Fantasy Football Defenses: Top 15 To Target In 2015

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Football Defenses Number 3: St. Louis Rams

The Rams blitzed early and often in 2014, leading the NFL with a 45.5% blitz rate on dropbacks, and they’re likely a better defense this season.

The Rams have loaded up with first-round defensive draft picks for years, it seems. Defensive end Chris Long (2008), defensive end Robert Quinn (2011), defensive tackle Michael Brockers (2012), outside linebacker Alec Ogletree (2013) and defensive tackle Aaron Donald (2014). That’s a big-time defensive front. It added defensive tackle Nick Fairley this offseason and saw glimpses last season of a breakout from defensive end William Hayes.

The Rams allowed 110.6 rushing yards per game last season, and I see that dropping this year.

Long played in only six games last season. He’ll return opposite Quinn, who posted 19 sacks in his All-Pro 2013 season and 10.5 sacks last season. Donald might be one of the best young interior lineman in the league. He was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season, posting a ridiculous nine sacks to go with two forced fumbles and 37 tackles.

The Rams allowed 110.6 rushing yards per game last season, and I see that dropping this year.

Former MU Tiger E.J. Gaines, Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson form a solid 1-2-3 combo at cornberack. Gaines led the Rams with 15 passes defensed in 2014. Jenkins is the best of the group and he’s a playmaker, posting seven interceptions and five touchdowns in 45 career games.

The linebacking corps is solid. Ogletree, James Laurinaitis and former-Patriot and newcomer Akeem Ayers should be able to make plenty of tackles behind the Rams defensive line. Ogletree led the team with 84 tackles last season and Laurinaitis had 81.

They also have the sneaky Tavon Austin returning punts, so you could get some bonus points from the Rams’ special teams.

Next: Circle the Wagons