2009 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 10 Defenses

1. Baltimore Ravens - Do not be concerned with the Raven's loss of Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard. Baltimore still fields the most dangerous defense in the league that includes Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed. Chris Carr will also provide an upgrade at the nickel position.

2009 Projected Stats: 25 INTs, 8 Fumbles, 51 Sacks, 4 DFTDs

2. Pittsburgh Steelers - Most of the players return with the exception of Larry Foote who will be replaced by Lawrence Timmons. This defense should get plenty of sacks this year and expect Troy Polamalu to get at least 2 TDs.

2009 Projected Stats: 21 INTs, 9 Fumbles, 50 Sacks, 3 DFTDs

3. Philadelphia Eagles - After the tragic passing of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, new coordinator Sean McDermott looks to get his troops focused. The Eagles have 10 returning starters on defense but do lose play-maker Brian Dawkins. Should still be a very dangerous defense.

2009 Projected Stats: 18 INTs, 13 Fumbles, 47 Sacks, 4 DFTDs

4. New York Giants - The Giants will be putting a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks with Osi Umenyiora returning from injury and the offseason additions of Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. Michael Boley was another offseason acquisition who should solidify the linebacking corps.

2009 Projected Stats: 17 INTs, 8 Fumbles, 43 Sacks, 3 DFTDs

5. Minnesota Vikings - This defense will be sack heavy especially if the two Williams aren't out for long due to suspension for violating the league's drug policy. Jared Allen is a force and will strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.

2009 Projected Stats: 16 INTs, 7 Fumbles, 49 Sacks, 3 DFTDs

6. San Diego Chargers - Shawne Merriman will be back from injury and should up the Charger's sack total. The secondary remains one of the best in the league with Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie leading the troops.

2009 Projected Stats: 20 INTs, 7 Fumbles, 39 Sacks, 4 DFTDs

7. Tennessee Titans - The Titans do lose Albert Haynesworth but it will not be that big of a loss. Jason Jones along with newly acquired Jovan Haye and rookie Sen'Derrick Marks will take over for Haynesworth and be solid replacements.

2009 Projected Stats: 19 INTs, 8 Fumbles, 38 Sacks, 3 DFTDs

8. Chicago Bears - Jay Cutler will improve this offense which means that the defense will have more opportunities at turnovers, Expect the Bears sack total to increase and the secondary should get many interceptions as they did last season.

2009 Projected Stats: 21 INTs, 7 Fumbles, 35 Sacks, 4 DFTDs

9. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys got to the quarterback a lot last season and put up many sacks. They did however give up a lot of points. Expect the same from this defense this year.

2009 Projected Stats: 14 INTs, 10 Fumbles, 53 Sacks, 2 DFTDs

10. New York Jets - The additions of Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Lito Sheppard will make this defense a lot better. They could end up being a steal in your fantasy draft.

2009 Projected Stats: 13 INTS, 9 Fumbles, 41 Sacks, 3 DFTDs

Source: http://www.thehuddle.com/x9/pre/rank-10df.php