
Key Defensive Additions: ILB Dannell Ellerbe, OLB Anthony Spencer, CB Brandon Browner
Key Defensive Losses: ILB Curtis Lofton, CB Patrick Robinson, NT Tyrunn Walker
The Saints were bad on defense last season and it is hard to argue that they improved this offseason. Ellerbe and Spencer are two guys who have shown the ability to be good linebackers, but they’ve both dealt with injuries recently. Brandon Browner is a suitable replacement for Patrick Robinson, but not really an upgrade. Letting Curtis Lofton go was a questionable move and likely will be the big loss for the defense. Lofton was almost a lock for 125 tackles per season. I think the Saints may struggle to get to the passer and stop the run. They do have a pretty strong secondary though due to maybe the best safety duo in the NFL, Vaccaro, and Byrd. But overall, I do not see the Saints defense as fantasy relevant.
Atlanta Falcons
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 27th, Total Defense: 32nd, Pass Defense: 32nd, Rush Defense: 21st
2014 Stats: Sacks: 22, Interceptions: 16, Fumble Rec: 12, Defensive TDs: 2, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 1
2014 DK Points Per Game: 6.4
Key Defensive Additions: OLB Brooks Reed, OLB Vic Beasley, DE Adrian Clayborn, CB Jalen Collins
Key Defensive Losses: OLB Sean Witherspoon, DT Corey Peters, FS Dwight Lowery
The Falcons were another very bad defense last year especially in terms of pass defense. This offseason, they did acquire some talent, mainly via the draft. Vic Beasley was maybe the best pass rusher in the draft, and should make an immediate impact. Brooks Reed is an above average LB who should help offset the loss of Sean Witherspoon. The biggest issue is that Falcons have not improved their secondary. Outside of Desmond Trufant, the secondary was atrocious, and unless rookie Jalen Collins makes an immediate impact, I do not see that changing much this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 25th, Total Defense: 25th, Pass Defense: 28th, Rush Defense: 19th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 36, Interceptions: 14, Fumble Rec: 11, Defensive TDs: 3, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 6.6
Key Defensive Additions: DT Henry Melton, OLB Bruce Carter, CB Sterling Moore, FS Chris Conte
Key Defensive Losses: LB Mason Foster, DE Michael Johnson, DE Adrian Clayborn
Last season the Bucs went 2-14 but surprisingly didn’t make that many changes this offseason. Bruce Carter is a good OLB and should help offset the loss of Mason Foster, who was one of the Bucs better defensive players. Melton can be a solid rotation player on the defensive line. Overall, the defensive line should be OK anchored by Gerald McCoy, and the linebackers should be solid with David, Carter, and Lansanah. The big weakness will again be in the secondary. The only saving grace for the Bucs is a weak schedule, but I do not think that will be enough to make this defense fantasy relevant again.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 1st, Total Defense: 1st, Pass Defense: 1st, Rush Defense: 3rd
2014 Stats: Sacks: 37, Interceptions: 13, Fumble Rec: 10, Defensive TDs: 2, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 9.3
Key Defensive Additions: CB Cary Williams, CB Will Blackman, DT Ahtyba Rubin
Key Defensive Losses: CB Byron Maxwell, OLB Malcolm Smith, DT Kevin Williams
Seattle had the best defense in the NFL last year and I expect them to one of the best, if not the best again this year. That being said, they did take a big downgrade going from Byron Maxwell to Cary Williams at the CB spot opposite Richard Sherman. I do think the rest of the Legion of Boom is good enough to make up for some of Williams deficiencies, but this change does make the secondary worse than last year. The other big thing to keep an eye on is the holdout of Kam Chancellor. Overall, Seattle still has one of the best front fours in the NFL, a strong LB core, and 3 very good defensive backs. Assuming Chancellor is there Week 1, Seattle should again be one of the best cash game plays.
St. Louis Rams
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 17th, Total Defense: 17th, Pass Defense: 19th, Rush Defense: 14th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 40, Interceptions: 13, Fumble Rec: 12, Defensive TDs: 3, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 9.6
Key Defensive Additions: DT Nick Fairley, OLB Akeem Ayers
Key Defensive Losses: DE Kendall Langford
The Rams did not do a lot this offseason, but they didn’t really need to. The signing of Nick Fairley was a low-risk move, and if healthy, he gives them 3 very good DT’s along with Donald and Brockers. As long as Chris Long returns strong from injury, the Rams may have the best defensive line in the NFL in terms of both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Akeem Ayers was another solid signing who finally blossomed last year in New England. Adding him to a LB core of Laurenitis and Ogletree give the Rams not only one of the best defensive lines in the NFL but one of the best front sevens. The secondary could be their one weak spot, but I expect the Rams to be a very good defensive play this season.
Arizona Cardinals
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 5th, Total Defense: 24th, Pass Defense: 29th, Rush Defense: 13th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 35, Interceptions: 18, Fumble Rec: 7, Defensive TDs: 4, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 1
2014 DK Points Per Game: 8.9
Key Defensive Additions: LB Lamarr Woodley, DE Cory Redding, LB Sean Weatherspoon
Key Defensive Losses: NT Dan Williams, DT Darnell Dockett, DT Tommy Kelly, LB Larry Foote, CB Antonio Cromartie
The Cardinals had a very strong defense last season that did go through some changes this offseason. Losing Corey Peters to injury after losing Williams, Dockett, and Kelly from last season has hurt the Cardinals defensive line. Cory Redding had a very good year in Indy last year, and should be a nice addition to the Cardinals. Weatherspoon could be another good addition at LB if he can stay healthy this season. The biggest loss on defense is likely Cromartie, who the Cardinals were forced to let go when the Jets overpaid him. The Cardinals do get Calais Campbell back from a season-ending injury last season, but they do seem to have some holes at DT, LB, and #2 corner.
San Francisco 49ers
2014 Rankings: Points Allowed: 10th, Total Defense: 5th, Pass Defense: 5th, Rush Defense: 7th
2014 Stats: Sacks: 36, Interceptions: 23, Fumble Rec: 6, Defensive TDs: 3, Kick/Punt Return TDs: 0
2014 DK Points Per Game: 7.9
Key Defensive Additions: DT Darnell Dockett, CB Shareece Wright, DE Arik Armstead
Key Defensive Losses: DE Ray McDonald, DT Justin Smith, ILB Chris Borland, ILB Patrick Willis, CB Chris Culliver, CB Perrish Cox
First, there were some positives this offseason for the Niners. If healthy, Dockett is a good player and should make an impact on the defensive line. Armstead should start right away and could make an immediate impact. Wright is at least better than what was available when the signed him. The problem is that there were A LOT of negatives this offseason. The Niners lost 6 starters on defense from last year, and they certainly did not replace all of them. They lost pro bowl caliber players in Smith, Borland, and Willis, and also lost both their starting CB’s. Overall, the Niners aren’t going to be terrible if the defensive line stays healthy, but they will take a step back from last year, mainly due to their secondary.