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

Tim Crowder, Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Crowder	4	2.0	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
Raiders	4	18.0	4.8	2.0	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Raiders are attempting 29.5 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks. Raiders’ quarterback Daunte Culpepper (thigh) is lined up to start this week at press time, and he attempted just 22 passes in Week 12. He is also a threat to run, which increases Crowder's value. Crowder is a strong play and should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman.

Fred Robbins, New York Giants at Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Robbins	3	3.3	0.3	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
Bears	3	15.3	3.3	2.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

A combination of 29.3 rushing attempts per game and 3.7 sacks allowed by the Bears offense makes Robbins a strong play this week. The Bears will likely pile on with running back Adrian N. Peterson, especially with quarterback Rex Grossman still at the helm. Robbins ranks as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman.

Hollis Thomas, New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Thomas	4	2.2	0.8	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
Buccaneers	3	17.3	2.7	1.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Buccaneers are averaging a league-high 34.0 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks. The running game could also be emphasized even more for the Buccaneers as they try and keep the high-powered Saints’ offense off the field. They will also use the backs with the unknown status of quarterback Jeff Garcia. Consider Thomas a strong play as a No. 3 defensive lineman this week.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Mike Patterson, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Patterson	4	4.2	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
Seahawks	4	10.2	1.8	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

Patterson may still be a No. 1 defensive lineman, but the Seahawks have moved away from the running game and given more responsibility to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Over the past four weeks, the Seahawks are ranked third in the league with 42.2 passing attempts per game. Patterson should have a good shot at picking up sacks this week, but he is also a weak play.

Darryl Tapp, Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Tapp	4	2.8	0.5	0.2	0.5	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
Eagles	4	10.2	3.0	0.6	0.2	0.0	0.0

Although Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is the most utilized running back (123) over the past four weeks, the Eagles use him almost as much in their passing game as they do running the ball. He leads his position with 6.75 receptions per game over the past four weeks. Don’t expect as much this week from Tapp, who is a weak play as a No. 2 defensive lineman.

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Keisel	4	2.0	1.5	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
Bengals	4	15.0	5.5	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Bengals offense appears to be finally running on all four cylinders after the return of wide receiver Chris Henry. Over the past four weeks, they are averaging 40.8 passes per game, which puts them at fourth in the league. Because of that, Keisel comes recommended as a weak play as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Gerald Hayes, Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayes	4	6.8	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
Browns	4	25.5	7.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2

Hayes could be in line for a big week. The Browns may only average 27.8 rushes per game over the past four weeks; however, Browns tight end Kellen Winslow is by far the most targeted tight end in the league with 50 over the past four weeks. That means Hayes should have plenty of chances to rack up tackles. He is considered a strong play as a No. 1 linebacker this week.

LeRoy Hill, Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hill	3	5.0	2.0	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
Eagles	4	21.2	3.0	0.9	0.5	0.0	0.0

As mentioned above, expect the Seahawks to always have someone spying Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. He also is averaging 6.75 receptions per game in that stretch. The team likes to get him the ball outside in the flats or on draws or other plays where he is given space to work. Thus, while it could be a long day for Hill, he should have plenty of chances to make plays. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 linebacker this week.

Hunter Hillenmeyer, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hillenmeyer	3	5.7	1.0	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
Giants	3	22.7	7.7	1.3	0.0	0.3	0.3

With Hillenmeyer lined up on the strong side, expect him to see a lot of Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey this week. Over the past four weeks, Shockey is averaging 7.5 targets per game. That should put Hillenmeyer in good position to hit his weekly averages, and he is a strong play as a No. 3 linebacker this week.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

E.J. Henderson, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Henderson	4	6.8	0.8	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
Lions	4	14.2	5.5	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.0

The Lions rank seventh in the league with 39.8 pass attempts per game over the past four weeks, while they rank 31st in the league with just 19.5 rushing attempts per game. The Vikings are allowing just 75.5 rushing yards per game, which is fifth in the league. You can use your imagination to figure out what the Lions’ game plan will be this Sunday. Henderson should be used as a No. 2 linebacker, but he is also a weak play.

Donnie Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Edwards	4	6.0	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
Chargers	4	15.8	4.0	0.0	0.5	0.5	0.0

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has the third-most utilizations among running backs over the past four weeks (26.5 per game). However, other than that, the team does not have many options that will be in Edwards’ wheelhouse. They like to target tight end Antonio Gates; however, he will likely be lined up against linebacker Derrick Johnson. Consider Edwards a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker this week.

Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Greenway	4	4.0	1.2	0.0	0.5	0.5	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	14.2	5.5	0.6	0.5	0.5	0.0

If you want to see the numbers, check out Henderson’s writeup, but take our word when we say Greenway should be used as a No. 3 linebacker with his weak play matchup against the Lions.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hall	4	3.8	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
Rams	3	25.7	2.3	0.3	0.0	0.3	0.0

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion) has been ruled out but that doesn’t mean the team won’t take the ball out of quarterback Gus Frerotte’s hands. Over the past four weeks, only five teams have more receptions per game from the wide receiver position per game than the Rams, whose receivers are averaging 15.3 per game. Hall should get plenty of action this week, making him a strong play as a No. 2 defensive back.

Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jackson	3	3.3	0.0	0.0	0.7	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
Saints	4	27.8	4.8	0.0	0.2	0.2	0.0

The Saints have the most targeted wide receiver over the past four weeks: Marques Colston with 62. They are also averaging the third most pass completions with 29.2 per game and the third most passing yards with 316.8 per game. For a defensive back like Jackson, those are great numbers for his fantasy value. He has a strong play and should be used as a No. 3 defensive back.

Fred Bennett, Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bennett	3	3.0	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Titans	4	25.5	7.0	0.0	0.2	1.2	0.0

With the running game stalled, Titans’ quarterback Vince Young has been throwing the ball more in recent weeks. He had 31 passing attempts last week, and 41 in the two weeks before. Those numbers make Bennett a strong play as a No. 3 defensive back this week.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Michael Huff, Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Huff	4	4.0	1.0	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
Broncos	4	17.0	3.5	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.0

Since Week 9, the Broncos have been in the lower half of the league for passing attempts with 33.2 per game. They have also struggled getting their running game going and have attempted only 27.0 rushes per game. Finally, Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler is averaging just 6.5 targets per game, so Huff won't have many chances to cover him. With Huff unlikely to be in a position to make plays this week, he should be used as a weak play No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Abram Elam, New York Jets at Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Elam	3	4.3	1.3	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
Dolphins	3	15.7	2.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Dolphins enter this week’s game averaging just 124.0 passing yards per game over the past four weeks. That total puts them at 31st in the league. With Elam working as the free safety this week, those poor numbers will put a lot of pressure on him to live up to his weekly averages. Because of that, he should be considered a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Dre' Bly, Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bly	4	3.0	0.5	0.2	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
Raiders	4	19.5	3.0	0.0	0.5	0.2	0.0

Over the past four weeks, the Raiders’ wide receivers are averaging only 8.4 receptions per game. With Bly and defensive back Champ Bailey forming one of the top tandems in the league, don’t expect many passing plays to be in the game plan for this Sunday. Bly likely won’t have many chances to pick up tackles because of that, making him a weak play as a 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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