The Philadelphia Eagles had the top fantasy defense last season, in a scoring system that awards 1 point for sacks, 2 points for turnovers, and 6 points for touchdowns. Should everyone be looking to select them in 2015, or to let somebody else jump at them?
The recent history of fantasy defenses that finished No. 1 in the league isn't great the following season. Only 5 of the last 13, in fact, even ranked in the top 15 one year later.
Top-ranked fantasy defenses, one year later, are shown below. The odds suggest you're better off letting somebody else use an early selection on the Eagles.
| TOP-RANKED FANTASY D/ST, ONE YEAR LATER | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Rk | Next? |
| 2014 | Philadelphia | 1st | ? |
| 2013 | Kansas City | 1st | 25th |
| 2012 | Chicago | 1st | 8th |
| 2011 | Detroit | 1st | 29th |
| 2010 | New England | 1st | 6th |
| 2009 | New Orleans | 1st | 26th |
| 2008 | Philadelphia | 1st | 2nd |
| 2007 | San Diego | 1st | 16th |
| 2006 | Chicago | 1st | 2nd |
| 2005 | Carolina | 1st | 25th |
| 2004 | Buffalo | 1st | 19th |
| 2003 | New England | 1st | 5th |
| 2002 | Philadelphia | 1st | 16th |
| 2001 | Chicago | 1st | 22nd |
--Andy Richardson