X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

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
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Sleeper Defenses for the 2015 Fantasy Football Season

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to the fantasy football draft season, where we like to dominate our drafts and win some leagues. It's to get those draft engines started.

Drafting or starting the right defense for your fantasy football teams can be a key component to success, and in this column you will find some sleeper defenses that you should consider drafting.

Editor's Note: Be sure to also read about more fantasy football defense rankings & analysis, all in one easy place. You can also click here and find more defense sleepers and undervalued defenses that can return big time draft value based on their current ADPs.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

First Four Matchups: @HOU, DEN, @GB, @CIN

The Chiefs get a very tough start to the season, but this could help owners get this unit at a discounted price. The matchup with Green Bay in particular could be a nightmare for this defensive unit. There's also a visit from Peyton Manning and the Broncos too. After those first four weeks though, things get a lot better for this team. They still have Justin Houston who racked up 22 sacks in 2014, and they get Eric Berry back in the secondary. So if you can stomach the potential early season struggles, this unit could be very fun to own in fantasy.

The Chiefs were the epitome of "bend don't break" last season as they finished 28th in the league in rushing yards allowed, but yet they only allowed four rushing touchdowns. This is good in the sense that it minimizes damage to fantasy rosters, and also forces a team to pass the ball in the redzone. The bad news is that they could still be vulnerable to the running game this year.

Aside from Justin Houstin, they still have LB Tamba Hali who can still be very useful in the pass rush, but he's no longer the pass rushing terror he was in his previous seasons. However, Hali was also not a particularly effective run stopper. LB Derrick Johnson missed most of 2014 with torn Achilles, but should be ready to start the season. The 2005 first rounder is in the twilight of his career though, so it remains to be seen how much of a factor he can be. Even so, his best asset was always pass coverage. The fourth linebacker slot is undetermined as of now with James-Michael Johnson, Dee Ford, and Josh Mauga all being options. Johnson and Mauga did not play well in 2014, and Ford played off the bench. Ford was another first rounder, but he's also better at chasing QB's than stopping the run.

On the defensive line, there's more of the same story. NT Dontari Poe, reached a career high in sacks in 2014, but he disappointed badly in the run game after showing potential in that aspect the year before. DE Jaye Howard was unimpressive in his first season as a starter, and DE Mike Devito, whose main claim to fame is stopping the run, had his season end early due to an Achilles injury.

The secondary could be pretty strong for the Chiefs this year as Sean Smith was one of the top cover cornerbacks in the league last year. Rookie Marcus Peters is the favorite to win the other starting corner job Peters has cover skills, but he will have some growing pains so expect the occasional long TD at his expense. Once he settles  in though, and if the pass rush helps him a bit, don't be surprised if he racks up some INTs as QB's avoid Smith.

The talent is there, particularly when it comes to rushing the quarterback. If the run defense can improve in 2015 and they can continue to exhibit scoring ability on defense, this unit can have a lot of upside based on their ability to be a good scoring defense. The sacks, forced fumbles, and other takeaways should help mitigate any porousness in the running game.

 

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.

 

Indianapolis Colts

First Four Matchups: @BUF, NYJ, @TEN, JAC

If you're looking for an underrated D/ST unit, look no further than the Colts. They have four games with weak rushing offenses in the Falcons, Bucs, and the Titans twice. The toughest running games they will see are the Jets, Panthers, and Texans twice, but the Texans recently lost Arian Foster to a groin injury. Their competition in the passing game isn't particularly intimidating either, although they will face four top passing games in the Saints, Steelers, Falcons, and Broncos.

Indianapolis was right around the league average in rushing yards allowed with 1,814 yards, and opposing offenses were able to gain 4.3 yards per rush while scoring 14 rushing TD in 2014. Similar to the Chiefs, the Colts lack an impact run stopper. Their D-line will be made up of DE Kendall Langford, NT Josh Chapman, and DE Arthur Jones this season. Langford has never been much of a run stopper and is more of a guy used as a sub off the bench; just as the Rams utilized him in 2014. Chapman is serviceable against the run, but was also ONLY on the field on first down and running situations. Lastly, Jones really isn't much of an asset against the pass rush and he's also slipping in terms of stopping the run.

The Colts were ninth in the league in sacks with 41 in 2014, and limited teams through the air by allowing the 12th lowest amount of passing yards. They only had 12 INT despite this, but look for that to improve this season. Vontae Davis has developed into one of the league's best cornerbacks, not allowing a single TD catch against him in the 2014 season. The rest of the secondary isn't quite as strong. CB Greg Toler had teams score nine TDs on his watch last season, and receivers reeled in 70 passes for 903 yards on 125 targets against him. Safety Dwight Lowery is also a bit of a liability in coverage. Mike Adams is coming off his best season in terms of defending the pass, but at age 34 it'll be interesting to see if he can duplicate last year's success.

As for the linebackers, the Colts' best pass rusher in Robert Mathis returns after an Achilles injury ended his season early. The only caveat is he won't be back until around midseason. He's 34, but I still think he has something left in the tank. Bjoern Werner was not able to fill Mathis' shoes very well last year as he only amassed five sacks and was average at best in the run game. However, he can still improve as this is only his third year in the NFL. D'Qwell Jackson started slow last season, but he was very effective in run protection during the second half. Jerrell Freeman is a subpar run defender, but makes up for it by being fairly adept at pass coverage. Last, but certainly not least, is Trent Cole as he will look to boost the LB core with his above average pass rushing ability and solid run stopping.

They have their flaws, but they should be able to get after the QB and force some mistakes. It helps that their offense can contribute to their defense as well if they can force the opposing teams to abandon the run. They're not a shutdown defense, but they can rack up the points on any given week. Even if the game isn't a blowout, they're strong enough that they won't hurt your fantasy team.

 

Cleveland Browns

First Four Matchups: @NYJ, TEN, OAK, @SD,

The Cleveland Browns make for an interesting D/ST unit because while they have the second-hardest schedule of any run defense (eight matchups against above-average ground games), they also have the fourth-easiest schedule in terms of passing. They have a whopping 10 games against the more underwhelming aerial assaults in the league.

The Browns were absolutely gashed on the ground last year as they gave up the most rushing yards in the league with 2,265. Their best run defender, DE Jabaal Sheard, is a member of the Pats now, but Cleveland addressed this by selecting three defensive linemen in the first three rounds of the draft. NT Danny Shelton shifts into the starting lineup as a run stopper with some pass rushing capability. Phil Taylor is back this season and the team added Randy Starks via free agency, but look for the rookies to try and bolster that line in 2015.

The linebackers are a different story for the Browns as there is some talent here. Karlos Dansby is still great in pass coverage despite being 33 now, and Barkevious Mingo improved in his sophomore season,  particularly against the run.

Despite a low sack total, the Browns were still very good at defending the pass. In large part this is thanks to Joe Haden being an elite cornerback. Donte Whitner and Tashaun Gipson were no slouches either as Gibson was excellent in coverage while Whitner was great in run support (hence the short-lived nickname "Hitner"). Buster Skrine departed in the offseason so last year's first-rounder, Justin Gilbert, is going to have to settle into the #2 corner role quickly. Having Tramon Williams though will add some veteran leadership at corner.

The Browns have the tools, but will it translate? I know their performance against the run last year may scare some away, but the fact that they will get their share of takeaways is worth taking a gamble on. They've made some improvements and Duke Johnson will also boost them with his skills as a returner as he could take a few kicks to the house.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Atlanta Falcons

Nick Nash Has An Opportunity With Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Exercise Fifth-Year Option On Drake London
Ketel Marte

Likely To Return This Weekend
A.J. Puk

Won't Need Surgery, Won't Throw For 2-3 Weeks
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Could Be Forced To Injured List With Oblique Injury
Jeimer Candelario

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Spine Strain
Patrick Rodgers

A Solid Value Play At TPC Craig Ranch
Jamal Murray

Explodes For 43 Points In Game 5
Carson Young

Looking To Recapture Form At CJ Cup
Jayson Tatum

Fires In 35 Points In Series-Clincher
Matt McCarty

An Intriguing Value Play At CJ Cup
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Logs Massive Triple-Double In Game 5
Maxi Kleber

Listed As Questionable For Game 5
Will Zalatoris

Searching For Putting Form At CJ Cup
Rob Dillingham

Out On Wednesday
Jae'Sean Tate

Still Out On Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Listed As Probable For Wednesday
Jack Eichel

Notches Two Assists In Game 5 Victory
Sam Stevens

A Risky Play With Upside At CJ Cup
PGA

Sungjae Im Riding Momentum Into CJ Cup
Sebastian Aho

Sends Hurricanes To Round 2
Ben Griffin

Looking To Stay Hot After First Career Win
Jake Knapp

Looking For More Success At TPC Craig Ranch
Linus Ullmark

Records Shutout In Elimination Game
Brady Tkachuk

Extends Point Streak To Four Games
Mackenzie Hughes

Is An Interesting Option At CJ Cup
Pavel Dorofeyev

Doesn't Finish Game 5
Filip Gustavsson

Exits Early Due To Illness
Aaron Ekblad

Slapped With Two-Game Suspension
Aldrich Potgieter

Trending Downward For CJ Cup
Taylor Pendrith

Plays Well In Houston Recently
PGA

Niklas Norgaard May Not Be Cut Out For Texas
Rasmus Hojgaard

Could Be Up Or Down In Texas
Ben Rice

Smacks Two Homers To End Slump
Jorge Polanco

Hits Two More Homers, Drives In Five
Scottie Scheffler

The Untouchable Favorite At CJ Cup
Tom Kim

A Popular Name To Avoid At TPC Craig Ranch
Austin Eckroat

Looking To Find Success Again At TPC Craig Ranch
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Set To Start Wednesday
Shota Imanaga

Exits With Leg Cramps
Ben Kohles

Finishes Tied For 59th At Corales Puntacana Championship
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For Second At Corales Puntacana Championship
Beau Hossler

Finishes Tied For 60th At Valero Texas Open
Doug Ghim

Finishes Tied For 18th At the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

Finishes Tied For 18th At RBC Heritage
George Kirby

"Feeling Great," Could Throw Again On Sunday
Tyler Fitzgerald

Returning To Starting Nine
Josh Lowe

Progressing Well, Could Play In Rehab Games On Saturday
Shane McClanahan

Begins "Throwing-Like" Activities
Patrik Laine

Remains Day-To-Day
Gabriel Vilardi

On Track To Return Wednesday
Brandon Hagel

Ruled Out For Game 5
Marcus Johansson

Returns To Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Won't Start On Wednesday
Dylan Moore

Placed On 10-Day Injured List With Hip Inflammation
Jonas Siegenthaler

Considered A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Brett Pesce

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Back In Tuesday's Lineup
Frederik Andersen

Unavailable Tuesday
Aaron Nesmith

Upgraded To Available
Las Vegas Raiders

Jack Bech A Strong Candidate To Be An Immediate Starter
Las Vegas Raiders

Zamir White Competing For Depth Role
New York Jets

Mason Taylor To Immediately Be Atop Jets Tight End Depth Chart
Bennedict Mathurin

Cleared For Game 5
Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid Setting Up As Post-Hype Sleeper In 2025?
Denver Broncos

Dre Greenlaw Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold To Take Over 90% Of The Snaps
Tennessee Titans

Titans In No Rush To Trade Will Levis
Daulton Varsho

Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Says He Knows He's Ready To Start For Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Picking Up Fifth-Year Option On Dax Hill
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Apply Unrestricted Free-Agent Tender To J.K. Dobbins
Seattle Seahawks

Jaren Hall Cut Loose By Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Compare Josh Simmons To Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater
Denver Broncos

Pat Bryant Compared To Michael Thomas
Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey Could Do It All For Broncos
Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Likely To Man The X Spot For Panthers
Green Bay Packers

Packers, Jaire Alexander Continue To Discuss Potential Reunion
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Discussed George Pickens With Steelers
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs To Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis
Washington Commanders

Matt Gays Signs One-Year Deal With Commanders
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Brandin Podziemski

Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Jimmy Butler III

Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Jarrett Allen

Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Brandon Boston Jr.

Recovering From Ankle Surgery
Kelly Olynyk

Undergoes Heel Procedure
Aaron Nesmith

Probable For Tuesday's Action
Nathan MacKinnon

Has Two Points In Losing Effort
Martin Necas

Records Two Assists In Game 5 Loss
Mikko Rantanen

Tallies Three Points In Monday's Win
Wyatt Johnston

Leads Stars To Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Returns To Winning Ways
Anton Lundell

Earns Two Points Monday
Brandon Hagel

Departs Loss Early
Riley Greene

Homers Twice On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

Exits Monday's Win Early
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Active For Game 4
Isaiah Stewart

Uncertain For Game 5
Michael Porter Jr.

Expected To Play In Game 5
Brandon Nimmo

Has Career Game
Russell Westbrook

Questionable For Tuesday Night
Tyler Glasnow

Going On The Injured List
Jaylen Brown

Back On The Injury Report
Luis Arraez

Expected To Return On Tuesday
William Byron

Ends With A Strong Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Bad Luck Continues With Talladega Crash
Kyle Larson

Has A Career-Best Performance At Talladega
Ian Machado Garry

Gets Back On Track With UFC Kansas City Win
Brad Keselowski

Talladega Run Ends Early After Crashing
Carlos Prates

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Zhang Mingyang

Still Undefeated In The UFC
Anthony Smith

Retires After UFC Kansas City Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous Decision Loss
Giga Chikadze

Takes Unanimous-Decision Loss
David Onama

Extends Win Streak At UFC Kansas City
Michel Pereira

Drops Decision At UFC Kansas City
Abus Magomedov

Extends His Win Streak
Nicolas Dalby

Gets Finished For The First Time
Randy Brown

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ikram Aliskerov

Gets First-Round TKO Finish At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Gets TKO'd At UFC Kansas City
Chase Elliott

Recovers from Speeding Penalty to Finish Fifth
Joey Logano

Finishes Last at Talladega After Disqualification for Missing Spoiler Brace
Ryan Preece

Loses Talladega Race First in Photo Finish Then in Post-Race Inspection
NASCAR

Poor Toyota Strategy Arguably Cost Bubba Wallace Winning Chances at Talladega
Christopher Bell

Unhurt After Hard Contact with Inside Retaining Wall
Chase Elliott

Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
NASCAR

DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Is Austin Cindric Worth Rostering For Talladega DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Is A Solid, Safe, DFS Choice For Talladega Lineups
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon A Viable DFS Play At Talladega This Week?
Josh Berry

Qualifies Too High At Talladega To Be Worth Rostering In DFS
Michael McDowell

Should DFS Players Take A Shot On Michael McDowell At Talladega?
Noah Gragson

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play For Talladega
Denny Hamlin

Probably Qualified Too Well for DFS Consideration
Kyle Larson

Increasingly Undervalued Due to His Crashing, but Still a Great DFS Option
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City