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We continue on with our early fantasy football rankings. This time we take a look at the 2013 fantasy football team defense landscape.
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1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks allowed the fewest points last year, yielding just 15.3 points per game. They finished fourth in the league with 306.2 yards per game allowed. Adding Antoine Winfield’s veteran presence to an outstanding secondary anchored by Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas makes this an elite unit. Cliff Avril, who recorded 9.5 sacks last year for the Detroit Lions, gives them even more beef up front.
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2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers finished just behind the Seahawks with 17.1 points per game allowed. They ranked third in total defense with 294.4 yards per game allowed. Patrick Willis anchors the defense, while Aldon Smith, who recorded 19.5 sacks last year, is a total menace.
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3. Houston Texans
The Texans took a slight step back defensively last year, but still finished in the top ten in both scoring defense (20.7 ppg) and total defense (323.3 ypg). Their struggles were primarily in pass defense, but the addition of future first ballot Hall of Famer Ed Reed should help. Having a healthy Brian Cushing will also be huge. Oh, and they still have J.J. Watt.
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4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will miss the leadership of Reed and Ray Lewis, but they reloaded. A clerical error allowed Elvis Dumervil to slip out of the Denver Broncos’ grasp. Baltimore snatched him up to pair with Terrell Suggs, who should be healthy after missing half of the season with an Achilles injury. Michael Huff came over from the Oakland Raiders to soften the blow of Reed’s departure.
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5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers led the league in total defense with 275.8 yards allowed per game. They ranked sixth in scoring defense (19.6 ppg). Troy Polamalu’s health will be the key to their success or lack thereof.
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6. Denver Broncos
The Broncos will miss Dumervil, but they still have Von Miller terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Denver finished second in total defense (290.8 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (18.1 ppg).
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7. Chicago Bears
Da Bears finished third in scoring defense (17.3 ppg) and fifth in total defense (315.6 ypg). A lot of their success last year was predicated on their ability to turn turnover into touchdowns. That isn’t something you can bank on every year.
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8. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finished sixth in total defense (319.7 ypg) and eighth in scoring defense (20.0 ppg). Geno Atkins (12.5 sacks) and Michael Johnson (11.5 sacks) form an underrated one-two punch.
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9. New England Patriots
The Patriots bend (373.3 ypg), but don’t break (20.7 ppg) on defense. Their offense tends to make opposing teams one-dimensional.
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10. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had similar numbers as the Patriots (365.6 ypg, 18.7 ypg), which isn’t surprising since they have a potent offense of their own. They added Osi Umenyiora and rookie Desmond Trufant to bolster their defense.
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Also check out:

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Here’s a look at the LestersLegends’ Super Bowl XLVII fantasy football team defense rankings.
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1.  San Francisco 49ers
This one is very close. The 49ers had the better defense during the regular season, and it wasn’t close. They finished the regular season in the top four in total defense, scoring defense, run defense, and pass defense. I give them a slight edge, but the Baltimore Ravens have really narrowed the gap.
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2. Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, while the Ravens weren’t as good during the regular season, they have held the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots to a combined 57 points (19 points per game). Ray Lewis has returned with a flurry and they are playing a different brand of defense than earlier in the year. That said, Colin Kaepernick’s versatility and the Niners power running game will make this a tough assignment for Baltimore.
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Also check out:

• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Pick
• Early Fantasy Baseball Rankings

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Here are the Lester’s Legends team defense rankings for the  the AFC and NFC Conference Championship Games of the 2012-13 NFL Playoffs.
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1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers easily have the best defense among the remaining playoff teams. They finished the regular season in the top four in total defense, scoring defense, run defense, and pass defense. They are a very physical team and they will challenge Atlanta. I expect they’ll do a much better job than the Seattle Seahawks did in stopping the run. Without that balance, they’ll make it tough on the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan got over the hump by collecting his first playoff win, but he will be challenged by a defense that kept Aaron Rodgers in check.
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2. New England Patriots
The Patriots give up a lot of yards, particularly through the air. They buckle down when it matters. The Pats play the run well. Still, they struggle defending the pass and Joe Flacco seems to shine when the stakes are the highest. Other than the Niners, I don’t really like the defenses this week. The offense are just that good.
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3. Atlanta Falcons
Other than scoring defense, the Falcons were out of the top 20 in most defensive categories. San Francisco had their most productive playoff game ever last week. Considering their history, that is an impressive feat. They have a menacing offensive line that can have their way with just about any team. They had the fourth best rushing attack this year. Colin Kaepernick gives them an added dimension with his ability to produce with his arm and his feet.
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4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens did a solid job on Peyton Manning, but Tom Brady doesn’t clam up when the playoffs come around. Plus, Bill Belichick isn’t going to take a knee. The Patriots led the league in total offense and scoring offense. They have more balance this year than in year’s past, finishing in the top seven in both rushing and passing. The Baltimore Ravens have been a good story, but I think we’ll see Ray Lewis’ career come to a close. Unfortunately, it will likely be his unit that will share the most blame.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship NFL Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends team defense rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos ranked second in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. The Baltimore Ravens rank near the bottom among the remaining teams in both total offense and scoring offense. Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil combined for 29.5 sacks.
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2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers just have that feel to me of a team that is getting better at the right time. Now that Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are back, they should be better defensively than they were for most of the year. They still managed to finish 11th in the league in both total defense and scoring defense. The San Francisco 49ers are near the bottom among the remaining playoff teams in total offense and scoring offense.
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3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks led the league in scoring defense and finished fourth in total defense. They have allowed 17 or fewer points in their past six games. Atlanta can score in bunches, but they could also be flat after a bye and a meaningless Week 17 game.
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4. New England Patriots
The Patriots give up their share of yards, but they buckle down and keep the scoring down. Their strength on defense is stopping the run. That, and the fact that their offense will likely force Houston to rely more on the pass than they want to, works into New England’s favor. Houston is a run-first team.
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5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have to prove they are over the playoff hump before I buy into them. Seattle is on fire and Russell Wilson doesn’t seem to get rattled.
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6. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers has all of his weapons healthy. They are also getting some production from the running game. This is a scary team to face defensively.
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7. Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis’ return was a nice story, but Peyton Manning’s comeback season has been even more compelling. The Broncos ranked fourth in total offense and second in scoring offense. Baltimore ranks near the bottom among the remaining teams in both total defense and scoring defense.
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8. Houston Texans
The Texans took a step back in pass defense towards the end of the season. Not a good thing when you’re facing Tom Brady with his full arsenal. The Pats led the league in total offense and scoring offense.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends fantasy football team defense rankings for the Wild Card Round.
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1. Houston Texans
The Texans rank seventh in total defense with 323.3 yards allowed per game. They are tied for ninth in scoring defense with 20.7 points allowed per game. Cincinnati ranks 22nd in total offense with 332.7 yards per game, which is the lowest of all the playoff teams. They rank 12th in scoring offense with 24.4 points per game.
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2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Texans have slipped a bit, averaging 11 points in their past two games and 16.3 in their past four. The Bengals rank sixth in total defense (319.7 ypg) and 8th in scoring defense (20 ppg).
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3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers have been rolled over by Adrian Peterson to the tune of 409 yards in two games. The Vikings ranked 20th in total offense (336.6 ypg) and 14th in scoring offense (23.7). If Clay Matthews and company can get to Christian Ponder, they can force him into some mistakes. Ponder is coming off the best game of his career. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a step back.
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4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks ranked fourth in total defense (306.2 ypg) and led the league in scoring defense at 15.3 ppg. Obviously the Washington Redskins have a potent offense, but the Seahawks have allowed 12 points a game during their current five-game winning streak.
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5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens aren’t what they once were, but I expect a little spring in their step following Ray Lewis’ retirement announcement. This could be Ray Lewis’ last home game.
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6. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings held their own in Lambeau against the Packers, but Aaron Rodgers picked them apart in The Dome. Playing the night game in Lambeau could keep Rodgers from putting up monster numbers.
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7. Washington Redskins
The Redskins have come a long way on defense, and they are a top-five run defense, which is Seattle’s strength. Russell Wilson has been doing an RGIII impersonation in recent weeks and Marshawn Lynch is one of the best power runner in the game. This could be a tall order for the Skins.
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8. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts rank 29th against the run. Ray Rice is one of the most electric backs in the league. They will be emotionally charged. This could be a tough game for Indy.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Wild Card Round Picks

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With an exciting 16th week under our belts, here are the LestersLegends 2012 Week 17 fantasy football team defense rankings.
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1. San Francisco 49ers
It is a shame that most leagues are finished and 49ers defense owners won’t get to take advantage of this matchup. The Niners rank second in total defense and third in scoring defense. The Arizona Cardinals rank dead last in total offense and 30th in scoring offense.
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2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos rank third in total defense and fifth in scoring defense. The Kansas City Chiefs rank 22nd in total offense, but last in scoring offense. Despite Jamaal Charles’ great year, the Chiefs have been held under 17 points in 10 of the last 11 games.
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3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks rank fourth in total defense and lead the league in scoring defense. They have outscored their opponents 150-30 in the past three games. The St. Louis Rams rank 24th in total offense and 26th in total defense. They have allowed 11.7 points per game at home.
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4. Chicago Bears
The Bears got their mojo back. Facing the Cardinals will do that to a team. They get the Detroit Lions this week, who gain a ton of yards, but don’t put up a ton of points. Da Bears held them to seven points in the first meeting.
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5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers lead the NFL in total defense and rank 10th in scoring defense. The Cleveland Browns rank 27th in total offense and 23rd in scoring offense. Trent Richardson is dealing with an ankle injury. If he misses the game, the Steelers would be in even better shape.
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6. Green Bay Packers
The Packers rank 10th in total defense and seventh in scoring defense. They have allowed 13.5 points per game during their four-game winning streak. They have the offense to make the Minnesota Vikings chase, which means more Christian Ponder. That’s a good thing for Packer fans and fantasy owners.
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7. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers rank 11th in total defense and 15th in total defense. The Oakland Raiders rank 18th in total offense and 29th in scoring offense. They have averaged 12.2 points in their past five games and 14 in their past seven.
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8. Buffalo Bills
Despite getting blasted by the Seahawks in Week 15 the Bills have averaged 23.5 points allowed in their past six games. The New York Jets have averaged 14 points in their past five games.
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9. New England Patriots
The Pats held four of their past five opponents below 20 points, including limiting the Miami Dolphins to 16 points in Week 13 in Miami. This time they face the ‘Fins at home.
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10. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are terrible defensively, but the Jacksonville Jaguars rank 31st in both total offense and scoring offense. They have averaged 11.8 points during their current four-game losing streak.
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Also check out:

• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy RB Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy TE Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy K Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Options
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Sleepers
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em
• 2012 Week 17 NFL Picks
• Stoppage Time Sports’ Early 2013 Fantasy Football Sleepers
• Can You Trust LeSean McCoy in Week 17?

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Predicting a defense can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark. The Detroit Lions had a juicy matchup against the Arizona Cardinals last week. That should have been a slam dunk. Not so much. Seriously, you have better odds at PartyCasino.com. When you’re done collecting your winnings, stop on back and check out the 2012 Week 16 fantasy football team defense rankings.
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1. Chicago Bears
The Lions may have failed to contain the Cardinals, but the Bears will be a more ferocious foe. Da Bears rank fifth in total defense and third in scoring defense. The Cardinals rank last in total offense and 30th in scoring offense. Chicago’s ability to force turnovers should lead to a monster fantasy score.
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2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos rank fourth in total defense and fifth in scoring defense. Their offense will likely take the running game out of the equation for the Cleveland Browns. That’s when it gets ugly. The Browns rank 26th in total offense and 24th in scoring offense.
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3. New England Patriots
The Patriots were embarrassed defensively by the San Francisco 49ers last week. They will get whole against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags rank 31st in both total offense and scoring offense.
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4. Green Bay Packers
The Packers held their three divisional foes to 15.7 points per game during their current three-game winning streak. They are facing the Tennessee Titans at home. The Titans rank 23rd in both total offense and scoring offense. They have averaged 16.5 points in their past four games.
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5. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have an average defense, but have a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs rank 25th in total offense and dead last in scoring offense. They were shutout by the Oakland Raiders last week.
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6. Houston Texans
I would have the Texans ranked higher if Adrian Peterson wasn’t running like a man possessed. The Texans have been vulnerable to the pass of late, but Christian Ponder is incapable of challenging them downfield.
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7. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers aren’t a strong defensive unit, but the New York Jets are in full self-destruct mode. They rank 30th in total offense and 28th in scoring offense. They have averaged just 13.3 points in their last four games. There is a lack of talent on the team, and the Tebow Experiment was a complete failure.
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8. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton has the Panthers at least going in the right direction. Meanwhile the Raiders, despite last week’s shutout, have hit the skids. They are averaging 14.4 points in their past five games. They are playing on the road, where they are averaging just 15.8 points in six games.
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9. New York Jets
The Jets may be a mess on offense, but they have buckled down on defense, allowing just 10 points per game during their past three games. The Chargers rank 28th in total offense and 21st in scoring offense.
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10. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks rank third in total defense and second in scoring defense. They have a tough matchup with the 49ers, but they are playing at home.
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Also check out:

• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy RB Rankings
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy TE Rankings
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy K Rankings
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Options
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy Football Sleepers
• 2012 Week 16 Fantasy Football Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em
• 2012 Week 16 NFL Picks
• Should You Be Concerned With A.J. Green in Week 16?
• The Bryce is Wrong?
• Should You Start Jimmy Graham in Week 16?
• Stoppage Time Sports’ Early 2013 Fantasy Football Sleepers