Fantasy football: Scouting the defense

Bears: Love seeing Julius Peppers in a Bears uniform almost as much as Johnny Knox returning kicks. Play in a tough division, so beware if your scoring system penalizes for points against.

Colts: Safety Bob Sanders is back and a defense that had just 26 takeaways last year will be better because of it.

Eagles: Too many question marks and an unproven secondary make the Birds a fantasy risk. Exchanging DeSean Jackson for Chad Hall as the punt returner doesn't help, either.

Jets: As long as Darrelle Revis signs sometime before the Sept. 13 season opener, the Jets again should have the league's top defense.

Packers: The offense gets all the headlines, but it was Green Bay's defense that led the league with 40 takeaways. And the best news is Kurt Warner's no longer around to hang a 50 on them.

Ravens: Not as dominating as in years past, but still worth starting. Play the Jets in Week 1. Might paint my fence and watch it dry instead.

Saints: Had 39 takeaways last year and five interceptions for touchdowns. As long as the Saints' offense is humming - and forcing the opposition to throw the ball - there will be plenty of picks to be had.

Steelers: The good news is that Troy Polamalu's left knee has withstood training camp. As long as the turnover machine is OK, the Steelers have value.

Vikings: Percy Harvin's migraines are a headache to anyone who needs the Vikes to have a strong return game.

49ers: Patrick Willis is the best linebacker in football and getting Ted Ginn Jr. from the Dolphins will help the kickoff return team.

QUICK TAKE

On the way up: Colts

On the way down: Chargers

Riskiest pick: Patriots

Sleeper: Bengals

Please avoid: Redskins

THE DRAFT BOARD: The Top 20 (bye week next to team name)

1. Jets, 7

2. Packers, 10

3. Vikings, 4

4. Ravens, 8

5. Saints, 10

6. Cowboys, 4

7. Steelers, 5

8. Colts, 7

9. Patriots, 5

10. Bears, 8

11. Chargers, 10

12. Bengals, 6

13. Giants, 8

14. 49ers, 9

15. Eagles, 8

16. Titans, 9

17. Raiders, 10

18. Redskins, 9

19. Falcons, 8

20. Dolphins, 5