Fantasy Football Week 7 Rankings: Top 15 Defenses

Let’s take a look at how I rank the top 15 defenses for the upcoming week:

1. Baltimore Ravens – vs. Buffalo
2. San Francisco 49ers – at Carolina
3. New Orleans Saints – vs. Cleveland
4. Pittsburgh Steelers – at Miami
5. Kansas City Chiefs – vs. Jacksonville
6. Seattle Seahawks – vs. Arizona
7. Philadelphia Eagles – at Tennessee
8. Tennessee Titans – vs. Philadelphia
9. New England Patriots – at San Diego
10. Arizona Cardinals – at Seattle
11. Green Bay Packers – vs. Minnesota
12. New York Giants – at Dallas
13. Chicago Bears – vs. Washington
14. Dallas Cowboys – vs. New York Giants
15. Minnesota Vikings – at Green Bay

Thoughts:

• The Carolina Panthers are the lowest scoring team thus far in 2010, and it’s not even close.  They have scored just 52 points, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the next lowest at 80 (followed by Buffalo and Minnesota at 87).  While the 49ers have not quite lived up to expectations thus far, they limited the Raiders to just nine points in Week 6.
• The Saints’ defense is giving up just 18 points per game and 301.5 yards per game, both in the top-10 of the league.  The Browns offense is riddled with injuries, both at quarterback and wide receiver, not that they were an impressive bunch to begin with.  They are a great play this week.
• Both Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates suffered injuries in Week 6 and are no guarantee to play.  Their availability makes a significant difference in how the Patriots defense, which has struggled against the pass, is valued.  Floyd (as well as possibly Naanee) is out, with Gates hoping to play.  Consider them a lower-end option, for now.
• The Cowboys and Giants have been two of the better defenses, but would it surprise anyone if it turned into a slugfest?  The Giants, who have been on a sack rampage, are probably the better option, but neither are exceptional choices.
• The Titans draw a tough matchup against an Eagles team that has Kevin Kolb hitting on all cylinders.  However, the Titans lead the league with 24 sacks and are tied for second in interceptions with 10.  Their ability to hold value, even if they give up points, is enticing.

What are your thoughts on these rankings?  Who’s too high?  Who’s too low?

Make sure to check out the rest of our Week 7 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 15 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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