By Bart Lopez

1. Baltimore Ravens: If one thing is certain, the Ravens did not lose on Monday because of a bad defense. The Ravens are ranked fourth and third in opposing passing and rushing yards respectively. This week they play the Cardinals. Arizona is a poor offensive team so expect Baltimore to have a great fantasy day. Projected fantasy points: 24.6.

2. New York Giants: The New York Giants are coming off a big win against the Buffalo Bills. The G-men forced two interceptions and were able to keep the Bills offense in check. This week New York hosts winless Miami. The Dolphins have scored over 20 points just once this season, and that is not likely to change this weekend. Projected fantasy points: 22.7.

3. Houston Texans: The Texans defense ranks in the top ten in opposing rushing and passing yards this season. Last week Houston held Tennessee to just seven points and forced two turnovers. This week the Texans face an even worse offense in the Jaguars. Jacksonville struggles in the red zone and only squeezed out a victory against Baltimore because of Josh Scobee’s great performance. Projected fantasy points: 21.2.

4. San Francisco 49ers: The Niners defense is an odd one because it is incredibly dominant at stopping the run but below average in defending the pass. Before their week seven bye, the 49ers held the Lions to just 19 points in the victory. This week SF hosts Cleveland. The Browns are one of the worst offensive teams in the league, so expect the 49ers to hold them to under 20 points. Projected fantasy points: 19.3.

5. New Orleans Saints: The Saints defense is ranked in the middle of the pack in both rush and pass defense. However, this week New Orleans plays the winless Rams. St. Louis is a poor offensive team, so expect New Orleans to shut them down, just as it did Indianapolis in week seven. Projected fantasy points: 16.7.

Not top 5, but could be: This week’s defense/special teams that missed the cut but is in position for a big game is that of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense has played well all season, ranked fifth in both opposing rushing and passing yards. This week they play on the road in Seattle. The Seahawks are a poor offensive team that is coming off a 6-3 loss to the Browns. I expect the Bengals defense to lock down the Seahawks, making it a solid fantasy choice for week eight. Projected fantasy points: 15.4.