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

Amobi Okoye, Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Okoye	4	3.0	0.2	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
Jaguars	3	15.0	1.7	3.2	0.3	0.0	0.0

Okoye is already having a good season on the Texans defensive line and that should improve this week against the Jaguars. The Jaguars are heavily reliant on their running game, which means Okoye should be in position to pick up a fair amount of tackles this week. He comes recommended as a No. 1 defensive lineman that is a strong play.

Shaun Ellis, New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ellis	4	2.2	1.2	0.5	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
Eagles	3	18.0	3.7	4.8	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Eagles will be coming off their Bye Week this week, and quarterback Donovan McNabb will likely have needed the rest after being sacked 12 times in Week 4. It will be the other New York team's shot at McNabb this week, and Ellis could be in line for a huge game (New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had six sacks in Week 4). He comes recommended as a No. 2 lineman that is a strong play.

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ogunleye	4	2.2	0.5	0.5	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
Vikings	3	16.0	4.3	3.5	0.7	0.3	0.0

Regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Vikings, the Bears defense figures to see a healthy dose of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. That could translate into a big game for Ogunleye on the left side of the defensive line. He comes recommended as a No. 3 defensive lineman that is a strong play.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Andre Carter, Washington Redskins at Green Bay Packers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Carter	3	3.7	1.3	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
Packers	4	11.8	3.0	0.9	0.0	0.0	0.0

Carter is having a great season and is a highly ranked lineman on the list this week. However, the Packers have not given up much to this position all year. Their running game has been non-existent and they utilize a lot of quick passes to keep linemen away from the quarterback. Because of that, Carter is a weak play this week, although he is still a No. 1 lineman.

Will Smith, New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	3	3.3	1.7	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
Seahawks	4	12.0	2.2	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Saints pass defense has been struggling such that teams are attacking that to beat teams, which is taking away from Smith's opportunities for tackles. That shouldn't change this week against the Seahawks, and Smith comes ranked as a No. 1 defensive lineman that is also a weak play.

Robaire Smith, Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	3.2	0.5	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
Dolphins	4	11.5	2.0	1.2	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Dolphins have been one of the worst teams for defensive ends to play against this year, sitting in the bottom quarter of the league. With Smith taking up the right end spot in a 3-4 system, he will not be in many positions to pick up tackles. He comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 lineman that is also a weak play.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Stephen Cooper, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Cooper	4	4.2	3.2	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
Raiders	3	21.7	6.7	0.7	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Chargers pass defense has been the definite weak link this season, and with the Raiders top running back LaMont Jordan (back) questionable in Week 6, the Raiders could rely heavily on the pass. Even when running back Justin Fargas filled in for him in Week 4, he put up 179 yards and was regularly running past the line of scrimmage. That should put him right in Cooper's wheelhouse, which makes Cooper a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker this week.

Morlon Greenwood, Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Greenwood	4	5.5	0.5	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
Jaguars	3	22.0	5.0	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

Like Okoye, Greenwood could be in position for a lot of tackles against a team that plays a very conservative, run-first offense. The Jaguars running backs should have a big day, which means Greenwood should also have one. He comes recommended as a No. 3 linebacker, although he is also a strong play.

Bart Scott, Baltimore Ravens vs. St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Scott	4	4.0	2.5	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
Rams	4	20.5	5.0	1.0	0.2	0.2	0.0

The Rams offense has been atrocious this year, although they did show signs of life last week by putting up 31 points against the Cardinals. If the Rams want to win this week, they will be forced to throw the ball, which could open things up for Scott. The Rams offensive line has also not been great at protecting the quarterback. Scott comes recommended as a No. 3 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Karlos Dansby, Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Dansby	4	7.2	0.8	0.5	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
Panthers	4	13.8	2.5	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

With quarterback Vinny Testaverde a possible starter for the Panthers this week, it could be a long game on offense for the Panthers. They are already the worst team for linebackers to play and that could only get worse this week. Consider Dansby a weak play as a No. 1 linebacker this week.

D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jackson	4	6.5	2.2	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
Dolphins	4	14.2	2.5	0.2	0.0	0.2	0.0

There are no great matchups for Jackson in this game, and with the Dolphins giving up the second-worst amount of points to this position, figure Jackson to have an off week against the Dolphins. If you plan on using Jackson this week, still consider him as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker, but he is a weak play.

A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hawk	4	5.2	2.0	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
Redskins	3	16.0	4.0	0.0	0.3	0.0	0.0

Like Jackson, there are no great matchups for Hawk this week. The Redskins offense has been the fifth-worst in the league to this position because they do not possess a great tight end (Chris Cooley has just three receptions per game over the past four weeks) or possession receiver to go across the middle. Their biggest threats have been wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and their running backs. That means Hawk should not be in position to make as many plays this week. He comes recommended as a weak play who is also a No. 3 linebacker.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Marcus Trufant, Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Trufant	4	5.0	0.5	0.0	0.0	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
Saints	3	25.0	4.3	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.3

With Saints running back Reggie Bush failing to take hold of the No. 1 job in New Orleans, the Saints could be throwing the ball a lot this week. As well, it will be a tough matchup for the Saints defense and they could be down early, forcing them to pass even more. That makes Trufant a strong play as a No. 1 defensive back this week.

Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Buchanon	4	5.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Titans	3	28.0	6.7	0.8	0.3	0.3	0.3

Titans quarterback Vince Young threw the ball 33 times last week, his highest total of the season. The Titans' tight ends have not been great this year in the passing game, which means most of those were going to wide receivers. That should work out in Buchanon's favor this week and he comes recommended as a No. 2 defensive back that is also a strong play.

Jarrad Page, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Page	4	4.5	0.5	0.0	0.2	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
Bengals	3	26.0	2.0	0.0	1.0	1.7	0.0

The Bengals offense has been based around wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson this season, which should work out well for Page this week. He could be in on a lot of plays as the Bengals are among the league leaders in passing yardage per game (282.2 yards per game). He should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back that is a strong play this week.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Finnegan	3	5.7	1.0	0.0	0.0	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
Buccaneers	4	18.0	3.2	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.0

The Buccaneers do not have any great threats at wide receiver (sorry Ike Hilliard) and just three of them have targets in the last four weeks. Hilliard has the most, averaging just 5.8 targets per game over the past four weeks. Don't figure Finnegan to be in on a lot of plays because of that, which makes him a weak play as a No. 1 defensive back.

Marlon McCree, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
McCree	4	4.3	1.8	0.0	0.0	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
Raiders	3	15.3	1.7	0.0	0.3	0.7	0.0

Although Raiders quarterback Daunte Culpepper gives the Raiders a better option behind center, he is still more threat for opposing linebackers with his running (much improved from last year) and the lack of a deep threat. McCree should be used as a No. 2 defensive back this week. He is also a weak play.

Dunta Robinson, Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Robinson	4	4.0	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Jaguars	4	24.7	3.3	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

As stated in Okoye's writeup, the Jaguars figure to run the ball heavily this week, which should keep Robinson out of it on most plays. The Jaguars have been decent to defensive backs this year, but that number will likely be dropping. Even if he was in a good matchup, Robinson has not been a great play this year and should be benched.

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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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