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IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 10

November 8, 2007 @ 10:59:55

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

Darryl Tapp, Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Tapp	3	3.7	0.0	1.3	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
49ers	4	13.7	4.0	2.7	1.0	0.0	0.3

The 49ers offense has regressed this year under head coach Mike Nolan, partially due to Nolan's inability to try anything new (apparently the formula that has seen them go 2-6 is "working"). The 49ers offensive line has struggled this year, and the team is not generating much of a pass offense. As well, the 49ers placed two offensive linemen on the Injured Reserve this week, which should help open up more holes for Tapp. Consider Tapp a strong play as a No. 1 defensive lineman this week.

Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harris	3	2.0	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
Raiders	4	16.8	4.2	2.1	0.5	0.0	0.0

Daunte Culpepper? Josh McCown? Andrew Walter? Would it really matter who the Raiders started a quarterback? Over the past four weeks, the team's quarterbacks are averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game, which speaks to how well (or poorly) they have played. With that type of production, the Raiders will likely lean on their running backs this week, which should give Harris' value a boost. In addition to the running game, the Raiders offensive line has struggled this year. Consider Harris a strong play as a No. 2 defensive lineman.

Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints vs. St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Grant	4	1.8	1.0	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
Rams	3	18.0	4.0	3.0	0.7	0.3	0.0

Over the past four weeks, the Rams offense has given up the most fantasy points per week to this position (43.3). This is due a weak offensive line and poor play by quarterback Marc Bulger. The team is allowing the most sacks (3.0) per game to this position. Running back Steven Jackson (back) is expected to see only limited time this week, although his back is feeling better. If the team can get him going, there should be more opportunities for Grant to make an impact. Consider Grant a strong play as a No. 3 or Bye Week replacement.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

James Hall, St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hall	3	3.7	2.0	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
Saints	4	9.2	1.8	0.2	0.5	0.0	0.0

Saints running back Reggie Bush may be the fifth-most utilized running back over the past four weeks; however, those utilizations often come with him catching the ball (25 receptions in the past four weeks) or on runs to the outside. Because of his size, he is not a grind-it-out, up-the-middle type of back. As well, the team finally has their passing game going, which takes more chances away from Hall. He is still considered a No. 1 defensive lineman this week; however, also view him as a weak play.

Justin Tuck, New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Tuck	3	2.0	1.0	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
Cowboys	3	13.0	3.7	1.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Giants possess a dominant defensive line as they are able to rotate quality players in and out due to solid depth. Because of that, teams have attacked them through the air more often than trying to the run the ball. With wide receivers Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton, as well as tight end Jason Witten, the Cowboys have the weapons available to do that. Because of that, don't expect Tuck to get as many opportunities this week. Consider him a weak play as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Aaron Schobel, Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Schobel	3	2.7	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
Dolphins	3	9.0	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.0	0.0

The Dolphins running backs are averaging just 22.0 rushing attempts per game, although they do manage an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. Because of such a low average, don't expect Schobel to pick up as many tackles this week. Consider him a weak play as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hawk	3	4.7	1.0	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
Vikings	4	21.8	6.8	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Vikings have been attempting the least amount of passing plays per game over the past four weeks (22.5). As well, they also feature arguably the hottest running back in the league in Adrian Peterson. They are attempting a league-high 33.2 rushing attempts per game since Week 6. This means Hawk should factor heavily in this week's matchup, and he comes recommended as a No. 3 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Daryl Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	3.8	0.8	0.0	0.2	0.0	0.2
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Titans	4	27.5	8.0	0.5	1.0	0.0	0.2

Titans running back LenDale White is the most utilized running back over the past four weeks with 124 utilizations. As well, quarterback Vince Young has struggled of late, and the team is averaging just 28.2 passing attempts per game. The Jaguars should get a healthy dose of White this week, which gives Smith's value a boost. Use him as a No. 3 or Bye Week replacement that is also a strong play.

Omar Gaither, Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gaither	4	3.2	3.0	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	4	27.2	6.5	1.2	0.5	0.5	0.2

With Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell struggling recently, the team has relied heavily on their running backs over the past four weeks. Since Week 6, the team is averaging 28.2 rushing attempts per game, good for seventh in the league. With Gaither working in the middle of the field, he should be in position to rack up a high number of tackles this week. As well, tight end Chris Cooley is the fourth-most targeted tight end in that time, which makes Gaither even more attractive as a starter this week. Consider him a strong play as a Bye Week replacement.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Ernie Sims, Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Sims	3	6.0	3.0	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
Cardinals	3	14.3	3.0	0.0	0.0	0.3	0.0

Cardinals running back Edgerrin James managed just 15 yards on nine carries last week and is averaging 15.5 utilizations per game over the past four weeks. With the Lions giving up the third-worst amount of passing yards per game this season (258.0), expect an already pass-heavy Cardinals offense to feature even more of wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. As well, it should be noted the Cardinals offense was on the field for just 16 minutes and 53 seconds last week. With that little time on the field, it is hard for defensive players to get you fantasy points. Sims comes ranked as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker, although he is also a weak play.

Calvin Pace, Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Pace	3	6.0	0.7	0.3	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
Lions	3	14.0	5.3	0.3	0.7	0.0	0.0

The Lions running backs are attempting just 22.3 rushing attempts per game, good for 21st in the league. On the flipside, the Lions receivers are averaging the third-most receptions in the league (14.3) since Week 6. With the Lions expected to attack the Cardinals through the air, Pace will not likely get as many opportunities to make plays. Because of that, he should be viewed as a No. 2 linebacker that is a weak play.

Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Merriman	3	4.7	1.3	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
Colts	3	16.7	3.3	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

Last week's debacle aside, the Chargers possessed one of the top run defenses in the league before Adrian Peterson's 296-yard game. From Weeks 5 to 8, they allowed an average of just 75.5 yards per game. With that said, expect the Colts to test out this defense, but they will likely rely on their passing game against the Chargers, which has been shown to be the weaker link of their defense. Because of that, Merriman might not be in position to make as many plays as he usually does. Consider him a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Michael Lewis, San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Lewis	3	4.3	1.7	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
Seahawks	3	21.7	1.7	0.7	0.3	0.7	0.0

The 49ers are giving up 130.0 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks, which puts them as the sixth-best defense for running backs to face. Through the air, they are giving up just 206.0 passing yards per game in that time. This means the Seahawks could look to attack the 49ers defense on the ground, which should bring Lewis up closer to the line of scrimmage. If this happens, Lewis should have a bigger game than usual. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 defensive back.

Chris Hope, Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hope	4	4.2	0.8	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
Jaguars	4	23.0	2.8	0.0	0.5	1.2	0.0

The Jaguars have a combined 116 utilizations between their top two running backs (Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew) over the past four weeks, which should boost Hope's value as he will likely be brought up in run support on most plays. The Jaguars also don't possess any great deep threats, which should allow Hope to play even closer to the line of scrimmage on passing plays. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week.

Terence Newman, Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Newman	3	4.7	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	24.7	2.3	0.0	0.3	0.3	0.0

The last time these two teams met, Giants quarterback Eli Manning had a huge game, throwing for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Giants wide receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress combined for 17 receptions in that game. So, despite cooling off recently, the team should be able to follow a similar game plan as they did in Week 1. If that happens, Newman's value should take a bump as he is given more chances while covering Toomer or Burress. Consider him a strong play as a No. 3 defensive back.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Winfield	3	6.0	1.3	0.0	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
Packers	3	17.7	2.3	0.0	0.0	1.3	0.0

Winfield will likely be covering Packers No. 1 receiver Donald Driver this week, which surprisingly could hurt his value. Driver is second on the team to wide receiver Greg Jennings in targets (19 to 25) over the past four weeks, with wide receiver James Jones coming in third (11). This means Winfield likely won't have as many opportunities as he usually does covering the opposition's top receiver. As well, it is looking like there will be rain on Sunday, which could have the Packers leaning more on their running game this week. Winfield should still be viewed as a No. 1 defensive back, although he is also a weak play.

Kelvin Hayden, Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayden	3	5.3	0.0	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
Chargers	3	17.3	1.7	0.0	0.0	0.3	0.0

Although acquiring wide receiver Chris Chambers was an upgrade for the Chargers receiving corps, there are just too many other weapons to make him a good fantasy matchup for defensive backs. Chambers is the most targeted wide receiver on the Chargers over the past four weeks but has just 15 targets. Expect to see a heavy dose of tight end Antonio Gates and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, which should take Hayden out of most plays. Use him as a No. 2 defensive back that is also a weak play.

Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Woodson	3	3.0	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.7	0.7
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Vikings	4	14.2	3.0	0.0	0.2	0.0	0.0

If you had the choice of running your offense through running back Adrian Peterson or quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, which one would you choose? Expect the former, which will hurt Woodson's value this week. Even though Woodson has been playing at an All-Pro level this season, the most targeted wide receiver on the Vikings is Bobby Wade with 19 over the past four weeks. Don't expect Woodson to see as many chances as he usually does if he is covering Wade. He is still worth being played as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back, but he is also a weak play.

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.