Fantasy Football 2012: Sneaky Team Defenses to Start in Week 1

It’s Week 1 of the 2012 NFL regular season, and that means fantasy football is alive and well.

Many league owners have clamored to scoop up the NFL's more recognizable team defenses, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t value to be had further down the rankings.

Hardcore fantasy footballers know that taking advantage of matchups is a huge part of fantasy success. And in deep leagues, sometimes taking a chance on underrated players or teams is the only choice.

Here are some sleeper team defenses to start in Week 1 that could have big weeks against vulnerable opponents.

Minnesota Vikings (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

The situation of each team’s premier running back will take the headlines in this matchup, followed closely by each team’s young quarterback being under the microscope. Beneath the surface, though, the Minnesota Vikings open the year at home with a defense that could cause problems for the Jags.

Yes, Minnesota finished tied for last in the NFL in interceptions last year. But the Vikings worked to address that problem over the offseason by drafting safety Harrison Smith, who could have a huge rookie season in 2012, and cornerbacks Josh Robinson and Robert Blanton.

More importantly, don’t forget that the Vikes also finished 14th in the league in points allowed, tied for second in forced fumbles and tied for first—yes, first—in defensive sacks with 50.

Jacksonville comes to town sporting second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert leading a Maurice Jones-Drew-less offense (for the most part).

The additions of Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson at wideout should help, and Rashad Jennings is no slouch at halfback. But on the road under the relentless pressure of Jared Allen and Co., the Jags could have a rough time against Minnesota’s D.

You could do a lot worse in your fantasy opener for team defense.  

Oakland Raiders (vs. San Diego Chargers)

Oakland hosts AFC West rival San Diego on Monday Night Football, which should be a great matchup to watch. Although this game has the potential to see a lot of points, it also should see its fair share of turnovers.

Without starting running back Ryan Mathews in the lineup (presumably), the Bolts will likely lean heavily on Philip Rivers and the passing game. Rivers is fully capable and loves to sling the ball around, so he should rack up some decent fantasy stats. But don’t expect it all to be pretty.

In front of their home crowd, the Raiders will bring the pressure on defense and look to create turnovers. They ranked 12th in interceptions last year, tied for 15th in sacks and 17th in points allowed. All decent rankings, to be sure.

But the Silver and Black are embarking on a new era of Raiders football, led by new head coach Dennis Allen. Allen is an aggressive defensive-minded coach who thrives on creating turnovers.

In 2009, when he coached the New Orleans Saints’ secondary, his team finished third in the league in interceptions. As the defensive coordinator in Denver last year, Allen helped the Broncos finish fifth in the league in sacks.

Allen gets to begin his head-coaching career against a familiar opponent, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him release the hounds in the team’s home opener.   

Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

This game could be ugly. I’m a huge fan and supporter of Russell Wilson, but there’s just no telling what will happen in the rookie quarterback’s first career regular-season start in the NFL.

Arizona has its own share of offensive problems, fielding arguably the worst offensive line in the league. However, led by linebacker Daryl Washington, their defense is ahead of the offense and should be able to take advantage of a rookie passer and a (unofficially) questionable Marshawn Lynch.

In 2011, the Cards finished ninth in the NFL in points allowed and seventh in sacks. While they failed to score a defensive touchdown and didn’t tally many interceptions, there was still some production.

But if there were ever a week to ignite a spark in turnovers and defensive points, it’s Week 1. This division rivalry should be sloppy and probably won’t produce a ton of points, which is great news for fantasy purposes.

If you’re looking for a sneaky matchup play for team defense, take a shot on Arizona, a team that nobody is really giving a legitimate chance to win.  

New England Patriots (@ Tennessee Titans)

In 2011, the New England Patriots’ defense was bad. It ranked 31st in total defense by year’s end, and this was the primary storyline all offseason.

Yet despite giving up so much yardage, particularly through the air, the Pats finished tied for second in the NFL with 23 interceptions last year. They also ranked 14th in sacks with 40.

In the NFL draft, New England selected pass-rusher Chandler Jones, who has looked great thus far, along with several other defensive players to help shore up the side that doesn’t have Tom Brady lighting up the score sheet. These players include linebacker Dont’a Hightower, safety Tavon Wilson, defensive end Jake Bequette and corner Alfonzo Dennard.

Clearly, the Patriots were looking to tighten some things up on defense.    

Tennessee will be riding the youngster Jake Locker at quarterback. He’ll make plays, both with his arm and his legs, but he’ll also make mistakes against Bill Belichick’s squad.

And until Chris Johnson clearly proves he’s back in form, he will remain a wild card in the run game.

The Pats’ defense has taken a lot of heat since last year. But that could be all the more reason to sneak it into your lineup this week.