With only two teams on bye this week, there’s not much to miss in terms of fantasy defenses this week. Play one of these five teams, and it’ll give you a leg-up on your opponent in Week 11.
1. Seattle Seahawks
There shouldn’t be much question here this week, especially with the Kansas City Chiefs having to face the Denver Broncos. Seattle is the best overall defense and fantasy defense in the NFL. Take out the fluke game in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Seahawks have at least nine fantasy points in every game this season. They’re facing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, who can’t do much outside of run the ball with Adrian Peterson. Seattle has only allowed four rushing touchdowns this season, so don’t expect Peterson to break out, or for Christian Ponder to do much in the air.
Projected Statistics: 10 points allowed, two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
2. Arizona Cardinals
The Jacksonville Jaguars were surprising last week in their first win of the season against the Tennessee Titans, but don’t expect them to put up 29 points again. Jacksonville ranks 31st in the league in rushing offense, and 22nd in passing, while the Cardinals are allowing just 22 points per game, good for 11th best in the league. The Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne has thrown only three touchdowns this season, while veteran running back Maurice Jones-Drew is averaging three yards per carry. Not much to look at on offense on either side of the ball in this one, but the Cardinals defense will come out the real winner.
Projected Statistics: 14 points allowed, four sacks, two interceptions
3. Carolina Panthers
Don’t put too much into the New England Patriot’s 55-point performance in Week 9, who the Panthers have to face on Monday night. The Panthers are coming on as one of the best defenses in the league, although they are still available in almost 31 percent of all ESPN leagues. Since their bye in Week 4, Carolina has scored double-digit fantasy points on defense, most recently holding the San Francisco 49ers to just nine points. With Rob Gronkowski back, the Pats’ offense should be better, but don’t count out the Panthers D because of that.
Projected Statistics: 14 points allowed, three sacks, one fumble recovery
4. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been a tricky fantasy defense this season. Although they have had games of 16 and 25 fantasy points, they also have put up totals of two points and minus-one point. The Cleveland Browns have a good chance to beat the Bengals in Week 11 and make the AFC North very interesting, but Cleveland’s offense is allowing almost eight points per game to fantasy defenses. The Browns only have one rushing touchdown this season, and quarterback Jason Campbell has been effective, but isn’t about to have a three-touchdown game.
Projected Statistics: 17 points allowed, four sacks, one interception
5. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has allowed over 23 points per game this season, but they are facing the New York Giants, who allow the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Giants have scored 21 points or more in every game this season except for three games, but Eli Manning has already thrown 16 interceptions, three of which have been returned for touchdowns. The Packers are available in over 50 percent of ESPN leagues, but don’t count them out this week against one of the most turnover-prone teams in the NFL.
Projected Statistics: 17 points allowed, three sacks, one interception