If you are trying to decide your match ups, it is always a good idea to consider the strength of the defense you are facing–especially in your stud’s category.
Check out the rankings and stats of defenses from around the league. It will tell you one thing straight up: Don’t play your studs against the Steelers if you have another legit option.
The Top 5 Rushing defenses going into week 11 are:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Baltimore Ravens
- Minnesota Vikings (unless you’re Ryan Grant)
- Tennessee Titans
- Dallas Cowboys
While the Top 5 Passing defenses going into week 11 are:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Oakland Raiders
- Miami Dolphins
I guess Miami had to be in the Top 5 of something besides Top 5 worst teams of all-time in the NFL.
If you are trying to decide between two skills players this week or in the coming weeks, this chart may be helpful in deciding who has the better match up for their position. Keep in mind though that some of the rankings can be a result of teams not having to run/pass against a weak defense in the opposite category. For example, no one really needs to pass much against the Raiders of the Dolphins when their running defenses 29th and 30th respectively out of 32 team.