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

Robaire Smith, Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	2.2	1.8	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
Texans	3	17.7	5.0	0.5	0.3	0.0	0.0

Although they have not had No. 1 running back Ahman Green (knee) in recent weeks, they have been able to get a solid running attack out of backs Ron Dayne and Adimchinobi Echemandu. Since Week 8, they have averaged 27.0 rushing attempts per game and 4.4 yards per carry. That adds up to 119.7 rushing yards per game from their running backs, good for fourth in the league over that stretch. Because of that, figure Smith to get a lot of work in this Week 12 matchup. He should be used as a No. 2 defensive lineman and is a strong play.

Warren Sapp, Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Sapp	4	2.5	0.8	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
Chiefs	3	13.7	2.3	3.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

If you are a fan of a high-scoring game, look elsewhere this week as the Chiefs and Raiders figure to battle each other for offensive ineptitude. With running backs Priest Holmes (neck) and Larry Johnson (foot) out this week, figure Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards to give running back Kolby Smith a large share of this offense. Regardless of who is starting, a strong running game has been a staple of an Edwards-led team. As well, despite a solid game last week, Edwards is not expected to put much of the offense in quarterback Brodie Croyle's hands. Sapp should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman that is also a strong play.

Derrick Burgess, Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Burgess	4	2.0	0.2	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
Chiefs	3	13.7	2.3	3.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

As stated above, the Chiefs will likely run the ball lots in their matchup this week with the Raiders. They may not run the ball as much as other teams (only 23.7 attempts per game this season); however, they have been playing many games from behind. As well, the running game has not been as effective with only 3.3 yards per carry. Nonetheless, Burgess should have plenty of opportunities this week and is a strong play as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vanden Bosch	4	3.0	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
Bengals	4	14.8	5.5	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

Bengals wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh have received 36 and 35 targets over the past four weeks, good for 10th and 12th in the league. Factor in wide receiver Chris Henry, who has 18 in two weeks, and it is no surprise the Bengals will need to pass the ball to beat the Titans. That should take chances away from Vanden Bosch, making him a weak play as a No. 2 defensive lineman this week.

Mario Williams, Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	3	1.7	1.3	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
Browns	4	12.5	3.8	0.2	0.0	0.2	0.0

The Browns are attempting just 23.8 rushing plays per game, compared to 36.5 passing attempts per game over the past four weeks. With the Browns likely to test the Texans' suspect pass defense, it could be a quiet week for Williams. As well, he could find himself matched up against Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas on a lot of plays, which also hurts his value. Consider him a weak play as a No. 3 defensive lineman or else someone for your bench.

Shaun Rogers, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Rogers	4	1.0	0.5	0.9	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
Packers	4	14.2	2.2	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

Although the Packers have been able to get their running game going the past two weeks, with the Lions weak pass defense, expect to see Packers quarterback Brett Favre throwing the ball lots in this Turkey Day matchup. As well, even when the Packers do run, it is usually with draws or misdirection plays, where Rogers has been taken out of the play. Make no mistake, Rogers will be a factor in the matchup this week; however, he will not likely be for fantasy purposes. Keep him on the bench this week.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Brackett	4	7.0	1.2	0.0	0.2	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
Falcons	3	21.3	3.3	0.7	0.0	1.7	0.0

The Falcons will likely have to rely on their running game if they want to stay in their matchup against the Colts this week. They are already averaging 28.7 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks, but expect that number to be bumped up this week. This should help out Brackett, who comes recommended as a No. 2 linebacker that is a strong play.

Ian Gold, Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gold	4	5.0	0.5	0.2	0.2	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
Bears	3	22.0	6.0	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Bears might not have the great rushing game you would expect from them, one that makes opposing linebackers great fantasy options. However, they are giving up a solid 22.0 solo tackles per game over the past four weeks, numbers that will make Gold a strong play this week as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker.

Leon Williams, Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	4	5.2	2.2	0.1	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	3	24.7	6.0	0.2	0.3	1.7	0.0

The Texans are averaging 31.0 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks, good for fifth in the league in that period. The Texans could increase their rushing offense this week in an effort to keep the Browns offense off the field. Thus, Williams will likely get more opportunities to make plays and comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker that is a strong play.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Willis	4	5.2	2.0	0.1	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	13.0	3.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Over the past four weeks, the Cardinals have the second least amount of rushing attempts with 64. Even with that few carries, they are not picking up many yards with just 146 in that span, good for worst in the league. When you have wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald as weapons in the passing game, the running game will likely get ignored, especially when it is as ineffective as it has been. This will adversely affect Willis' numbers this week, making him a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker.

Gerald Hayes, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayes	3	5.0	1.3	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
49ers	4	17.0	4.8	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.0

Other than the Lions, the 49ers have one of the worst rushing offenses in the league over the past four weeks (77 attempts, 310 yards). This spells trouble for anyone that owns Cardinals linebackers. Hayes should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker, but he is also a weak play.

A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hawk	4	4.8	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
Lions	4	13.8	4.0	0.9	0.8	0.5	0.0

The Lions have just 76 rushing attempts over their past four games, which is one of the worst averages in the league. For a linebacker such as Hawk, that means he won't have many chances to rack up tackles this week. Consider him a weak play as a No. 3 linebacker for your fantasy team.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Corey Chavous, St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Chavous	3	4.3	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
Seahawks	3	23.7	4.0	0.3	0.7	0.3	0.0

With the loss of running back Shaun Alexander (wrist), the team has changed their offensive identity and placed the load of the offense on the back of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Last week he attempted 44 passes, completing 30 of them for 337 yards and two touchdowns. Expect that to continue this week, which makes Chavous a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bethea	4	3.5	1.2	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
Falcons	3	21.7	1.0	0.0	1.0	0.3	0.7

Even without a solid running back, the Falcons have been in the top half of the league in rushing attempts over the past four weeks with 28.7 attempts per game. Expect that number to increase as they look to keep the Colts offense off the field. It will also likely be the better option for them as they don't have the weapons in their passing offense to test the Colts defense. Bethea should feature in a lot of plays this week and comes recommended as a No. 3 defensive that is a strong play.

Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Woodson	4	3.2	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.8	0.2
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	5.8	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0

The Lions have a total of just 256 rushing yards over the past four weeks compared to 1,193 passing yards. That shows you where their offensive talent lies. With Woodson expect to cover wide receiver Calvin Johnson, expect him to have a good week. He should be used as a No. 3 or bench player that is a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Adam Archuleta, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Archuleta	3	5.3	0.7	0.3	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
Broncos	4	20.2	4.5	0.2	0.2	0.0	0.0

Archuleta is best used when brought up close to the line to play solid run defense. This is how most good fantasy safeties are used as they can pick up lots of tackles. However, the Broncos offense is averaging only 23.8 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks (24th in the league), and they are giving more and more responsibility to quarterback Jay Cutler. This will hurt Archuleta this week and makes him a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Anthony Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	4.5	0.8	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
Dolphins	3	15.7	1.3	0.0	0.3	0.0	0.0

Regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Dolphins (John Beck or Cleo Lemon), don't expect much of a passing game from the team. Over the past four weeks, they have just 389 passing yards on 81 attempts, putting them worst in the league in both categories. That will take away from Smith's numbers this week and has him coming recommended as a No. 3 defensive back that is a weak play.

Terrence McGee, Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
McGee	4	4.0	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
Jaguars	4	19.0	4.5	0.0	0.0	0.8	0.2

The Jaguars have attempted 148 runs over the past four weeks, which would be great if you have their linebackers or defensive line. However, for McGee, it likely means a week where he doesn't get many chances to make plays. Consider him a weak play as a poor No. 3 defensive back.

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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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