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

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gbaja-Biamila	4	2.3	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
Panthers	3	15.3	2.7	2.7	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Panthers aren't giving up as many tackles to this position; however, they are giving up the third-most sacks per game to this position over the past four weeks. With Green Bay able to rotate in fresh linemen on almost every down due to solid depth, figure Gbaja-Biamila to have a solid game. As well, whether it is David Carr or Vinny Testaverde starting at quarterback this week for the Panthers, neither is that quick, which is inviting for a speed rusher such as KGB. Consider him a strong play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive lineman this week.

Andre Carter, Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Carter	4	2.2	0.8	0.8	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
Cowboys	3	17.7	5.0	1.7	0.00	0.0	0.0

For the stats, check out safety LaRon Landry's writeup later on in the article, but suffice it to say, the Cowboys have one of the top offenses in the league and have shown exceptional balance. This means Carter should be on the field for a significant amount of time this week. As well, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo loves to throw the ball, which should give Carter more opportunities for sacks. Use him as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive lineman that is also a strong play this week.

Marques Douglas, San Francisco 49ers vs. St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Douglas	4	3.8	0.2	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
Rams	3	17.0	4.0	2.7	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Rams had success in the running game last week, attempting 34 rushes. With Rams running back Steven Jackson seemingly back to good health, figure the 49ers to get a healthy dose of him this week. That should be a good thing for Douglas' fantasy value and is why he comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman that is also a strong play this week.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Justin Smith, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	4.0	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	12.7	3.3	0.7	1.0	0.0	0.0

The Cardinals running backs are averaging a league-worst 60.7 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. The weakest part of the Bengals is in their secondary. The Cardinals have two top receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Putting all that together likely means the Cardinals will not be running the ball much against the Bengals. That makes Smith a weak play as a No. 1 defensive lineman this week.

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants at Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Umenyiora	3	1.7	1.0	0.7	0.7	0.0	0.3
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Lions	4	11.8	3.5	2.1	0.5	0.0	0.0

Since Week 7, the Lions have failed to establish any kind of running game, averaging only 18.2 attempts per game. The Lions will likely be passing a lot, which means more sack opportunities for Umenyiora, although he will not be able to pick up many tackles this week. Thus, he comes recommended as a No. 1 defensive lineman; however, he is also a weak play.

Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harris	3	3.0	0.0	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
Seahawks	3	13.3	3.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

While running back Maurice Morris attempted 28 rushes last week, the team had most of their offensive success when Matt Hasselbeck aired out the ball. He finished the game completing 27 of 40 passes for two touchdowns. Expect more of that this week, which makes Harris a weak play as a No. 2 defensive lineman.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vrabel	3	6.3	0.7	1.7	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
Bills	4	25.8	7.5	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0

While they will not have running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) this week, the Bills will likely use a ball-control offense in order to keep the Patriots' high-powered offense off the field. The Bills are already giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to this position over the past four weeks (46.2), but that figure should get a bump this week. Vrabel comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Ernie Sims, Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Sims	4	6.8	2.0	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
Giants	3	26.0	7.3	1.0	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Giants like to run the ball, as shown by their 31.7 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks (eighth in the league). However, giving Sims even more value this week is that the team also likes to throw the ball over/down the middle to their tight end Jeremy Shockey or wide receiver Amani Toomer. Thus, Sims should be in line for a boost to his weekly production and should be used as a No. 2 linebacker that is also a strong play.

Keith Brooking, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brooking	3	6.0	0.7	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
Buccaneers	3	23.0	5.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Buccaneers are averaging 32.0 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks, good for fourth in the league. That means the ball should be often coming to Brooking in the middle of the field. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker this week.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Will Witherspoon, St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Witherspoon	3	8.7	1.0	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
49ers	4	16.0	3.2	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.0

The 49ers offense is struggling such that they are looking to quarterback Trent Dilfer to provide them with a boost. Yes, he is still in the league. Because the 49ers have failed to get much of anything done, other teams' fantasy stars are struggling against them due to a lack of opportunities. This will hurt Witherspoon this week, such that he is a weak play as a No. 1 linebacker.

London Fletcher, Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Fletcher	4	9.2	2.0	0.0	0.0	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
Cowboys	3	15.3	5.7	0.0	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Cowboys are attempting just 28.3 rushing attempts per game, good for 15th in the league. They are having much more success passing the ball, as evidenced by quarterback Tony Romo's numbers over the past four weeks (848 yards and eight touchdowns in three games). Thus, the ball will not likely be in Fletcher's neighborhood this week. Still use him as a No. 1 linebacker; however, he is also a weak play.

Angelo Crowell, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Crowell	4	7.2	2.0	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
Patriots	3	17.3	3.7	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.0

Even with running back Laurence Maroney healthy, the Patriots should still be passing the ball more often than not. In effect, they are using their passing game like a running game by making most of their completions on short slants before taking shots deep down the field. This should hurt Crowell's value this week as he likely won't have as many chances for tackles. Consider him a weak play as a No. 1 linebacker.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Gibril Wilson, New York Giants at Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Wilson	3	5.7	20	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
Lions	4	24.2	4.8	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

For the same reasons that Umenyiora is a weak play this week, Wilson should be viewed as a strong play. The Lions rely heavily on the pass for any of their offense and Wilson figures to be a benefactor of that this week. He should be used as a No. 1 defensive back that is also a strong play.

LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Landry	4	4.8	2.8	0.2	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
Cowboys	3	25.0	8.3	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.3

The Cowboys have the second-best offense in the league over the past four weeks, averaging 31.0 points per game. They have a solid balance of both rushing attempts (28.7 per game) and pass attempts (30.7). What does this mean for Landry? Well, it means he will likely be on the field for the majority of the game, and he should get a solid boost in his numbers because of that. Use him as a No. 1 defensive back that is also a strong play this week.

Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Cromartie	3	3.3	0.0	0.0	0.3	1.7	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	23.8	4.8	0.0	0.0	1.2	0.2

Cromartie showed great athleticism last week on his interception of Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, making his arm seemingly grow a couple feet to grab the ball. It is that athleticism that has made him a solid fantasy option as he is not getting many opportunities to make tackles. Figure the same thing to happen this week and he comes recommended as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back that is also a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Eric Wright, Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Wright	3	7.3	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
Ravens	3	19.0	2.3	0.0	1.0	0.7	0.0

Wright has been solid for the Browns in the backfield; however, it will be tough for him to keep up with his weekly totals against a poor Ravens offense. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has struggled this season (to put it nicely) and the team is relying heavily on running back Willis McGahee. For a cornerback such as Wright, that means there will be few opportunities this week to make plays. He is still the top overall cornerback this week; however, he should be viewed as a weak play.

Sammy Knight, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Knight	4	5.5	1.2	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
Chargers	3	16.7	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Chargers have been giving up the third least amount of fantasy points per game to this position over the past four weeks (32.3). This has coincided with the struggles of quarterback Philip Rivers. The 23 points scored last week overshadowed the struggles of their offense, which has failed to get even tight end Antonio Gates and running back LaDainian Tomlinson going in recent weeks. It doesn't look to be a great week for the Chargers offense, which will adversely affect Knight. He should be used as a No. 1 defensive back that is also a weak play.

Rodney Harrison, New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harrison	3	3.7	1.7	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
Bills	4	19.5	3.5	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0

The Patriots offense has been blowing out teams early and often this season. While the Bills will likely try to go to a ball-control offense, they could be down by a lot early in the game. This would force them to start passing the ball, which would take Harrison out of position to make a lot of plays (although he could pick up an interception or two). Because of this, Harrison is considered a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week.

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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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