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

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ogunleye	1	5	0	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
Chiefs	1	13	2	3	1	1	1

Ogunleye should have a decent change at posting good numbers this week as he is against one of the worst offenses in the league. The Chiefs' offensive line is a shadow of its former self and head coach Herman Edwards loves to run the ball, meaning Ogunleye should have plenty of chances at picking up tackles. Ogunleye comes recommended as a No. 1 lineman that is a strong play.

 Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Cole	1	2	3	1.5	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Redskins	1	22	7	1	0	0	0

With end Jevon Kearse drawing double-teams and extra blocking assignments opposite him, things could open up for Cole this week. The Redskins have a decent offensive line, but Cole should still be able to exploit them in one-on-one matchups. He had a solid week against the Packers last week, using his quickness to pick up 1.5 sacks of quarterback Brett Favre. Cole comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 lineman this week and is also a strong play.

Luis A. Castillo, San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Castillo	1	3	2	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
Patriots	1	34	8	2	0	0	0

The Patriots gave up 34 solo tackles and two sacks to the Jets defensive linemen last week. With Castillo playing in a similar 3-4 defense, the Chargers could have similar results in Week 2. If you are an owner of Castillo, that should put a smile on your face. Castillo should be played as a No. 2 lineman that is a strong play this week.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Mario Williams, Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	1	4	1	2	1	0	1
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Panthers	1	15	6	0	0	0	0

Those who backed the Texans' picking of Williams first overall in 2006 were finally given some ammunition to back up their argument last week. Williams will enter Week 2 having more touchdowns than 2006 second overall draft pick, Saints' running back Reggie Bush. Don't expect that to last long. The Panthers offensive line may be a work in progress, but Williams will be matched up against guard Mike Wahle and tackle Travelle Wharton for most of the game. Both are underrated linemen that could make it tough for Williams to have the impact he had in Week 1. For that reason, he is a weak play this week, although should still be used as a No. 1 lineman.

Dewayne White, Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
White	1	5	1	1	1	1	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Vikings	1	12	3	0	0	0	0

White will be coming against one of the better lines in the NFC. The left side of the Vikings' line is especially strong; meaning most of their running plays will be done going that way. With White starting on the opposite side, it could be that he doesn't see much action. He should still be viewed as a No. 1 lineman but is a weak play this week.

Patrick Kerney, Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Kerney	1	2	3	1.5	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Cardinals	1	15	6	1	0	0	0

The Seahawks traded defensive lineman Bryce Fisher during the week and with the unheralded Darryl Tapp starting opposite Kerney, it could be a long week for the former Atlanta Falcon. Kerney could be in line to face significant double-teams, which will hurt his value this week. He should still make an impact as a No. 1 or No. 2 lineman on your team but is also a weak play this week.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ruud	1	10	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
Saints	1	22	1	0	0	1	0

The Saints completed 28 passes last week, with most of them going for around seven yards (6.8 yards/completion). That would put them right in Ruud's area, and that's the reason he should have a big game in Week 2. Ruud could see a fair bit of his time matched up against Saints tight end Eric Johnson, which would put him in line to match his 10 solo tackles of last week. He comes recommended as the top overall linebacker this week. He is a strong play.

Takeo Spikes, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spikes	1	7	2	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
Redskins	1	24	8	1	0	0	0

The Redskins' top two offensive weapons are running back Clinton Portis and tight end Chris Cooley. Both should see extensive time in Spikes' area of the field, putting him in position to record tackles at least on part with his totals from last week. Spikes is seen as a No. 2 linebacker against the Redskins and should be a strong play.

Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Dansby	1	4	7	0.5	0	0	0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Seahawks	1	24	3	0	1	0	0

The Cardinals defensive line could be overpowered, especially on the left side with Seahawks tackle Walter Jones and Rob Sims leading the way. With the Seahawks expected to run the ball lots on Sunday, Dansby should be in position to pick up a significant amount of tackles. He should be used as a No. 2 linebacker this week and is a strong play.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Will Witherspoon, St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Witherspoon	1	6	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
49ers	1	18	10	1.5	0	0	0

The 49ers offense did not allow much to linebackers last week. The offense as a whole failed to establish much of a running game, and the tight end position was underutilized. That could spell an off week for Witherspoon. He comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker who is a weak play in Week 2.

D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jackson	1	5	2	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
Browns	1	17	8	0	0	0	0

Jackson could be left in no-man's land a lot this week. The Browns defensive line has as many holes as Swiss cheese, while their secondary was unable to stop the Steelers' passing game last week. That could mean lots of runs and deep passes, which will likely keep Jackson away from any action (unless the team wants him covering wide receivers although they aren't that desperate yet). Jackson comes ranked as only a No. 3 linebacker this week, so he wouldn't get much attention anyways, but he is also a weak play.

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Urlacher	1	5	1	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
Chiefs	1	16	3	0	1	0	0

Will the Chiefs offensive line be able to open up any holes in the Bears' defensive line? How many carries will it take before Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards realizes he should try throwing the ball? And how many double- and triple-teams will Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez face? Urlacher is not often highly ranked as a fantasy linebacker because teams often move the ball away from him. This week, however, he is also a weak play as the Chiefs offense should struggle and will not likely be on the field much. He is only a No. 3 linebacker and a weak play.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Kelvin Hayden, Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayden	1	6	3	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
Titans	1	27	2	1	0	1	0

The Titans allowed a high tackle total to this position last week, likely because the Jaguars (their Week 1 opponent) could stop any of the running backs at the line. This meant the defensive backs were called upon to come up and pick up tackles. With the Titans expected to try and establish the running game this week, if they have that same kind of success against the Colts, it could be a big week for Hayden. He comes recommended as a No. 2 defensive back, which is a strong play.

Atari Bigby, Green Bay Packers at New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bigby	1	4	4	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
Giants	1	20	5	0	0	1	0

With Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) out and quarterback Eli Manning (shoulder) possibly missing their Week 2 game, possible starting quarterback Jared Lorenzen could make good use of tight end Jeremy Shockey. The downfield pass will not likely be a much-used option, which means Bigby could be brought up to the line and should be in line to pick up a decent amount of tackles. He comes ranked as only a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back, but he is a strong play.

Nick Harper, Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harper	1	6	0	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
Colts	1	21	5	0	1	0	1

Everyone knows the Colts love to pass a lot and with the team facing former defensive back Harper, they could go at him. Harper will be matched up against Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison, one of Manning's favorite targets. It could be a long week for Harper (much like it was for former Colts defensive back Jason David last week) and he could see plenty of action. He is viewed as only a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week but is also a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Whitner	1	6	3	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
Steelers	1	10	1	0	0	0	0

The Steelers gave up just 10 solo tackles and 11 total tackles to this position last week. Despite putting up 34 points, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw only 23 passes and completed just 12 of them. They do not throw the ball much, which will keep Whitner from being in on many plays. That makes him a weak play this week as a No. 2 defensive back.

Chris Gamble, Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gamble	1	6	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
Texans	1	15	1	0	0	1	0

After Andre Johnson, the Texans don't have any great options at wide receiver, which means Gamble could be covering Kevin Walter for the team's game this week. Walter had a total of two targets in Week 1. That means Gamble could be taken out of most plays, making him a weak play as a No. 2 defensive back this week.

Sean Jones, Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jones	1	5	1	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
Bengals	1	17	2	0	2	0	0

Jones should be in for a worse week, at least individually (hard to get worse than a 34-7 beating by a rival). The Bengals gave up just 19 total tackles to the position this week, and with the Browns porous run defense, they could decide to take that route in Week 2. Jones comes recommended as a No. 3 defensive back that is also a weak play.

KFFLians are saying....

 

---

What's your opinion? Sound off!

Name: E-mail: Enter the number to the left here:

Comment Guidelines

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.

All Fantasy Basketball Surprise Third Team (05/12)
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Danny Green, Ed Davis, more (04/21)
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Anthony Parker, Iman Shumpert, more (04/13)