In 2016, we saw the defensive dominance of Alabama reign over college football and the rise of young players like Ed Oliver and Dexter Lawrence. With six weeks until the first weekend of college football, it’s time to preview the top 10 fantasy defenses that will put your team over the top.
10. San Diego State
San Diego State returns only six defensive starters from last season, but that shouldn’t scare anyone away from picking up the Aztecs this season. In 2016, they returned seven starters and finished 11th overall in total defense. San Diego State also has the 100th ranked strength of schedule in 2017 and boast a complex 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Although the games against Stanford, Arizona State, and Boise State are scary, they will have the best defensive unit in the Mountain West Conference and put up consistent fantasy points.
9. Wisconsin
The Badgers may not have the most prestigious offense in college football, but they do have one of the best defenses in the nation. Although Wisconsin only returns seven starters on defense, they have the 70th ranked strength of schedule, which is substantially easier than last season when they finished ninth in RPI rankings. The Badgers have the luxury this season of avoiding matchups against Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan State. They do have to take on Michigan, but at least it’s at home.
8. Appalachian State
The team with arguably the most popular upset of all time (vs. Michigan) is back again this season, and they are looking to repeat as Sun Belt champions. App State returns seven starters from last season’s 17th ranked squad and should be on top of the Sun Belt defensively again. The Mountaineers have a tough Week 1 matchup against Georgia, but they avoid having to play Arkansas State and Troy. With the 130th ranked strength of schedule, App State will be a top of the fantasy college football world this season.
7. Florida
Although the Gators only return five of their 2016 starters, there is more experience there than meets the eye. The Gators had injuries galore last season, which gave their depth some much-needed playing time. Florida has been notorious over the last several seasons for reloading rather than rebuilding and have a streak of top 20 defenses that predate the Will Muschamp era. Even with games against Michigan, LSU, and Florida State, the Gators defense is going to be just as good as it has been.
6. Florida State
The Noles have very high expectations surrounding them this coming season, and their opening game against Alabama will tell a lot about the 2017 season. Florida State returns nine defensive starters, and the X-factor is the return of Derwin James, who is college football’s most well-rounded athlete. Without James last season, Florida State had the 22nd ranked defense in football, and they should be higher this season. The biggest issues are games against Louisville, Alabama, and an early November game in Death Valley against Clemson.
5. Miami (FL)
Mark Richt showed last season that he could improve the Miami defense, as they went from allowing 28.2 points per game in 2015 to 18.5 in 2016. They have eight returning starters on the defensive line, and Manny Diaz is still holding the reins for the Hurricanes as they look to win the Coastal Division of the ACC for the first time. Miami will have tough games against Florida State, North Carolina, and a revamped Syracuse offense but have the ability to be a top ten fantasy defense this season.
4. Louisiana State
LSU may only return five defensive starters this season, but they have coordinator Dave Aranda. Aranda has produced top ten defenses for the last four defenses between Wisconsin and LSU. The Tiger D went from 24.3 points per game in 2015 to 15.8 in 2016, and Aranda is constantly improving his defenses. Expect LSU to be the second-best fantasy defense out of the SEC this season.
3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes defense is about as consistent as they come, as they had only three returning starters last season and produced the sixth best defense in college football. With seven returning starters this season, the Buckeyes are more experienced and are a projected top five defense nationally. Ohio State should top the Big Ten conference in total defense, with Michigan having a down year as they look to get back to the College Football Playoff.
2. Clemson
The defending National Champions return one of the deepest front sevens in college football this season. With Deshaun Watson gone, Clemson will rely heavily on defense until the offense starts clicking under a new signal caller. With the way that Clemson rotates players on defense, everyone has in-game experience. Coordinator Brent Venables is back again for the Tigers, so expect another top five defensive year.
1. Alabama
Alabama is coming off of one heck of a fantasy season. With 11 defensive touchdowns, 262 yards per game, and 13.0 points allowed per game, Alabama had the best defense in college football last season. Although it is unlikely that the Crimson Tide score 11 defensive touchdowns again this season, the Tide will still have one of the best defenses in the nation and will top player rankings in defense yet again.
In need of a running back, receiver or tight end? check out Fantrax’s other articles for this upcoming fantasy season.
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