KFFL brings you "Strong Plays, Weak Plays" for leagues that feature individual defensive players (IDP). Leagues of this nature can be quite competitive, and any extra edge is a huge advantage. We will canvas the league to find players that are in better situations that others to perform, and we are not talking about the no-brainer players. IDP owners know that most players are quite interchangeable from week to week, so let's see which players can help you out his go-around.

Defensive Linemen - Strong Plays

Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hali	16	2.7	1.1	0.4	0.1	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Texans	16	18.2	4.1	1.8	0.4	0.1	0.1

Last year was actually a down year for the Texans as they allowed just 43 sacks; the year before that they allowed 68 and in 2005 they allowed 49. While they have had some turnover on the line, they are still an unknown commodity. Hali will likely be going up against second-year lineman Eric Winston. The Texans' running game is another unknown as they imported running back Ahman Green from the Packers. This could mean a huge day for Hali if the Texans are forced to rely on quarterback Matt Schaub. Because of that, Hali comes ranked as a No. 1 defensive lineman that is a strong play.

Aaron Schobel, Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Schobel	16	2.2	1.1	0.9	0.1	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Broncos	16	16.9	4.7	1.3	0.2	0.1	0.1

The Bills locked up Schobel with a four-year extension in August, and he could pay immediate dividends for them in Week 1. The Broncos allow very few sacks, just 31 last year, of their quarterback; however, they are a team that relies heavily on the run. With their zone-blocking in effect, holes could be opened up for Schobel to take advantage of. He is a faster lineman that could use that speed to avoid the nasty cut blocks thrown by Broncos linemen. Schobel should be used as a No. 1 or No. 2 lineman this week and is a strong play.

Aaron Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	16	2.0	1.1	0.3	0.1	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Browns	16	16.9	4.7	2.1	0.6	0	0.1

Smith will likely be matched up against the Browns backup a right tackle, Nat Dorsey, as regular starter Ryan Tucker is suspended. The Browns' line was expected to improve this season with the addition of rookie tackle Joe Thomas and the return of center LeCharles Bentley. However, it looks as though it will be a few weeks before they have their full line back. With a weakened line and a poor offense, it could be the only thing keeping Smith from a big week will be a lack of time spent on the field. The Browns offense likely won't see too many offensive plays. Because of the above reasons, Smith should be viewed as a strong play who is a No. 2 lineman.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Leonard Little, St. Louis Rams vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Little	16	3.5	0.2	0.8	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Panthers	16	12.9	3.1	1.3	0.4	0	0

Little is perhaps one of the most underrated pass-rushers in the league having averaged 11.4 sacks per season since 2001. The Panthers threw the ball 539 times last year, so there should be ample opportunities for Little to pick up tackles and sacks. However, the fact of the matter is that the Panthers just don't give up many tackles to this position. They are a much better matchup for linebackers and defensive backs. Because of that, Little should be viewed still as a No. 1 lineman, but he is a weak play.

Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Grant	16	3.1	0.9	0.4	0.1	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Colts	16	14.9	4.1	0.6	0	0	0

The Colts gave up just 15 sacks over the course of the 2006 season. One of the reasons is because quarterback Peyton Manning has a quick release and seems to know when pressure is coming. It is one of the reasons why he has started 144 straight regular-season games. Colts running back Joseph Addai is also the type of runner more likely to get outside and challenge linebackers on the edge. This will likely have an adverse effect on Grant's numbers this week. He should be considered a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 lineman.

Andre Carter, Washington Redskins vs. Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Carter	16	2.9	0.6	0.4	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Dolphins	16	13.9	4.4	1.4	0.1	0.2	0

The Dolphins will have a new offense in place this season, one run by former Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Last year in San Diego, Cameron's offense allowed just 28 sacks of quarterback Philip Rivers. While they don't have the same talent in Miami, his system should take more pressure off quarterback Trent Green as he relies on shorter passes and utilizes the tight end more. This week Carter comes ranked as a No. 2 lineman, who is a weak play.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brackett	16	6.2	2.5	0	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Saints	16	22.6	5.6	0.5	0.1	0	0

The Saints are one of the most talented offensive teams. They will be up against a defensive line that has been hurt by the loss of defensive tackle Anthony McFarland (knee) and the release of defensive tackle Corey Simon. Even though they showed they could play good run defense in the playoffs last year that might not carry over into this season after the offseason losses. With the Saints possessing one of the top rushing tandems in the league (Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister), this could be a big week rushing the ball. The weaker defensive line also means Brackett should be in line to record his fair share of tackles. He should be viewed as a strong play this week who is a No. 1 linebacker.

James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Farrior	16	5.2	2.6	0.2	0.1	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Browns	16	22.6	7.0	1.0	0.2	0.4	0.1

The Browns' best weapon will likely be tight end Kellen Winslow. With quarterback Charlie Frye not possessing the best of arms and a weaker offensive line, he will likely have to look at Winslow to bail him out on more than one occasion. As well, the fact that Frye is starting at quarterback also means the Browns will rely heavily on their running game, despite it being led by running back Jamal Lewis. This all should add up to a big week for Farrior, who comes rated as a strong play as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker.

Ernie Sims, Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Sims	16	5.0	2.7	0	0.1	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Raiders	16	20.7	3.5	1.9	0.4	0	0

While the Raiders have not decided on a quarterback for Week 1, they were also one of the best matchups for this position last year. They have had some turnover on offense, but with a weak passing game and a poor offensive line, this team will likely be forced to rush the ball more often to keep pressure off whoever is starting at quarterback. That could mean a big day for Sims. He should be viewed as a strong play as a No. 2 linebacker.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Antonio Pierce, New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Pierce	16	6.8	1.9	0.1	0.1	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Cowboys	16	17.5	4.1	0.4	0.2	0.2	0

The Cowboys are one of the toughest teams for opposing linebackers to play against. It is unsure how Wade Phillips will run this offense and how much leeway he will give to quarterback Tony Romo. He will also likely rely on the two-back attack of Marion Barber III and Julius Jones. Either way, the numbers show that linebackers struggle against the Cowboys, and that makes Pierce a weak play as a No. 1 linebacker this week.

Gerald Hayes, Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayes	16	5.7	1.0	0.1	0.1	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
49ers	16	18.7	5.1	0.7	0.1	0.1	0

With a weaker secondary, it is possible the 49ers could take more shots down the field or down the sideline this week. The Cardinals' defensive line is also a weak point on the team, and the 49ers could run the ball more often. Whichever way the 49ers choose, it figures to put Gerald Hayes in no-man's land. That means he won't be able to make plays and that means he won't be a great start for your fantasy team. Consider him a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker.

David Thornton, Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayes	16	5.7	1.5	0	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Jaguars	16	17.2	4.1	0.4	0.2	0.1	0

The Jaguars have had one of the most conservative offenses over the past few seasons. That could change with the introduction of David Garrard as the starting quarterback. But still expect them to run the ball a lot with running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. That could make it tough for Thornton to make plays as he will likely away from the action (he's starting on the strong side, whereas the Jaguars tend to run to the other side of the field). Consider him a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker this week.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bethea	16	4.6	1.7	0	0	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Saints	16	23.9	3.5	0.3	0.2	0.6	2.2

With strong safety Bob Sanders often used in run support and brought up closer to the middle of the field, Bethea will be used in a deeper role. With the Saints' possessing one of the top passing attacks in the game (likely strongly with the addition of wide receiver Robert Meachem and tight end Eric Johnson), Bethea should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. He should be viewed as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back that is a strong play.

Anthony Henry, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Henry	16	4.6	0.5	0	0	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Giants	16	23.9	4.3	0	0.2	0.8	0

With the retirement of running back Tiki Barber, the Giants will be relying even more on quarterback Eli Manning. With wide receiver Amani Toomer beginning to show his age, the team will likely throw to tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Plaxico Burress more often. This could mean a big day for Henry if he is on Burress. As well, the Cowboys' defense often relies on blitzes to get to the quarterback, which leaves cornerbacks in one-on-one situations. This means Henry could struggle against the bigger Burress. Henry should be viewed as a strong play that is a No. 2 defensive back.

Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers vs. Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jammer	16	4.8	4.3	0	0	0.2	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Bears	16	22.4	3.4	0.3	0.2	0.9	0.2

With running back Cedric Benson the top option at running back, it is unsure how he will do in his first regular season action as the top guy in Chicago. As well, the Bears will be up against one of the top offenses in the league and could fall behind early. If that is the case, they will have to rely on Rex Grossman to carry them. This means Jammer could be in for a big day. He should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back that is a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Whitner	16	4.5	2.5	0	0	0.1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Broncos	16	17.0	3.2	0.2	0.2	1.0	0.1

In order for Whitner to have an effective game, the Broncos would have to throw the ball over the middle a lot or take lots of deep chances. With quarterback Jay Cutler entering just his second year, it is unsure how often they will throw deep. Head coach Mike Shanahan also likes to establish the run as a key part of his gameplan. Because of that, Whitner likely won't have many chances this week. He should be viewed as a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Collins	16	4.1	0.9	0	0	0.2	0.1
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Eagles	16	20.1	3.4	0.2	0.4	0.4	0.2

The Eagles don't possess a great deep threat at wide receiver, and with tight end L.J. Smith (groin) still recovering from a groin injury, it is unsure how effective he will be. The Eagles' top two weapons, quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook, are both at positions that will not have much impact on the defensive back. Therefore, Collins likely won't have many chances to make plays this week and comes recommended as a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Ty Law, Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Law	16	4.0	0.2	0.1	0	0.2	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Texans	16	20.1	3.9	0.2	0.2	0.7	0.1

The Texans are unsure what they will have on offense as they are relying on the aged legs of running back Ahman Green to lead the way and the untested quarterback Matt Schaub. Because of that, things will likely be scaled back on offense. This should have a negative effect on Law's numbers. He should be viewed No. 3 defensive back that is a weak play.

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Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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