Fantasy Football Sleepers: 5 Defenses That Will Step Up This Season

If there's one thing that rings true about every fantasy football draft, it's that defensive units are always picked too early.

Defensive units are no more important than kickers, they all produce roughly the same stats and should never be drafted over any of your middle to late round sleepers.

In fact, here's a list compiled of some great defenses ready to step it up for your fantasy team this season that you probably didn't see come off the board until the last few rounds.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins didn't make a whole lot of noise in 2010, finishing 7-9 and third in the AFC East.

One thing they were able to do well in an otherwise disappointing season however, was play lights out defense.

This may come as a shock, but the Dolphins defense ranked 6th in the league by the end of last season, with a staggering 14 sacks by Cameron Wake alone.

The 'Phins secondary is lead by stellar corner Vontae Davis who was a key contributor in the team giving up just 309 yards per game.

With little hype surrounding this unit heading into Week 1, there's a chance that you can pick them up in the free agent pool. Miami is owned in just 16% of Yahoo leagues right now.

Detroit Lions

Now the Detroit Lions defense has been a little more hyped recently, especially due to their first round draft pick Nick Fairley coming to anchor the line with Ndamukong Suh.

Fairley and Suh aren't the only names that make this defense formidable however, with former Tennessee Titan Kyle Vanden Bosch and tackle machine Stephen Tulloch making up a formidable unit.

The only issue with the Detroit defense is the secondary, which doesn't have many big names or intimidating corners to steer clear of.

While the team could land a hefty amount of sacks in the books this year, their weakness lies within their ability to take away opposing team's top receivers.

Oakland Raiders

Due to the well warranted stigma against Al Davis' Oakland Raiders, I can understand the overlooking of this team's defensive unit.

However, don't think just because Nnamdi Asomugha is a Philadelphia Eagle that this defense has no fantasy value.

While the Dolphins may have claimed the 6th best defense last year, the Raiders weren't far behind at 11.

The silver and black still have Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour and Michael Huff in coverage to keep teams out of their end zone.

Plus, it's not like the AFC West has many intimidating offenses to deal with outside of the San Diego Chargers.

Dallas Cowboys

The 2010 season fell short of Dallas Cowboys' fans high hopes of playing a home game in the Superbowl. This disappointment was helped partially by the defense playing below the standards you'd expect from former head coach Wade Phillips.

With Rob Ryan coming over from the Cleveland Browns to sure up this unit however, expect a bounce back year for this squad.

The secondary is still patched together with duct tape, but DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff are still anchoring the team with veterans Keith Brooking and Bradie James in the mix as well.

Cowboys fans and coach Ryan are both hoping a new leader is all this unit needs to play to the level they are expected to with those stars gracing their helmets.

Don't expect the 'Boys to finish within the top 10 fantasy defenses this year, but top 12 is certainly within reach.

New England Patriots

The loss of Brandon Meriweather will be tough on the New England Patriots, but the play from this defense should make light of his absence.

Devin McCourty is coming off a monster rookie season, with Vince Wilfork, Shaun Ellis and Albert Haynesworth on the depth chart for the defensive line.

The Patriots ranked 25th overall on defense last season, but don't expect that trend to stay true in 2011. With so many proven difference makers on this side of the ball, the Pats should have a fine season fantasy wise.

Expect a top 10-15 finish from the New England squad.