In your fantasy league, you are likely to see two strategies employed when it comes to drafting defenses and special teams. Both will be easy to see as they develop, and both will have their true believers.

The first school of thought holds that defensive and kick-return scores can be the difference between a fantasy title and sixth place. If you believe that, you will give the Vikings’ defense/special teams a long look, perhaps as early as Round 10. Or perhaps you prefer the big-play capabilities boasted by the Chargers, Giants, Cowboys or Bears. Any way you look at it, you probably will strike around picks 100-120 to get the team of your choice. 

The second school of thought believes that picking a defense and a special teams is a crapshoot, that filling out your bench in the middle rounds is more prudent. Owners employing using that strategy will wait until the final rounds to pick a defense.

If you’re in this group, you would be wise to make a list of at least five defenses/special-teams units you prefer to the others left on the board. Focusing on just one defense might be risky if you wait until the final rounds, as your target might be selected before it’s your turn to pick. What’s more, the list must be tailored to your league’s rules. 

With that in mind, here are five intriguing defenses/special teams likely to be available in the final rounds. The unit’s ranking in the PFW/CBSSports.com Fantasy Football Guide 2008 is in parentheses:

Baltimore Ravens (No. 11) — Here’s a case where looking at the 2007 statistics without context can be deceiving. The Ravens’ defense scored only one touchdown last season, but injuries hurt this group’s productivity and risk-taking ability. If this defense stays relatively healthy, look out. The presence of RS Yamon Figurs (two return TDs as a rookie) is another plus.

Philadelphia Eagles (No. 13) — The Eagles did not score a defensive touchdown last season, but they did finish 10th in total defense. Plus, they are only two seasons removed from racking up five defensive scores.

Buffalo Bills (No. 14) — Buffalo racked up three defensive TDs in 2007 and four in ’06. What’s more, the Bills have top-notch special-teams coverage units and two star returners: Terrence McGee (kickoffs) and Roscoe Parrish (punts).

Tennessee Titans (No. 17) — There is a lot to like about the Titans. They stop the run. They have a strong LB corps, and they have playmakers throughout the secondary. You could do worse in the final round.

Arizona Cardinals (No. 24) — The Cardinals scored eight return touchdowns last season; only the Vikings scored more. Based on the numbers, it’s hard to call them a fantasy sleeper, but the Cardinals always lose the perception battle. Why not use that to your advantage on draft day?