2. Minnesota Vikings – Things fell apart after MLB EJ Henderson’s injury. He’s now healthy.
3. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are loaded defensively, especially in the front seven.
4. San Francisco 49ers – MLB Patrick Willis led the Niners to a surprising No. 1 finish in fantasy football scoring for D/ST a year ago. Cupcake schedule in 2010.
5. Baltimore Ravens - Perennial defensive power will be physical up front. Question marks remain in the Secondary.
6. Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles will be more aggressive after key additions at Linebacker and via the NFL Draft.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers - This is a top 5 D/ST with S Troy Polamalu. It drops to 15-20 without.
8. Green Bay Packers – DC Dom Capers system put the Packers D back on the map in 2009. Will be blitzing plenty.
9. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals D came out of nowhere a year ago. Will be stingy once again under DC Mike Zimmer.
10. New Orleans Saints - DC Gregg Williams impact on this defense was tremendous. They’ll be competitive once again, but don’t expect a top 5 finish.
11. San Diego Chargers – Unit came together over the 2nd half of the season. Made improvements in the offseason and still have the luxury of facing the AFC West six times per year.
12. Chicago Bears – Upgraded defense with DE Julius Peppers signing in Free Agency. Need to show toughness and consistency.
13. Miami Dolphins – This unit will surprise a lot of people playing under DC Mike Nolan.
14. New York Giants - Looking to erase memories of their horrendous 2009 campaign. Talented and deep, but must put it together.
15. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts Defense could be their best yet. Need to remain healthy.
16. New England Patriots - The inability to pressure opposing QBs has made this unit ordinary. Can they get pressure upfront?
17. Houston Texans – Defense possesses a talented front seven and a dangerous kick returner in Jacoby Jones. Still a middle of the pack fantasy football D/ST.
18. Tennessee Titans - Defense improved as the season went on. This trend should continue in year 2 under DC Chuck Cecil.
19. Washington Redskins – The Redskins are incorporating a new scheme this year. Could end up a nice fantasy sleeper play towards the middle of the season.
20. Arizona Cardinals – Talented defense despite the loss of OLB Karlos Dansby. The biggest concern is whether the offense can help them out by sustaining drives and scoring points.
21. Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta has the look of a nice late round fantasy sleeper. Upgraded secondary with CB Dunta Robinson and front seven in Draft.
22. Carolina Panthers - John Fox always has this unit competitive. Will need to find a pass rush in DE Julius Peppers’ absence.
23. Oakland Raiders - Lots of individual talent on this side of the ball. Could surprise in 2010.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Focused on defense in the NFL Draft. Young unit will be better, but no more than a spot play against a poor opponent.
25. Kansas City Chiefs - DC Romeo Crennel has some young talent to work with. Should improve as they learn his system.
Pro Football 101» Early Line Betting Odds to Win the AFC – Top 8 Contenders
September 1st, 2010 at 19:10
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