2011 NFL Fantasy Football: Updated Team Defense Rankings

Here’s an updated and expanded look at my 2011 team defense rankings.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Still steady. Still get to face their Ohio foes four times.

2. New York Jets: Revis Island should be better than he was last year. Scary.

3. Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews, B.J. Raji and the champs came a long way last year.

4. New England Patriots: If Bill Belichick can motivate Albert Haynesworth, look out.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: Perhaps I was a little optimistic initially, but they are still a top-five defense.

6. Baltimore Ravens: Still solid after all these years.

7. San Diego Chargers: Really bounced back nicely last year.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Could Ray Edwards solidify their pass rush?

9. Chicago Bears: Peppers and Urlacher keep the defense relevant.

10. New York Giants: Injuries forced them down a couple of slots.

11. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh was the real deal. I'm not sure they are top-10 yet, but they are capable of being a DEF1.

12. New Orleans Saints: Balanced offense should allow the defense more time to rest than in recent years.

13. Houston Texans: Really made an effort to improve their pass defense.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Secondary is still a concern. If only they could have landed Asomugha.

15. Oakland Raiders: Silver and Black is back.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They are young, but improving

17. Minnesota Vikings: Their defensive line was once a strength, but not is a major concern.

18. Kansas City Chiefs:  Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers and Tamba Hali give the Chiefs some top-notch playmakers on defense.

19. Tennessee Titans: Losing Stephen Tulloch could hurt.

20. St. Louis Rams:  Improvement will continue.

Also check out:

2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings - PPR
2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings