1. San Diego Chargers
This is sure to be a controversial selection considering how poor the Chargers’ defense was for the better part of 2008. However, considering they were without their All-Pro linebacker, Shawne Merriman, and they struggled to adjust to Ron Turner at defensive coordinator until later in the season, this is how we justify sticking them at the top of the division. In 2008, they only scored 149 fantasy points.
This season, for all the reasons mentioned above along with the easier division schedule, look for this talented group to rebound nicely and once again become a top-10 fantasy football defense.
Special Teams: Darren Sproles is electrifying and should be counted on to score multiple times throughout the season.
2. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have some real talent on defense, and certainly the premier player in the division, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The fact that they’re forced to play so many minutes as their offense fails to sustain drives is why they’re ranked No. 2. In 2008, they scored 168 fantasy points.
They have a very good chance to take a step forward this season, but it really depends more on what their offense does than anything else. They’re going to force their share of turnovers regardless, but if the offense can jump out to leads, it’ll allow their front seven to get after the quarterback. That’s when the turnovers begin to come in drives.
Special Teams: Johnnie Lee Higgins is an electrifying return man who took one back to the house in 2008.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs possess a lot of youth on defense and scored just 99 fantasy points in 2008. Playing on a 2-14 team, could we really expect anything more?
This year, they’re a year older and have to learn the 3-4 system. This is why general manager Pioli included Mike Vrabel in the Cassel deal, as he can act the part of a mentor while still making plays on the field.
If they can get defensive end Dorsey to grasp the system, incorporate third-overall pick defensive end Jackson from the get go, and their other players (DE Hali, CB Flowers, LB Johnson, etc.) continue to develop, this could end up a nice late-season fantasy sleeperin 2009.
Special Teams: Dantrell Savage handled returns pretty well in his rookie year and could score in year two.
4. Denver Broncos
There’s absolutely no reason why the Broncos should be on your draft board. As the sole reason for Shanahan’s firing, he was never able to assemble a defense over the last few years of his career. His pathetic unit ranked 32nd in fantasy football and scored an anemic 66 points in 2008.
McDaniels’ first draft focused heavily on defense but that’ll take some time to see results. Despite having star cornerback Champ Bailey and free-agent safety Brian Dawkins, the team lacks a measurable pass rush, and secondaries are eaten alive in today’s NFL because of all the rule changes favoring the offense. Look for another tough year in Denver.
Special Teams: Eddie Royal handled returns in year one and he nearly scored on a 95-yard return. Look for him to do so in ‘09.
