Drafting Fantasy Football Defenses in 2009

Drafting a top tier fantasy defense should be a priority for every team owner. For those of you not paying attention – the drop off between a the top ranked defense and the number 10 defense is almost 100 points per fantasy season. In a 13 game fantasy season that equates to 7.69 points per game.

Look back at last season and check to see how many games you lost by 7 points or less. How many more fantasy football games would you of won if you had drafted the Pittsburgh D or Baltimore D instead of the San Diego D or Atlanta D.

When drafting a fantasy football defense here are the qualities I look for:

• An impact player on defense, one who can change the game with a single player. For example: Troy Polamalu or James Harrison of the Steelers, Ray Lewis of the Ravens, Shawne Merriman of the Chargers.
• How many of the the previous years defensive players are returning.
• Study the fantasy points scored against the defense not the actual points scored against the team.
• How strong is the teams offense. The longer the offense is on the field the less time you have to worry about the defense giving up points.

With all that in mind the earliest round I would draft a fantasy defense would be in the 6th round after I have already drafted 2 running backs, 2 wide recievers and 1 quarterback.

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Here are my top 10 fantasy football defenses for 2009:

1. Pittsburg Steelers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. New England Patriots
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. New York Giants
6. Minnesota Vikings
7. New York Jets
8. Chicago Bears
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Dallas Cowboys