1.)   San Diego Chargers (DEF)
The Chargers finished fifth amongst National Football League defenses last year in points allowed per game (17.8) and sacks (42). Plus, they were first in interceptions (30) and tied for third with five defensive touchdowns. The dominant presence of linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips will resonate a feeling of cold fear through the bellies of opposing offenses all season. The Chargers should once again be one of the fiercest defensive units in the game.

2.)   Minnesota Vikings (DEF)
Minnesota sported the league’s stingiest run defense last year while allowing a paltry 74.1 yards per game to opposing ground attacks. Plus, they forced 21 fumbles, which placed them tied for second amongst NFL squads. In addition, they scored a league leading eight defensive touchdowns. The presence of newly acquired defensive end Jared Allen and his 15.5 sacks from last year with the potent mixture of defensive linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams pits Minnesota’s defense in an esteemed seat amongst NFL teams. They are one of the safest grabs in fantasy.

3.)   New England Patriots (DEF)
The Patriots finished fourth amongst NFL squads last season in points conceded per game (17.1) and total yards allowed per game (288.3). Plus, they were tied for second in defensive scores (six) and finished second in sacks (47). They are anchored by the likes of defensive lineman Richard Seymour and linebackers Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas. The addition of rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo will prove to be vitally important and the mixture of safeties Rodney Harrison and John Lynch should be electric. Expect the Patriots to be atop the league in all defensive categories once again this season.

4.)   Chicago Bears (DEF)
In terms of what owners are used to, the Bears’ defense was a monumental disappointment in the world of fantasy last season. However, they did recently lock up linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs for the long haul. Last season, the Bears were third amongst NFL clubs in forced fumbles (20) and sixth in sacks (41). This season, I’m banking on the offense turning it around a tad in order to get the defense a little more time by the water cooler, which should improve their overall numbers. The defensive personnel on this team are too good to rank any lower than the top five. I’m just saying, another year of conceding 21.8 points per game and 354.7 total yards per game isn’t going to cut it in 2008, and was a total misrepresentation of the talent that Chicago’s defense encompasses.

5.)   Green Bay Packers (DEF)
Green Bay finished sixth amongst NFL teams last year in points allowed per contest (18.2) and was tied for fourth in the league with 19 picks and four defensive scores. The presence of linebackers Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk should be enough to halt the majority of advances by opposing offenses. Not to mention, the elite pass rush of Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila should once again be stifling. Plus, they play a majority of their games against horrendous National Football Conference North offenses that just aren’t good.

6.)   Dallas Cowboys (DEF)
Last season, the Cowboys finished ninth amongst NFL teams in total yards allowed per game (307.6) and third in sacks (46). The additions of cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and linebacker Zach Thomas should undoubtedly aid in cementing Dallas’ defensive unit into the fantasy top-10. Dallas’ offense will also help in the stat department for the defense, especially if quarterback Tony Romo takes his game to the air early and often giving the Dallas defense ample opportunities to take more risks. The Dallas defense won’t be as stingy as other units around the league, but they will fill up the stat sheet more often than not in 2008.

7.)   New York Giants (DEF)
The loss of defensive end Michael Strahan will definitely leave its mark on the lucky champions. Last season, New York finished a laughable 17th amongst NFL defenses in allowing 21.9 points per game to salivating opponents. However, they did limit opposing offenses to 305 yards per game, which ranked seventh in the league. They also managed to record a league-best 53 sacks. To be honest, even though I hate the Giants for what they did, they do have the grit and talent to be a top five defense, especially when you consider that they get linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka back from a broken leg this season.

8.)   Pittsburgh Steelers (DEF)
For Pittsburgh, safety Troy Polamalu and defensive lineman Casey Hampton must be healthy, because with them, they are dominant. Last season, the Steelers limited opposing offenses to 16.8 points per game, which positioned them second in the NFL. In addition, they conceded a league-best 266.4 total yards per game and forced 21 fumbles, which placed them tied for second in the league. The Pittsburgh defense has been nasty for years and that should continue well into the 2008 campaign. It’s safe to assume that you can draft their defense with confidence.

9.)   Philadelphia Eagles (DEF)
The addition of former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel to an already nasty Philadelphia secondary is intriguing. Last season, Philadelphia finished ninth amongst NFL teams in points allowed per contest (18.8) and limited opposing runners to an average of 95.8 yards per game, which ranked seventh amongst NFL defenses. The Eagles are an interesting unit, and quite possibly might not be a top-10 option. But for me, it’s just too hard to ignore the nastiness of their elite secondary.
 

10.)  Baltimore Ravens (DEF)
The Ravens were sixth amongst NFL defenses last season in total yards per game (301.6) and limited opponents to a stingy 79.3 yards per game via the ground, which positioned them second amongst NFL squads. All the usual suspects are back for the Ravens in linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed and linebacker Terrell Suggs. Although excellence is not a definite for the old crew, if healthy, domination will be on the menu. Monitor the proceedings from here on out during the preseason, Baltimore’s defensive health is the key to their season.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.