Early fantasy football predictions for NYJ defense

Heading into the upcoming Fantasy Football season, the overall defense of the New York Jets will be one of the best options to consider for lineups everywhere.

Last season, the defense of the New York Jets was the fourth best in the entire NFL. They allowed only 5,098 net total yards, allowed 318.6 yards per game and kept opponents averaging just 19.6 points.

Considering the overall pass rush of the Jets’ defense wasn’t consistent at all, it’s scary to think what they can accomplish now that they made it a priority to upgrade this offseason. Thanks to the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jets used their first-round pick on linebacker Darron Lee and their third-round pick on linebacker Jordan Jenkins to add more speed and production to their pass rush.

By addressing their major area of need with their pass rush thanks to drafting speedy linebackers, the Jets will once again be a top defense in the NFL. With savvy veterans on their defensive line like Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson combined with up-and-coming defensive stars like Leonard Williams, Lorenzo Mauldin and Marcus Williams, this defense has all the talent to be started on consistently in fantasy football.

With most fantasy owners opting to draft other defenses into their lineups like the Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans or even the Arizona Cardinals, it’s easy to see the Jets’ defense slip to the very late rounds.

More from The Jet Press

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• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Make no mistake about it, the Jets’ defense will be faster, more aggressive and ready to be the main strength of the team.

Don’t let the uncertainty of their quarterback situation sway you into not considering the defense of the Jets for your fantasy lineup as their defensive front, secondary and linebackers all have the makings to be something special.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships and in a league dominated by prolific passing, the Jets will keep up with the best of them despite a tough slate of opponents in 2016.

They might start out a bit rocky but the Jets’ defense will have what it takes to persevere. It’s expected they will pick up where they left off last season but be even more stout against the better teams they’ll be facing this time around.

must read: Who has early lead at cornerback?

Overall, fantasy owners should feel confident drafting and even starting the defense of the Jets as they will once again be in the playoff hunt in 2016. Besides launching what should be a potent rushing attack, their defense will be what has the Jets be contenders again.