Fantasy Football: Top 15 Defense and Special Teams for 2017

Fantasy Football: Top 15 D/ST

#9 New England Patriots

Every year it seems like the Patriots make moves that will weaken the defense, but still play well. I think that will largely be the case this year, but they won’t be a great Fantasy Football defense. Still, this is a group that will play with the lead a lot, and that can make a huge difference at times.

2016 Ranking: 7th

I’ve got the Patriots falling back a little this year just because time catches up to everyone. It’s tough to maintain a spot at the top of the mountain year in and year out. I still think this will be a solid defense in 2017, just won’t be as good a Fantasy Football defense.

The Patriots made some interesting additions in the offseason, but I don’t know that they will do as well in the New England system as the guys they are replacing. Stephon Gilmore is a little overrated by a lot of folks. I also don’t think anyone realizes just how good Jabaal Sheard was for New England. We shall see.