NFL Fantasy Football 2010: Ranking the Top Defenses

Fantasy football drafts are quickly approaching, and team rosters will soon be set into place. Which defenses will make the top ten as fantasy units?

Click to find out!

No. 10 Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati surprised the entire NFL last season on defense. They will be no surprise this year, as they will be fielding the same tenacious defense that helped propel them into the playoffs.

Players like Domata Peko, Keith Rivers and Leon Hall are becoming household names for this organization.

No. 9 Dallas Cowboys

Lately, the Dallas Cowboys have been known for their offense, and their defense frequently goes under the radar. Like Minnesota, this is a solid group, but they have failed to put up stellar numbers in fantasy football like other squads have.

As Dallas seems to be the breeding ground for 3-4 talent, it can be expected that they are hiding a few monsters on their defense to be unleashed this season.

If you need a second tier defense to hold down your team of playmakers, this is your ticket.

No. 8 Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota fields a great defense every year. This group is stout against the run, and will play with extreme physicality. Aside from fantasy football, this group is a top five unit, but as a fantasy defense, they sit at eight.

They had 48 sacks as a unit last year, but didn't force as many turnovers as other defenses. If you want a team that will be solid every week, this is your team. If you want to take the risk with other high-flying defenses, then you should pick a team later in the list.

No. 7 New Orleans Saints

The Saints' defense is not among the top ten in the NFL, but as a Fantasy squad this defense is interesting. Darren Sharper helped propel this unit to the top scoring defense in Fantasy Football, as the Saints scored nine touchdowns on defense and special teams last season.

While Sharper is a year older, it isn't likely that he will post the same kind of numbers that he did last season. There is no denying, though, that this defense turns offensive when they get the ball in their hands.

No. 6 Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore is a great defense. Pair a great defense with age, and you get a mixed reaction. There is no denying that this group is talent, but with injuries in the secondary and age starting to consume the front seven, it wouldn't be out of the question for this group to under perform.

In a passing league, an issue in the secondary doesn't help your situation. This is still a top fantasy defense, and a top defense in the NFL, but they could be in trouble in a couple of years.

No. 5 San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco was like Cincinnati last season for the fact that they surprised a lot of people.

Looking over this defense, there are playmakers everywhere on the field, and it is no question why they tied for the most fantasy points as a defense last season.

The same should be expected this year, as Mike Singletary keeps preparing this team on a disciplined approach.

No. 4 Philadelphia Eagles

This Eagles defense is a group of playmakers, but they let up entirely too many points last season. If they can keep the same production, and lower the amount of points they allow, this will be a great defense for fantasy owners.

The only worrisome part of this defense is the injury to Trent Cole, who claims that he "is fine." Without Cole, the Eagles lose a proven commodity, and a player that can get after the quarterback.

No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has the best Defensive Coordinator in the entire NFL. Dick LeBeau has helped the Steelers field the most consistent defensive unit since he arrived in 2004.

With a healthy Troy Polomalu, this defense will be much improved in the secondary, where they struggled last season. Fantasy owners should feel no hesitation picking this defense.

No. 2 Green Bay Packers

Although the Packers lost Aaron Kampman, this defense is more than capable of living up to their hype from last season. Charles Woodson led the defensive front forcing turnovers and blanketing his receiver with tight coverage.

This is an all around solid defense that should provide a good amount of fantasy points throughout the season.

No. 1 New York Jets

The Jets allowed just over 200 points last season, which was by far the best. Even with the contractual problems with Darrelle Revis, the Jets defense still has enough parts in place to be called the best unit in football.

This could be one of the best fantasy defenses ever, if they play to their potential.