Fantasy NFL: Which teams made our list of the top 10 defences

The new NFL season is nearly upon us and we have picked the top 10 defences you should consider in your 2015 Fantasy Draft.

"Defences win championships" is the quote that you hear around NFL locker rooms. In a world of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, it was cornerback Malcolm Butler who won the New England Patriots the 2015 Super Bowl. Seattle's defence won the 2014 one. The list goes on…

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Alex Ferguson looks at the Top 10 defences you should select in your 2015 Fantasy Draft.

1 Seattle Seahawks

No-one gave away less points than Richard Sherman & Co last year, and they won that category by 30. They did that by annihilating teams' passing games (only 185.6 yards/game) and being a Top-3 run-stuffing defense (81.5/yards). They weren't a great interception (13) or sack team (37), but are one of the best teams at forcing fumbles in the NFL. And the bad news for offensive co-ordinators? No-one's left.

2 Buffalo Bills

It's OK to be extremely excited about the Bills this season. After last year, they led the league with a scary 54 sacks and were fifth in the league with 19 interceptions, it's going to scary to face them this year. They are also going to get on the field more than most – their offence still isn't going to be tip-top, which should help the numbers. As will new coach Rex Ryan, who has more weapons on defence than he had for years at the Jets.

3 St Louis Rams

We love Robert Quinn, and we've loved Aaron Donald ever since college. They are going to frighten the life out of offensive co-ordinators. The defence had some monster games last year after a very slow start – even including a stretch of three games when they had 16 combined!! This is going to be a fun team to watch.

And they should get a lot of practice, too, bearing in mind the Rams offensive woes.

4 Houston Texans

JJ Watt - who's playing like a Hall of Famer at the moment – is truly extraordinary. His 20 sacks, 1 INT, 4 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 59 tackles were great, and his three RECEIVING touchdowns were amazing. If 2013 No.1 pick Jadeveon Clowney – who was unstoppable in college – can get to 100% and Brian Cushing can rebound from a poor 2014, this unit's going to be incredible.

5 Denver Broncos

A lot of people are saying that the Broncos could be the No.1 defence in the league this year. That's because Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are great, and couldn't be better teachers for John Elway's No.1 draft pick, Shane Way. We could see even more than the 41 sacks and 18 INTs they recorded in 2014. This unit will be GOOD.

6 New York Jets

A lot of the US media have been vomiting love since the Jets got Darrelle Revis to come back to the Big Apple. Antonio Cromartie came back too, and the Jets now have the 'Best Secondary Ever'. Cromartie hasn't had a single-digit pass defended year since 2008. Who do you pick on in that secondary? Answer: Nobody. Up front, watch out for their top draft pick Leonard Williams (if he's 100% fit). He can be DOMINANT.

7 Miami Dolphins

Signing offensive destroyer Ndamukong Suh is a big reason to vault the 'Fins up the list, and we can't wait to see how he'll work with Des Olivier Vernon and Cameron Wake and other DT Earl Mitchell. This could be a lot of fun.

8 Kansas City Chiefs

Linebacker Justin Houston was a monster in 2014, leading the league in sacks (22). He also had five passes defended, four forced fumbles, and had a career year in tackles. Eric Berry's back from injury and Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which we're pleased about, which will help a 'D' that was second-fewest in points/game in 2014.

9 Arizona Cardinals

This was a Top-5 team in points given up per game, helped by a strong rush defence (13th in the league). While we worry that the secondary might be porous at times (259.5 yds/game), is it because the Cards can't get lucky with injuries, or they are that bad? If Patrick Peterson remains great and Tyrann Mathieu continues his pre-season form, they'll be a lot better.

10 Baltimore Ravens

A lot of people hate him, but we love the out-and-out aggression of Terrell Suggs. His 12 sacks and 69 tackles were excellent, and his partnership with Elvis Dumervil in causing havoc to offensive lines is a joy to watch. The biggest issue might be the secondary. If the unit of Jimmy Smith, Aaron Ross, Lardarius Webb – which all suffered injuries in 2014 – can stay healthy – they'll be a lot better. That's a big 'if'. We miss you, Ed Reed.

Watch week one action from the NFL as Pittsburgh Steelers travel to New England Patriots on Sky Sports 1, starting at 1.30am on Friday September 11.