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8/29/01
Email Tim
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We've assigned numerous writers to cover every player we ranked
so you'll get multiple opinions of 150 players. We've also tallied
up the average projections and rankings for each position as well.
One of the best tools is the fantasy values that each player has
assigned so you'll have a great idea of how big the drop-offs are
at each position.
FantasyRef is sponsoring
the whole project. We have updated our rankings for Forecast to
accommodate the latest preseason injuries and performances. They
can be found at:
FantasyRef
Forecast Updated Rankings
The Writers involved in the FantasyRef Forecast will be:
We have had such a great response that we at Forecast are creating a new email
update. It will include our latest views on players as the preseason
and season rolls on. It is a great way to stay updated on the fantasy
players as you creep closer to your draft. You can sign up for it
at: Forecast
Email
We will rank the players in the following system:
- Every Sack is worth one fantasy point
- Every Turnover is worth two fantasy points
- Every Safety is worth three fantasy points
- Every Touchdown is worth six fantasy points
| 1. B A L T I M O R E: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 43 |
25 |
22 |
5 |
164 |
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Bellinger's Scouting Report
Who says defense can't win you games?!? It won the Ravens a Super
Bowl last season with arguably one of the weakest offences ever
to play in a Super Bowl, never mind win it! This defense was so
dominant last year that many were not even considering comparing
them against other teams in 2000. Rather, a solid case was being
made to compare them as one of the greatest defenses ever. Last
season, the Ravens posted four shutouts, set a new record for fewest
points allowed smashing the old record by 22 points and have 10
out of 11 starters back from last season. LB Ray Lewis is Mr. Everywhere
while Tony "Belly Flop" Siragusa and Sam Adams (run stuffers) and
Rob Burnett and Michael McCrary (harass opposing QBs into countless
hurries and sacks) make up one of the most dominant front fours
in football. Meanwhile Peter Boulware ably assists Lewis in pressuring
QBs while the secondary is led by future hall-of-fames Rod Woodson
and two of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL in Duane Starks
and Chris McAlister. Okay, so they have a slight weakness covering
deep routes but how many quarterbacks have the luxury of waiting
long enough for those routes to open up.
Fantasy Rating: 99.5
| 2. T A M P A B A
Y: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 56 |
22 |
11 |
6 |
158 |
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Gono's Scouting Report
The Bucs were expecting to lose Ronde Barber in free agency, but
when offers came in less than he expected he resigned with a loaded
Buc team. Simeon Rice makes an appearance this year after signing
a 5-year deal (which he'll only play one year of with the Bucs),
the Bucs have fortified an already strong front with four first
round picks (Sapp, MacFarland, Rice, M.Jones). Speaking of Warren
Sapp, he's come into camp 30 lbs lighter, looks fantastic, and has
set his goals on Mark Gastineau's 22 sacks in a year record. Says
he doesn't think a convict should own the record… OK. While most
will be watching Rice to see if he actually plays the run this year,
as opposed to how he avoided it in Arizona, we say keep an eye on
Marcus Jones who has moved over, to accommodate Rice, to the other
side. Buc insiders are looking at Jones to possibly lead the team
in sacks this year. Have you ever seen the guy? He looks like Michael
Clarke Duncan with an attitude. HUGE! Derrick Brooks has finally
come into camp after a 10-day holdout, and with the number of injuries
hampering the Bucs; maybe it was good he stayed off the field. Expect
Jamie Duncan to grow a little more this year in his second year
starting at Middle Linebacker. Dexter Jackson takes over for the
departed Damien Robinson. Jackson is another player the Bucs feel
they've groomed well enough to step in for a higher-priced veteran
and the team won't skip a beat ala Duncan and MacFarland. In special
teams, the Bucs are still short of a quality return man. Thoughts
are that Aaron Stecker would have been that guy last year had he
not been burnt out from the NFL Europe season. So he comes in fresh
and joins reliable but unspectacular Karl Williams for return duties.
Fantasy Rating: 97.0
| 3. T E N N E S S E E: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 59 |
15 |
12 |
7 |
155 |
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Ludwig's Scouting Report
Not a lot of changes except for the arrival of Kevin Carter and
departure of Kenny Holmes, Denard Walker and Marcus Robertson. Carter
will set up on the opposite side of Jevon Kearse and possibly end
up as the bets pair of pass-rushing defensive ends in the league.
Hint to opposing offenses: Run to the outside, right by them. Kearse
and Carter are also coming off of disappointing seasons after incredible
'99s. We expect them to help each other get back on track. Randall
Godfrey, Eddie Robinson and Greg Favors are a decent linebacking
crew with Godfrey as the star. The D-backfield is headed now by
Samari Rolle and Blaine Bishop: Interceptions and tackle specialists.
Also, Josh Evans returns from a drug suspension that cost him last
season.
Fantasy Rating: 96.0
| 4. M I A M I: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 42 |
26 |
14 |
4 |
146 |
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Bond's Scouting Report
The Dolphins have returned most of the same players that led them
to the third lowest scoring defense in the league. The keys to the
defense are the defensive tackles Darryl Gardener and Tim Bowens.
It is because of them that linebacker Zach Taylor can make plays
and pile on so he gets noticed by the commentators. Along with the
defensive tackles, cornerback Sam Madison is the star. Madison is
not only a great cover man but also he can take the rock to the
house.
The injuries to Bowens and Surtain, plus the loss of pass rush specialist
Trace Armstrong, will place pressure on the defense to stop opponent's
passing games in the first few weeks. Those playing in leagues where
yardage and opponent scoring is how defense is scored should look
for Miami as one of the top-10 but we would keep them near the back
of the top-10 until Surtain and Bowens returns. Their 2001 schedule
doesn't include many top scoring teams from 2000.
Individual Defensive Players to be chosen from Miami include Jason
Taylor, Zach Thomas and Brian Walker.
Fantasy Rating: 93.0
| 5. N E W O R L E
A N S: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 60 |
20 |
10 |
4 |
144 |
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Kellog's Scouting Report
The Saints are one of my favorite defenses this year. They are a
team that creates pressure without blitzing. Don't get me wrong,
they will blitz. It's just that they don't NEED to. Because of that
they are very adept at creating sacks and turnovers. These things
lead to defensive scores. With Ricky Williams back, and Deuce McAlister
backing him up the running game should also be strong meaning that
the offense will eat the clock and should have opponents playing
from behind. I see the Saints as a top five team this year.
Fantasy Rating: 92.0
| 6. N . Y. G I A N
T S: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 50 |
23 |
12 |
3 |
138 |
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Ludwig's Scouting Report
The Giants are a defense that I fully expect to repeat their success
from last year. They will stuff the run with great success in 2001.
They have one of the best front seven's in the NFL. It includes
such players as Michael Strahan, Kenny Holmes, Jesse Armstead and
Michael Barrow. The key to a great defense is the ability to stop
the run and pressure the quarterback. The Giants front seven can
also sack the quarterback. Their defensive line of Strahan (9.5
sacks), Holmes (8 sacks), Keith Hamilton (10 sacks) and Cornelius
Griffin (5 sacks) combined for a total of 32.5 sacks in 2000. If
a team attacks them through the air, they will have to contend with
the likes of Jason Sehorn. On special teams, you will have second
year Ron /Dixon and rookie Wil Allen. Both have the speed and ability
to take it to the house. The defense and special teams of the New
York Giants appear to be one of the best on paper. This should also
translate to a nice defense for a fantasy team in 2001.
Fantasy Rating: 90.0
| 7. D E N V E R: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 42 |
22 |
12 |
5 |
137 |
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Kellog's Scouting Report
Denver is an intriguing defense this year. Despite being highly
thought of, Mike Shanahan fired last year's defensive coordinator
so now they under new leadership. But any team that has a strong
running game is likely to have a decent defense due to them being
off the field for a relatively large portion of the game. If your
scoring system tracks yardage or points allowed, then Denver should
finish in your top 10. In scoring systems that rely on turnovers
and defensive TDs then any defense is a crap shoot and should not
be taken until very late.
Fantasy Rating: 89.5
| 8. O A K L A N D: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 40 |
22 |
14 |
4 |
136 |
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Lackner's Scouting Report
On paper, the Raiders are very solid everywhere on defense. However,
there must have been something missing as they ranked only 17th
in the league overall last season. The fact that they were 5th in
the league against the run should tell you where their liabilities
lie. They will have to do a better job defending against the pass
if they are to be considered among the league elite in defense.
That won't be any easier this year going up against the pass-happy
offenses of the Broncos and Chiefs (not to mention the improving
Seahawks and Chargers) in their division. Still, the "Raidas" managed
to force 37 turnovers and 43 sacks, which are lofty numbers where
it really counts in fantasy scoring. And adding Trace Armstrong
with his 16.5 sacks can do nothing but help the situation -- with
or without Darrell Russell, who will serve a 4-game suspension.
If your plan is to load up on position players in the draft and
wait until the very end for a defense, the Raiders' "D" could be
just what the doctor ordered.
Fantasy Rating: 89.0
| 9. P H I L A D E L P H
I A: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 49 |
18 |
14 |
3 |
131 |
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Bond's Scouting Report
While Donovan McNabb draws most of the attention, the Eagles defense
is what kept the games close in 2000. They finished fourth overall
in scoring defense. The strength of the defense is the defensive
line with Corey Simon, Hollis Thomas, and Hugh Douglass. The secondary
is also strong with cover corners Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor
plus excellent free safety Brian Dawkins. The weakness for the Eagles
is that they struggle with teams that push the run. Hello New York
Giants.
The Eagles should be a top-10 team in scoring systems that emphasize
yardage and points against. The division they play in is not strong
offensively and beyond the opening game against the Rams, they play
very few teams that will push much past two touchdowns a week against
them.
The best Individual Defensive Players on the team are Douglass,
Simon, Dawkins and Jeremiah Trotter. Trotter could be one of the
top IDPs in the league.
Fantasy Rating: 87.0
| 10. N. Y. J E T S: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 46 |
22 |
14 |
2 |
130 |
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Gono's Scouting Report
Damien Robinson leaves Tampa with new Jets head coach Herman Edwards
(former Buc defensive back coach) and the team switches to a 4-3
defense. The biggest difference will be on the front line where
John Abraham returns for his second year after an injury-ending
rookie season. Abraham came on strong last year and should continue
if not improve as he moves up to defensive end. With 4.5 sacks in
only 6 games, much is expected of Abraham this year. Shaun Ellis
moves inside where he probably won' see 8.5 sacks again. Marvin
Jones is a heavy-tackle linebacker and should continue. (Derrick
Brooks actually replaced Jones at FSU after Jones graduated. So
that should make Herman Edwards feel at home.) Aaron Glenn is another
player whose stats cannot measure his talent since he's thrown away
from so much his opportunities are lessened. Victor Green is probably
the most underrated defender in the league in my opinion. Outside
of New York, there aren't many that know of him. He blanketed receiver
upon receiver last year and delivered some of the best hits of the
season. Got a dish? Watch these guys play Indy this year and look
for number 21.
Fantasy Rating: 86.5
| 11. W A S H I N G T O
N: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 50 |
21 |
15 |
1 |
128 |
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Gono's Scouting Report
This defense will score a few TDs this year as Champ Bailey becomes
"the Man" after learning from the best in Deion Sanders and Darrell
Green last year. Bailey won't get many passes thrown his way now,
but the ones that are, will be taken back for scores. The defensive
line boasts another set of first round picks (as does most of the
defense) with Bruce Smith, Kenard Lang, Dan Wilkinson and Marco
Coleman. Lavar Arrington flew under the radar for most of last season,
but we expect him to shine this year in a BIG way. Kevin Mitchell
and Shawn Barber join him. Sam Shade will not get 81 unassisted
tackles again.
Fantasy Rating: 85.5
| 12. ST. L O U I S: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 45 |
21 |
11 |
3 |
127 |
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Gono's Scouting Report
After a horrible negative version of their record breaking offense,
the Rams defense has been over-hauled from top-to-bottom. Lovie
Smith joins Mike Martz and Co. to lead the defense. Smith was the
linebackers coach at Tampa Bay and will bring the same Cover-2 system
over. Damione Lewis and Adam Archuleta step right in as rookie starters.
Archuleta has already been compared to John Lynch, but let's not
get crazy, even Lynch took four years in the NFL to become John
Lynch. Tommy Polley, a rookie linebacker from FSU, will back up
new outside linebackers Don Davis and Mark Fields who I'm a big
fan of. Fields is a speedy LB from New Orleans and should play the
Derrick-Brooks role in this defense. Big year ahead for him. Cedric
Jones replaces Kevin Carter who replaced Kenny Holmes in Tennessee
who replaced Cedric Jones in New York… Rams got the worse end of
that deal… Grant Wistrom will be the main pass-rusher again. London
Fletcher is back for a contract year and comes off of a 105 unassisted
tackle season. Dexter McLeon is the only starting D-back returning
(funny, but wasn't he the one that was burned the most often?) Joining
him back there will be All-Pro Aeneas Williams from Arizona who
has plenty of gas left in the tank, and Kim Herring over from the
World Champion Baltimore Ravens. Expect Archuleta to tally a ton
of tackles with McLeon being the main benefactor/victim of a ton
of passes directed away from Williams. McLeon can actually be the
opposite of what you'd think a fantasy defensive owner would want.
While he'll get burned a few times, he'll get so many opportunities
now since the teams will avoid throwing Williams' way that he's
bound to get a few picks and a number of tackles.
Fantasy Rating: 85.0
| 13. S A N D I E
G O: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 45 |
18 |
12 |
3 |
123 |
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Ludwig's Scouting Report
San Diego is one of those defenses that went unnoticed by most fantasy
owners last year. After all, they gave up 310 total yards per game
in 2000. They only had 22 turnovers and 39 sacks. This is not exactly
a great resume for a fantasy defense. Times have changed in San
Diego. They signed the number one defensive lineman in free agency
in Marcellus Wiley. He brings a nice pass rush that is needed for
this defense. Wiley totaled 10.5 sacks for Buffalo in 2000. San
Diego did not stop there. They also signed cornerbacks Eric Molden
and Ryan McNeil. This should add good stability in their secondary.
Icing on the cake was the John Holecek signing just last month.
Holecek is a very good runstopper to go along side Junior Seau.
San Diego was the second best team versus the run in 2000. They
only gave up 3.0 yards per rush. The return of Raylee Johnson should
also be a huge help for their defensive line. The addition of Tim
Dwight should also help fantasy teams on the defensive/special teams
side. He is a great punt/kick off returner that is a threat to go
all the way on every return. I expect good things from San Diego
and their defense in 2001.
Fantasy Rating: 83.5
| 14. D E T R O I T: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 36 |
36 |
12 |
2 |
116 |
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Lackner's Scouting Report
If fantasy defenses have a "Sleeper", then the Detroit "D" certainly
qualifies. What's not to like? The Lions boast one of the better
front seven in the league. In fact, the Lions are so-o-o-o deep
along the defensive line, it is almost scary. The starters, Scroggins,
Ellis, Jones, and Porcher, are all Pro Bowl caliber. Charles Haley
was added as a pass rush coach which will likely help the team improve
upon its low 28-sack production of last season. In particular, look
for Porcher to improve upon his meager 8 sacks. Top reserves are
DL Alonzo Spellman, DT Kelvin Pritchett, DE James Hall, and rookie
DT Shaun Rogers. Hall has been tearing it up in the preseason, and
Rogers was considered by many to be 1st round talent when the Lions
took him at the end of the 2nd round. The LB corps is also outstanding
with MLB Stephen Boyd and Chris Clairborne leading the >way. The
secondary, which scored 25 INTs last season, is nothing to sneeze
at either. If you lose out on the obvious top 3 defenses (Baltimore,
Tampa Bay, and Tennessee), then you could do a lot worse than to
target the Detroit "D".
Fantasy Rating: 81.0
| 15. K A N S A S C
I T Y: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 50 |
16 |
10 |
2 |
114 |
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Bellinger's Scouting Report
This is a defensive unit still in search of an identity since the
death of LB Derrick Thomas. The Chiefs will be relying quite heavily
on a quartet of players. Defensive linemen Eric Hicks, who exploded
on the scene last year with 14 sacks despite missing time to injury,
and Dan Williams will anchor the defensive line while they will
be looking to both linebackers Marvcus Patton and Donnie Edwards
along with safety Jerome Woods to be big playmakers to back up the
rushers. The Chiefs lost alot of defensive edge last year but they
are looking to be more aggressive this year with new defensive coordinator
Greg Williams who recently worked with the Broncos. The Chiefs will
be relying on their excellent team speed and have brought in cornerback
Ray Crockett and lineman Rich Owens to replace departures James
Hasty and Chester McGlockton. Not that McGlockton will be missed
much. He was best at being a negative influence and a malcontent
and probably added to the Chiefs chances by taking the first wagon
train out of town.
Fantasy Rating: 80.0
| 16. B U F F A L O |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 41 |
15 |
12 |
2 |
107 |
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Bellinger's Scouting Report
It certainly would surprise a lot of people, as the Bills never
appear to have a talented squad when you look at them on paper,
but next to the Ravens the Bills have been the best at allowing
the fewest yards over the past two seasons. This has never been
a team of individual stars but they will be every bit as stingy
as they have been in recent times so if your league relies on Individual
Defensive Players, the Bills may not be the team for you but if
you're drafting a Defensive Team , you could do a lot worse. The
Bills are switching from a traditional 3-4 alignment over to a 4-3
setup. Looking at the Bills, you may pass them over in favor of
another defense but with their personnel and system, the sum always
ends up being greater than the parts. During the offseason, the
Bills lost defensive linemen Ted Washington and Marcellus Wiley,
and cut LB John Holocek who were key components last season. Phil
Hansen will need to step into the spotlight to take over for Wiley
while Erik Flowers will need to show why the Bills drafted him in
the 1st round. Sam Cowart was the leading tackler on the Bills and
will be moved to outside.
Fantasy Rating: 78.0
| 17. P I T T S B U R G H: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 37 |
14 |
12 |
3 |
107 |
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Lackner's Scouting Report
Very quietly, the Steelers put together one of the best defenses
in the league last season. With DC Jim Haslett leaving to become
the new Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints, Bill Cowher promoted
Tim Lewis to Defensive Coordinator and saw immediate results. They
may not have been the "Steel Curtain" defense of the 70s, but they
did finish 5th in the AFC and 7th in the NFL in total defense. The
Steelers recorded a total of 34 turnovers and 39 sacks last season,
which was decent if unspectacular. In terms of fantasy performance,
the Steelers make an ideal backup "D", since they get to match wits
against the hapless Browns and Bengals twice. In fact, if you can
catch them at the right juncture, the Steeler defense can be downright
dominant -- even in a class with other AFC Central foes, the Titans
and Ravens. For example, last season the Steelers defense went 5
games in a row without giving up a TD and only allowed a total of
18 points in those 5 games.
Fantasy Rating: 78.0
| 18. S E A T T L E: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 34 |
17 |
10 |
3 |
106 |
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Gono's Scouting Report
While most in the Washington are a-buzz over the Matt Hasselbeck
trade and Koren Robinson selection in the draft, we'd like to point
a finger over to a defense that quietly reassembled this off-season
and has a chance to give AFC-Westerners fits. They sat at the bottom
of the run-and-pass defensive categories last season. While they
added aging vets, they also added savvy. John Randle and Chad Eaton
join Michael Sinclair and Lamar King for a smallish front. Expect
more sacks, but also more tackles by the linebackers. LeVon Kirkland
oins a tough LB corps led by Anthony Simmons who tallied 119 tackles
last year. Shawn Springs welcomes Marcus Robertson and rookie Ken
Lucas to the backfield with Reggie Tongue. Springs loads up on tackles
but is avoided in the passing game.
Fantasy Rating: 77.5
| 19. J A C K S O N V I L
L E: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 42 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
102 |
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Kellogg's Scouting Report
Jacksonville's lack of a solid offensive line may actually have
a bigger impact on the defense than anything else. Fred Taylor will
still break some monster runs, but he will struggle to move the
chains on a consistent basis. Move the Jaguars down your draft board
despite their appearance in the normally weak offensive AFC Central.
Fantasy Rating: 76.0
| 20. S A N F R A
N C I S C O: |
| SACKS |
INT's |
FMB REC |
D/ST TDs |
FF PTS |
| 40 |
16 |
11 |
1 |
99 |
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Ludwig's Scouting Report
San Francisco is my pick for sleeper defense. Most fantasy owners
will take a look at San Francisco's final numbers and not walk away
too impressed. They gave up an average of 356 total yards (ranked
29th in the NFL) and 26 points per game. When looking at San Francisco
you have to dig deeper though. They are a very young defense. They
knew they would be rebuilding so the coaches just let the young
player take their lumps. Players such as Julian Peterson and Ahmad
Plummer had learning on the job training. Something happened along
the way for these players. They got better. They learned and they
adapted to the NFL level. In the last eight games of 2000, San Francisco
only gave up 308 total yards and 20.5 points per game. Taking this
a step further, they only gave up 276 total yards per game in the
last six games of 2000. Add into this the fact that they signed
Dana Stubblefield and drafted Andre Carter to beef up their defensive
line, you have a defense ready to surprise a lot of NFL teams. I
fully expect San Francisco's defense to pick up where they left
off at the end of last season.
Fantasy Rating: 74.5
I hope you enjoyed the top twenty kickers. Check out the FantasyRef
Forecast Updated Rankings
:: comments to tim
ludwig
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