Week 7 Fantasy Football Projections: Baltimore Ravens and More Defenses to Pick

It’s hard to win a fantasy league with defense, but a close game in any given week can hinge on an explosion from that position. These three defenses should be set up for big-time point production in Week 7:

Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew is usually a strong enough runner to keep the pressure off his quarterback, but against Baltimore’s seventh-ranked run defense, that’s not going to happen. Once Jones-Drew is shut down, rookie Blaine Gabbert will be at the mercy of one of the most opportunistic defenses in football.

Gabbert and the Jaguars’ passing attack have been dismal thus far, and nobody gets healthy against the Ravens defense. Expect plenty of turnovers as Jacksonville scrambles to come from behind.

Chicago Bears

The Bears defense finally looked like they put it together in last week’s rout of Minnesota, and Tampa Bay—with its run-first offense and shaky quarterbacking—will have some of the same vulnerabilities. Even without the benefit of Soldier Field crowd noise—and in London, it’ll be a minor miracle if there’s any discernible crowd noise—Lance Briggs and company should be able to make their share of plays.

Unless Julius Peppers’ balky knee flares up between now and Sunday afternoon, Tampa’s line will struggle to keep Josh Freeman upright, and LeGarrette Blount’s absence means that the running game won’t be at its best. Freeman could be in for a long afternoon, and the playmaking Chicago defense will be there to reap the benefits.

New York Jets

Philip Rivers is winning games in San Diego, but he’s making a lot of mistakes in the process. The Chargers QB has thrown more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six) in 2011, and with Darrelle Revis coming off a huge game against the Dolphins, he’ll be fired up to face an iffy San Diego receiving corps.

New York will need to pick up its run defense in order to maximize the turnover opportunities, but on their home field, the Jets should be in a good position to win this one. That, in turn, will keep Rivers throwing well into the fourth quarter, providing more chances for sacks and picks.