Week 1 Fantasy Football Projections: Elite Defenses That Will Struggle This Week

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most coveted defenses in fantasy football. If you were fortunate enough to draft them this year, you got yourself a winner.

That said, don't expect to reap the benefits in Week 1.

I'm picking the 49ers to defeat the Green Bay Packers in the season-opener, but you better believe Aaron Rodgers is going to put up healthy passing numbers. As good as the Niners' defense was in 2011, they were only middle of the pack against the pass.

They allowed an average of 230.9 passing yards per game which was 16th in the NFL.

The Niners stuffed the run last season allowing only 77.3 yards per game on the ground. They'll be tough in that area again in 2012. The Packers don't boast a formidable rushing attack, but Rodgers and his band of awesome receivers are nasty.

The NFL's MVP was held under 250 yards on only two occasions in 2011. I think he has a good game, but the Niners still win. That equals a less than stellar fantasy performance from the Niners' defense.

There are two other defenses that are much better than they'll perform this week.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas' defense is much improved this year, but without Jay Ratliff who has been ruled out per Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the unit isn't as stout.

To compound that, Dallas is going to have a difficult time moving the ball Wednesday night.

Tony Romo will likely be without Jason Witten, as he is listed as doubtful, and the offensive line figures to struggle with the New York Giants' fierce pass-rush. It looks like a ton of three-and-outs, and solid starting field position for the Giants most of the night.

Giving Eli Manning and his receivers repeated shots at your defense will cause even one of the better units to break.

The Cowboys' defense is going to be solid, just not this week.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are building a strong young defense, but in Week 1 things aren't shaping up well from a fantasy standpoint. The Eagles have tons of weapons in Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

That foursome would be difficult to contain on any occasion, but when you throw in the fact that they could be without defensive back Joe Haden, things get even tougher.

Haden has appealed his suspension from the NFL, per ESPN, and is awaiting word on whether he will be able to play in the opener. Even if Haden plays it will be a tough matchup for the Browns' secondary.

If he doesn't I'd steer clear completely.

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