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We're in the thick of the fantasy football draft season, so it's time to start doing homework on the top fantasy defenses.
The focus of most best ball drafts should be on the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions. However, with the defense/special teams position still required in many leagues, let’s give some attention to it.
Here are some of the top defense/special teams to target, as well as some sleepers to consider.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024 fantasy football drafts:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Fantasy football rookie rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
Fantasy Football Defense (D/ST) Draft Targets
New York Jets
The injury to Aaron Rodgers derailed the Jets last season. Their defense played well, though, allowing 20.9 points per game. They were particularly strong against the pass, allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game in the league. With cornerback Sauce Gardner leading their secondary, they should continue to thrive in that department this season.
The Jets bolstered their pass rush, acquiring Haason Reddick in a trade with the Eagles during the offseason. He has recorded at least 11.0 sacks in each of the last four seasons. The Jets already thrived in that department, finished tied for the seventh-most sacks in the league last year. This team is primed to make a run at a playoff spot and has loaded up their defense to try and help get them there.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens allowed just 16.5 points per game last season, which was the fewest in the league. They particularly thrived against the pass, allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game. Not only did they allow just 18 passing touchdowns, but they also recorded 18 interceptions. To top it off, they led the NFL with 60 sacks.
ARE YOU KIDDING US @kyledhamilton_?!?!?!
PICK SIX!!!!
Tune in now on FOX! pic.twitter.com/ojlcFMT1lp
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 12, 2023
When a team has a defense as good as the Ravens did, it’s difficult to keep everyone together. They suffered some losses during free agency, including linebacker Patrick Queen joining the Steelers. They did bring back linebacker Kyle Van Noy and they still have Roquan Smith to anchor the unit. Expect the Ravens to continue to have one of the best defenses this season.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were nearly as good as the Ravens on defense, giving up an average of just 17.5 points per game. They suffocated teams on the ground, allowing only 89.7 rushing yards per game. To further tilt the scales in their favor for fantasy purposes, they were tied for the most interceptions (22) and tied for the seventh-most sacks (48) in the league.
Although the 49ers lost defensive end Chase Young in free agency, they helped replace him by signing Leonard Floyd. Floyd has registered at least 9.0 sacks in each of the last four seasons. Star linebacker Dre Greenlaw is working his way back from a torn Achilles and could be ready for Week 1. Fred Warner, who is one of the best linebackers in the league, is also still in the fold. As the 49ers continue their quest for a championship, expect their defense to remain stout and create plenty of turnovers.
Fantasy Football Defense (D/ST) Draft Sleepers
Los Angeles Chargers
The Jets, Ravens, and 49ers figure to be among the first defense/special teams off the board. The same can’t be said of the Chargers, who have ushered in a new era with Jim Harbaugh as their head coach. Gone are Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. They will certainly look different, shifting their focus to improving their offensive line to provide protection for Justin Herbert.
In terms of their defense, the Chargers tied for the seventh-most sacks last year and should remain productive in that department with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in the fold. Safety Derwin James has posted three straight seasons with at least 115 total tackles, but the rest of their secondary certainly has plenty of question marks.
Maybe the biggest reason to consider taking a chance on the Charges is that four of their games will come against the Raiders and Broncos, both of which have underwhelming offenses. They will also play the Panthers, Steelers, Titans, and Patriots, all of which have question marks at quarterback. For those who pass on the top defense/special teams, the Chargers are worth a flier at the end of drafts.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts allowed the fifth-most points per game (24.4) last season. On the plus side, they had the fifth-most sacks. While he didn’t rack up many sacks himself, their defense was led by linebacker Zaire Franklin, who finished with a whopping 179 total tackles. They didn’t make any splashy moves on defense in free agency, but they did improve the depth of their defensive line by signing Raekwon Davis away from the Dolphins.
Working in the Colts favor will be them facing some bad offenses, especially down the stretch. They will close the season by playing the Patriots, Broncos, Titans, Giants, and Jaguars over their final five games.
The league’s new rules could help kick returners increase their value. The Colts drafted a potentially good one in Anthony Gould, who led the nation in 2022 with a punt return average of 18.3 yards per game.
Chicago Bears
The Bears made a lot of splashes on offense this offseason. They drafted Caleb Williams to take over as their franchise quarterback. They also loaded up at wide receiver by trading for Allen and drafting Rome Odunze.
As good as the Bears could be on offense, don’t sleep on their defense. They will get a full season from defensive end Montez Sweat, who they acquired from the Commanders in the middle of last year. Kevin Byard was signed to a two-year contract to bolster their safety group, and the Bears are strong at linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards in the fold.
The Bears defense last year was 🔒⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KSSdW15nJ7
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) July 10, 2024
Another factor to consider with the Bears' defense/special teams is their kick returner Velus Jones Jr. He averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return last year, which tied for the second-highest mark among players who made at least 10 kick returns. Of his 16 returns, 15 of them went for at least 20 yards.
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