Fantasy Football Player Rankings & Projections

2010 Defense Preseason Preview

 

New York Jets

A power-run-game combined with some big-play defensive additions should make the New York Jets defense the number defense in the NFL and fantasy football.

1. New York Jets - 2010 Preview

The Jets were #1 in points (14.8) and yardage (252.3) per game, but they were not much of a big-play fantasy defense ranking in the middle of the pack in interceptions and sacks. The Jets have made several additions that should increase the big-plays. First, the will have defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, who missed most of last season because of knee surgery, will be in the middle again, drawing double-teams. The Jets also added veteran pass rusher Jason Taylor. Both players are getting up their in age, but should still be effective. The secondary will get a big shot in the arm by the signing of former San Diego Charger cornerback Antonio Cromartie and number-one draft pick, cornerback Kyle Wilson. All of that will be backed up by the best friend of a defense, a strong run game.

2009 Statistics: 14.8 PPG - 32 sacks - 17 Int

2010 Projection: 14.5 PPG - 43 sacks - 23 Int

 

2. Minnesota Vikings - 2010 Preview

The Vikings defense wasn't as good as it was supposed to be in 2009, partly due to the great play of the offense which had them in some shootouts. Nevertheless, the pass rush led by All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen's 14.5 sacks, led the NFL with 48 sacks. The secondary didn't play as well as it should have mainly because cornerback Antoine Winfield was slowed for much of season after breaking his foot. He is healthy and will be ready for the 2010 season. The Vikings selected cornerback Chris Cook with the second-pick of the second-round.

2009 Statistics: 19.5 PPG - 48 sacks - 11 Int

2010 Projection: 19.1 PPG - 46 sacks - 15 Int

 

3. Baltimore Ravens - 2010 Preview

Year after year the Ravens mange to put a good or great defense on the field and their is no reason to believe that 2010 will be any different if they remain healthy. The big question for the Raven's defense will be saftey Ed Reed's injury. He will likely not be effective for at least half the 2010 season and that hurts the Raven defense. The heart of the defense is the linebackers. Starters Jarret Johnson, Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe, and Terrell Suggs will keep the defense among the top with their dominating play.

2009 Statistics: 16.3 PPG - 32 sacks - 22 Int

2010 Projection: 16.8 PPG - 34 sacks - 20 Int

 

4. Dallas Cowboys - 2010 Preview

The Cowboys were second in points given up (15.6) and with stud linebacker DeMarcus Ware and upcoming Anthony Spencer, they recorded a seventh best 42 sacks. Their weakness was big plays in the secondary where they only picked -off 11 passes. Corners Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are the strong but there are questions at safety. The Cowboys drafted inside linebacker Sean Lee in the second round and will likely start.

2009 Statistics: 15.6 PPG - 42 sacks - 11 Int

2010 Projection: 15.5 PPG - 44 sacks - 16 Int

 

5. Green Bay Packers - 2010 Preview

The Packers have put together a very good defense led by veteran cornerback Charles Woodson who helped the Packers lead the league with 30 interceptions. It is likely that defensive end Johnny Jolly will not play in 2010 so the Packers dratted defensive tackle Mike Neal in the second-round. 2009 first-round draft pick B.J. Raji will move to nose tackle.The Packers have an above average linebacking crew led by linebacker Clay Matthews (10 sacks).

2009 Statistics: 18.6 PPG - 37 sacks - 30 Int

2010 Projection: 17.9 PPG - 38 sacks - 28 Int

 

6. San Francisco 49ers - 2010 Preview

The 49ers have a very underrated defense and it revolves around there great linebacking crew of Manny Lawson, Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, and Parys Haralson. That and a good defensive line that includes Aubrayo Franklin and Pro Bowler Justin Smith helped the 49ers finish fourth with 17.6 points a game and third with 44 sacks. The secondary is solid, but the hope is corner Nate Clements rebounds from a sub par 2009.

2009 Statistics: 17.6 PPG - 44 sacks - 18 Int

2010 Projection: 16.9 PPG - 45 sacks - 19 Int