Fantasy Football Power Rankings: 5 Best Defenses in Week 6

Week 6 in the NFL features some interesting matchups and there may be room for defensive units to shine versus weaker opponents.

When searching for a solid defense to start, fantasy owners normally look at how poor the opposing offense is without taking into account the ability of the defense.

This week features many defenses that are in line for a shut down game. Instead of taking a risk on a shaky team simply because they have a favorable matcup, go with the defense you drafted, as they are likely the most consistent.

This week is all about must starts. If you have one of these defenses in your arsenal, you better put them in your starting lineup. 

5. Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are a top-5 defense every week, and Week 6 is no exception.

Usually, teams facing the Houston Texans will be shredded on the defensive end, but take your chances with the Baltimore defense because they will not upset.

The Texans are injury ridden and, with the absence of star receiver Andre Johnson, they will have a hard time moving the ball up and down the field. The Ravens are sure to take advantage of this and send heavy pressure at Matt Schaub, creating costly mistakes that could result in six if the Ravens play their cards right.

However, the main concern for the Ravens isn't stopping Schaub's arm, it's stopping Arian Foster's legs. With Haloti Ngata stuffing the middle, Foster will have a tough time getting going.

Look for the Ravens to shut down the potent offense of the Texans while getting a couple takeaways. They already have 14 this season, according to ESPN.  Oh, and by the way, allowing a league least 14.3 points per game isn't bad either.

If you have the Ravens' defense, start them, plain and simple.

4. Chicago Bears

The Bears were devastated on Monday night after getting embarrassed by the Detroit Lions, but they go back home to face Minnesota at Soldier Field next Sunday.

The Bears' defense is one of those that does not do poorly often, and even though this year they are letting up 24.4 points per game, they will have a rebound game against the Vikings.

Look for the Bears' defense to come out hungry and shut down the run game of Adrian Peterson, forcing Donovan McNabb to make plays through the air. This should help the Bears in the takeaway department.

The Bears will do everything in their power not to falter in the spotlight again, as they are on Sunday Night Football this week. They will once again show the NFL that moving the ball against them is no easy task.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals. This is mostly a matchup play more than a credit to the defense of the Bengals.

They face the slumping Colts, who come off yet another loss. The Colts are starting to find themselves offensively, but the Bengals are a decent team on the defensive end this year and, while not exactly turning heads, have been playing well.

The Bengals are sixth in the NFL in points allowed per game with 18.8, and they will continue to stump opponents with their not flashy, but consistent defense.

Look for the Curtis Painter to make some errors and allow the Bengals to flourish defensively. If you want to take a risk, this team will be a worthwhile pick.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally finding themselves offensively and defensively, and facing the Jacksonville Jaguars will be beneficial to both sides of the ball.

The Steelers are fourth best in the NFL on defense, allowing 17.8 points per game. Look for them to confuse the Jaguars' shaky offense and continue to improve that statistic.

The Jaguars have handed their offense over to rookie Blaine Gabbert. The Steelers' defense is Gabbert's worst nightmare. 

The Steelers will stop the run game and let Gabbert make throws and it is almost guaranteed that some will end up in the defense's hands. 

The fact is, the Steelers are just too powerful defensively for the offense of the Jaguars to even compete. If you have the Steelers' defense, this week is a must start. Look for explosive numbers in the turnover department and the Jaguars to leave the game limping. 

1. New York Jets

That is not a typo my friends, the New York Jets will be a top-5 fantasy defense this week.

The reason: the Miami Dolphins. Competing for worst team in the NFL honors, the Miami Dolphins are facing a Jets' team that needs to find their identity on the defensive end. 

This is the week to do it. They face a team with absolutely no morale and a backup quarterback getting the nod. The Miami offense is the Jets' best friend this week, as they will stop the Dolphins' less-than-average rushing offense and allow Matt Moore to throw the ball in the vicinity of top cornerback Darrelle Revis.

The Jets will find themselves this week, shut down the offense of the Dolphins and ultimately win the game. 

Why start them? 

Because they are facing arguably the worst offense in the NFL and, even though they have not shown it this season, they are one of the best defenses in the game. 

If you have them this week, give them another shot. They will not fail you. 

Having an explosive return man like Joe McKnight isn't a bad factor, either.