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Fantasy football 2024: What are the top D/STs to draft this year?
By Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY,
8 hours ago
Defense and special teams don't rank very high among the most important fantasy football positions. Along with kicker, it's often the final addition to the starting lineup for millions of players. But defense and special teams (D/ST) can provide plenty of value.
In 2023, the top-scoring defense in fantasy football - the Dallas Cowboys - would've been a top-25 wide receiver in half-PPR formats, per Fantasypros . D/ST likely won't be the reason you win or lose your fantasy football league but it can give you a leg up on the competition.
Defensive success can be hard to predict year-over-year. No D/ST in Fantasypros data dating back to 2002 has repeated as the top-scoring team. But many remain a top-10 defense following a good year; half of 2023's top-10 units were in that group a year prior. Here are the top 10 D/STs rank as of Aug. 21:
2023 stats: 60 sacks, 18 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, one safety | 174.0 fantasy points
Baltimore returns stars Justin Madubuike , Roquan Smith , and Kyle Hamilton to the defense but lost coordinator Mike Macdonald. In-house hire Zach Orr played linebacker for the Ravens from 2014 to 2016 and may make some changes from Macdonald's philosophy. Losing edge Jadeveon Clowney is a hit to the pass rush, though, and Baltimore hasn't made significant moves to fill that need.
2023 stats: 46 sacks, 17 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, seven touchdowns, one safety | 178.0 fantasy points
Dallas had a league-high six defensive touchdowns, including five pick-sixes by DaRon Bland , in 2023. That may come back down to earth in 2024 and Dallas is missing two of its top three pass rushers from 2023. Dorance Armstrong Jr. is in Washington and Sam Williams is on injured reserve. But Micah Parsons is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league and should have another strong season with new coordinator Mike Zimmer . They also face New York and Washington twice each this season.
2023 stats: 49 sacks, 18 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, three touchdowns | 153.0 fantasy points
Cleveland had one of the best defenses in the league in 2023 and return many of the same starters. Defending Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and Za'Darius Smith power a strong pass rush duo. The defensive backfield is arguably the best in the league and kept coordinator Jim Schwartz in the building. Cleveland is a safe bet to stay a top-10 defense in 2024 despite playing Dallas , Philadelphia , Kansas City , and Miami outside of their division games.
2023 stats: 47 sacks, 16 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, one safety | 143.0 fantasy points
Pittsburgh boasts one of the top pass rushers in the league in T.J. Watt who finished behind Garrett in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Keeanu Benton is an emerging player on the interior defensive line and Alex Highsmith is a proven pass rusher as well. If Watt stays healthy, this team could lead the league in sacks. Free agent signing Patrick Queen should boost the linebacking corps and Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. lead the way in the secondary.
2023 stats: 49 sacks, nine interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, three touchdowns, one safety | 101.0 fantasy points
Philadelphia is projected to take a big step forward with the hiring of Vic Fangio as the new defensive coordinator for 2024. It may take time to maximize this roster in the new system but this is a talented group with Huff , Jalen Carter , and Josh Sweat rushing the passer. The Eagles used early picks to invest in the secondary and free agency to bolster the linebacking corps. Like Dallas, they play New York and Washington twice with games against Carolina and Pittsburgh in the closing weeks of the fantasy season.
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