Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Defensive Back Rankings 2018

Author:
Athlon Sports
Publish date:
Aug 1, 2018

If linebackers are the anchors and defensive linemen are the sack specialists, then that makes defensive backs the utility guys when it comes to fantasy football leagues that include Individual Defensive Players (IDPs). Somewhat similar to LBs, the most valuable DBs in fantasy football are either those that specialize in one category or can impact numerous categories.

Safeties that play more like linebackers when it comes to tackling (looking at you Landon Collins, Reshad Jones and Keanu Neal) should be at the top of your rankings, followed closely behind by versatile playmakers in the mold of All-Pro Harrison Smith. But even if they don't make a ton of tackles, there are those DBs that can still be a difference-maker because of another skill.

Take Tennessee safety Kevin Byard. A first-team All-Pro safety alongside Smith, Byard finished in the top five among fantasy defensive backs not because of his tackle totals (although 87 is nothing to be ashamed of) but more for his coverage abilities. Besides leading the NFL with eight interceptions, Byard also was credited with 16 pass breakups, which can be just as valuable depending on your league's scoring.

So whether you prefer a defensive back that plays more like a linebacker, a lockdown defender who can excel in pass coverage or someone who offers multiple-category appeal, there is no lack of options to choose from to fill your DB spot in an IDP league.

2018 Positional Rankings: QB I RB I WR I TE I DST I K I DL I LB I DB

2018 Defensive Back (DB) Rankings


Rk	Player	Team	Bye
1	Landon Collins	NYG	9
2	Reshad Jones	MIA	11
3	Keanu Neal	ATL	8
4	Harrison Smith	MIN	10
5	Jordan Poyer	BUF	11
6	Derwin James	LAC	8
7	Kevin Byard	TEN	8
8	Micah Hyde	BUF	11
9	Budda Baker	ARI	9
10	Karl Joseph	OAK	7
11	Jamal Adams	NYJ	11
12	Sean Davis	PIT	7
13	Eric Berry	KC	12
14	Barry Church	JAC	9
15	Jaquiski Tartt	SF	11
16	Marcus Peters	LAR	12
17	Morgan Burnett	PIT	7
18	Tyrann Mathieu	HOU	10
19	Adrian Amos	CHI	5
20	AdoreeÕ Jackson	TEN	8
21	Patrick Chung	NE	11
22	Eric Weddle	BAL	10
23	Vonn Bell	NO	6
24	TreÕDavious White	BUF	11
25	Glover Quin	DET	6
26	Lamarcus Joyner	LAR	12
27	Malcolm Jenkins	PHI	7
28	Ha Ha Clinton-Dix	GB	7
29	Devin McCourty	NE	11
30	Jabrill Peppers	CLE	11
31	DaÕNorris Searcy	CAR	4
32	Justin Evans	TB	5
33	Johnathan Cyprien	TEN	8
34	Minkah Fitzpatrick	MIA	11
35	Andrew Sendejo	MIN	10
36	D.J. Swearinger	WAS	4
37	Earl Thomas	SEA	7
38	Malik Hooker	IND	9
39	Marshon Lattimore	NO	6
40	A.J. Bouye	JAC	9
41	Jaire Alexander	GB	7
42	Tavon Wilson	DET	6
43	Jalen Mills	PHI	7
44	Byron Jones	DAL	8
45	Carlton Davis	TB	5