Week Eight Rankings: Top 15 Defenses

We finish up our preliminary weekly rankings with a look at the top 15 defenses for Week Eight. This week, the top of the rankings are filled with home teams, something that is more usual than last week’s rankings. Let’s take a look at how things shape up:

1. San Diego Chargers: vs. Oakland

2. Indianapolis Colts: vs. San Francisco

3.Chicago Bears: vs. Cleveland

4. Dallas Cowboys: vs. Seattle

5. Arizona Cardinals: vs. Carolina

6. St. Louis Rams: at Detroit

7. New Orleans Saints: vs. Atlanta

8. Minnesota Vikings: at Green Bay

9.Green Bay Packers: vs. Minnesota

10. Philadelphia Eagles: vs. New York Giants

11. Miami Dolphins: at New York Jets

12. Denver Broncos: at Baltimore

13. Buffalo Bills: vs. Houston

14. New York Jets: vs. Miami

15. Baltimore Ravens: vs. Denver

The Chargers' defense has been far from dominant so far this season, but this is just how bad the Raiders really are. It’s almost a given that whatever defense faces them finds itself in the top five for the week.

It was a big revival for the 49ers in the second half, but we’ll soon find out if Alex Smith is for real or a one-week wonder. The Colts' defense has allowed the second fewest points in the league, so it’ll certainly be a tough test.

If Calvin Johnson is able to play, the Rams' defense is going to likely take a step or two down.

Minnesota leads the league in sacks with 24, so while they may give up some points against the Packers, they still have the chance to produce.

If Andre Johnson is out, the Bills have an even better chance of shutting down the Texans. For now they fall just outside the top 12, but with plenty of upside potential.

What are your thoughts? Who was left off the list? Who should be higher? Who should be lower?

Other Week Eight Rankings:

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Kickers

This article is also featured on www.rotoprofessor.com/football