Introduction- The following analysis looks at how NFL defenses ranked against the pass and rush in 2005.  The first focus for each section is on yards allowed followed by touchdowns allowed in order to form a general ranking of strong, average and weak defenses based on 2005 performance.  The rankings are then transferred onto the 2006 schedule in order to reflect a simple pattern of "weaker", "average" and "tougher" weekly rushing and passing defenses facing each team. 

Some lackluster NFL defenses will improve from last year and some great ones will slip a notch or two.  However, my money is on the top defenses not sliding very far and the terrible ones not turning it around in a single offseason. Finally, my objective is not to produce a watered-down version of Clayton Gray's truly Ultimate Strength of Schedule tool.  Rather, it is to offer a snapshot that reflects a general path the passing and rushing members of your fantasy squad will have to cut through on your way to another trophy.  On to the worst first.

Weaker Pass Defenses- The first table starts with defenses that finished the 2005 season ranked poorly in Passing Yards Allowed (PYA) yet they were ranked high in Rushing Yards Allowed (RYA).  In many cases, this is because opposing offenses simply throw more often than run when facing weak passing defenses or strong rushing ones.  Last season's stats offer a great example:   

Although we used PYA rankings to provide our nominees, a closer look at Passing Touchdowns Allowed (PTA) shows the Seahawks kept opposing receivers out of the end zone more frequently than the NFL average and enough to warrant an exception from a Weaker Pass Defense nomination.  Also, many of the teams ranking lower in Passing TDs Allowed (PTA) are absent.  The 49ers (31st), Texans (26th) and Rams (30th) will be discussed a little later.  However, the Titans - who escaped our first sweep by allowing only 216.4 passing yards per game - will replace the Seahawks by virtue of their last place whopping 33 PTA's.

Weaker Rush Defenses- The next table lists defenses that finished the 2005 season ranked poorly in Rushing Yards Allowed (RYA) yet they were ranked high in Passing Yards Allowed (PYA), perhaps for reasons similar to what we discussed previously:

This time, we have two teams - the Browns and Packers - who seem to bend but not break, allowing rushers to move the ball down the field without yielding many rushing scores.  Again, we notice that many teams ranked lower in Rushing TDs Allowed (RTA) are absent.  Five of these teams we'll cover in a moment, but our first sweep which was focused on yardage missed Arizona.  The Cardinals, although giving up a fairly meager 102 rushing yards a game, allowed a league worst 22 rushing TDs  They'll make a great replacement for the Browns and Packers on our Weaker Rush Defenses list.    

"Bring the House"- These teams ranked among the bottom quarter of the league against either the pass or the run and also ranked in the bottom fourth for total yards allowed per game for the 2005 season:

Above, you finally see the other teams we've excluded until now - and as you can see from the ranking above - these guys deserve a list of their own.  These are your Bring the House defenses that any skill player worth their Sharpie padded their stats against last season.  Although these teams may experience improvement with transactions and coaching (or get worst), starting any of your offensive skill players against these guys when you have the opportunity could provide an edge.

Here's a summary of the ground we've covered so far, before moving on to the tougher defenses:

Stronger Pass Defenses- These teams ranked among the best against the pass but were among the worst against the run for the 2005 season:

Our sweep of defenses that are stingy with passing yardage didn't yield many of the best defenses in regards to PTA's.  Most of these missing teams will be discussed at the end of this section. In the meantime, we'll replace the Packers and Saints - who are at or above the league average for PTA's - with the Redskins who ranked near the top for fewest PTA's in 2005.  The slight increase in PYA is forgivable considering most scoring systems. 

Stronger Rush Defenses- These teams ranked among the best against the run but were among the worst against the pass for the 2005 season: 

You should immediately see the Chargers yielded far too many rushing scores in 2005 to remain as one of our Stronger Rush Defenses.  Again, the other teams with a respectful RYA rank will be discussed in the final section.

"Stay at the House"- These teams ranked among the top quarter of the league against either the pass or the run and also ranked in the top fourth for total yards per game for the 2005 season:

The Cardinals, although ranking 10th best in PYA and RYA, simply rank too low in RTAs to be considered here.  However, the Colts - who give up a bit more yardage but are far better in holding opponents out of the end zone will lock up the final spot on the list of the elite defenses.

In the following table, we'll update our previous results with 2005's tougher defenses:

Now, we overlay our defensive ratings onto the NFL Schedule Grid posted on the Tools tab here at the FBG website.  The first grid relates to passing defenses.  "Weaker Passing Defenses" reflect a good opportunity to post big points in the passing game and are comprised of teams from columns I and III above.  In contrast, "Stronger Passing Defenses" (columns IV & VI) pose the opposite.  The second grid covers "Weaker Rushing Defenses" (columns II & III) and "Stronger Rushing Defenses" (columns V & VI).  A color key is included at the bottom of each schedule grid.  Finally, a summary table appears at the end to conclude the analysis.   

Passing (QB/WR/TE) against an NFL Defense

Rushing (RB) against an NFL Defense