Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Most fantasy football owners wait until the last couple rounds of the draft to address their defensive spot. There can be plenty of teams to chose from, but only so many are worth gambling on. One of the best sleeper defenses to look for at the end of the year this summer is the Buffalo Bills.
Positives:
Buffalo’s pass rush has been an underrated unit for some time. The defense finished second in the entire NFL with 57 sacks in 2013 and they have some of serious muscle on their d-line. The team received 41 sacks from their big four of Mario Williams (13), Kyle Williams (10.5), Jerry Hughes (10), and Marcell Dareus (7.5). Simply put, the Bills know how to get to the quarterback.
The emergence of LB Kiko Alonso last season finally legitimatized the team’s running game. Even better, Buffalo added Brandon Spikes this off-season to take over the middle linebacker position and Keith Rivers to occupy the other outside linebacker spot. The team should be much better against the run this season, which will only result in better fantasy numbers.
Buffalo’s secondary was ranked among the top-five for most of the season. They allowed the fourth-least passing yards (204.4 yards/game) and they were quietly productive all season long.
Negatives:
Buffalo’s defense is susceptible to blowouts. The team has allowed 24.3 points against in 2013, 27.2 points in 2012, 27.1 in 2011, and 26.6 points in 2010. They are constantly being abused by the better teams in the league, and as a result, they will occasionally record negative fantasy points.
Buffalo may have finished fourth in passing defense last season, but the team lost safety Jairus Byrd this off-season. The loss leaves a hole in the team’s secondary and there will be a major transition in the third level without the team’s primary ball-hawk.
Final Verdict:
Buffalo’s defense will be an amazing value pick this summer. The defense isn’t on many radars right now and can be added near the end of the draft in every single format. If you are looking for a solid sleeper defense to gamble on this year, go all in on Buffalo.
Bye Week: 9
Projected Round: 16
Auction Value: $2
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
