Defenses to Target for the 2018 Fantasy Football Season

Getting your strategy right when it comes to drafting defenses is really tough. Some people like to go early and lock up a stud defense, while others prefer to just play the matchups. However, no matter which strategy you go for there is one key element to picking your defense. Yes, matchups are important but the strength of the pass rush is a major selling point for defenses. Most quarterbacks in the NFL can have success if they are given time but under pressure that is where the best separate themselves. That is why the strength of pass rush is so important. You can have the best matchup in the league, but if you cannot get pressure on the QB he will have all the time in the world to pick defenses apart.

The biggest, and most consistent, scoring plays in team defense are sacks and turnovers. The best way to get sacks and turnovers is to get after the QB. Sure you need solid linebackers to prevent teams running the ball on you all the time. Yes you need good corners to make QBs have to hold the ball. However, the money is made by the defensive line. Eventually a player will get open even against the best coverage. However, if a good pass rush can get there fast, then the QB will need to make snap decisions, often leading to mistakes.

You may have gathered the central theme to my article here. I want good defensive lines when I look at my defense, be it streaming or a high draft pick. So without further ado, here a few defenses I am looking to target in drafts, or as streamers this season.

Defensive Targets for Fantasy Football

Denver Broncos

So the Broncos defense is not what it once was, it still has a ton of talent. Anytime you can lineup and rush the passer with Von Miller you will make the QB sweat. Throw in a defensive line containing Bradley Chubb and I am sold. The rest of the defense has enough talent to make it tough for opposing offenses, and give their pass rush time to make its impact. The Broncos had a weird season last year, they ranked 16^th among team defenses in scoring but were top-three for consistency, behind just the Vikings and Jaguars. The issue is they were consistently mediocre, only being startable in 10-team leagues four times. However, I expect things to be different this year. The addition of Chubb should add that x-factor that will allow to the Broncos to finish the season a top-five scoring defense.

Los Angeles Chargers

This team has suffered its fair share of injuries and those injuries may have lessened the defense in the eyes of some. However, you should not underestimate a defense which boasts the rushing talents of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Those two are a two-man wrecking crew. The rest of the defense may not be as strong as others but they just need to be competent to give these guys chance to work. Corey Liuget coming back into the center of the defensive line after his four-game suspension should only strengthen it further. When you add in that the Chargers face three offenses that have questions marks twice this year, then they are definitely a defense to take seriously in 2018.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons defense absolutely fascinates me. There are not many better collections of young talent in the entire league than the Falcons have on defense. Last year they did not manage to put their mark down, ranking just 19^th in fantasy points scored. However, they were fairly consistent in their performances, ranking ninth in consistency in 2017. This year I expect them to take another step thanks to the improvements I see them making in their pass rush. Takkarist McKinley should start most games for them and, after getting six sacks in a part-time role last season, he has the potential to be very effective. In addition, up the middle they have added Deadrin Senat alongside Grady Jarrett. Senat is not a big name but he has an explosive motion that often sees him threatening QBs. Together they should help the Falcons be more consistent in getting pressure through the middle of the defense. If they can get more consistent pressure they have the players on the backend to make it count. This defense should be a lot of fun to watch and could legitimately make a case for a top-five defense come the end of the season.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns did not do much right last year but they at least showed some consistency in their defensive scoring, ranking seventh. It is tough to take anything too seriously from Hard Knocks but one thing that has impressed me is the talent of Myles Garrett. He and the Browns in general have enough skill on defense to cause opposing offenses trouble. Garrett will be a menace on his own if teams leave him one-on-one, and he can create opportunities for others if teams double him. This defense will have its teething problems due to its youth and inexperience but ultimately there is a ton of talent on the roster. Expect the Browns to be a regular streaming defense in 2018.

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