The NFL season is set to kick off soon, which means it's time to evaluate the top 10 fantasy football defenses of 2021. Most of the attention is on the offensive side of the ball, but defense still plays an important role in fantasy football. Similar to each offensive position, there are a handful of strategies when deciding which defense to acquire onto your fantasy teams.
Having an elite defense can be a nice advantage throughout the year. However, it's important to note that taking a defense too early can be detrimental to your fantasy squad. A great place to select a defense is within the final three selections of the draft. Even so, defense is more volatile than other positions in fantasy football. It is the most common fantasy position to be streamed based on matchups.
Although that's true, finding a consistent starting defense is an advantage. You don't have to worry about finding a replacement every week, making the position hassle-free. With that said, here are the top 10 fantasy football defenses in 2021.
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10. Buffalo Bills Defense
The Buffalo Bills find themselves 10th amongst the fantasy football defense rankings. They were a bit mediocre last year, but the front office made some improvements during the offseason. Buffalo is one of the elite teams in the league and if their defense has improved, then they could have one of the best fantasy football defenses this year. There is some risk to taking the Bills' defense though, as they still must prove they're one of the better fantasy options.
9. Denver Broncos Defense
The AFC West is stacked with talent and the Denver Broncos are no exception. Von Miller is due to return, giving the Broncos a massive boost in the front seven. Additionally, the front office selected Patrick Surtain with their first pick of the NFL Draft. Denver's defense will keep the team in most of their games, which should translate to the fantasy world.
8. Cleveland Browns Defense
After an impressive offseason of acquiring an insane amount of talent, the Cleveland Browns make the list of top 10 fantasy football defenses. Myles Garrett is an early favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, as he'll record a ton of sacks. With the amount of talent on this team, the Browns are likely to be a consistent scoring option, making them one of the best fantasy football defenses this year.
7. San Francisco 49ers Defense
After a season plagued with injuries, the San Francisco 49ers hope to retake the NFC West once again. To do that, the defense will have to play at a high level. The 49ers' defense was actually good last year, but they were on the field all the time due to the poor efforts from the offense. Regardless, San Francisco has a ton of potential and should be selected in fantasy drafts.
6. Indianapolis Colts Defense
There are concerns around the Indianapolis Colts, but none of them pertain to the defense. The defensive unit will keep the Colts competitive throughout the season, which will make them one of the top fantasy football defenses in 2021. If the offense was better, the Colts would have a better ranking. Even so, the Colts should be a consistent option for fantasy football this season.
5. Washington Football Team Defense
Defense is what kept the Washington Football Team competitive last year and they should be one of the best yet again. They crack the top five of the fantasy football defense rankings, making them an elite option. Chase Young leads the way as he's been a monster from the start. Draft Washington's defense, as they have the potential to finish as the top unit in fantasy football this year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense
The defending Super Bowl champions make the list as they finished as one of the best fantasy football defenses last year. After retaining the entire starting lineup in the offseason, there is no reason to believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense won't repeat that performance. They'll be one of the first defenses selected this year, so you might have to reach a bit to make sure you acquire them in your fantasy draft.
3. Los Angeles Rams Defense
Between Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, the Los Angeles Rams defense are a safe bet to be one of the top fantasy football defenses this year. Select them and they'll likely bestow consistent fantasy points throughout the season. Consistency is key in fantasy football and the Rams provide just that.
2. Baltimore Ravens Defense
The Baltimore Ravens arguably had the best offseason. Their offense looks to remain at the top of the league, while the new additions on defense should make them an elite option. Baltimore typically has a solid defense, and that won't change in 2021. They're not ranked number one on this list, but the Ravens have a ton of potential to finish as the top defense.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers Defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is no joke. They were the top defense last year and they have a chance to repeat that performance. Look for TJ Watt to go berserk this season, as the Steelers hope to make a deep playoff run. Take the Steelers defense and you could end up with the highest-scoring defense this year. Pittsburgh is an easy choice to be number one on the fantasy football defense rankings.
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