Pro Football 101 Fantasy Rankings: Defense/Special Teams in Week One

Must Starts

1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Ravens couldn't have asked for a better fantasy matchup, and they're our top defense in Week One. They're facing a team that's possibly without its starting QB, just fired its offensive coordinator a week ago, and is still trying to get its offensive line in order. Look for a dominating performance from Ray Lewis and Co. on Sunday.

2. Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns

The Vikes had one of the top fantasy football defenses in 2008, and they'll be improved in 2009 thanks to the help they'll now receive from their offense. They're built to get after the passer (Jared Allen, Williams Wall, etc.), and playing with the lead is the best way to do that.

With the Browns still searching for an identity—and a starting QB—to begin the Eric Mangini era, look for at least five sacks, a few turnovers, and possibly a score from this unit.

3. San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

This much maligned unit of 2008 should be vastly improved with LB Shawne Merriman back in the fold. Ron Rivera's aggressive style should create trouble for the young Raiders offense, which is still searching for an identity. Look for a big effort on Monday night from the Chargers' D.

4. New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins

Although they're a bit banged up on defense, the Giants' talented D will be ready to go on Sunday vs. the Jason Campbell-led Redskins. The gameplan will be to take Clinton Portis away, and then, with Campbell's penchant for holding onto the ball too long, send the dogs after him: Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Co.

Expect multiple sacks and a few turnovers.

Sleepers

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

The Packers' D should be much improved under DC Dom Capers. The new 3-4 alignment fits perfectly with their talented group of linebackers, and B.J. Raji should be a force inside. Jay Cutler's also been known to force balls throughout his career, and we see him turning the ball over on this night. Nice fantasy sleeper play in week one.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Buccaneers

DeMarcus Ware must be salivating at the opportunity to face Byron Leftwich and his slow release on opening day. If Dallas can jump to an early lead, it will be a long day for Tampa Bay and a big afternoon for the Cowboys' D on the road. Look for Dallas to keep the Bucs under 10 points in Week One.

Others with Favorable Matchups

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

Emotions should be running high as the Steelers kick off the 2009 season on Thursday Night. Although the Titans are stronger offensively, the Steelers' D should feed off of the energy and put on a dominating effort. James Harrison and Co. should put Kerry Collins on his back a few times in this one.

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills

The firing of its offensive coordinator just a week before the season is an ominous sign for the Bills offense, although we still like this unit in 2009. But Monday night will be tough, especially if the Pats offense comes out firing on all cylinders. It'll then make Buffalo one-dimensional, and that's when the Pats are most dangerous—when their talented front seven can get after the QB.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Saint Louis Rams

Aside from Steven Jackson, the Rams don't have much on offense in the way of a passing game, so if the Hawks can limit No. 39's success on the ground, they should be able to force Marc Bulger into a few turnovers and multiple sacks.