What's up RotoBallers. While we already published our 2015 fantasy football defense rankings & projections in a few different segments, we thought it was time to update these rankings just a little bit as we are approaching the NFL season. This is not an knee jerk overreaction based on preseason news, just some basic accounting for injury news and the effect that those injuries could potentially have on a team's pass or run defense.

So to make things easier for you, we have consolidated the different run defense and pass defense rankings into one massive article. You can consider this your official guide to help you decide which fantasy defenses to draft and target during your 2015 fantasy football drafts. Let's get to it.

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AFC East Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Buffalo Bills

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 1, 2, 8

Cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, and Corey Graham were a lights out secondary tandem that led the Bills to the best pass defense ranking, per DVOA. Graham was the best cornerback by adjusted success rate in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Five

The Bills secondary is expected to return to full strength, but their biggest free agent acquisition was head coach, Rex Ryan. He will be able to send his wild blitz packages and still have his corners hold up the coverage; that is a scary picture of Ryan’s defensive schemes. The Bills also drafted Florida State cornerback Ronald Darby, to further bolster the secondary.

Miami Dolphins

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 16, 9, 21

The Dolphins secondary was an average bunch consisting of cornerbacks Cortland Finnegan (now retired), Brent Grimes, and safety Reshad Jones.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

Miami brought in cornerbacks Zack Bowman from the Giants and Brice McCain from Pittsburgh to replace Finnegan. Cornerback Will Davis will have to step up for the secondary to succeed, but they should be average yet again with the kind of pass rush they have and the relative ease of the AFC East offenses.

New England Patriots

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 12, 11, 4

The Super Bowl winning Patriots boasted the best cornerback in the league, Darrelle Revis, while also having Alfonzo Dennard, Brandon Browner, and safeties Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Ten

Even though the Patriots lost Revis and Brandon Browner, Bill Belichick is a defensive genius and will figure out a way to stop any offense even with mediocre talent such as Logan Ryan and Bradley Fletcher. Belichick will still have Devin McCourty to help the weaker cornerbacks with his elite deep help. The Patriots’ also used their second round draft pick on Stanford safety Jordan Richards, although Belichick has missed on his secondary picks more often than not. Linebacker Jamie Collins is a great pass defender over the middle and adds another weapon for Belichick’s potential pass rushing. Look out for Collins to really make a name for himself in the league this year.

New York Jets

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 27, 28, 19

The Jets secondary last year for the majority of the season was as follows: cornerbacks Antonio Allen, Darrin Walls, Phillip Adams, and Kyle Wilson. That’s all that needs to be said about the Jets atrocious secondary last season.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Five

The Jets overhauled their atrocious cornerback situation last season by bringing back to town Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie while also signing the up and coming former Cleveland Brown, Buster Skrine. The Jets also signed away free safety Marcus Gilchrist from the Chargers. Head coach Todd Bowles will be working to coach up 2014 first round pick safety Calvin Pryor to make this secondary lethal.

 

AFC East Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Buffalo Bills

2014 Run/Rush Defense Rankings: 12, 5

The Bills rush defense had a behemoth of a front line with Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, and Jerry Hughes.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Five

The Bills returns their front line from last season and will only improve with the addition of Ryan is calling their plays.  The Bills will be a top five rushing defense this year due to Rex Ryan’s ability to get the most out of his players. Running backs will have a terrible time facing this defense.

Miami Dolphins

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 18, 19

The Dolphins got torched right up the gut last season, a big reason they failed to make the playoffs.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Ten

The Dolphins signed the class of the free agent pool, run stuffer and one man wrecking crew, Ndamukong Suh, shelling out $60 million in guaranteed money. Teams will not be able to run down the Dolphins throat anymore with Suh manning the middle.

New England Patriots

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 13, 15

An up and coming Patriots front seven with veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, led the charge up front.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Ten

Patriots first round draft pick, defensive tackle Malcolm Brown, will make the fans forget about Wilfork. Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, and Jamie Collins will also be very effective in stopping the run. The Patriots will be able to stop the run when it counts.

New York Jets

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 11, 10

The defensive line was the lone bright spot on this team last season. The Jets rush defense started off really strong last year, but tailed off as their season spun out of control.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Ten

Even though Sheldon Richardson has been suspended four games, Muhammad Wilkerson and Leonard Williams will shoulder the load and make this unit a top ten rushing defense. Nose tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison also returns and must play well in Richardson’s absence. I can not wait to see the schemes Todd Bowles has in store for this Jets defense.

 

AFC West Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Denver Broncos

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 5, 24, 2

The secondary was led Pro Bowl cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward and free safety Rahim Moore who had intercepted four balls. Harris was the third best cornerback in a leading role while Talib was ninth in a supporting role by adjusted success rate, both per Football Outsiders.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top 10

The Broncos lost Moore to the Texans, but brought in Darlan Stewart (from the Ravens) to replace him. The team used its first round pick on the Missouri star defensive end Shane Ray to join DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller in the pass rush.

San Diego Chargers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 25, 19, 12

Safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Brandon Flowers (6^th best cornerback last season, according to FBO.) held their own in the secondary. The problem was everybody else.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

The Bolts replaced strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (Jets), and Shareece Wright (49ers) with strong safety Jimmy Wilson (Dolphins), and cornerback Patrick Robinson (Saints), who was the 11^th best cornerback in a supporting role by adjusted success rate. The Chargers will depend on Robinson to play well again in a complementary position. Also, the Chargers and Brandon Flowers agreed to a 4-year $36 million deal this offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs

2014 Pass Defense Ranking: 13, 4, 9

The Chiefs managed to have an above average ranking even though they didn’t have All- Pro safety Eric Berry. Cornerback Sean Smith stepped up last season with what was an excellent season, ranking 12^th in the league in best cornerbacks in a leading role by adjusted success rate, according to FBO.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Five

With the return of Eric Berry, who is now thankfully cancer free, this pass defense will return to a top-flight unit. The Chiefs also drafted cornerback Marcus Peters with the 18^th pick, another weapon for defensive coordinator, Bob Sutton.

Oakland Raiders

2014 Rankings: 28, 25, 6

2013 first round pick cornerback D.J. Hayden was the sole reason this unit was 6^th against wide receivers. He was also the 12^th best cornerback in a supporting role, according to Football Outsiders.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

Cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers are gone, a good thing. Cornerback Charles Woodson will turn 39 in October, but they brought in the very good strong safety Nate Allen from Philly. Head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., from Seattle, will help these players tremendously.

 

AFC West Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Denver Broncos

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 3, 8

The Broncos rush defense was led by a stalwart front seven with defensive linemen Malik Jackson, Terrance Knighton, Demarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe and linebackers Von Miller, Brandon Marshall, and Nate Irving holding rushing attacks to a minimum.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top 10

The Broncos lost Knighton to Washington and Wolfe is suspended for the first four games. Regarding the defensive line, head coach Gary Kubiak said, “Obviously, the defensive line has a few concerns as we head into training camp right now.” Marshall suffered a Lisfranc injury on December 14th, but didn’t get surgery until March 11th. The Broncos should be able to overcome this, but maybe not right away. The draft of Shane Ray could also help alleviate some of the losses.

San Diego Chargers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 15, 14

The Chargers lost middle linebacker Mant’i Teo last season for 6 games due to a fractured foot, and fellow linebacker Melvin Ingram only played nine games due to a hip injury, a major cause for the average rushing defense.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

The rushing defense not only hinges on Teo’s health, but defensive tackle Corey Liuget will need to improve on his run defense for the Chargers to become better than average. I expect the Chargers to be around the same as next season, unless Te’o plays out of his mind.

Kansas City Chiefs

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 26, 10

The Chiefs defense suffered injuries to Mike DeVito, Derrick Johnson, and Joe Mays, which hurt their rushing defense. With those injuries, Josh Mauga stepped up, recording a team- high 103 tackles. Plus, they were 2nd in defense in scoring defense last season.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

This rushing defense  may struggle again for the first six weeks. 6”3 346- pound nose tackle, Dontari Poe, will miss at least the first six games after undergoing a microdiscectomy on July 15. The Chiefs run defense will hurt without Poe, but if he gets back and is healthy then they will be better than last year.

Oakland Raiders

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 14, 32

Even though the Raiders DVOA was 14^th, they gave up the most points to fantasy running backs last year. This is no surprise, they had a defensive line consisting of Antonio Smith, Justin Ellis, and Benson Mayowa. Justin Tuck was not as big of a factor as the Raiders were hoping for.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Half

There has been talk of the Raiders potentially being a top-10 defense this season. The Raiders used their 35^th pick on Florida State defensive end, Mario Edwards Jr. In they offseason they added above average nose tackle Dan Williams from Arizona and former Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, a great run defender who had 145 tackles last season. They lost Antonio Smith to the Broncos in free agency. Khalil Mack will only improve after his stellar rookie campaign. Maybe they won’t be a top ten defense overall, but against the run they will vastly improve.

 

AFC North Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Pittsburgh Steelers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 30, 27, 22

The Steeler secondary was among the worst in the NFL last season, and at least some of that blame could fall on the pass rush. Nine times the Steelers failed to record more than a couple of sacks, and the secondary, full of problems all its own, simply wasn’t good enough to make up for it.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Half

That putrid Pittsburgh pass rush got even worse this off-season when Jason Worilds decided to retire. Worilds was the team’s best pass rusher in 2014, and although the addition of first round pick Bud Dupree could fill that void in time, it’s a little much to expect from a rookie, especially on a team that’s rarely utilized rookies. Without any other significant changes, the Steelers secondary could have another rough year in store this coming season. Fantasy players should take notice.

Baltimore Ravens

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 15, 16, 28

Baltimore finished as a middling defense against the pass in 2014, especially struggling against the WR position. The Raven secondary was one of only a handful of teams to give up more than 3,000 yards to the WR position and allowed WRs to find the end-zone 15 times in 2014.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of the Park

As long as Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil continue terrorizing QBs, the Ravens secondary should be solid in 2015. Fantasy owners shouldn’t second guess starting a QB against Baltimore, though, and should look forward to weeks when a WR faces the purple and black.

Cleveland Browns

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 2, 5, 14

Joe Haden and the rest of the Browns’ secondary was one of the best in the NFL last season, coming second in terms of DVOA against the pass and fifth against the QB position. Those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, though, given the fact that Cleveland was rushed on more than 31 times a game—also second most in the NFL.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top 10

21 interceptions last season may have inflated the team’s defensive stats a little and could point to some decline in 2015. That said, Haden has solidified himself as a shutdown corner and the rest of the secondary remains under appreciated. QBs may have some more success this coming year, but as long as Haden remains on the corner the Browns will be a defense to fear at the WR position.

Cincinnati Bengals

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 7, 3, 3

Despite dropping significantly in fantasy rankings, Cincinnati was the best in their division against the pass in 2014. The Bengals held the QB position to under 14 points a week and shut down opposing WRs as well, all with little semblance of a pass rush. Only the Seahawks were better in both categories, yet another example of just how good Cincinnati’s secondary was a season ago.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top 10

A healthier Geno Atkins could help bring some life into the Bengals pass rush, and if Vontaze Burfict can stay healthy as well Cincinnati could actually improve on last season. They may not be a great fantasy defense scoring-wise, but fantasy players should hesitate before starting a QB or WR against them.

 

AFC North Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Pittsburgh Steelers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 17, 13

Much better than they were against the pass, Pittsburgh finished in the top half of the league against the run in 2014. However, part of that success could be attributed to the simple fact that opposing offenses had little reason to run the football when throwing was so easy.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

Pittsburgh has certainly made it a focus to acquire more youth on the defensive side of the football and that youth could grow into yet another strong Steeler defense, but 2015 may not be that year. Dupree is a great addition, but there simply isn’t much else to make the Steelers a defense something to be afraid of in 2015, which puts them right in the middle of the league. They aren’t a defense to target, but aren’t one to fear either.

Baltimore Ravens

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 5, 1

Many thought the Ravens would decline in 2014, but Baltimore didn’t seem to get the memo. Statistically amongst the best run defenses in the league last season, Baltimore held the RB position to only 5 total rushing TDs and barely more than 10 fantasy points per game. So much for decline.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top 10

The loss of Haloti Nagta will hurt, but a full off-season of preparation for C.J. Mosley could help weather some of that blow. Mosley started all 16 games of his rookie season and was among the best tacklers in the league. Couple that with strong ends in Dumervil and Suggs and the Ravens front seven looks to be dangerous once again in 2015. Take a long hard look before starting a RB against Baltimore.

Cleveland Browns

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 31, 20

As stated before, part of the Browns’ success against the pass in 2014 can be attributed to their atrocious run defense, and a second-to-last place DVOA against the run supports that. Cleveland gave up nearly 18 points a week to the RB position, struggling mightily throughout all of 2014.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom 10

With a similar cast of players on defense and little fire power on offense, Cleveland may be lucky if it can finish in the middle of league against the run this coming season. They’re a defense to target.

Cincinnati Bengals

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 28, 28

For every bit the Bengals were great against the pass in 2014, they were equally awful against the run. RBs managed 1,600 yards and found the end-zone 15 times against Cincinnati last season, numbers that get even worse when factoring in the 826 yards the Bengals surrendered in receiving yards to the RB position. Only the Saints allowed more.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

A healthy Burfict could change the entire makeup of the Bengal’s run defense, but it will like take more than one player to turn around last season’s debacle. It’s not unreasonable for them to finish near the back half of the league in 2015, but it’s also not impossible they finish somewhere in the middle. Either way, fantasy players shouldn’t hesitate to start a RB versus Cincy.

 

AFC South Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Indianapolis Colts

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 10, 14, 5

Known much more for Andrew Luck and their impressive passing offense, the Colts were surprisingly strong against the pass defensively in 2014. They finished in the top third of teams in terms of DVOA and were a top-5 team against the WR position. Impressive numbers for a defense that gets little to no recognition.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Half

Vontae Davis is emerging as one of the best shutdown corners in the game, and the addition of Trent Cole coupled with the return of Robert Mathis should bolster a Colts pass rush that struggled at times in 2014. While things get a bit muddy beyond those core players, there’s little reason to believe Indy can’t return to last season’s form. They may be a defense to be leery of for the QB and WR positions this coming year.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 17, 15, 17

A young defense in Jacksonville struggled at times in 2014 before finishing in the middle of the league against the pass. The secondary only managed six interceptions, tied for the league low, but the Jaguars also surrendered only 24 TDs via the air, and only 13 of those were caught by WRs. Those are strong numbers and I bet many non-Jaguars fans are surprised to hear that.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

A team as young as the Jaguars always has potential to improve drastically from year to year, and with Gus Bradley calling the shots defense will always be a priority. Johnathan Cyprien is an emerging talent at the safety position, and if the pass rush, which landed the sixth most sacks in the league last year, can take a step forward despite losing their top draft pick, this defense could be stout against the pass. Until then, the Jaguars aren’t a team to fear at the QB and WR positions.

Tennessee Titans

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 26, 20, 16

The worst defense in the division last season, the Titans were well in the bottom third of teams in terms of DVOA against the pass. They were, however, respectable against QBs and WRs. Parts of that may be attributed to the fact that the Titans surrendered north of 27 P/G in 2014, giving offenses little reason to pass.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

There are pieces in place in Tennessee. Jurrell Casey became a force as an interior rusher in the last two seasons and the addition of Brian Orakpo could help make a weak pass rush much stronger, but that doesn’t change the weaknesses in the Titans’ secondary. Even with the addition of Perrish Cox, the Titans’ would be depending on Jason McCourty having a primme season in order to alleviate the safeties and pass rushing issues. Of all the defensive units in the AFC South, the Titans will be the one to target in 2015.

Houston Texans

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 6, 8, 29

Saving the best for last, JJ Watt and the Texans defense were among the 10 best teams in the league last season when it came to both DVOA against the pass and the QB position, yet surprisingly struggled in a mighty way against wide outs. Houston surrendered nearly 3,000 yards to opposing WR in 2014, a number that equated to more than 24 fantasy points a week.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom 5

As long as Watt is on this team, the defense will be one to fear. Watt has been the best defensive player in the league for the better part of three seasons now, and single handedly makes the Texans pass rush a daunting one. Beyond him, though, there isn’t too much to be leery of with Brian Cushing regressing and Jadaveon Clowney struggling to stay healthy. Still, it’s not a bad idea to hesitate before playing a QB against Houston in 2015.

 

AFC South Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Indianapolis Colts

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 19, 24

The Colts’ ability to stop the run lagged a bit behind their ability against the pass, finishing in the bottom half of the league in DVOA and struggling against the RB position. Part of that could be attributed to the fact that the Colts surrendered nearly 800 yards in receiving to RBs in 2014, among the highest numbers in the league.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

The return of Mathis and the addition of Cole will help boost the defense in more than just pass rush, and with an offense capable of scoring points at will opponents may not find it smart to run the ball much against Indianapolis. That said, there really isn’t anything to suggest a stout run defense is on the horizon from the Colts in 2015.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 20, 27

Just like the Colts, the Jaguars were much better in terms of DVOA against the run than they were against the RB position. Giving up 1750 yards on the ground to opposing RBs will do that.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

If there is a bright spot on a rebuilding Jaguars team, it’s the defensive line. Only a handful of teams produced more sacks than Jacksonville in 2014, and that same line now has another year of experience under its belt. Pass rush doesn’t fix a leaky run defense, though, which could leave the Jaguars once again near the bottom of the league against RBs. They aren’t a defense to fear.

Tennessee Titans

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 29, 31

It seems like fantasy players have rejoiced for a few years now upon seeing one of their RBs is playing the Titans. Amongst the league’s worst run defenses yet again in 2014, Tennessee was the only team in the league to surrender more than 2000 yards on the ground to the RB position.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

Bad doesn’t become good without significant change, and not enough of that change happened this off-season to reason the Titans will improve drastically against the run. There are some pieces in place, like Casey and Orakpo mentioned before, but adding pass rush won’t plug those gaping holes. If your RB happens to be playing the Titans in 2015, smile a little bit.

Houston Texans

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 16, 10

Houston wasn’t as good against the run in 2014 as it was against the pass, and part of that may fall on the regression and injuries of Brian Cushing at middle linebacker. They still finished in the top-10 against RBs, though, good enough to make fantasy players uneasy.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Half

If Cushing can return to his previous form and Clowney stay on the field, this Texans front seven could be dominant against the pass and the run. Until then, though, Houston is likely to remain a middle of the ground defense against the run. They aren’t a defense to target, but they aren’t a defense to fear either.

 

NFC East Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Philadelphia Eagles

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 18, 30, 32

Despite finishing as fantasy’s second highest scoring defense, the Eagles were among the worst teams in the league last season when it came to defending against the pass. No team was hit more by the WR position and only a couple posted worse numbers against opposing QBs.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

Off-season additions Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso are likely to improve the Eagles passing defense, but even a solid improvement on last season’s performance would put them in the middle third of teams. They do have a strong defensive line and a propensity for causing turnovers, but were far from a defense to be afraid of in 2014 and will remain so this season.

New York Giants

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 21, 26, 13

The Giants were slightly better against the pass than Philadelphia in 2014, but still finished in the bottom third of the league against the QB position. They had a respectable pass rush, however, posting the fourth most sacks (47) in the league.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom 10

With no significant additions and the loss of Jason Pierre-Paul to provide pass rush, it’s hard to believe the Giants will be much improved in 2015. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara aren’t a bad combination in the secondary, though, and could lead a relatively weak Giants defense to a respectable season. Like the Eagles, though, they won’t be a defense to be afraid of in 2015.

Dallas Cowboys

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 22, 18, 7

Despite a rough season from a fantasy standpoint, Dallas was a much improved defensive team in 2014. The Cowboys still finished in the bottom third of the league when it came to DVOA against the pass, though, and were below average against the QB position.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

The addition of Byron Jones through the draft could be hugely beneficial for the Cowboys. Jones is an athletic freak and will slide into the slot quickly, but he remains raw and could take a while to get acclimated to the NFL. Until that happens, the Dallas secondary won’t be a terribly imposing threat, but remains somewhere around the back portion of the top half of NFL defenses.

Washington Redskins

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 32, 32, 31

The single worst passing defense in the league, the Redskins came in last place in both defensive DVOA against the pass and against the QB position. They were only second worst ranked defense against WRs, though, so there’s that.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Five

It would take a lot to turn around the train-wreck that was the Redskins secondary in 2014, and that didn’t happen this off-season. Ryan Kerrigan remains one of the better pass rushers in the league, but can only do so much. Washington will remain a defense to target for the QB and WR positions in 2015.

 

NFC East Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Philadelphia Eagles

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 7, 22

The Eagles were a top-10 team in terms of DVOA against the run in 2015, yet came in the bottom third of teams against the RB position. The reason for that discrepancy likely lies in the fact that Philadelphia gave up seven TD to RBs via the air—tied for most in the league—and bodes more toward troubling coverage than their defensive line.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Half

This is a talented front seven for the Eagles, and the addition of Kiko Alonso in the off-season will only help. Youth is also a factor as well, with many of the Eagles defensive lineman still coming into their own. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect a repeat of last season’s performance against the run, possibly an improvement. Either way, the Eagles will be a team on the better side against the RB position in 2015.

New York Giants

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 27, 26

The Giants were bad against the run in 2015, there’s no other way to say it. The team gave up more than 1700 yards to RBs last season, and surrendered nearly 750 yards to RBs through the air.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Half

Just like their secondary, the Giants are likely to remain right where they were in 2014 this coming season. They’ll still face Demarco Murray twice, Alfred Morris twice, and a great Cowboys offensive line twice as well, match-ups that become even worse when considering that some could happen without premier defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul. If Jon Beason can remain healthy and bring a vintage season, they could take a step forward, but the Giants aren’t a team to fear in 2015.

Dallas Cowboys

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 22, 19

Dallas was respectable against the run in 2014, but still fell to the bottom third of teams in the league. They weren’t torched nearly as bad by RB through the air than some of their divisional rivals, however, but surrendered 13 TD via the ground.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

The Cowboys are likely to have a solid defense in 2015, similar to what they had in 2014. Some improvement could come once Greg Hardy returns and Randy Gregory gets acclimated to the NFL, but in the meantime Dallas looks to be a middle ground run-stopper this season. They won’t be a team to fear, but won’t necessarily be a team to target either.

Washington Redskins

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 9, 8

Washington was almost as good last year against the run as they were awful against the pass—almost. The Redskins were actually the best run defense in the division in 2014, and holding the RB position to less than 1800 all-purpose yards.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top 10

If Washington has one thing going for itself on the defensive side of the ball, it’s stopping the run. Last season’s successes are likely to melt into this year and then some with additions of Stephen Paea and Terrance Knighton, too, which could make this team a top-5 run stopper if everything works out. If there is an NFC East team to fear in 2015 for the RB position, its Washington.

 

NFC West Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Arizona Cardinals

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 14, 22, 17

The Cardinals secondary played better than their ranking last season. Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie both finished the 2014 season as pro bowlers. Jerraud Powers and Peterson were the 11th best cornerback duo in a supporting role and leading role by adjusted success rate, according to Football Outsiders.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

Losing Cromartie and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to the Jets will hurt. Peterson is great, but there isn’t enough support for him on the Cardinals defense.

San Fransisco 49ers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 4, 6, 15

Strong safety Antoine Bethea was a Pro Bowler and Chris Culliver was the fifth best cornerback in a supporting role by adjusted success rate, according to FBO.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

The 49ers had arguably the worst off-season of any team. They parted ways with their great head coach Jim Harbaugh, and lost five time first-team All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis to retirement. Promising rookie linebacker Chris Borland also shocked the team with an early retirement. The 49ers defense also lost two good cornerbacks, the aforementioned Culliver (to the Redskins) and cornerback Perrish Cox (to the Titans). It doesn’t end there, the 49ers then lost two great pass rushers: oft troubled Aldon Smith (who was released recently) and Justin Smith to retirement.

The 49ers signed cornerback Shareece Wright (Chargers), linebacker Phillip Wheeler (Dolphins), and used their second round pick used on Samford safety Jaquiski Tartt. The 49ers pass defense will really struggle this season.

St. Louis Rams

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 20, 10, 25

Janoris Jenkins and rookie E.J. Gaines proved to be a good cornerback duo last season. Gaines was the ninth best cornerback in a leading role, according to FBO, but the rest of the secondary were too young and not yet ready to take the next step.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Ten

The Rams were set to return all 11 of their defensive starters from last season until E.J. Gaines suffered a season ending injury during week 1 of preseason. However, having 10 returning players and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams entering his second season should alleviate growing pains for the replacement and help bring this very young pass defense to top-ten status.

Seattle Seahawks

2014 Rankings: 3, 1, 1

Everyone knows about the Legion of Boom.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top Five

The Seahawks couldn’t pay everyone, so they cut ties with cornerback Byron Maxwell (to the Eagles). The Seahawks replaced him with cornerbacks Cary Williams (from the Eagles) and Will Blackmon (from the Jaguars), who will fit right in to a ready-made scheme alongside Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas.

 

NFC West Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Arizona Cardinals

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 6, 4

The Cardinals overcame the torn ACL of defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to become a top ten rush defense. Defensive end Calais Campbell gave the team a Pro Bowl effort and nose tackle Dan Williams was the run stuffer the team needed.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Ten

This offseason the Cardinals lost Williams (to the Raiders) and fellow defensive tackle Dockett (to the 49ers). The team shored up the defensive line this offseason using their second round pick on Missouri defensive end Markus Golden in the second round, who can play the run well. In free agency, the team signed defensive end LaMarr Woodley (from the Raiders), outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (from the Falcons), defensive end Cory Redding (from the Colts), and defensive tackle Corey Peters (from the Falcons). All of these signings will help keep this team a top-ten rush defense yet again.

San Francisco 49ers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 10, 7

The defense was always good under the tenure of Harbaugh, but towards the end of the 2014 nfl season everything sputtered out of control.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

In free agency the 49ers signed defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (from the Cardinals), but lost defensive lineman Ray McDonald (to the Bears). With the 17^th pick they drafted defensive end Arik Armstead from Oregon, although he won’t be too much of a factor in his rookie year. The losses of Willis and Borland and the mass player turnover will prove costly.

St. Louis Rams

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 4, 6

Arguably the best defensive line in football held their own last season.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Five

The offseason saw the Rams make minimal moves. They lost defensive tackle Kendall Langford (to the Colts), but signed another very good defensive tackle Nick Fairley (from the Lions). Everyone else is returning to this team; look for reigning defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald to really take off.

Seattle Seahawks

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 2, 2

Although the Hawks didn’t have the greatest start, they finished really strong. Michael Bennett led the best defense in football with seven sacks.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Five

The losses of defensive end O’Brien Schofield (to the Falcons) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (to the Raiders) will be forgotten quickly. The team brought in defensive tackle Ahyba Rubin, who was once a good run stuffer, and drafted Michigan defensive end Frank Clark in the second round.

 

NFC North Passing Defenses Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Detroit Lions

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 8, 7, 10

Coming in 7th and 10th against QB and WR respectively in 2014 made the Lions the best in their division against both of the positions. Their secondary also finished top-10 in terms of passing DVOA, opponent Y/A, and interceptions. That’s not bad for a team known for stopping the run.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top 10

The Lions gave up the fifth fewest Y/A against the pass in 2014, yet came in 13^th in terms of total yards allowed. That difference stems from the fact that only four teams were thrown on more than Detroit last season, and eventually boils down to opposing offenses being utterly unable to run the football. A weaker run defense could actually benefit an already strong Lions secondary, however, with fewer teams electing to attack through the air. Expect similar production from Detroit in 2015.

Minnesota Vikings

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 19, 11, 11

The Vikings, relying on a strong core of young players in their secondary, finished in the top half of teams in terms of opponent Y/A over the air last season and were the 11th best defense against both the QB and WR in 2014. Their mediocre DVOA against the pass put them 19th in the league, though.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Top 10

Rookie Trae Waynes has struggled thus far in the pre-season, but with Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes on the outside and Everson Griffen on the inside, the Vikings pass defense looks to be much improved this season. It’ll need to be, too, with Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, and Alshon Jeffery comprising a third of the team’s schedule. That alone should temper expectations, but of all the teams in the NFC North Minnesota seems likeliest to improve dramatically this season. Any improvement at all would put them right up there with Lions in the top-10.

Green Bay Packers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 16, 12, 23

It was a perfectly average season for the Packers’ secondary in 2014. The group finished in the middle of the league in terms of passing DVOA, doing slightly better against the QB and worse against the WR. They were much more a defense to target than a defense to fear, although they did finish top-10 in terms of opponent Y/A through the air.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of the Pack

Despite the funny names, there shouldn’t be too much that’s funny about the Packers’ secondary in 2015. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett comprise one of the better safety duos in all of football, and with Julius Peppers as a threat on the edge the team could be just as strong as a pass defense in 2015 as it was a season ago. That puts them right in the mix to finish near the middle of the league, possibly higher.

Chicago Bears

2014 Rankings: 29, 31, 24

Chicago’s 2014 defensive statistics against the pass are a testament to just how bad a bad secondary can be in the NFC North. The Bears gave up more than 4200 yards via the air last season despite being passed on less than most of the league, and finished second-worst in the league in both Y/A and TDs allowed.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

There should be improvement in Chicago this season, just not enough. The team has taken steps toward rebuilding, but will still have a rebuilding secondary and should continue to struggle against the pass. The only reason not to target the Bears for the QB and WR positions would be poor weather conditions at Soldier Field late in the year.

 

NFC North Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Detroit Lions

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 1, 3

The Lions defensive line stole the show in 2014. Detroit boasted the best run defense in the league, giving up only 3.2 Y/A, a mark .2 yards better than Seattle and nearly a yard better than Buffalo. Their DVOA against the run was also tops in the league, while they gave up the third fewest points to the RB position.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Half

Despite being the best in the league just a season ago, the Lions may not find themselves the best run defense in their own division when 2015 comes to a close. For a reason why, look no further than Ndamukung Suh. Arguably one of the best defensive players in the game, Suh left the Lions for the Dolphins in free agency, and although Detroit picked up Haloti Ngata to fill the void, Suh’s absence will still be sorely felt. Expect decline from the Lions this coming season.

Minnesota Vikings

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 25, 26

An improved Minnesota defense last season was still in the bottom third of the league when it came to stopping the run. The young Vikings gave up more than 18 points a week to the RB position in 2014, and spent the majority of the year targeted by fantasy players looking for a juicy RB match-up.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Top Half

Hovering near the middle of the pack isn’t where Mike Zimmer wants his defense to be, and a wealth of young talent in Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and Everson Griffen could help with that. If those three key players and several others can take another step forward in 2015, the Vikings have to the potential to be a brutal run defense. They haven’t quite put it together, though, as apparent by their 4.3 Y/A last season, but another year of growth and another year under Zimmer gives this team more potential than any in the NFC North.

Green Bay Packers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 24, 16

A rough run defense made the Packers one of the most statistically mediocre defenses in the league last season. Despite only giving up the 16th most points to the RB position, Green Bay was well in the bottom third of teams in terms of DVOA against the run.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Half

A once feared linebacker core in Green Bay has since begun to struggle, and the Packers’ 116 first downs given up via the run last season is a sign of that. There is potential, however, with Julius Peppers reemerging last season and a great duo of hard hitting safeties in the secondary, but another year of decline could put the Packers, once again, into the bottom half of teams against the run. In fact, Green Bay’s best weapon against the run in 2015 may prove to be Aaron Rodger’s arm.

Chicago Bears

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 21, 21

The Bears weren’t quite as awful against the run last season as they were against the pass, but still ended in the bottom third of the league. They did, however, only give up 78 first downs via the run, a relatively strong mark.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Half

In the wake of two tumultuous seasons, one of which was historically bad, Chicago put some seeds in place this off-season. The team grabbed DC Vic Fangio from San Francisco where his 49ers defenses were routinely among the best in the league, and even added some young talent as well. That doesn’t change the fact that the Bears gave up points on a league high 44.6% of opponents’ drives last season, and won’t turn a bad run defense great. Expect another sub-par defense from Chicago in 2015, and that goes for the run as well.

 

NFC South Passing Defense Rankings

2014 Pass Defense Ranking per DVOA and Fantasy Points against Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers, per ESPN

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 23, 22, 30

Cornerback Alterraun Verner and the rest of the secondary were simply awful last year.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Five

The arrival of free safety Chris Conte from Chicago and defensive back Sterling Moore from Dallas will not improve the secondary. The free agency losses of defensive end Michael Johnson (Bengals) and Adrian Clayborn (Falcons) will hurt. Free agent signing defensive tackle Henry Melton (Cowboys) will be an effective pass rusher like last season, but it will not be enough to salvage the horrendous secondary.

Atlanta Falcons

2014 Pass Defense Ranking: 31, 20, 26

The secondary of Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Dwight Lowery, and Ishmael Kemal was horrific last season, ruining their playoff chances.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Five

The Falcons brought in cornerback Phillip Adams (Jets) and drafted LSU cornerback project Jalen Collins in the second round. I watched Adams with the Jets last year and he was terrible. The Falcons will need their first round pick Vic Beasley to come in and play great to soften the load for this secondary. Either way, new head coach Dan Quinn will have his hands full as the Falcons adjust to the new scheme he will implement.

Carolina Panthers

2014 Pass Defense Rankings: 9, 16, 20

Cornerback Josh Norman and strong safety Roman Harper had very good years leading this secondary. Norman was 4^th among leading role cornerbacks by adjusted success rate, per FBO. while Harper had four interceptions.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

The Panthers signed Charles Tillman (Bears), but he suffered a second torn triceps injury last season. I believe he will be back to around 85 percent this season, and will make a very good duo with Norman. The team drafted Washington outside linebacker Shaq Thompson in the second round who will be another good player to defend the run and pass.

New Orleans Saints

2014 Rankings: 27, 29, 27

Three time pro bowler and two time second team All-Pro free safety Jairus Byrd was supposed to continue his stellar play in the Big Easy but he tore his lateral meniscus on October 2^nd missing the rest of the season. 2013 First round pick safety Kenny Vaccaro and the rest of the secondary could not fill the void of Byrd.

2015 Projected Pass Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

The Saints plucked Super Bowl winning cornerback Brandon Browner from New England to try and improve this secondary. He led the league in penalties committed, 15, including six pass interference and six defensive holding penalties. Have fun with him, New Orleans. Former Jets first round pick cornerback Kyle Wilson was also signed by New Orleans. The Saints second and third draft selections will be able to help also.

31^st overall pick, linebacker Stephone Anthony, will be able to help cover tight ends, and second round pick, linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha, will hopefully help the Saints by being effective at rushing the passer.  Rob Ryan will likely have another difficult year coaching this defense as they try to get all these average veterans and new rookies to perform.

 

NFC South Run/Rushing Defense Rankings

2014 Rush Defense Ranking, per DVOA and Fantasy Points Against Running Backs, per ESPN

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 8, 23

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was one of the few bright spots on this defensive line last season.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Five

The Bucs need Melton and McCoy to play well so this rush defense isn’t the worst in the league, but just like with the pass defense it won’t matter. The Bucs had so many problems last season and correctly used the first overall pick on Jameis Winston. This defense is a project still changing into Lovie Smith’s Tampa-2 defense.

Atlanta Falcons

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 30, 30

The defensive line of Malliciah Goodman, Paul Soliai, Tyson Jackson, and Jonathan Babineaux were overmatched by their competition.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Ten

The Falcons did sign players this offseason to improve the rush defense: Clayborn, linebackers Justin Durant (Cowboys), Reed Brooks (Texans), and O’Brien Schofield (Seahawks). The team also resigned reality TV star Kory Biermann. The team will improve, but only slightly.

Carolina Panthers

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 23, 17

The team boasts the best middle linebacker in football, Luke Kuechly, but even his 107 tackles couldn’t make this an above average unit.

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Middle of Pack

Run stuffing nose tackle Star Lotulelei is currently injured with a stressr eaction to his surgically repaired right foot and those types of injuries always scare me. If Lotulelei is hampered by his injury then that could cause Carolina major issues defending the run.

New Orleans Saints

2014 Run/Rush Rankings: 32, 29

The Saints would not have been able to stop Rob Ryan, at 52-years-old, if he suited up and tried running against them in practice last season. The defensive line was miserable. The lone bright spot was Curtis Lofton who recorded a team high 145 tackles

2015 Projected Run/Rush Defense Ranking: Bottom Five

The Saints signed defensive end Anthony Spencer from Dallas, but he won’t be able to turn around the defensive line by himself. Linebacker Curtis Lofton departed to Oakland so the team traded wide receiver Kenny Stills to Miami for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. Ellerbe was needed, but the loss of Lofton is bad. The Saints are in the worst stages of their rebuilding period, the rush defense will likely be awful again.

 

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