clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Week 6 Defensive Rankings

With four more teams on a bye this week, here is a look at our Week 6 Defense rankings.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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

at Cleveland Browns

3

Seattle Seahawks

Carolina Panthers

4

Arizona Cardinals

at Pittsburgh Steelers

5

Cincinnati Bengals

at Buffalo Bills

6

Green Bay Packers

San Diego Chargers

7

Tennessee Titans

Miami Dolphins

8

Minnesotta Vikings

Kansas City Chiefs

9

Carolina Panthers

at Seattle Seahawks

10

Detroit Lions

Chicago Bears

11

Houston Texans

at Jacksonville Jaguars

12

New England Patriots

at Indianapolis Colts

13

Washington Redskins

at New York Jets

14

Baltimore Ravens

at San Francisco 49ers

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

at New Orleans Saints

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.