Just like with all position players, there are an elite amount of DST (defense and special teams) and the question that remains is who are the best of the rest? Our top six DST include the 49ers, Packers, Giants, Patriots, Ravens, and the Jets.   Once they’re off the board, we have put together a list of other DST and list why they should be considered for your team…

Philadelphia Eagles- Even though they play in one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, we’re picking the DST of the Eagles as sleepers this season. They had an usually poor start last year but in the final weeks they came on strong and became more of the Eagles D of old. They made some great moves in the off season to help fortify their defense-moves like the additions of rookie linemen Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry as well as linebacker DeMeco Ryans should put the Eagles back into defensive relevancy which has always been a major part of their game.

Jets QB Mark Sanchez lays on the ground after being sacked by #58 DE Trent Cole and #93 DE Jason Babin on December 19, 2011 in a game won by the Eagles 45-19. AP Photo | MATT SLOCUM

Houston Texans- With DeMeco Ryans going to Philadelphia and former 1st rounder Mario Williams shuffling off to Buffalo, any other team would be in for a long season, but this is a defense that’s got Wade Phillips at the helm and they’re coming off their best defensive season in their franchise’s history! This season, instead of being great they’ll be just ‘very good’ which is all you want for your team because you don’t need the best DST to win your league.

Chicago Bears- Their pass rush is still potent with Julius Peppers and rookie outside linebacker Shea McClellin, but their biggest weapon for a solid DST is the most dangerous return man in the league, Devin Hester. On any Sunday Hester can add lots of points to your DST that not many other teams can. Their linebacking unit is still a capable group regardless of their age. If you can pick up the Bears for your DST you won’t be disappointed.

Buffalo Bills- We’re not accustomed to saying Buffalo and defense in the same sentence but this could be their ‘coming out party’. Signing Mario Williams was a huge lift to their D as was their first round pick corner Stephon Gilmore. Throw in new coordinator Dave Wannstedt and you have the ingredients for a serviceable D. Don’t pass them by if they’re available because this is the new and improved defense in Buffalo. We’ll see what they have on Sept. 9th when they open vs the N.Y. Jets.

Detroit Lions- No selections were made in the draft to spice up the Detroit’s linebacking corps and the Lions still do not have a return game. That’s one of the reasons we have them picked towards the end of our list. However, their front line which is one of the best in football is still fantasy worthy. Led by Ndamukong Suh they’re as good as any foursome in the league. Hopefully Suh will do his ‘stomping’ on the dance floor and not the gridiron…

DE Ndamukong Suh #90 stomps on offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith in a Thanksgiving Day game last year. He was suspended 2 games for his actions. Photo: Presswire