Defense sleepers: Watch out for Oakland
by Mike Harmon
Mike is a contributor for the FOXSports.com fantasy group.
Updated: June 1, 2009, 7:55 PM EDT
The term "sleeper" is difficult to apply to the team defense position.
After all, most fantasy owners draft one in the last or second-to-last round of the draft. And, for the most part, they're not married to that pick. One or two bad performances or a bye week, and they're jettisoned for the best matchup play on the table.
As such, the following sleeper list includes a number of teams that will be among those owners flock to for the attractive matchup players and hot runs on the schedule. The Dolphins (No. 10 on this list) will likely be drafted, but might outperform expectations. Let's start in Seattle, where some offseason changes and some medical assistance might be the key to a resurgence in the dawn of the post-Mike Holmgren era.
I'll take the hate mail in advance for the inclusion of the Raiders. Bring it!
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks ranked 10th in sacks last season, as several members of the unit registered a handful of sacks. They've added a potential star and immediate contributor in linebacker Aaron Curry to work alongside Lofa Tatupu and the recently re-signed Leroy Hill. A healthy return to the field from Patrick Kerney will produce the push necessary to boost the sack totals and turnover count. Lest we forget, this Seattle offense returns a number of healthy receiving options and offseason acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
2. Oakland Raiders
You didn't think that I'd pop out a defensive team column without gushing about cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, did you? He teams with a stellar group of linebackers to create plays. Thomas Howard has averaged 101 tackles in each of the past three seasons. Kirk Morrison has averaged 125 tackles per season in his four NFL campaigns.
A healthy return by Derrick Burgess to the line (he appeared in only 10 games last year) alongside Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren will offer a persistent pass rush to put balls in the air. If the offense can find some semblance of consistency, the defense could shine.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans ranked 27th in sacks last year (25), but we watched the further evolution of Mario Williams with his second straight double-digit sack total (26 overall). Houston did well to build depth at linebacker this offseason, adding Brian Cushing in the draft and veteran Cato June to the corps via free agency. Shaun Cody will also help the rotation up front. Can the offense produce as expected? If so, the stat opportunities will be there for Williams, DeMeco Ryans and company.
4. New Orleans Saints
Gregg Williams is eager to bring the New Orleans defense in line with that potent offense. The Saints drafted an immediate impact player in corner Malcolm Jenkins, who will help button things up on the edge. Alas, they already lost fellow draft pick Stanley Arnoux to a torn Achilles' tendon in mini-camp.
I'm intrigued by the upgrades to the New Orleans defense and the talent available to Williams. Darren Sharper, Paul Spicer, Jabari Greer and Pierson Prioleau are veteran players who can help this unit put forth a more consistent effort and offer Drew Brees the support he needs.
5. Washington Redskins
Washington made a big splash in free agency with the monster contract signed by Albert Haynesworth. He brings that huge motor to the defensive interior, commanding a constant double-team to free up Philip Daniels and Andre Carter to make plays off the edge. Rookie Brian Orakpo will be an instant contributor in the heart of the defense, and I suspect that the push generated from the pass rush yields turnovers in the secondary for DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry.
6. Atlanta Falcons
If Atlanta's offense can post big numbers on the scoreboard every week, John Abraham and company will have more chances to chase down opposing quarterbacks.
It's hard not to be excited about the Atlanta offense, particularly following the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez. The continued development of the offense behind Matt Ryan should produce additional long, protracted drives and make things a tad easier for the defense. I'm looking at one of those scenarios where a higher point total puts balls in the air for the secondary and allows John Abraham (16.5 sacks) and Jordan Babineaux to go to work on the line. Persistent pressure should help the corners, but we'll be keeping a close eye on Von Hutchins' recovery from a foot injury.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2008 season was one Jack Del Rio would like to forget. The offensive line was decimated by injuries, thereby causing the running game to sputter. Of course, the fact that the wide receivers signed last offseason failed to produce in any measurable way left the defense on an island. The defense was, of course, beset by injuries as well. A full season of health and better production from the offense should allow the defensive playmakers to get back to work.
8. San Francisco 49ers
I'm excited to watch the continued evolution of Mike Singletary's defense. The San Francisco offense figures to put a greater emphasis on the ground game and a more attacking defense. The 49ers have an all-world linebacker in Patrick Willis and persistent pressure from Justin Smith on the edge and a blitzing Parys Haralson, meaning that the secondary should have opportunities to make plays. The loss of Walt Harris certainly raises a flag, but I like the signing of two-time Pro Bowler Dre' Bly.
9. St. Louis Rams
I'm moderately intrigued about the Rams this season. Obviously, the health questions always play into the equation in the St. Louis offense. If Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and company can stay healthy, they may take pressure off the defense and allow them to make plays. I'm excited about the addition of James Laurinaitis to the mix, although the departure of leading tackler Pisa Tinoisamoa won't go unnoticed.
Leonard Little and Chris Long will generate pressure off the edges, and a little more consistency from Adam Carriker and company upfront will generate more third-and-long turnover opportunities. The Rams generated 28 turnovers last season with 30 sacks (tied for 16th in the league).
10. Miami Dolphins
Perhaps they don't qualify as a sleeper unit, particularly now that Jason Taylor has returned to Florida following a one-year visit to the nation's capital. The Dolphins were one of the league's top surprises in 2008, as the unit played without Taylor and longtime standout Zach Thomas (Dallas).
The Dolphins ranked ninth in total defense (19.8 points per game) last year, led by a dominant season by linebacker Joey Porter (17.5 sacks). Paired with Chad Pennington's efficiency, the squad rolled into the playoffs. This year, the Dolphins celebrate Taylor's return. The defensive scheming employed in Miami resulted in 40 sacks (eighth in the NFL) and 32 turnovers. Think about Taylor and Porter working together at peak efficiency. The sky is the limit.
by Mike Harmon
Mike is a contributor for the FOXSports.com fantasy group.
Updated: June 1, 2009, 7:55 PM EDT
The term "sleeper" is difficult to apply to the team defense position.
After all, most fantasy owners draft one in the last or second-to-last round of the draft. And, for the most part, they're not married to that pick. One or two bad performances or a bye week, and they're jettisoned for the best matchup play on the table.
As such, the following sleeper list includes a number of teams that will be among those owners flock to for the attractive matchup players and hot runs on the schedule. The Dolphins (No. 10 on this list) will likely be drafted, but might outperform expectations. Let's start in Seattle, where some offseason changes and some medical assistance might be the key to a resurgence in the dawn of the post-Mike Holmgren era.
I'll take the hate mail in advance for the inclusion of the Raiders. Bring it!
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks ranked 10th in sacks last season, as several members of the unit registered a handful of sacks. They've added a potential star and immediate contributor in linebacker Aaron Curry to work alongside Lofa Tatupu and the recently re-signed Leroy Hill. A healthy return to the field from Patrick Kerney will produce the push necessary to boost the sack totals and turnover count. Lest we forget, this Seattle offense returns a number of healthy receiving options and offseason acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
2. Oakland Raiders
You didn't think that I'd pop out a defensive team column without gushing about cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, did you? He teams with a stellar group of linebackers to create plays. Thomas Howard has averaged 101 tackles in each of the past three seasons. Kirk Morrison has averaged 125 tackles per season in his four NFL campaigns.
A healthy return by Derrick Burgess to the line (he appeared in only 10 games last year) alongside Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren will offer a persistent pass rush to put balls in the air. If the offense can find some semblance of consistency, the defense could shine.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans ranked 27th in sacks last year (25), but we watched the further evolution of Mario Williams with his second straight double-digit sack total (26 overall). Houston did well to build depth at linebacker this offseason, adding Brian Cushing in the draft and veteran Cato June to the corps via free agency. Shaun Cody will also help the rotation up front. Can the offense produce as expected? If so, the stat opportunities will be there for Williams, DeMeco Ryans and company.
4. New Orleans Saints
Gregg Williams is eager to bring the New Orleans defense in line with that potent offense. The Saints drafted an immediate impact player in corner Malcolm Jenkins, who will help button things up on the edge. Alas, they already lost fellow draft pick Stanley Arnoux to a torn Achilles' tendon in mini-camp.
I'm intrigued by the upgrades to the New Orleans defense and the talent available to Williams. Darren Sharper, Paul Spicer, Jabari Greer and Pierson Prioleau are veteran players who can help this unit put forth a more consistent effort and offer Drew Brees the support he needs.
5. Washington Redskins
Washington made a big splash in free agency with the monster contract signed by Albert Haynesworth. He brings that huge motor to the defensive interior, commanding a constant double-team to free up Philip Daniels and Andre Carter to make plays off the edge. Rookie Brian Orakpo will be an instant contributor in the heart of the defense, and I suspect that the push generated from the pass rush yields turnovers in the secondary for DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry.
6. Atlanta Falcons
If Atlanta's offense can post big numbers on the scoreboard every week, John Abraham and company will have more chances to chase down opposing quarterbacks.
It's hard not to be excited about the Atlanta offense, particularly following the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez. The continued development of the offense behind Matt Ryan should produce additional long, protracted drives and make things a tad easier for the defense. I'm looking at one of those scenarios where a higher point total puts balls in the air for the secondary and allows John Abraham (16.5 sacks) and Jordan Babineaux to go to work on the line. Persistent pressure should help the corners, but we'll be keeping a close eye on Von Hutchins' recovery from a foot injury.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The 2008 season was one Jack Del Rio would like to forget. The offensive line was decimated by injuries, thereby causing the running game to sputter. Of course, the fact that the wide receivers signed last offseason failed to produce in any measurable way left the defense on an island. The defense was, of course, beset by injuries as well. A full season of health and better production from the offense should allow the defensive playmakers to get back to work.
8. San Francisco 49ers
I'm excited to watch the continued evolution of Mike Singletary's defense. The San Francisco offense figures to put a greater emphasis on the ground game and a more attacking defense. The 49ers have an all-world linebacker in Patrick Willis and persistent pressure from Justin Smith on the edge and a blitzing Parys Haralson, meaning that the secondary should have opportunities to make plays. The loss of Walt Harris certainly raises a flag, but I like the signing of two-time Pro Bowler Dre' Bly.
9. St. Louis Rams
I'm moderately intrigued about the Rams this season. Obviously, the health questions always play into the equation in the St. Louis offense. If Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and company can stay healthy, they may take pressure off the defense and allow them to make plays. I'm excited about the addition of James Laurinaitis to the mix, although the departure of leading tackler Pisa Tinoisamoa won't go unnoticed.
Leonard Little and Chris Long will generate pressure off the edges, and a little more consistency from Adam Carriker and company upfront will generate more third-and-long turnover opportunities. The Rams generated 28 turnovers last season with 30 sacks (tied for 16th in the league).
10. Miami Dolphins
Perhaps they don't qualify as a sleeper unit, particularly now that Jason Taylor has returned to Florida following a one-year visit to the nation's capital. The Dolphins were one of the league's top surprises in 2008, as the unit played without Taylor and longtime standout Zach Thomas (Dallas).
The Dolphins ranked ninth in total defense (19.8 points per game) last year, led by a dominant season by linebacker Joey Porter (17.5 sacks). Paired with Chad Pennington's efficiency, the squad rolled into the playoffs. This year, the Dolphins celebrate Taylor's return. The defensive scheming employed in Miami resulted in 40 sacks (eighth in the NFL) and 32 turnovers. Think about Taylor and Porter working together at peak efficiency. The sky is the limit.
