But that’s not going to stop us from trying to get the best D/ST we can on draft day. Heading into this season, there’s no shortage of solid units that you might feel comfortable starting every week (“might” being the operative word). Of course, we know that because of the fluky nature of takeaways and defensive touchdowns, some teams will disappoint (looking at you, Minnesota and Denver) and others will surprise (Detroit, New Orleans). And as much as we might want to project favorable/unfavorable matchups in the summer, things can change in a hurry once a stud rookie like Deshaun Watson or an surprising veteran like Case Keenum starts playing like Russell Wilson or Drew Brees in Week 4. 

Of the many variables that must be taken into account with D/STs, the most important is personnel changes. Whether it’s a new defensive coordinator, offseason acquisition, offseason loss, or player returning from injury, being aware of the key differences from last season is important. As far as stats, sacks tend to be at least somewhat repeatable, and both total and scoring defense can give an idea of how “good” a defense is, even if that doesn’t always translate to fantasy success. Takeaways, particularly fumbles, have a way of fluctuating wildly, and defensive/return scores are not something that can be counted on at all. It’s fair to assume a proven defense full of playmakers will score at least a couple touchdowns, but the difference between three TDs vs. seven TDs (24 fantasy points) is the difference in five-to-10 spots in the final rankings.

2018 RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Top 200 | PPR

And that’s why we normally recommend waiting in drafts until one of the final three rounds to take a defense. Most will get antsy and draft a D/ST before then, which is fine, but just remember that you will have to drop your drafted defense or carry two D/STs on your roster at some point in the season. There’s no need to invest too much in this position, even if a bunch of the teams below look like high-upside, can’t-miss units.

These rankings will be updated throughout the preseason, so check back for more analysis.

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2018 fantasy football cheat sheet

Fantasy Football 2018: Defense rankings

Rankings based on standard scoring leagues