Fantasy Football: Lions, Titans and Cardinals...Give the Defense Some Love

We know it’s a quarterback-driven league, and as far as fantasy points go it is hard to argue with 400-plus yards, but I think it is time to give the defenses a little love.

Now all of you in IDP leagues already give defense a little love, but now it’s time to show full-out, unabashed, Kim Kardashian sex tape passion (okay, I admit I have never seen it, but it has to be passionate, right...it’s a sex tape).

So Clay Matthews deserves that deep soul kiss, as he is leading the league in sacks with 8.5! Charles Godfrey from Carolina has four interceptions, clearly deserving at least a foray into second base. But I digress...

We are here to give a little sumpin' sumpin' for the defenses that not only surprised us but most certainly slapped the opponent into passivity.

Titans Defense Getting to Tony Romo

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Defensive tackle Jason Jones #91 of the Tennessee Titans sacks quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

4. Tennessee Titans

The Titans defense was ranked 22nd overall, 12th in rushing and 26th in passing. 

Titans scored 20 points for fantasy defense. While they allowed Tony Romo 406 yards in passing with three TDs, they also had three interceptions.

Tennessee’s defense also collected six sacks on Romo, making Dallas’ offensive line look inept and leaving Romo searching for answers.

Malcom Floyd and Nnamdi Asomugha

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a ball while defended by Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

3. Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders’ defense was ranked 24th overall, 10th in passing and 30th rushing. The Raiders amassed 30 points in fantasy.

This defense was going against the potent San Diego Chargers offense and Philip Rivers. Oh yeah, it was also facing a 13-game losing streak against the Chargers.

But during the first quarter Oakland’s defense blocked two kicks, got a safety and a TD. Yes, they gave Rivers 431 passing yards with two TDs, but they also scored three sacks and three forced fumbles.

And the Raiders won the game 35-27.

SUH!!!! Detroit Lions Defense Makes Good on First Round Status

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - AUGUST 21: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions is ready for action against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 21, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Lions defeated the Broncos 25

2. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions had 12 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. The Lions defense came into the game ranked 25th overall, 25th against the rush and 24th passing.

Scoring 32 fantasy points, they outscored the opposing quarterback. Sam Bradford entered the game on a winning high and left with 215 total passing yards, 0 TDs and two interceptions.

The Lions amassed 44 points while not allowing St. Louis a trip to the end zone.

Cardinals Defense Rattles the Defending Champion New Orleans Saints

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #29 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammate Michael Adams #27 after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the fourth quarter of the NFL game against the New Orleans Saint

1. Arizona Cardinals

Now who predicted this? Twenty-eight fantasy points for the Cardinals defense.

The Cardinals entered the game with an undrafted rookie starting at quarterback and a defense ranked 29th overall, 27th against the rush and 27th against the pass.

Going against Drew Brees and the Saints, most Cardinal fans were just hoping they held on and made the game competitive. The Cardinal defense did more than that, with one sack, three interceptions and three forced fumbles; they held Drew Brees to 279 yards with two TDs and three interceptions.

Final score Saints 20, Cardinals 30.