When it comes to maximizing your chances of winning a fantasy football tournament, defense may be your best bet. Defensive rankings are a strong indicator of how well a team can perform as a unit, especially when protecting a highly-contested lead during the game. Defensive rankings also play a strong role when going against stronger teams within key matchups.
Preparation is key when it comes to winning fantasy football games, which is why analyzing the right defensive strategies is important. The right defensive approach can help you win games more consistently than when simply drafting the best players available every time.
Teams that have performed well in defensive rankings have done so consistently over the years. This brings in greater structure around your team, giving you more stability as you progress.
Strategizing around defense
As more teams throw the ball more often, there is a greater chance of scoring defensive points throughout matchups. Team defenses can take away these key opportunities and force the offense into uncomfortable positions. These can allow defenses to take advantage of key openings within the matchup and earn more wins along the way.
An important strategy that allows you to win more games within the fantasy football tournament is to focus on quarterback pressure. The greater the pressure applied to the quarterback position, the higher the chances of a fumble or a loss of yards. That’s why TFL and core defensive benchmarks come into play, as well. Teams will be forced to opt for plan B and struggle in offensive execution.
What’s critical is to have a highly-effective defensive selection, as well. Sacks and turnovers are unpredictable throughout the season, which is why it helps to study the defense more carefully. Additionally, by having the right defensive approach, you can create a coherent fantasy football strategy that extends beyond simply drafting the best players regardless of position.
Going for stronger defensive rankings
One of the most successful strategies when playing fantasy football is picking the right approach that provides the maximum value for your investment. These generally tend to be in the defensive side of the picture, as defense rankings play a significant role.
Key factors such as sacks, interceptions, and D/ST touchdowns should be tracked throughout the season to gain a better understanding of how defenses are evolving. The Ravens had allowed the second fewest points last season, while having a solid foundation in offense, as well. These defensive rankings could come into consideration as the season progresses.
While defensive rankings are important, it’s critical to stay one step ahead of any potential injuries. Injuries can leave gaps within the defensive lineup, giving more space for running backs or quarterbacks to perform different moves. You can participate in mock drafts prior to drafting your team so that you can work out what defenses work best for you.
The role of defense throughout the season
Ideally, you don’t want to focus too much on isolated matches throughout the season. You want to shift your approach to thinking about performing well throughout the season. The more FF points you accumulate throughout the entire season, the higher the chances will be of winning more games.
There might be a range of defensive strategies to test out, which is why managers can focus on certain formations over others. The Jaguars and the Bears may be leading the defensive rankings for now, which is why it’s important to pick up the right defensive formations as you proceed. When position scarcity kicks in, that’s when owners can select the right players to complete their lineup.
