2008 Big Board Rankings: The Defenses
A couple of teams stood out when I was ranking these. Pittsburgh’s D had a relatively disappointing year last year. When I looked at the numbers I found that the Steeler’s led the NFL by far in yards allowed yet had surprisingly few turnovers. It was almost flukey how few turnovers they ended up with. If they keep stifling teams on yardage and somehow luck into a few more turnovers, they’ll be a top 3 unit. Another underrated unit is the Seahawks. If you miss out on a top 3, you’ll be fine. They finished top 6 last year and play in an awful division.
2008 Big Board Defenses (Start 1/Draft 1 or 2)
1. Chargers 9 B+ 7 (2nd D)
Most 20 point weeks in 2007. They allow a lot of yards but balance it out with heavy turnovers (INTs).
2. Steelers 6 C- 9 (4th D)
They’re not getting love from magazine prognosticators but they led the league by far in yards allowed. It was, I believe, an anomaly they barely got turnovers. If they get a few more turnovers, they’ll be top 5 for sure and steady.
3. Patriots 4 C 9 (5th D)
Can’t ignore 2007 totals even with the loss of Samuel.
4. Seahawks 4 C- 11 (8th D)
No losses. Came in 3rd in 2007. Some streaky weeks but they play in a bad division and will be underrated.
5. Cowboys 10 B 9 (6th D)
Steady. Nothing flashy. They won’t burn you.
6. Vikings 8 B+ 7 (1st D)
Most D TDs in 2007 which may seem they are a bit of a fluke. I think they’re overrated based on that. They’ll get scary sack totals but they were extremely heaven/hell in 2007.
7. Jaguars 7 B 10 (7th D)
Ball control offense won’t get turnovers. Very steady corp in JAX.
8. Colts 4 B- 11 (9th D)
No flash, few yards allowed. Steady. Injuries on D hurt in 2007 and could hurt going into 2008. Watch camp/preseason.
9. Giants 4 B+ 13 (11th D)
Led the league in Sacks last year after an awful start.
10. Packers 8 B 13 (10th D)
Great depth and a great combo of turnovers vs yards allowed last year.
11. Bears 8 C 9 (3rd D)
Great talent. Hoping last year was a fluke.
12. Titans 6 D+ 13 (12th D)
INTS and Sacks kept them Titans in games.
13. Bucs 10 C+ 13 (13th D)
2nd fewest yards allowed. Ball control offense.
14. Ravens 6 C- 13 (14th)
Poor 2007 output due to injuries. Could be a bargain if they can regain any 2006 form whatsoever.
15. Eagles 7 C+ 13 (15th)
Best corner tandem in NFL
16. Bills 6 B+ 14 (17th)
Great playoff schedule. Numbers take a hit playing Pats twice.
17. Broncos 8 A- UND
Great SB schedule.
18. Redskins 10 B 14 (18th)
19. Arizona 7 D- UND
Great against the run.
20. Detroit 4 C UND
Play a crappy division.