Defenses to start: San Francisco 49ers - This defense has played phenomenal this season but playing in the NFC West also helps. This week they face St. Louis and they should once again have a strong game, since the Rams have struggled mightily.
Chicago Bears - Chicago really needs their defense to carry them with their quarterback troubles. Playing Kansas City, who have their own quarterback troubles, will definitely help. I predict that Chicago holds them to 7 points, gets 3 sacks, a return touchdown and forces 3 turnovers.
All 32 defenses ranked following the jump.
Defenses to avoid: Indianapolis Colts - They are playing the high powered offense of New England and are giving up the most points in the league. Not a recipe for success.
Arizona Cardinals - Dallas is coming to town and their offense has become really balanced between the run and the pass. I think Arizona will struggle with the multiple weapons of Dallas and Romo will have a big game.
| Team | Opp. |
| 1. San Francisco 49ers | STL |
| 2. Baltimore Ravens | CLE |
| 3. Chicago Bears | KC |
| 4. Dallas Cowboys | ARZ |
| 5. New York Jets | WAS |
| 6. New England Patriots | IND |
| 7. Denver Broncos | MIN |
| 8. Pittsburgh Steelers | CIN |
| 9. Oakland Raiders | MIA |
| 10. Miami Dolphins | OAK |
| 11. Philadelphia Eagles | SEA |
| 12. Houston Texans | ATL |
| 13. Green Bay Packers | NYG |
| 14. Washington Redskins | NYJ |
| 15. San Diego Chargers | JAX |
| 16. Atlanta Falcons | HOU |
| 17. New Orleans Saints | DET |
| 18. Seattle Seahawks | PHI |
| 19. Tennessee Titans | BUF |
| 20. Jacksonville Jaguars | SD |
| 21. St. Louis Rams | SF |
| 22. Kansas City Chiefs | CHI |
| 23. Carolina Panthers | TB |
| 24. Cincinnati Bengals | PIT |
| 25. Detroit Lions | NO |
| 26. Minnesota Vikings | DEN |
| 27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CAR |
| 28. Buffalo Bills | TEN |
| 29. New York Giants | GB |
| 30. Cleveland Browns | BAL |
| 31. Arizona Cardinals | DAL |
| 32. Indianapolis Colts | NE |