By Bart Lopez
1. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders take the top spot this week. If you’re surprised to see them at the top of the list, you’re probably not alone. Oakland’s defense is average at defending the run and mediocre against the pass. Luckily for fantasy owners, this Sunday the black and silver host the Denver Broncos. Denver will be without its leading rusher and doesn’t have a good passing game. Projected fantasy points: 24.5.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: The AFC West dominates the list this week as the Chiefs are ranked second. Kansas City is coming off an overtime victory against San Diego and has won four straight. Like the Raiders, the Chiefs aren’t a good defensive team but will be facing a bad offense in the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Projected fantasy points: 22.2.
3. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers finish third this week thanks to their top ranked rushing defense. The Niners give up just 73.4 yards on the ground per game. This week San Francisco hits the road to face Washington. Expect the 49ers to shut down the Redskins and to roll on to their seventh win of the season. Projected fantasy points: 20.9.
4. Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are a solid defensive team that got absolutely destroyed last weekend against the Eagles. Things should be very different this weekend against the 2-5 Seattle Seahawks. Projected fantasy points: 19.5.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are coming off their biggest win of the year against the New England Patriots. This week they face the Baltimore Ravens at home. The last time these two teams met, Baltimore crushed Pittsburgh 35-7. The Steelers are playing at a much higher level now and the Ravens offense has struggled as of late. Projected fantasy points: 17.7.
Not top 5, but could be: This week’s defense that didn’t make the list but is in position to have a big game is that of the Houston Texans. The Texans are ranked fifth and sixth in defending the pass and the rush respectively. This weekend they play against the Cleveland Browns, who have scored over 20 points just once this season. Projected fantasy points: 16.3.
