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IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 15

December 13, 2007 @ 15:13:43

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

Vonnie Holliday, Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Holliday	4	2.8	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
Ravens	4	17.0	4.5	2.2	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Ravens have been averaging 25.5 rushing attempts per game over the past month. The Dolphins are giving up 153.8 rushing yards in that stretch, which is the most in the league. Expect to see Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller handing the ball off to running back Willis McGahee a lot this Sunday. Use Holliday as a No. 2 defensive lineman since he has a strong play.

Chris Hovan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hovan	4	2.8	0.2	0.2	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
Falcons	4	13.5	2.0	2.5	0.0	0.2	0.0

With a new coach in town, it is unsure what the game plan will be for the Falcons this week. However, the team's two best weapons are running backs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. They are only averaging 20.0 rushing attempts over the past month, but expect that number to rise after next week's game. The Falcons offensive line is also allowing 3.2 sacks per game over the past four weeks. Hovan should be used as a No. 2 defensive lineman that is a strong play.

Corey Williams, Green Bay Packers at St. Louis Rams

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	4	2.0	0.5	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
Rams	4	16.2	3.2	1.8	0.2	0.2	0.0

The Rams will not know until Friday, Dec. 14 whether quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion) will start this week. If they do let him play, he had better be ready as the team is allowing 3.1 sacks per game this season. Even if he doesn't, expect running back Steven Jackson to get a healthy dose of carries in order to open up the Rams' passing game. Use Williams as a No. 3 defensive lineman because he is ranked as a strong paly.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Will Smith, New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	4	3.0	1.2	0.8	0.5	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	4	12.2	2.8	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Saints have been one of the better run defenses in the past month, only allowing 88.8 rushing yards per game (eighth in the league). The Cardinals have one of the worst rushing attacks in that time and are averaging only 83.1 rushing attempts per game. They will likely come out throwing the ball to test the Saints' suspect cornerbacks. Smith could pick up a couple of sacks with the Cardinals' weak offensive line. He has a weak play matchup and is recommended as a No. 1 defensive lineman

Kelly Gregg, Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gregg	4	3.0	1.8	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	4	11.8	3.5	2.0	0.5	0.0	0.0

While the Dolphins' passing offense is not that great, their rushing attack has been horrible in the past month with just 57.0 rushing yards per game. The Ravens are allowing only 85.8 rushing yards per game since Week 11, and Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron put the offense back in the hands of quarterback Cleo Lemon. Gregg likely won't be in on many tackles this week; he has a weak play lined up and comes ranked as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Keisel	4	2.5	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
Jaguars	4	12.2	3.2	0.2	0.5	0.0	0.0

The Jaguars offensive line has been a big part of the reason why the team is averaging 148 rushing yards per game over the past month. They have done a good job neutralizing defensive ends and tackles and allowing their backs to get into the secondary. With the Steelers employing their 3-4 base defense, Keisel likely won't be in a great position to help your fantasy team this week. He should be used as a No. 3 defensive lineman with a weak play.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

John DiGiorgio, Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
DiGiorgio	4	5.8	1.8	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
Browns	4	23.0	5.8	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.2

The Browns have gotten a lot out of their running game over the past four weeks, averaging 29.5 rushing attempts per game and gaining 123.8 yards. That is one reason why DiGiorgio is a great option this week. Another is the 33 targets Browns tight end Kellen Winslow has received in the past month (third in the league for the position). DiGiorgio could see time covering Winslow when he is coming across the middle. Use DiGiorgio as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker this week since he is slated as a strong play.

Donnie Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Edwards	4	5.0	1.2	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
Titans	4	21.5	5.5	0.8	0.5	0.5	0.0

The Titans are averaging 28.2 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks. With Titans quarterback Vince Young struggling, the Titans should focus on the run this week. The Chiefs are just the team to do that against as they are allowing 156.2 rushing yards per game in the past month (third-most in the league). Consider Edwards a strong play as a No. 2 linebacker.

Napoleon Harris, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harris	4	4.2	2.5	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
Titans	4	21.5	5.5	0.8	0.5	0.5	0.0

For the numbers look at Edwards' writeup above, but keep in mind that the Chiefs have a weak run defense and the Titans love to run the ball. You would, too, if your top receiver was Justin Gage. Consider Harris a strong play as a No. 3 linebacker.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Omar Gaither, Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Gaither	4	5.2	2.5	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
Cowboys	4	17.8	3.8	0.2	0.0	0.2	0.0

Dallas has not been running the ball often with just 25.8 carries per game over the past four weeks. They are doing most of their damage through the air with 274.8 passing yards per game in the past month. That should take plays away from Gaither as they look to exploit a weaker Eagles secondary (223.8 passing yards allowed per game). Consider Gaither a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker this week.

Shaun Phillips, San Diego Chargers vs. Detroit Lions

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Phillips	4	6.0	1.2	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
Lions	4	13.5	5.8	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Lions are averaging just 83.5 rushing yards per game on just 20.0 attempts. That number ranks them last in the league over the past month. Don't expect much to change this week, although the Chargers have shown an ability to shut down the pass (181.5 passing yards allowed per game in the past month). Still, the Lions don't have many other options in the running game and should continue to throw the ball. Because of that, Phillips is a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker

Demorrio Williams, Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	4	4.8	0.8	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
Buccaneers	4	18.5	6.5	0.8	0.2	0.0	0.0

With just 24.8 rushing attempts per game in the past month, the Buccaneers are struggling to get the same production from that part of their offense as they did earlier in the season. The Falcons showed they could be beat through the air last week as they gave up 328 passing yards, and the Buccaneers could try to do the same to them this week. Consider Williams a weak play as a No. 3 linebacker, but only if you are desperate.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Michael Lewis, San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Lewis	4	4.8	0.8	0.2	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
Bengals	4	22.2	6.2	0.0	0.2	1.2	0.8

The Bengals have attempted an average of 40.8 passes per game over the past month. Although the 49ers have a weak run defense (120.2 run yards allowed per game), don't expect the Bengals to change much of their offense. They currently have two of the four most targeted wide receivers in T.J. Houshmandzadeh (155 targets this season) and Chad Johnson (139 targets). Lewis is a strong play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Roman Harper, New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harper	4	4.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	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
Cardinals	4	22.5	3.2	0.5	0.2	1.8	0.2

It is unsure if wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald (groin) or Anquan Boldin (toe) will play, but the Cardinals are still passing the ball without them (36.1 pass attempts per game over the past month) and that should benefit Harper. Consider him a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week.

Antrel Rolle, Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Rolle	4	3.5	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.8	0.5
Matchup	Gm	Solo Allw/G	Asst Allw/G	Sks Allw/G	Fum Rec Allw/G	INT Allw/G	TD Allw/G
Saints	4	25.0	4.0	0.2	0.5	0.2	0.0

Although many might guess that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has the most pass attempts this season, it is actually Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Brees is averaging 40.0 pass attempts per game this season and with the Cardinals giving up 290.2 passing yards per game over the past month, expect the Saints to continue to throw the ball. Rolle should be a beneficiary of that and consider him a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Kelvin Hayden, Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayden	4	4.5	0.5	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
Raiders	4	18.5	2.0	0.0	0.5	0.5	0.0

The Raiders are averaging only 27.7 pass attempts and 187.4 passing yards per game over the past month and that shouldn't get much better this week as the Colts are allowing only 186.5 passing yards per game. Hayden should be in a good position to pick up fantasy points as a strong play and will help you as a No. 2 defensive back this week.

Michael Huff, Oakland Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Huff	4	4.5	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
Colts	4	16.8	2.8	0.0	0.0	0.8	0.0

The Colts may have one of the top run defenses in the league but they could likely attack the Raiders on the ground this week as the Oakland team is allowing 164.2 rushing yards per game over the past month, good for second most in the league. That should have a detrimental effect on Huff as he's a weak play that should be used as a No. 2 defensive back.

Darrelle Revis, New York Jets at New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Revis	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
Patriots	4	21.0	3.5	0.2	0.0	0.2	0.0

This is a matchup you might not expect to be a weak play. However, the Patriots like to spread the ball around and teams often put multiple defensive backs on the field in order to try and stop them. This should cut into Revis' tackle attempts. Also, the Patriots offensive line does a great job protecting quarterback Tom Brady, who also does not throw many interceptions. Don't expect a huge game from Revis this week; he's a weak play as a No. 3 defensive back.

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.