1.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Always
a consistent squad with numerous playmakers led by Troy Polamalu, LaMarr
Woodley, and James Harrison.
2.
New York Giants
The
return of Osi Umenyiora should help bolster the stats even with defensive
coordinator Steve Spagnuolo departing for St. Louis.
3.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota
ranks near the top in rush defense and added the dynamic Percy Harvin to the
special teams unit.
4.
Baltimore Ravens
Will
undergo a bit of adjustment after losing several key defensive pieces, but they
should still be productive in the AFC North.
5.
New York Jets
Ex-Raven
defensive guru takes over this rising unit and brought along plenty of help in
Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard.
6.
Philadelphia Eagles
Rock-solid
defensive unit will have heavy hearts after losing defensive mastermind Jim
Johnson in the off season.
7.
Dallas Cowboys
Demarcus
Ware’s 20 sacks led the Cowboys to the league sack title in 2008.
8.
Tennessee Titans
Productive
Titan defense will likely take a step backward without Albert Haynesworth, but
they’re still plenty effective.
9.
New England Patriots
The
Patriots added veterans Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden to the mix after a down
defensive year.
10.
San Diego Chargers
Shawn
Merriman’s return and 4 games against Denver and Oakland are enough to help the
Chargers be among the top 10 fantasy defenses.