Week 2 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 5 Defenses for the Weekend

Defenses can really accumulate a ton of points in fantasy football.

And yet, some defenses will go significantly overlooked because so much attention goes toward having the best offensive players.

Well, when it comes to sacks, turnovers and special teams, a lot of points can be scored for you to gain a major competitive edge. The Baltimore Ravens with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are an obvious choice, because they always field an elite unit each NFL season.

As expected, the Ravens are a top fantasy defense. Let's see who joins them for Week 2.

5. San Diego Chargers (vs. Tennessee)

The San Diego Chargers completely shut down Darren McFadden on the ground last week.

Also, the Bolts were constantly getting pressure on Carson Palmer and recorded three sacks.

Coming into Southern California for Week 2 are the Tennessee Titans, who amassed just 284 total yards against the New England Patriots. At this point, the Chargers defense is literally chomping at the bit.

Chris Johnson is the lone offensive threat that really stands out, and the Titans' blocking was horrendous in Week 1. To that end, expect San Diego to bring pressure and play press coverage on the outside.

Doing so will force Tennessee into many passing situations and Jake Locker into making many ill-advised throws. Thanks to an offense led by Philip Rivers that is capable of eating clock while putting up points in the process, the Chargers defense stays fresh to prevent Tennessee from any consistent production.

As the season continues, this is one defense to keep an eye on.

4. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Detroit)

The San Francisco 49ers face another explosive offense from the NFC North.

Week 2 presents San Francisco with the Detroit Lions, however, who aren't as threatening as the Green Bay Packers.

Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in Week 1 against the St. Louis Rams and was under solid duress despite getting sacked just once. Well, Sunday night will be a tougher story, as the 49ers need not blitz to apply quarterback pressure.

San Francisco's front seven is capable of wreaking havoc all day in the backfield, and the Lions aren't stellar enough on the ground to really keep the 'Niners off balance. With Patrick Willis reading in the middle, no draws, screens or checkdowns will get by.

The obvious concern for the 49ers, though, is Detroit's passing game.

Defending the pass is the weaker aspect of San Francisco's defense, but much improved compared to 2011. Provided Alex Smith and the offense keep Detroit's offense off the field, this game will get out of hand early as San Francisco gets more sack and turnover opportunities.

3. Houston Texans (at Jacksonville)

This week is certainly a tougher challenge for the Houston Texans.

It's the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Blaine Gabbert has displayed much improvement since last season.

In Week 1, the Texans dominated a rookie quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, but the Miami Dolphins don't present much talent around him, either. Jacksonville, on the contrary, has an upgraded passing attack, and the ground game remains a legitimate threat.

Still, Houston has the ability to apply great pressure from its defensive front and lock down in man coverage. For as improved as the Jags are offensively, they still don't present a receiver capable of consistently beating single coverage.

Additionally, Houston is much better at defending the pass than the Minnesota Vikings.

Also, the key here is to obviously slow down Maurice Jones-Drew. As one of the league's elite ball-carriers, limiting his production and forcing Gabbert to put up points will be the difference.

Houston's offense can win the time-of-possession battle, so it's a matter of minimizing Jacksonville's first downs.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland)

Last Monday, the Cincinnati Bengals were torched by Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens.

Well, that's just it. Week 1 was Baltimore, and the Bengals get the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.

Cleveland turned the ball over four times against the Philadelphia Eagles and compiled just 210 total yards. Clearly the Browns weren't able to move the ball even with great field position, so Cincinnati will have no trouble at home.

For one, the Bengals did play the Ravens well through the first half and were down just 17-13 more than halfway through the third quarter. Against Cleveland, stacking the box to stop the run and blitzing will ultimately create turnovers.

The Browns don't have a receiver capable of beating man-to-man, and Brandon Weeden will force throws to make something happen. Cincy's defensive front can and will record multiple sacks, and the Bengals offense will be smooth enough to limit Cleveland's possessions.

It won't be pretty from the start. However, the Bengals gradually pull away as the game progresses.

1. Baltimore Ravens (at Philadelphia)

Until Michael Vick proves he's not turnover-prone, the Philadelphia Eagles offense won't be consistent.

And because of that turnover potential, the Baltimore Ravens defense will thrive on Vick's lack of decision-making.

As explosive as Philadelphia can be, Baltimore's defense has the talent to completely blanket Andy Reid's offense. Lardarius Webb will dominate in man coverage, and any pass downfield has a great chance of being intercepted by Ed Reed.

Baltimore will also punish the Eagles up front, because the Ravens play more physically, and Ray Lewis' instincts alone will keep LeSean McCoy in check. If anything, expect multiple turnovers to be forced because Vick's mobility will buy time outside the pocket.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Ravens are extremely well disciplined, and Vick's patience won't last long. Regardless of McCoy's production, the Ravens won't allow Philadelphia to find a rhythm offensively, and points are held to a minimum.

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