2014 Fantasy Football: Top 5 Defensive Tackles

Suh is a relatively safe Top-5 fantasy DT to pick. His numbers were a bit down in 2011 and 2012 when compared to 2010 when he recorded 65 tackles, 10 sacks and three pass deflections. However, he bounced back in 2013 with 47 tackles, five sacks, six pass deflections and a forced fumble.

He should easily produce around 50-plus tackles, five sacks, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles in 2014 to be taken with confidence.

Dareus earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl last season after he exploded for 71 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble. Some IDP fantasy players may be worried about his two arrests in May since it may lead to a suspension. However, even if he serves a four-game suspension, it’s still possible for him to have a season with 50-plus tackles and 5.5 sacks. Those are still Top-5 numbers for a fantasy DT.

The former Oklahoma standout had a major breakthrough season in 2013 with 50 total tackles, nine sacks, four pass deflections and one fumble recovery. There is no reason for McCoy not to repeat or surpass his 2013 Pro Bowl output for the 2014 season. Along with Suh, he is a very safe pick amongst the Top-5 fantasy DTs. As a matter of fact, McCoy may be the safer pick since he avoids suspension-worthy issues on and off the field.

In 2013, Casey recorded 53 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble. His number of tackles wasn't much of a surprise since Casey has totaled 50-plus total tackles each season since he arrived in 2011. However, his increase in sacks was a major breakthrough for him. Despite Tennessee moving to a 3-4 defensive scheme with new defensive coordinator Ray Horton, Casey should still be a Top 5 fantasy DT even though he has only played in a 4-3 scheme.

In 2013, Atkins was on pace for 64 tackles, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles until he suffered a true Halloween nightmare and tore his ACL against the Miami Dolphins on that very day. He was well on his way to having his third straight Pro Bowl season and continuing to stamp his name as the premier defensive tackle in the NFL. While there is some concern surrounding his recovery, if he returns healthy, Atkins is the clear No. 1 fantasy DT.