NFL Fantasy Football Profile: The Green Bay Packers Defense

Jul 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packer linebacker Clay Matthews (left) talks to defensive end Julius Peppers during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For most of 2014, things couldn’t have gone much smoother for the Green Bay Packers. They won the division for the fourth-straight season. They possessed the best player in the league in Aaron Rodgers and thanks to a few crafty moves were able to field the 15th overall defense including 10th against the pass. They finished 12-4, got a first round bye and took care of Dallas in the divisional round.

Everything seemed to be clicking as they roared into Seattle and jumped on the defending champion Seahawks 16-0 in the first half. Then, slowly, things went wrong. Marshawn Lynch got going, finishing the day with 157 yards and a touchdown while Russell Wilson rallied the Hawks to scored 28 points in the second half and overtime to steal the NFC championship.

It goes down as one of the most painful losses in Green Bay football history and it’s hard not to blame the defense. Though they forced five turnovers on the day, they were stampeded on the ground and failed to protect a double digit lead going into the 4th quarter. So not only did it end on a bad note for the team, it also ended what had been a standout NFL fantasy football run as well.

2014 Production:

41 sacks
18 interceptions
9 fumbles recovered
4 touchdowns
1 safety
336 points allowed
145.00 fantasy points

So what can be expected of them in 2015? Dom Caper is still in charge and remains a capable coordinator, but suddenly the defense faces a bit of a crisis. Julius Peppers, one of their key additions from last season turns 35-years old. Ongoing depth problems at inside linebacker has forced them to move Clay Matthews to that position. To top it off they lost two key corners in Tramon Williams and Davon House to free agency, leaving hopes on the shoulders of two rookies in Quinten Rollins and Damarious Randall.

Sure, the offense will carry the load but history has shown this team wins the big games when the defense can get consistent stops. There isn’t enough known about this unit as is to believe they can duplicate last season.

Fantasy Points Projection: 120

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