Fantasy Week 9 Defense Rankings

- The Season's Over -

Fantasy Football – Week 9 Defense Rankings

November 5, 2009

Jonathan Vilma Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

I can’t remember the last time a New Orleans Saints defense was this fantasy relevant. Most of us have probably used them as a bye week plug-in over the years, but this year is different, so far. This year, the Saints DEF has been one to own and start every week. This year, the Saints DEF is your top-ranked fantasy defense at the season’s halfway point. Crazy.

It’s not that this unit is shutting down their opponents in the traditional sense of a Steelers or Ravens DEF at its best. Hardly: the Saints are squarely in the middle of the NFL pack in points allowed at 22 per. It’s the turnovers and sacks that are making all the difference in the world here. Through 7 games, the Saints have registered 17 sacks (tied for 11th most) and a league-leading 16 interceptions and 6 (!) defensive TDs. To put that last number in perspective, 20 teams have gotten 1 TD or less from their defense; their next closest competitor in that department is the San Franciso 49ers with three. Hell, the Oakland Raiders offense has put up less TDs (5) than the Saints defense.

It feels wrong ranking this unit as our top play this week, but they’ve earned it… especially with turnover-prone QB Jake Delhomme coming to town.

1. New Orleans Saints vs. CAR
2. Green Bay Packers @ TB
3. San Francisco 49ers vs. TEN
4. Pittsburgh Steelers @ DEN
5. Baltimore Ravens @ CIN
6. New England Patriots vs. MIA
7. Atlanta Falcons vs. WSH
8. Philadelphia Eagles vs. DAL
9. Denver Broncos vs. PIT
10. Seattle Seahawks vs. DET
11. Indianapolis Colts vs. HOU
12. Arizona Cardinals @ CHI
13. New York Giants vs. SD
14. Cincinnati Bengals vs. BAL
15. Chicago Bears vs. ARZ