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IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 4

September 27, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

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

Vonnie Holliday, Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Holliday	3	3.7	1.3	0.3	0.0	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
Raiders	3	16.0	4.3	2.0	0.7	0.7	0.0

With inconsistent play from their quarterbacks, the Raiders' best offense has come when they establish a power-running game. Dolphins tackle Keith Traylor should be able to occupy blockers, leaving Holliday room to take on the Raiders' running backs by himself. As well, defensive end Jason Taylor will likely get extra blockers, again freeing up Holliday. All of that should make Holliday a strong play this week (against an offense already giving up lots to the position), and he comes recommended as a No. 1 lineman.

John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons vs. Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Abraham	3	1.7	0.3	1.0	0.0	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
Texans	3	17.0	3.0	1.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

With Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (knee) out and running back Ahman Green (knee) unlikely to play, the Texans offense will be without two key playmakers. That could cause them to struggle on offense and could set Abraham up for a big day. He should be viewed as a No. 2 lineman and is a strong play.

Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys vs. St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spencer	2	2.7	0.3	0.3	0.0	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
Rams	3	16.3	3.3	1.8	0.3	0.0	0.0

This could be a big week for the Cowboys defense. Already with offensive tackle Orlando Pace (shoulder) out, quarterback Marc Bulger (ribs) was limited with two broken ribs and running back Steven Jackson (groin) will be out two to three weeks to heal a partially torn groin. The Rams offense will likely struggle this week, and Spencer should be in place to make plenty of plays. He comes recommended as a strong play, who is a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman this week.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Dumervil	3	2.7	0.0	1.3	0.3	0.3	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Colts	3	10.3	2.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Colts have one of the top pass-protecting lines, and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the best at getting the ball out before taking the hit. As well, they don't have the power-running type game that usually brings high tackles for linemen, instead working things towards the edges and getting running back Joseph Addai some room to work. While Dumervil is still a No. 1 lineman this week, he is also a weak play.

Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Mathis	3	2.3	0.3	0.7	0.3	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
Broncos	3	12.0	3.3	1.0	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Broncos offense will likely be in ball-control mode this week, hoping to keep the Colts offense off the field as much as possible. The Broncos use a zone-block scheme that relies on the blockers getting out quickly to create space on the edge of the line and opening up gaps. If the Colts can't get to those spots, it could be a long week for their linemen. Mathis comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 lineman, who is also a weak play.

Ty Warren, New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Warren	3	3.0	1.0	0.2	0.0	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
Bengals	3	11.7	2.7	1.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

The biggest hope for Bengals' fans is that quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh can keep up with the high-scoring Patriots offense. To do that, the team will likely spread out the offense and work to get "Ocho Cinco" and "Housh" in man-to-man coverage. With a strong passing game, Warren could pick up a sack or two, but he likely won't have many opportunities to get tackles. That makes him a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 lineman this week.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Channing Crowder, Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Crowder	3	6.0	2.3	0.0	0.0	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
Raiders	3	23.3	6.3	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

With insecurity at quarterback (neither Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown are names you want to see as your starter), the Raiders will likely rely on the run heavily this week. Running back LaMont Jordan is off to one of his best starts this year, and the Dolphins could see a heavy dose of him this week. Plan on Crowder being involved in most of those plays, and he comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker, who is also a strong play.

Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vilma	3	4.3	2.7	0.0	0.0	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
Bills	3	24.7	6.7	1.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

With Bills starting quarterback J.P. Losman (knee) out, the team will likely rely heavily on running back Marshawn Lynch. As well, expect them to scale down the offense for quarterback Trent Edwards. First-time starting quarterbacks are generally reliant on their tight end or running backs as check-down receivers, which should put Vilma in position to make tackles quite often. He comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker this week. He is also a strong play.

Shaun Phillips, San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Phillips	3	3.7	0.3	0.8	0.0	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	3	20.7	2.0	0.7	1.0	0.0	0.0

The Chiefs will likely try and establish the run this week in order to make running back Larry Johnson happy again. It will also be the best way to keep the Chargers offense off the field. Because of that, Phillips should be in on plenty of action this week and could have a better-than-average week. He comes recommended as a No. 3 or Bye-week replacement and is a strong play.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Urlacher	3	5.0	1.7	1.0	0.0	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
Lions	3	15.7	3.3	0.8	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Lions have been relying heavily on their passing game so far this season, which has resulted in low fantasy points for opposing linebackers. While that could change this week with them playing a banged-up Bears defense, Urlacher is still not expected to make contributions up to his usual level. He should be seen as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker as a weak play.

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vrabel	3	4.0	2.0	1.2	0.0	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
Bengals	3	17.3	4.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

With Johnson and Houshmandzadeh expected to get plenty of targets, it would be foolish to think the Patriots would put a linebacker on either of them. That will likely take Vrabel out of many plays. If Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) was playing, it might be a different matter, but don't expect Vrabel to be around the action as much this week. He still should be used as a No. 2 linebacker, but he is also a weak play.

Takeo Spikes, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spikes	3	5.7	0.7	0.0	0.0	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
Giants	3	16.3	4.7	0.0	0.7	0.3	0.0

The Giants have not been giving up much to this position so far this season. Their defensive line has been solid at getting to the quarterback and occupying blockers, while their defensive backs have been burned by opposing wide receivers (Lions wide receiver Roy Williams went for 204 yards last week). As well, tight end Jeremy Shockey is a target that the Giants like to use similar to a wide receiver and get him downfield or outside. Spikes should be viewed as a weak play as a No. 3 linebacker this week.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Jim Leonhard, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Leonhard	3	5.3	3.0	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Jets	3	24.0	5.0	1.0	0.0	0.3	0.3

The Bills rank last in the league in pass defense at 281 yards per game. That should give you an idea of what kind of game plan the Jets will bring into their Week 4 matchup. Leonhard could be in for a big day this week and comes recommended as a No. 1 defensive back and is a strong play.

Von Hutchins, Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hutchins	3	5.7	0.3	0.0	0.5	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
Falcons	3	23.0	1.7	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.3

Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington attempted 44 passes last week as he appeared to finally be comfortable in the pocket. If the Falcons offensive line can give him time, he should be able to make the throws against the Texans secondary. As well, without a deep threat, the Texans cornerbacks should be in line to pick up their fair share of tackles. The Falcons best passing threat is tight end Alge Crumpler, who is often used down the middle of the field, right along the seem. That would put him in both safeties' areas. Hutchins comes recommended as a strong play that is a No. 1 defensive back this week.

C.C. Brown, Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brown	3	4.3	2.0	0.0	0.3	0.5	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Falcons	3	23.0	1.7	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.3

Brown is the other Texans safety and for the same reasons as Hutchins, he should have a big game. Consider him a strong play that is also a No. 2 defensive back.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

David Barrett, New York Jets at Buffalo Bills

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Barrett	3	7.3	0.7	0.0	0.5	0.5	0.5
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Bills	3	18.7	8.3	0.7	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Bills' focal point of their offense will likely be running back Marshawn Lynch. Especially with quarterback J.P. Losman (knee) out of the lineup, they will likely keep tight reins on quarterback Trent Edwards. That will likely mean not a lot of balls are thrown Barrett's way, at least not what he is used to. He comes recommended as a No. 1 defensive back and is a weak play this week.

Deon Grant, Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Grant	3	5.0	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
49ers	3	19.0	5.7	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.7

With the 49ers losing tight end Vernon Davis (knee) to a knee injury and quarterback Alex Smith struggling, they could put more emphasis on the running game this week. As well, they don't have any real threats at wide receiver, and the Seahawks should be able to shut them down. There will be no Houshmandzadeh or Johnson to open them up this week like what happened last week. Grant could be brought up to the line of scrimmage to help in the running game. This could give him a few more tackles, but he is still a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back this week.

Kelly Jennings, Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jennings	3	4.7	1.0	0.0	0.7	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
49ers	3	19.0	5.7	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.7

For the same reasons as Grant, Jennings is not a great play this week. Smith has been completing just 51 percent of his passes, not a great rate if you want your cornerback to pick up tackles. Jennings should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back that is a weak play this week.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
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.