"I’ve eaten a river of liver and an ocean of fish. I’ve eaten so much fish, I’m ready to grow gills. I’ve eaten so much liver, I can only make love if I’m smothered in bacon & onions." (Capt. Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce, MASH episode).

Tired of reading the multitude of articles about wide receivers, running backs, quarterbacks and even tight ends? Me too. I’ve written and read so much analysis it’s all beginning to run together.

Not today, not this time.

Let’s talk defense/special teams.

It’s not the most important part of your lineup, but a point here, or a sack there, could get you the one additional win that puts you into the fantasy playoffs … or wins you that championship trophy.

The best fantasy defense isn’t necessarily the best overall defense.

In fact, in 2015 Seattle (277 pts) and Cincinnati (279) were the stingiest defenses in the league for points allowed. Neither cracked the top-10 fantasy defenses last season. The previous year it was again Seattle (254) along with Kansas City (281). Neither of them made the top-10 either. To complete the three-year study, in 2013 Seattle (231) and Carolina (241) led the league in scoring defense and although they weren’t the top two fantasy defenses, they were in the top-10, ranking fifth and third, respectively.

It’s usually the most opportunistic defenses that lead the way. Creating turnovers and converting them into touchdowns is what makes a great fantasy defense.

Look at the chart below and you will see that a top-12 defense in 2015 averaged 5.25 TDs. In 2014 they averaged 4.5 and 5.28 in 2013. Meanwhile the bottom two-thirds of the league averaged 2.05 in 2015, 2.2 in 2014 and 2.4 in 2013 (because of a three-way tie for 12th there were 14 teams in the top-12 and 18 teams in the bottom two-thirds).

And it doesn’t hurt if you can return a kick the distance. The three top-ranked fantasy defenses from 2013-15 averaged three kick returns for scores.

Lastly, a great fantasy defense sacks the quarterback. Sacks not only garner points, but making a quarterback hurry his throws under pressure leads to interceptions. The top-five fantasy teams averaged 45.8 sacks per season, eight sacks above the league average.

So who will be this year’s best fantasy defenses?

Here are the six teams with the best three-year D/ST averages.

1) Arizona Cardinals (Average finish 4.0) – The Cardinals have been the best team over the past three season finishing top-six each year. They don’t get to the quarterback as often as some teams but they racked up 15 defensive touchdowns over the three seasons. They are always looking to score.

2) Los Angeles Rams (5.0) – The Rams have an above average pass rush which sets up everything else.

3) Carolina Panthers (5.7) – The Panthers have finished top-10 in all three seasons despite just one kick return for a touchdown. A total of 144 sacks certainly helps.

4) Kansas City Chiefs (7.0) – At least 46 sacks a season, 14 defensive touchdowns and six kick returns over three seasons. Andy Reid teaches opportunistic defenses.

5) Denver Broncos (7.3) – The Broncos led the league in sacks last season, not a big surprise when you have Von Miller rushing the quarterback.

6) Philadelphia Eagles (8.7) – The Eagles rang up seven kick returns scores over the past two seasons. Thank you Darren Sproles.

Defense / ST Team 2015 PPG 2015 TDs   Team 2014 PPG 2014 TDs   Team 2013 PPG 2013 TDs Denver 7.3 6 Philadelphia 7.8 8 Kansas City 9.4 11 Arizona 7.2 7 Green Bay 6.9 6 St. Louis 7.5 6 Kansas City 7.1 6 Buffalo 6.5 3 Carolina 7.4 4 Carolina 6.8 4 Houston 6.4 5 Arizona 6.8 5 Philadelphia 6.7 7 St. Louis 6.0 5 Seattle 6.8 4 Minnesota 6.3 6 Arizona 5.6 5 Cincinnati 6.6 5 Pittsburgh 6.0 3 Pittsburgh 5.6 6 Buffalo 6.5 3 St. Louis 5.8 4 Jacksonville 5.5 5 Chicago 6.5 7 Indianapolis 5.8 5 Denver 5.3 3 Dallas 6.5 7 Washington 5.7 4 Carolina 5.3 3 S.F. 49ers 6.2 5 Seattle 5.6 5 Detroit 5.3 3 NE Pats 5.9 3 N.Y. Giants 5.6 6 Baltimore 5.3 2 Denver 5.8 4 Houston 5.4 3 Minnesota 5.2 5 Washington 5.8 5 NE Pats 5.3 2 NE Pats 5.2 3 Tampa Bay 5.8 4 Tampa Bay 4.9 3 S.F. 49ers 5.2 3 Cleveland 5.8 5 Jacksonville 4.9 4 Miami 5.1 3 Minnesota 5.4 4 Cincinnati 4.8 1 Kansas City 5.0 3 Green Bay 5.4 3 Green Bay 4.8 2 Tampa Bay 5.0 3 Tennessee 5.3 3 Detroit 4.8 2 Dallas 5.0 4 Baltimore 5.2 3 Oakland 4.6 1 Indianapolis 4.9 2 Philadelphia 5.0 2 Tennessee 4.4 2 N.Y. Giants 4.9 1 Pittsburgh 4.9 4 Miami 4.4 4 Cleveland 4.9 3 Detroit 4.9 4 Cleveland 4.3 3 Seattle 4.7 2 Oakland 4.9 3 Baltimore 4.3 3 Chicago 4.7 2 Miami 4.9 2 N.Y. Jets 4.3 0 Tennessee 4.4 2 Indianapolis 4.8 1 Buffalo 4.1 3 Atlanta 4.4 3 N.Y. Giants 4.8 2 N.O. Saints 4.1 2 San Diego 3.9 3 Atlanta 4.4 3 Atlanta 3.8 3 N.Y. Jets 3.8 0 N.O. Saints 4.3 0 San Diego 3.6 1 Washington 3.6 0 Jacksonville 4 2 Chicago 3.3 0 Cincinnati 3.3 1 N.Y. Jets 3.9 1 Dallas 3.1 1 N.O. Saints 3.2 0 Houston 3.6 2 S.F 49ers 2.9 1 Oakland 2.6 1 San Diego 3.6 1