X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Ranking the Best and Worst NFL Defenses: NFC West

Defenses matter a lot in fantasy football. If you can draft and matchup the right players against sub-par defenses, you have a recipe for success. It’s not as easy as just looking at the best and worst defenses from 2014 though, and that’s why we’re here to help.

In this eight article series, we’re going to take a look at all the defenses in the NFL. We’ll look at whether or not teams have improved for 2015, and dive into the passing and rushing defensive potential of every NFL team, one division at a time.

Today we are taking a look at the NFC West passing and rushing defenses, and their outlook for the 2015 fantasy football season. When this series is over, you will have a great grasp of which defenses to target for plus matchups.

Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a new, awesome, highly customizable and free option for year-round commissioner & dynasty leagues, something more capable than Yahoo, better looking than CBS, and built from the ground up with fantasy football in mind, play free fantasy football with our friends at Fleaflicker. Sign up your league on Fleaflicker, and get a Full Season Premium Subscription for FREE.

 

NFC West Passing Defense Rankings

Stats listed are: 1) 2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA, 2) Fantasy Points against QBs, 3) Fantasy Points against WRs, per ESPN

 

Arizona Cardinals

2014 Rankings: 14, 22, 17

The Cardinals secondary played better than their ranking last season. Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie both finished the 2014 season as pro bowlers. Jerraud Powers and Peterson were the 11th best cornerback duo in a supporting role and leading role by adjusted success rate, according to Football Outsiders.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

Losing Cromartie and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to the Jets will hurt. Peterson is great, but there isn’t enough support for him on the Cardinals defense.

 

San Fransisco 49ers

2014 Rankings: 4, 6, 15

Strong safety Antoine Bethea was a Pro Bowler and Chris Culliver was the fifth best cornerback in a supporting role by adjusted success rate, according to FBO.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

The 49ers had arguably the worst off-season of any team. They parted ways with their great head coach Jim Harbaugh, and lost five time first-team All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis to retirement. Promising rookie linebacker Chris Borland also shocked the team with an early retirement. The 49ers defense also lost two good cornerbacks, the aforementioned Culliver (to the Redskins) and cornerback Perrish Cox (to the Titans). It doesn't end there, the 49ers then lost two great pass rushers: oft troubled Aldon Smith (who was released recently) and Justin Smith to retirement.

The 49ers signed cornerback Shareece Wright (Chargers), linebacker Phillip Wheeler (Dolphins), and used their second round pick used on Samford safety Jaquiski Tartt. The 49ers pass defense will really struggle this season.

 

St. Louis Rams

2014 Rankings: 20, 10, 25

Janoris Jenkins and rookie E.J. Gaines proved to be a good cornerback duo last season. Gaines was the ninth best cornerback in a leading role, according to FBO, but the rest of the secondary were too young and not yet ready to take the next step.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Ten

The Rams were set to return all 11 of their defensive starters from last season until E.J. Gaines suffered a season ending injury during week 1 of preseason. However, having 10 returning players and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams entering his second season should alleviate growing pains for the replacement and help bring this very young pass defense to top-ten status.

 

Seattle Seahawks

2014 Rankings: 3, 1, 1

Everyone knows about the Legion of Boom.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Five

The Seahawks couldn’t pay everyone, so they cut ties with cornerback Byron Maxwell (to the Eagles). The Seahawks replaced him with cornerbacks Cary Williams (from the Eagles) and Will Blackmon (from the Jaguars), who will fit right in to a ready-made scheme alongside Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas.

 

NFC West Rushing Defense Rankings

Per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

 

Arizona Cardinals

2014 Ranking: 6, 4

The Cardinals overcame the torn ACL of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to become a top ten rush defense. Defensive end Calais Campbell gave the team a Pro Bowl effort and nose tackle Dan Williams was the run stuffer the team needed.

2015 Projected Rush Defense Ranking: Top Ten

This offseason the Cardinals lost Williams (to the Raiders) and fellow defensive tackle Dockett (to the 49ers). The team shored up the defensive line this offseason using their second round pick on Missouri defensive end Markus Golden in the second round, who can play the run well. In free agency, the team signed defensive end LaMarr Woodley (from the Raiders), outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (from the Falcons), defensive end Cory Redding (from the Colts), and defensive tackle Corey Peters (from the Falcons). All of these signings will help keep this team a top-ten rush defense yet again.

 

San Fransisco 49ers

2014 Ranking: 10, 7

The defense was always good under the tenure of Harbaugh, but towards the end of the 2014 nfl season everything sputtered out of control.

2015 Projected Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

In free agency the 49ers signed defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (from the Cardinals), but lost defensive lineman Ray McDonald (to the Bears). With the 17th pick they drafted defensive end Arik Armstead from Oregon, although he won’t be too much of a factor in his rookie year. The losses of Willis and Borland and the mass player turnover will prove costly.

 

St. Louis Rams

2014 Ranking: 4, 6

Arguably the best defensive line in football held their own last season.

2015 Projected Rush Defense Ranking: Top Five

The offseason saw the Rams make minimal moves. They lost defensive tackle Kendall Langford (to the Colts), but signed another very good defensive tackle Nick Fairley (from the Lions). Everyone else is returning to this team; look for reigning defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald to really take off.

 

Seattle Seahawks

2014 Ranking: 2, 2

Although the Hawks didn’t have the greatest start, they finished really strong. Michael Bennett led the best defense in football with seven sacks.

2015 Projected Rush Defense Ranking: Top Five

The losses of defensive end O’Brien Schofield (to the Falcons) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (to the Raiders) will be forgotten quickly. The team brought in defensive tackle Ahyba Rubin, who was once a good run stuffer, and drafted Michigan defensive end Frank Clark in the second round.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Onyeka Okongwu30 mins ago

Remains Out Thursday
Dejounte Murray39 mins ago

Questionable With Back Soreness
Kyle Farmer1 hour ago

Starting At Second On Opening Day
Jordan Romano1 hour ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Gerrit Cole1 hour ago

Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured List
Elly De La Cruz2 hours ago

Batting In Six-Hole On Opening Day
Marco Luciano2 hours ago

Giants Option Marco Luciano, Blake Sabol
Anthony DeSclafani2 hours ago

Goes On 60-Day Injured List
Anthony Rendon2 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff On Opening Day
Robert Stephenson2 hours ago

Angels Officially Place Robert Stephenson On Injured List
Wander Franco2 hours ago

Placed On Administrative Leave
Aaron Ekblad2 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Will Benson2 hours ago

Batting Second For The Reds On Thursday
Nikita Kucherov3 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto3 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Corbin Burnes3 hours ago

Faces Off With Angels On Opening Day
Valeri Nichushkin3 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard3 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins3 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist3 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear3 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Keita Bates-Diop3 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season
Dyson Daniels4 hours ago

Remains Out On Thursday But Nearing Return
LaMelo Ball4 hours ago

Ruled Out For Rest Of 2023-24
Jose Alvarado4 hours ago

Questionable To Face Milwaukee
Jaden Springer4 hours ago

Considered Questionable
Xavier Tillman4 hours ago

Sr. Questionable Thursday
Gabe Vincent4 hours ago

Expected To Return To Action On Sunday
Al Horford15 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report
Derrick White15 hours ago

Off The Injury Report
Kris Bryant16 hours ago

In A "Great Place" Physically
Nick Lodolo16 hours ago

Reds Place Nick Lodolo On 15-Day Injured List
TJ Friedl16 hours ago

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Aaron Gordon17 hours ago

Cleared To Face Phoenix
Michael Porter17 hours ago

Jr. Good To Go Wednesday
Nikola Jokic17 hours ago

Playing Against Phoenix
Jackson Chourio17 hours ago

Will Start In Right Field Friday
Jrue Holiday17 hours ago

Might Return On Thursday
Khris Middleton17 hours ago

Expected To Play On Thursday Night
Joel Embiid17 hours ago

To Return Soon?
Jamal Murray18 hours ago

Out Again On Wednesday
Jake Odorizzi18 hours ago

Starting At Triple-A
Rudy Gobert18 hours ago

Ready To Rock Against Pistons
LeBron James18 hours ago

Officially Active Against Memphis
Eduardo Rodriguez18 hours ago

Starts Throwing Program
Anthony Davis18 hours ago

Won't Play Against Grizzlies
Garrett Mitchell18 hours ago

Will Miss 6-8 Weeks
Alek Manoah18 hours ago

Likely To Start On Injured List
Chad Green18 hours ago

To Lead Closer Committee In Toronto?
Erik Swanson19 hours ago

Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson Officially Heading To Injured List
Mark Hubbard20 hours ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson20 hours ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia20 hours ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen21 hours ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers21 hours ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers21 hours ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers22 hours ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark22 hours ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers23 hours ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels23 hours ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby23 hours ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds23 hours ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA1 day ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry1 day ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox1 day ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak1 day ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan1 day ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg1 day ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn1 day ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby1 day ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin1 day ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord1 day ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala1 day ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler1 day ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder1 day ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen1 day ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama1 day ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin1 day ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher3 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley3 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr3 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR3 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen3 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain3 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
Rose Namajunas6 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Amanda Ribas6 days ago

Set For Main-Event Matchup

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More