Top Defense/ Special Teams Units
1. Tennessee Titans
Last season the Titans defense finished 2nd in the NFL in points allowed. On average they gave up just under 15 points a game. The Titans were also +14 in turnover differential. Kicker Rob Bironas has been one of the most accurate kickers in the game over the past couple of seasons. He rarely misses inside the 3o. Bironas had 15 field goals of 40 yards or longer. The return game is going to take a little bit of a hit after losing Chris Carr, but Jeff Fisher always seems to put together a good special teams unit.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending Super Bowl champions had the top defense in 2008. They'll be one of the top defenses again this season. They're also extremely accurate at kicking the ball with Jeff Reed at the helm. Reed only missed four field goals last season. The return game isn't one of the Steelers' strong points. They spread out the returning duties last season. The top two returners from last season are no longer with the team, so it's unclear who will have that role in 2009.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens defense is hands down one of the most consistent defenses in NFL history. I can't remember a season where they weren't dominant on the defensive side of the ball. Opposing offenses struggle to gain yards against the defense. In 2008 this defense combined for 34 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 26 interceptions. They were behind the Titans and the Steelers in terms of points allowed, but no defense can match the Ravens in forced turnovers. Matt Stover returns as the kickers and he's usually pretty consistent. However, the Ravens were one of the worst in the league in kickoff return average. Don't put too much stock into that. They're still one of the best defensive/special teams units in the league.
Notables
Minnesota Vikings
The rush defense is one of the best in the NFL. The kicking game is led by veteran Ryan Longwell, which nailed six field goals in six attempts from 50 yards or more last season. There should be no shame in picking the Vikings.
Chicago Bears
In 2008 the Bears defense wasn't nearly as dominant as they were in recent years. However, they're still anchored by linebacker Brian Urlacher, and they also play in a climate they usually favors the defense towards the end of the season. You also can't forget that Devin Hester returns the kickoffs and he's always capable of taking one back for six.
Turn Around and Walk the Other Way!
Denver Broncos: They were horrible last season giving up almost 30 points a game, and they'll be horrible again this season.
Detroit Lions: Sadly enough the defense wasn't nearly as bad as the offense last season. That still doesn't mean it was good. The defense gave up at least 20 points in all but one game. To top it all off, they only recorded four interceptions as a unit.
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