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 at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ogunleye	4	3.0	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
Eagles	3	21.0	5.7	5.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Eagles offense allowed just three sacks of quarterback Donovan McNabb last week after allowing 12 in their previous games against the New York Giants. Still, their offensive line has not been the strongest over the past four weeks, which should benefit Ogunleye and the rest of the Bears defense this week. As well, the Eagles' best weapon on offense is still running back Brian Westbrook, which should put Ogunleye in position to rack up a significant amount of tackles. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 defensive lineman this week.

Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spencer	4	3.0	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
Vikings	3	17.0	3.0	3.7	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Vikings threw the ball just 23 times last week, compared to 43 times rushing the ball. Leading the way was running back Adrian Peterson, who ran the ball 20 times for 224 yards and three touchdowns. With Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson continuing to look uncertain in the pocket, expect a healthy dose of Peterson and running back Chester Taylor in this week's matchup. That should make Spencer a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman this week.

Brodrick Bunkley, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bunkley	3	2.3	0.3	0.7	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
Bears	4	16.2	3.2	1.6	0.2	0.0	0.0

Despite averaging just 3.1 yards per carry so far this season, the Bears continue to hand off the ball to running back Cedric Benson on a regular basis. Last week he picked up 18 carries, his longest going for 12 yards; the week before he managed just 64 yards on 27 carries. This means Bunkley should be in to pick up a decent amount of tackles regardless of whether the Bears' running game is working or not. As well, Bears quarterback Brian Griese is not the most mobile of quarterbacks. He has been sacked nine times in three games this season. Bunkley is still only a No. 3 or Bye week replacement at this position, but consider him a strong play.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Umenyiora	4	4.2	0.2	1.8	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
49ers	3	11.7	2.7	1.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

Umenyiora may be one of the top fantasy defensive linemen in the league; however, he has a weak matchup this week. The 49ers are averaging just 18 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks, which puts them 30th in the league. Even if Umenyiora gets after 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer, the tackle totals don't figure to be there in Week 7. He still comes recommended as a No. 1 defensive, although he is weak play.

Paul Spicer, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spicer	3	2.3	0.7	0.7	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
Colts	3	13.3	3.7	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Colts have the weapons in their passing offense so that they don't have to rely on the running game this week against the Jaguars. This should take away tackles from Spicer. As well, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the best at getting rid of the ball and he also gets great pass protection from his offensive line. He has been sacked just three times this year. Spicer should be used as a No. 3 defensive lineman this week. He is also a weak play.

Shaun Rogers, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Rogers	3	3.0	1.0	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
Buccaneers	4	12.8	2.5	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.0

Buccaneers running backs Earnest Graham and Michael Bennett have a combined 228 rushing yards this season between them. They will be the top two backs for the Buccaneers this week. With the Lions line being the strength of their defense, the Buccaneers will likely shy away from running straight up the middle, where Rogers resides. Making matters worse, Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia has been sacked just five times in six games this season. All this combines to make Shaun Rogers a weak play as a No. 3 defensive lineman this week.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Angelo Crowell, Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Crowell	3	6.0	2.0	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
Ravens	4	23.2	7.8	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.0

With a weak quarterback position, the Ravens have been relying heavily on their running game, led by former Bills running back Willis McGahee. Expect him to be utilized heavily this weekend, which should put Crowell in position to rack up a high number of tackles. He comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Morlon Greenwood, Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Greenwood	4	6.5	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
Titans	3	24.3	9.3	0.0	0.3	0.7	0.0

The Texans allowed 244 net rushing yards last week to the Jaguars. That is something the Titans will likely try to exploit this week in their matchup. Especially with quarterback Vince Young (quadriceps) questionable for the game this week, they could rely even more on their running backs. Look for a big day from either running back LenDale White or Chris Brown. If Young does play, he is a mobile enough quarterback that it should boost Greenwood's value. Consider Greenwood a strong play as a No. 2 linebacker this week.

Thomas Howard, Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Howard	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 Chiefs are averaging 24 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks (15th in the league) despite only putting up an average of 77.5 rushing yards per game in that period (24th in the league). They have shown a tendency to stick with the run even when it doesn't work, which is a large part of the Herman Edwards offense. Running back Larry Johnson finally had a big game in Week 6, going for 119 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries. If he can replicate those numbers, it could be a big week for Howard. As well, one of the team's top receiving threats, tight end Tony Gonzalez, could find himself matched up against Howard on a number of plays. All this combines to make Howard a strong play as a No. 3 linebacker.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Briggs	3	8.0	0.3	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
Eagles	3	12.0	2.0	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.3

With Eagles running back Brian Westbrook expected to see lots of action, one would think this would be a good matchup for the Bears' linebackers. However, the numbers don't back that up. The Eagles are allowing just 25.7 fantasy points per week to this position, which is second worst in the league. Briggs could find it tough to matchup with any of the Eagles prominent players this week. He does not appear to have the speed to work with Westbrook and there aren't many other great options for him to cover, at least from a fantasy perspective. He is still a No. 1 linebacker but should be viewed as a weak play.

Paris Lenon, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Lenon	3	4.0	1.7	0.7	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
Buccaneers	4	17.2	5.2	0.0	0.2	0.0	0.0

Like Rogers up above, the lack of a Buccaneers' running game will hurt Lenon's value this week. Over the past four weeks, the Buccaneers are giving up just 29.8 fantasy points per game to this position. They do not have the type of running game that will allow Lenon to up his tackle totals, nor do they have a great tight end for Lenon to cover. One thing in his favor is the mobility of quarterback Jeff Garcia, which could help Lenon. However, he should still be considered a weak play as a No. 3 linebacker.

Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals.

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vilma	4	5.2	0.8	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
Bengals	3	13.7	3.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Bengals have been attempting just 19.7 rushes per game over the past four weeks, good for 27th in the league. They are however, leading the league in receptions to their wide receivers with 18.7 per game. With most of those passes going to wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, Vilma doesn't figure to be in place to pick up many tackles this week. He comes ranked as a No. 3 linebacker who is also a weak play.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Rhodes	4	4.5	1.5	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Bengals	3	24.7	1.7	0.0	0.7	2.0	0.0

Rhodes will likely be covering either of Bengals wide receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Chad Johnson this week. Houshmandzadeh has been targeted 48 times over the past four weeks, the most of any wide receiver. Johnson has been targeted 37 times over the past four weeks, the ninth most of any wide receiver. That means Rhodes should be in position for many tackles this week. He comes ranked as a No. 1 defensive back that is a strong play.

Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Whitner	3	4.7	2.7	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
Ravens	4	27.8	4.5	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.0

With the running game the basis for the Ravens offense, Whitner should find himself playing close to the line of scrimmage this week in an effort to slow down Ravens running back Willis McGahee. As well, when the Ravens do pass, their most dangerous target is tight end Todd Heap (although he has been under-utilized this year). Whitner should see plenty of opportunities this week and comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back that is a strong play.

Adam Archuleta, Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Archuleta	3	4.3	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
Eagles	3	26.0	4.0	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.0

Eagles' running back Brian Westbrook has 47 utilizations in just two games over the past four weeks. He will be playing this week against the Bears and figures to be used heavily to keep pressure off of quarterback Donovan McNabb. Archuleta is a better safety when used in run support and should see extensive time at the line of scrimmage this week. He comes recommended as a No. 3 defensive back that is a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Gibril Wilson, New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Wilson	4	5.0	0.5	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
49ers	3	16.0	2.3	0.0	0.3	1.3	0.3

The 49ers don't have a great running game and are among the worst in the league for rushing attempts per game with 18.0 per game over the past four weeks. With no great receiving threats, Wilson does not figure to be in on much action this week. He comes ranked as a weak play that is a No. 2 defensive back this week.

Sheldon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brown	3	5.0	0.3	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
Bears	4	20.2	5.0	0.0	0.5	1.5	0.5

The Bears will likely be using their running game this week and don't possess a great receiving threat. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian has come on in recent weeks, but he is still not a great matchup for Brown. Consider Brown a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week.

Jacques Reeves, Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Reeves	4	5.0	0.5	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
Vikings	3	15.0	2.0	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0

If you were the head coach of the Vikings, who would you base your offense around: running back Adrian Peterson or wide receivers Troy Williamson or Bobby Wade? Figure the Vikings to use Peterson a lot this week, which means the Cowboys cornerbacks will not see much action. Figure Reeves is a weak play as a No. 3 or Bye week replacement.

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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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