Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 8

October 25, 2007 @ 14:44:39

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Tim Heaney and Cory J. Bonini

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 this go-around.

Defensive Linemen - Strong Plays

Dewayne White, Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
White	3	3.33	1.0	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
Bears	4	16.0	3.0	1.6	0.25	0.0	0.0

Lining up on the left side of the Lions defense, White should be in position for a better-than-average week in Week 8. The Bears are committed to rushing the ball (23.75 attempts per game since Week 4) and they have an immobile quarterback, which should give White a good chance to pick up sacks. Bears running back Cedric Benson has been utilized 92 times in the past four weeks, the fifth most among running backs over that stretch. Also, with defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding drawing attention inside, White could find himself with just one man to beat quite often this week. He comes ranked as a No. 2 defensive lineman that is a strong play.

Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Freeney	3	2.67	0.33	1.33	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	3	16.67	3.33	1.67	0.33	0.0	0.0

Carolina is running the ball an average of 24.0 times per game, but what makes Freeney a good matchup this week is the quarterback behind center. With his speed, Freeney should be able to pick up sacks regardless of which quarterback starts for the Panthers (David Carr or Vinny Testaverde). He will still likely be double-teamed frequently, which hurts his value, but he comes recommended as a strong play for a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman.

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ogunleye	4	2.75	0.25	0.50	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	16.0	4.33	4.0	0.33	0.0	0.0

With the return of running back Kevin Jones (foot) last week, the running game should be better utilized, although don't expect Jones to get Larry Johnson-type carries. As well, the Lions offensive line has been giving up the third-highest amount of sacks per game (5.0) since Week 4. Ogunleye should have a good week in Chicago as a strong play for a No. 3 or Bye Week replacement.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Taylor	4	3.25	0.25	0.75	0.25	0.25	0.25
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Giants	4	14.25	3.25	0.50	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Dolphins don't really have anyone else who can take pressure off Taylor to lead this line, and he could be facing a high number of double-teams this week. The Giants offensive line has also shown great improvement from its early season struggles and should be able to keep Taylor away from quarterback Eli Manning. Don't expect Taylor to have a big week against the Giants. He should be used as a No. 2 defensive lineman, but he is also a weak play.

Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Pickett	3	3.33	1.0	0.33	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
Broncos	3	11.0	3.67	0.33	0.0	0.0	0.0

Over the past four weeks, the Broncos rank near the bottom third in the league in rushing attempts - an unusual location for the ground-happy backfield. They have also shown to be running more towards the outside instead of up the middle, taking their offense away from where Pickett will be working in Week 8. Pickett should be used as no more than a No. 3 defensive lineman with a weak play.

James Hall, St. Louis Rams vs. Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hall	4	3.0	0.75	0.25	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
Browns	4	10.75	1.75	0.75	0.25	0.0	0.0

The Browns do not have a great rushing attack with running back Jason Wright as their most utilized back over the past four weeks. In that stretch, Wright has just 48 utilizations, putting him 29th in the league. Without ample opportunities for Wright to be tackled, Hall's value takes a hit and makes him a weak play as a No. 3 or Bye week replacement.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Beason	3	7.33	2.67	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
Colts	3	26.67	6.33	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Colts are averaging the most rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks (33.67), which should put Beason in position to make a bunch of tackles. Tight end Dallas Clark is the fourth most sought out tight end in that stretch with 25 targets. Clark's frequent use presents a chance for two profitable situations for Beason: Clark will be tackled after a reception or will leave a lane open for Beason to get to quarterback Peyton Manning. Both factors make Beason a strong play as a No. 1 linebacker.

Derek Smith, San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	3	4.67	4.33	0.0	0.0	0.33	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	24.0	7.33	0.0	0.0	0.33	0.0

Saints running back Reggie Bush ranks eighth among the most utilized running backs over the past four weeks with 81 utilizations. With Smith working the inside left, he should be in position to cover Bush on enough plays to bump up his value in Week 8. He should be used as a No. 2 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bruschi	4	4.25	2.25	0.50	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	4	23.0	6.0	0.25	0.25	0.25	0.0

If the Redskins want a chance to win this game, their best bet will likely be to keep the Patriots offense off the field. To do that, they will have to run the ball effectively and frequently. Washington is already averaging 28.33 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks, with running back Clinton Portis averaging around 21 utilizations per game. The likelihood of that number increasing shows just one of the reasons why Bruschi is a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker this week.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

E.J. Henderson, Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Henderson	3	6.67	3.33	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	15.33	4.33	0.0	0.33	0.0	0.33

The Eagles have a strong running game, which would lead you to believe linebackers would do well against them, but the stats do not back that up. They are allowing just 15.33 solo tackles to this position per game. Philadelphia tends put a lot of emphasis on its passing game, regardless of how much pressure is on quarterback Donovan McNabb. That puts Henderson in a tough position to have a good week, and he should be used as weak play this week, although he is still a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker.

Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brooks	4	5.75	1.75	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
Jaguars	3	18.33	4.67	0.33	0.33	0.0	0.0

Like Henderson, Brooks is in a matchup you would think would be favorable to linebackers, but the Jaguars are not utilizing their running game as much as would be expected. Top running back Maurice Jones-Drew has just 46 utilizations over the past four weeks, good for 32nd in the league. The Jaguars also lack a great tight end for Brooks to cover. This could be a down week for Brooks, so consider him a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker.

Shaun Phillips, San Diego Chargers vs. Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Phillips	3	4.0	1.33	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	4	13.50	1.0	0.0	0.75	0.25	0.25

Texans running back Ahman Green (knee) is struggling over the past four weeks and he had just 39 yards last week on 11 carries. With the Chargers run defense being their strong suit, expect the Texans to repeatedly go to the air in Week 8. That could keep Phillips out of the play enough to miss out on the type of week you are looking for. He is still a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker, but he is also a weak play.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Buchanon	4	6.75	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.25	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	24.33	2.67	0.33	0.67	0.67	0.0

With the Jaguars offense expected to be heavily run-based, Buchanon could find himself brought up to the line of scrimmage and playing tight coverage. Don't expect many deep passes or complicated plays from the Jaguars this week from temporary starting quarterback Quinn Gray. It could be a lot of slants and short routes to pick up yardage, which should work well for Buchanon. The Jaguars are giving up the second-most fantasy points to this position over the past four weeks. Buchanon comes ranked as a No. 1 defensive back that is also a strong play this week.

Deke Cooper, Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Cooper	3	4.67	0.67	0.0	0.0	0.67	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	26.0	4.33	0.0	0.0	0.67	0.0

With the Colts offense averaging 33.67 rushing attempts per game, expect Cooper to play up close to the line of scrimmage this week. He could also be called upon to cover - or at least provide help - when Colts tight end Dallas Clark is targeted in the offense. Clark is at his best running down the seam and finding the gaps in coverage. This could be a big week for Cooper and he comes recommended as a No. 2 defensive back that is also a strong play.

Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills at New York Jets

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Whitner	3	5.0	1.33	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
Jets	4	25.0	6.50	0.50	0.0	1.75	0.50

The Jets are struggling in the passing game, which could cause them to rely heavily on the run this week. Quarterback Chad Pennington has yet to show he can lead this offense and will likely be handing the ball off frequently in Week 8. That could lead to a big week for Whitner, who is best when playing up near the line of scrimmage or taking on guys over the middle. He comes ranked as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back that is also a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Nick Harper, Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harper	3	4.67	1.0	0.0	0.33	0.67	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	17.0	1.67	0.0	0.33	1.0	0.0

The Titans defense has been playing well lately and held the Texans offense to just 23 minutes and 17 seconds of possession time last week. If Harper is not on the field that often, he will have difficulty in making a fantasy impact this week. Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry is the team's most targeted receiver with 21 targets over the past four weeks. This could be a down week for Harper, and he is considered a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harper	3	5.0	0.67	0.67	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	14.67	2.0	0.33	0.33	1.33	0.0

The 49ers do not have a great wide receiver for Harper to cover, with Arnaz Battle their most targeted wide receiver over the past four weeks (23 targets). Even if they did have a great receiver, quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) reportedly will return from injury, and might not throw the ball often this week. This should be a down week for Harper, who should be used as a No. 2 defensive back that is also a weak play.

Brian Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	3	4.67	0.33	0.0	0.0	0.67	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Buccaneers	3	19.50	3.50	0.0	0.0	0.33	0.0

After Ike Hilliard, wide receiver Joey Galloway is the most targeted wideout on the Buccaneers with just 20 targets over the past four weeks. As well, the Buccaneers make heavy use of the running back position, giving running back Earnest Graham 86 touches over the past four weeks. Because of those factors, Williams should be seen as a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back in Week 8.

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.