Fantasy Football Defenses: Top 15 To Target In 2015

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Football Defenses Number 13: New England Patriots

Keeping a Bill Belichick defense out of the Top 15 is just too hard. I tried, but it just can’t happen.

The Patriots don’t ever seem to have a dominant defense, but they always seem to be effective. Last season, the Patriots allowed a very stout 313 points, good for eighth-best in the league, en route to becoming Super Bowl champs.

It doesn’t have the eye-popping names that many Patriots’ defenses have had, but with Belichick’s scheme and the offense’s ability to score points, the Patriots defense is a safe bet to finish in the top half of the league for fantasy football.

Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork took his talents to Houston, and the Patriots hope they drafted his replacement in defensive tackle Malcolm Brown. Making up for Wilfork’s presence, especially against the run, simply can’t be done by drafting a rookie.They also lost cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. So this is by no means the Super Winning defense of last season.

But the rest of the defense returns.

Defensive end Chandler Jones posted six sacks in 10 games. If he can stay healthy for a full season, he provides the Patriots with a real threat rushing the passer along with defensive end Rob Ninkovich.

Veteran linebacker Jerod Mayo will join Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower in the linebacking corps.

Collins, at just 24 years old, led the team with 91 tackles last season. He forced four fumbles, picked off two passes and added four sacks.

It doesn’t have the eye-popping names that many Patriots’ defenses have had, but with Belichick’s scheme and the offense’s ability to score points, the Patriots are a safe bet to finish in the top half of the league for fantasy football.

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