/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47427750/usa-today-8858044.0.jpg)
Last week was a fairly good week for the defensive rankings. The Packers, Broncos, Cardinals, Patriots, Falcons, Chiefs, and Seahawks were all ranked within the top 12 and finished as such. However, the sleeper picks of the Giants and Jaguars were big time disappointments. This weeks sleeper defenses look to clean that up with some match up that should be taken advantage of.
Sleeper Picks
Sleeper 1: Tennessee Titans
The Miami Dolphins are struggling mightily on offense. With the debut of a new interim head coach, I wouldn't be surprised if the offense continues to go three and out.
Sleeper 2: Minnesota Vikings
They take on Kansas City, who has struggled to pass the ball and will play their first game without Jamaal Charles. It's unknown how much of an impact Knile Davis or Charcandrick West will have on the offense. Minnesota also has a nice five game stretch facing poor offenses. They get KC this week, followed by @Detroit, @Chicago, St. Louis, @Oakland.
Injury Notes
The Ravens lost their third cornerback in Will Davis, who was acquired last month in exchange for a 2016 seventh round draft pick from the Miami Dolphins. The Ravens may have to start involving their practice squad players on the main roster as they only have four healthy corners left.
The Bills will be playing the Bengals without their starting safety, Aaron Williams. In fact, they will be without Williams until at least week 14 due to an aggravated neck injury.
The Panthers' Jared Allen claims to have lost the feeling in his foot. It is uncertain if he will play against the Seahawks, whose offensive line has given up a league leading 22 sacks to Russell Wilson. On the bright side, Luke Kuechly should play Sunday as he was practicing with the team on Tuesday according to Fox Sports.
The number one fantasy defense does have injury concerns. DeMarcus Ware won't be back until week 8 and shutdown corner Aqib Talib should play, despite suffering from an ankle injury.
DeAndre Levy aggravated his hip injury and may be out for the season as he will undergo hip surgery. Haloti Ngata is likely out of this game as well, which could mean more run plays up the gut for Matt Forte.
Outside linebacker Nick Perry is doubtful to play for the Packers on Sunday. He is suffering for a shoulder injury, and will need this week and their bye week to recover from it. He has had 3.5 sacks in his last three games.
Jadeveon Clowney has yet to record his first sack in the NFL, despite participating in all of the Texans games thus far. He was not in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in his Thursday night game and should play again this Sunday against the Jaguars, who have surrendered 14 sacks to Blake Bortles.
Prince Amukumara is likely out for the Giants Monday night game against the Eagles. Expect Sam Bradford to take his chances against fill in corner, Jayron Hosley, who will start opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks has a pectoral injury, and his status to play is uncertain. This could mean a big week for Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, but don't be surprised if Pete Carroll covers him up with a safety.
Rank |
Team |
Opponent |
1 |
New York Jets |
Washington Redskins |
2 |
Denver Broncos |
|
3 |
Seattle Seahawks |
Carolina Panthers |
4 |
Arizona Cardinals |
at Pittsburgh Steelers |
5 |
Cincinnati Bengals |
at Buffalo Bills |
6 |
Green Bay Packers |
|
7 |
Tennessee Titans |
Miami Dolphins |
8 |
Minnesotta Vikings |
Kansas City Chiefs |
9 |
Carolina Panthers |
at Seattle Seahawks |
10 |
||
11 |
Houston Texans |
at Jacksonville Jaguars |
12 |
New England Patriots |
|
13 |
Washington Redskins |
at New York Jets |
14 |
Baltimore Ravens |
|
15 |
Kansas City Chiefs |
at Minnesota Vikings |
16 |
Buffalo Bills |
Cincinnati Bengals |
17 |
Cleveland Browns |
Denver Broncos |
18 |
Philadelphia Eagles |
New York Giants |
19 |
Miami Dolphins |
at Tennessee Titans |
20 |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
Houston Texans |
21 |
New York Giants |
at Philidelphia Eagles |
22 |
Atlanta Falcons |
|
23 |
San Fransisco 49ers |
Baltimore Ravens |
24 |
Chicago Bears |
at Detroit Lions |
25 |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
Arizona Cardinals |
26 |
New Orleans Saints |
Atlanta Falcons |
27 |
San Diego Chargers |
at Green Bay Packers |
28 |
Indianapolis Colts |
New England Patriots |
Final Notes
Sheldon Richardson returns from his suspension, which helps the Jets a ton against the Redskins personnel. The Jets were already tough against the run and now they get even tougher with the return of their defensive tackle. With the extra time off, the team should be fresh and ready to go against an offense that is missing Kirk Cousin's favorite target – Jordan Reed.
The Miami Dolphins are struggling mightily on offense. With the debut of a new interim head coach Dan Campbell, I wouldn't be surprised if the offense continues to go three and out.
The Arizona Cardinals match up nicely against a Mike Vick led Steelers offense. Le'Veon Bell is on a remarkable pace for 2000 plus yards and 15 touchdowns, and it's hard to bet against him, but the Cardinals should dedicate all of their energy to making sure they can contain him. Look for them to put extra guys in the box and just pray that is slows down the beast.
Tyrod Taylor should play Sunday, but he won't be at full strength, making the Bengals defense a solid option. If he doesn't play, it's an even better match up.