1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2009 was marred by injuries, with the biggest loss being S Troy Polamalu. He’s the unit’s dynamic playmaker and Dick LeBeau’s blitzing scheme is predicated on his being back in the secondary.
In his absence, the Steelers were ordinary, managing just 111 fantasy football points. With a healthy unit in 2010, expect a complete turnaround and a D/ST that surges back into the top five.
2. Miami Dolphins
Two major reasons why this year will be better than last: OLB Karlos Dansby and DC Mike Nolan. Nolan’s impact on Denver’s D in his only season cannot be underestimated.
He turned a fledgling unit which cost Mike Shanahan his job into one of the better ones. He now has more to work with in Miami, and Dansby’s presence is a great addition to the front seven. Look for an increase of 40 to 60 fantasy points from a year ago, to 130-150.
3. Oakland Raiders
The biggest offseason move for Oakland’s defense was the release of QB JaMarcus Russell. His incessant turnovers had a damaging effect and put the defense in horrible situations. The defense has possessed solid individual talent for years, and the increased stability on offense will add at least 30 points to the defense’s final total. Expect this unit to be a solid late round fantasy sleeper and finish with at least 100 points.
Fallers
1. New Orleans Saints
The signing of Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator was huge in 2009. He turned a unit lacking big names into a top 3 fantasy defense. His presence will keep them competitive and making plays, but things aren’t set up so nicely entering 2010.
The Super Bowl Champs will have a bulls eye on their back and they no longer have the luxury of playing a last place schedule. They play a 1st. Better competition on a consistent basis will drop this defense out of the top 10.
2. Denver Broncos
The Preseason loss of LB Elvis Dumervill is huge, and others in the front seven are nicked up. The biggest loss however is DC Mike Nolan’s departure to Miami. It’ll be interesting to see how the new coordinator does, but Denver has the look of a 4 or 5 win team. The top 8 finish in fantasy football scoring for D/ST in 2009 will be a distant memory after the first month of the season.
3. Arizona Cardinals
The two biggest offseason losses were the departure OLB Karlos Dansby in Free Agency and QB Kurt Warner’s retirement. The Cardinals can scheme to somewhat offset Dansby’s loss, but if either Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson are unable to put points on the board and sustain drives, the defense will suffer. Their value will be as a No. 2 D/ST and used against the Seahawks and Rams.
Pro Football 101» 2010 Fantasy Football Draft Rankings – Top 25 D/ST
August 23rd, 2010 at 09:37
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[...] Steelers – This is a top 5 D/ST with S Troy Polamalu. It drops to 15-20 [...]