The Patriots are coming off a Super Bowl win, but their defense (along with their reputation) has taken some hits in the offseason. Three of its top cornerbacks are gone, as is nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Is this a defense to count on in the fantasy world anymore?
History indicates that New England will take a step back this year, both in NFL terms (it's very difficult to repeat) and fantasy. Of the past 13 Super Bowl winners, 10 of them have seen their defensive fantasy ranking decline at least five spots a year later. Three of those teams were the Patriots themselves.
Four of those teams have declined by at least 10 spots, in our ranking system that awards 1 point for sacks, 2 points for takeaways, and 6 points for all defensive touchdowns.
New England had the 5th-ranked fantasy defense a year ago; it should still be a group to strongly consider in fantasy leagues. But it probably won't be as good.
The numbers are below; the three fantasy defenses that bucked the odds and didn't decline are in bold.
| SUPER BOWL WINNING DEFENSES, ONE YEAR LATER | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasy D/ST | SB Year | FF Rk | 1 Year Later |
| New England | 2014 | 5 | ? |
| Seattle | 2013 | 2 | 18 |
| Baltimore | 2012 | 14 | 19 |
| N.Y. Giants | 2011 | 11 | 11 |
| Green Bay | 2010 | 6 | 3 |
| New Orleans | 2009 | 1 | 26 |
| Pittsburgh | 2008 | 8 | 19 |
| N.Y. Giants | 2007 | 6 | 14 |
| Indianapolis | 2006 | 29 | 11 |
| Pittsburgh | 2005 | 6 | 13 |
| New England | 2004 | 5 | 29 |
| New England | 2003 | 1 | 5 |
| Tampa Bay | 2002 | 2 | 8 |
| New England | 2001 | 4 | 10 |
--Andy Richardson