Proceed with Caution 2022: Defenses
For those wondering how I did last season, I'll explain here. For those who don't care, I remind you that this is titled "Proceed with Caution" because I'm not telling you to avoid drafting them outright, I'm merely suggesting you don't throw all your eggs into their baskets. I'd consider my pick successful if they finished below the top 10 for QB, TE, K and D, and below the top 20 for RB and WR. Last year I went 1 for 3 (LA Chargers).
New England Patriots: No more J.C. Jackson. I love how stingy Belichick defenses can be, but in fantasy football you need more than just not allowing a lot of points. That certainly helps, but so do sacks and interceptions, the latter of which Jackson has been very adept at getting (8 in 2021, 25 total in his four seasons). His departure also leaves a big hole at one of the stronger position groups for the Pats last season, and without a real pass rush (just 36 sacks in 2021), they're going to have a harder time slowing down opponents through the air.
Dallas Cowboys: In your standard defensive scoring leagues Trevon Diggs' 11 interceptions (and 2 scores) would have accounted for 34 points. It is very unlikely he gets back to that number. I fully expect this to be one I don't finish successful on because I think Dallas will still finish top ten, it'll just be closer to ten, so my suggestion is not to make them one of the first defenses off the board.
Miami Dolphins: Miami's defense has been a fiery force the last three years. But it is important to remember that was under Brian Flores. Now that Flores is gone, I don't foresee them keeping up the kind of overachieving we've grown accustomed to.
