Editor's note: This column and the rankings below have been updated to account for the latest news and to remove players from Thursday's Chargers/Broncos game.

Reverently referred to as the Purple People Eaters or the Purple Gang, Alan Page, Carl Eller, Gary Larsen and Jim Marshall dominated opposing offenses and pressured pockets with regularity in their heyday for the Vikings in the '60s and '70s. While such depth and devastating talent isn't present on the Vikings' current line, it's undeniably true that Everson Griffen is living up to the template his predecessors established; he's on pace for 16 sacks and 57 tackles thanks largely to a brilliant run of five sacks in his past three outings. In a division with persistent pocket-protection issues (see the sack allowance chart below), Griffen -- available in more than 70 percent of ESPN leagues -- can help shift fortunes for those seeking a significant upgrade on the edge of their fantasy defense.

Front Four: The weekly word on the world of defenders

Telvin Time: In both dynasty and redraft leagues, I've been a huge proponent of and avid investor in rookie Jacksonville linebacker Telvin Smith. Just this past week, the Jags finally promoted Smith to starting duties over Geno Hayes and the results were a bit impressive; the Florida State product racked up a sack, forced fumble and a pick on his way to AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. With Paul Posluszny unfortunately on IR yet again with a pectoral injury, Smith will continue to see a full complement of snaps and an unending series of playmaking opportunities on a team desperate for influential defenders past their stout interior line. Available in 100 percent of ESPN leagues, Smith makes for a worthy addition for those dealing with the massive erosion we've witnessed at the linebacker spot this season.

Remember This Titan: Michael Griffin is in the top five in nearly any scoring format at his position and is currently trending toward five sacks and five picks in addition to 114 tackles, but it seems the vast majority of owners (he's available in nearly 80 percent of ESPN leagues) are willing to let Griffin produce elite fantasy outings as a free agent. With just a few clicks you can acquire a playmaking safety on a defense that can't get off the field.

Simple Source: A simple and helpful resource for IDP investors can be found on our NFL opponent defense stats page. With specific results regarding how opposing defenses are accruing tackles, sacks and all the numbers we hunt for in individual defender leagues, this resource remains an invaluable and simple source of information. Below are the top 12 offenses in the NFL with regard to the volume of tackles and sacks opposing defenses have made so far in 2014. While the returns on such stats are still somewhat early, these are potential offenses we'd want to face when chasing cheap tackles and soft offensive lines.

Most Sacks Allowed, This Season

Most Tackles Against, This Season

Bargain bin -- Defenders available in more than half of ESPN leagues

Dont'a Hightower has never been much of a fantasy resource given limited snap usage and a lack of volume in the tackle department. However, with Jerod Mayo out of the picture and Chandler Jones sadly hitting the sidelines as well, expect Hightower's increasingly interesting usage to produce some valuable fantasy numbers as he's afforded richer opportunities each weekend. ... The Bengals' Vincent Rey is coming off of a 16-tackle outing and should be busy again chasing down a busy Baltimore backfield. ... I hate to get repetitive, but can you please add the Bills' Jerry Hughes already? He's available in 60 percent of ESPN leagues while trending for more than 60 tackles and double-digit sacks. ... D.J. Swearinger has the hair, hype and hard-hitting rep, but fellow Texans safety Kendrick Lewis is the guy to pursue for fantasy returns; he has four forced turnovers and is on pace for 105 tackles. This underappreciated asset is available in most ESPN leagues and could enjoy a fun day harassing rookie QB Zach Mettenberger.

Week 8: The Top 35 LBs, DLs and DBs

So that we're working from agreed parameters, we'll use what many consider traditional scoring modifiers for an IDP league: solo tackle (0.5), assisted tackle (0.25), sack (3), interception (3), forced fumble (3), fumble recovery (3), touchdown (6), safety (4), pass defended (0.5), blocked kick (3).

Top 35 Linebackers

Top 35 Defensive Linemen

Top 35 Defensive Backs