Since Dom Capers became the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator in 2009, takeaways have been a big part of their scheme. In the last seven years, they rank fifth in the NFL in forced turnovers, and over the last two seasons they rank fourth. It’s been a staple of their defense, and Capers does not expect that to change. On special teams, the Packers hope things continue to improve under second-year coordinator Ron Zook, who helped lift them from dead last in the NFL to the middle of the pack last year.
ESPN’s Fantasy projection (defense/special teams): 41.4 sacks, 17.3 interceptions, 3.8 touchdowns
Over or under: The Packers posted 43 sacks last season and that was with Clay Matthews primarily playing at inside linebacker, which limited his pass-rush opportunities. He posted only 6.5 sacks. Expect his total to spike this year, which should help push the Packers over their projected sack total. If Sam Shields plays all 16 games (he missed four last season), then the Packers should go over on interceptions, too. Since 2010, Shields is tied for second in the NFL with 23 interceptions. Only Richard Sherman (with 28) has more in that span. Last year, they scored only two non-offensive touchdowns (both on interception returns). They're looking to boost their return game, specifically on punts, where Micah Hyde has three career touchdowns. But the under looks like the better bet on defensive/special-teams touchdowns.
