Fantasy football has grown at an incredible rate of the last few years and it has changed and evolved as the fantasy football owners become more savvy regarding the intricacies of the game. Defensive positions are now a premium in some fantasy football leagues because some players completely dominate their position.
The defensive linemen position has been dominated in fantasy football the last few years by Jared Allen on the Minnesota Vikings. Allen has played at a level that no other defensive lineman can match when it comes to scoring fantasy football points. Allen is always the unanimous first choice at the defensive end position in fantasy football drafts. The following players are players to grab early or players to avoid at all cost.
Fantasy Football Defensive End Trending Hot Osi Umenyiora
Osi Umenyiora, the defensive end for the New York Giants, missed nine NFL games last season and it is widely believed that his absence led to the New York Giants defensive break down last season. Umenyiora also will take pressure off of Justin Tuck this season, allowing Tuck to avoid double teams he received last season. Both players will be instrumental in the New York Giants 2010 NFL season.
Fantasy Football Defensive End Trending Hot Ndamukong Suh
What is not to like about Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions. He is big, he is fast and he refuses to give up on a play. The down side with Suh is that he is obviously a rookie this season and veteran NFL linemen will school as he tries to get around the outside on them. Suh has always been known for his intelligent and he is a smart pass rusher. His instincts are better than most and in his rookie season he is a good pick up at defensive end late in any fantasy football draft.
Fantasy Football Defensive End Trending Cold Julius Peppers
Sorry Chicago Bears fans but Julius Peppers will take a few steps back this season and is not a good early round fantasy football draft choice. Once defensive ends start to get draft and Peppers is still available, do not give into temptation and draft him. There will be better defensive ends available.
Fantasy Football Tips on Drafting Defensive Ends
Drafting defensive ends can be tricky. No one wants to draft a defensive end too early but then again as soon as Jared Allen goes, everyone jumps on the bandwagon which is not a good strategy. Once Allen is gone it is better to wait for the smoke to clear and see who is available. Don't grow attached to a defensive end early, it is better to find a defensive end that will perform well and keep within a few points of a Jared Allen or Justin Tuck.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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