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

Orpheus Roye, Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Roye	4	3.0	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
Patriots	4	25.5	9.2	0.1	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Browns have given up 100 yards rushing to opposing backs in each of their games, and the Patriots will likely try to exploit that. This could lead to a big day on the left side of the defense for Roye. He comes ranked as a No. 2 defensive lineman this week and is also a strong play.

Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hali	4	2.5	0.2	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
Jaguars	3	14.3	1.0	3.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Jaguars will likely rely heavily on their two-headed rushing attack this week, especially with an extra seven days to prepare for the Chiefs. Expect to hear lots about running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor this week. That could lead to a lot of tackles for Hali on the left side of the line. He comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman and a strong play this week.

Rocky Bernard, Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bernard	4	2.0	0.2	0.6	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
Steelers	4	17.0	4.2	1.5	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Steelers will be trying to establish their running game this week, and if the Seahawks want a chance to win, they will have to keep it under control. Bernard will be a big part of this, especially with his speed. He will have to cover the gaps quickly if he wants to keep Steelers running back Willie Parker contained. Bernard comes recommended as a No. 3 lineman and a strong play this week.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Dumervil	4	2.5	0.0	1.0	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
Chargers	4	12.5	3.8	1.0	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Chargers' running game has been a disappointment this year, although that is not for a lack of trying. Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been given 107 utilizations over the first four weeks, which is good for 40 percent of their offense. However, Dumervil will be up against Chargers Marcus McNeill, who is one of the top tackles in the AFC. That should make Dumervil a weak play this week, although he is still a No. 1 defensive lineman.

Mario Williams, Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	4	2.2	0.5	0.5	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
Dolphins	4	11.0	0.8	1.2	0.2	0.0	0.0

The Dolphins seem to be relying more and more on running back Ronnie Brown, especially as head coach Cam Cameron becomes more comfortable with him. He will be the key for the Dolphins' offense and Williams could face some double-teams as the team tries to get him free. As well, heading into this week, the Dolphins have been among the worst fantasy teams for opposing linemen to play against. Because of that, Williams should be used as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker this week, although he is a weak play.

Greg Spires, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Spires	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
Colts	4	10.2	1.8	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Colts are one of the best teams at keeping pass-rushers off quarterback Peyton Manning, and they also have one of the top run-blocking lines. That should keep Spires from having a big week in Week 5, making him as a weak play as a No. 2 defensive lineman.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

D'Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Jackson	4	5.5	1.5	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
Patriots	4	21.2	8.5	0.6	0.0	0.0	0.0

When Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is not throwing deep to wide receiver Randy Moss, he is hitting most of his passes in the mid-range. The Patriots have also been getting solid blocking from their line, allowing running back Sammy Morris to get past the line and into open space. This should result in a good week for Jackson, and he comes ranked as a No. 2 linebacker that is a strong play.

Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Davis	4	5.0	1.2	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
Saints	3	22.7	3.3	0.0	0.3	1.7	0.0

The Saints should rely heavily on their wide receivers and running back Reggie Bush this week. Saints tight end Eric Johnson is in the top 10 for percentage of plays in the team's offense with 10 percent coming his way. Davis could also be used on Johnson for some downs. He is considered a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 linebacker.

James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Farrior	4	3.8	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
Seahawks	4	20.5	2.8	0.5	0.2	0.0	0.0

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been good working the short- to mid-range passing plays. As well, they have failed to get the running game going, which should see them rely even more on the pass. The Seahawks have been giving up a lot to this position, and that shouldn't change this week. Farrior is considered a strong play as a No. 3 linebacker.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Johnson	4	5.5	1.0	0.8	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	3	16.7	2.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Jaguars will likely be relying heavily on the run this week, although it is a split attack with running back Fred Taylor getting 23 percent of the utilizations and running back Maurice Jones-Drew getting 22 percent. Even with a strong running attack, the Chiefs are not giving up much to this position. That means Johnson is a weak play as a No. 1 linebacker.

Angelo Crowell, Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Crowell	4	5.0	3.8	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
Cowboys	4	17.2	3.5	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Cowboys appear to be the class of the NFC and will be a tough test for the Bills this week. They have been getting solid play from running backs Marion Barber III and Julius Jones. As well, when they are throwing the ball it is generally towards wide receivers Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. Crayton exploded for 184 yards last week. Neither of those plays figure to be in Crowell's area of the field, which makes him a weak play as a No. 2 linebacker.

Bart Scott, Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Scott	4	4.2	1.5	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
49ers	4	17.5	6.5	1.6	0.0	0.0	0.0

The 49ers are struggling on offense (just three points against the Seahawks last week), and that is not expected to change this week against a tough Ravens defense. Although they have been letting teams back into games, the Ravens are still a top 10 defense, and Scott is a big part of that. Playing on the weak side, the 49ers will likely keep the ball towards the strong side, running behind tackle Jonas Jennings and Larry Allen. Scott should be considered a weak play as a No. 3 linebacker this week.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Chris Harris, Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harris	4	4.8	1.0	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
Saints	3	26.7	7.7	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.7

The Panthers defensive line is the top area of their defense, which could force the Saints to pass the ball more this game. They have already been giving up great numbers to fantasy defensive backs, but that should increase this week. With wide receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson due for a breakout game, this could be a big week for Harris. He comes recommended as a No. 2 defensive back, and he is also a strong play.

Clinton Hart, San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hart	4	3.8	1.2	0.0	0.2	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
Broncos	4	27.8	5.5	0.2	0.2	0.8	0.0

The Colts have been relying heavily on tight end Dallas Clark and could do so more this week if wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) does not play. With Hart coming up the middle to check Clark on over-the-top pass plays, he could get a boost in his plays this week. Also helping his stats will be the weak pass defense, which matches up poorly with the Colts high-octane pass offense. Consider Hart a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back this week.

Michael Lewis, San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Lewis	4	4.2	1.2	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
Ravens	4	29.5	5.0	0.0	0.2	0.2	0.0

Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has yet to show he can complete a pass downfield this season and with the team relying heavily on running back Willis McGahee (23 utilizations per game), Lewis will likely be brought up to contain McGahee this week. That could put him in position to rack up a higher number of tackles this week. He should be viewed as a No. 3 defensive back and a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Kelvin Hayden, Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hayden	4	5.8	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
Buccaneers	4	17.8	3.5	0.0	0.2	0.0	0.0

With the loss of running back Cadillac Williams (knee), the Buccaneers will have to rely even more on quarterback Jeff Garcia to score points. However, the Buccaneers' top two receivers, Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, are both averaging five targets per game, which means Hayden will not likely be in on many plays. That number could increase if running back Michael Pittman fails to provide a decent rushing attack. However, Hayden still comes recommended as a weak play and is a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Dawan Landry, Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Landry	4	4.8	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
49ers	4	18.2	4.5	0.2	0.2	0.8	0.2

The 49ers are a team in disarray on offense, and that will likely hurt Landry's value this week. Running back Frank Gore (hand) has been unable to get going this year, partially due to a hand injury. And quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) will be out on a week-to-week basis. With quarterback Trent Dilfer starting and no deep threat, it is not expected Landry will be in on many plays. He should be considered a weak play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Brian Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	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
Broncos	4	27.8	5.5	0.2	0.2	0.5	0.0

When the Chiefs pass the ball, they generally target either tight end Tony Gonzalez or wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. With Williams expected to spend most of his time on wide receiver Samie Parker, he is not expected to be in on many plays this week. That makes him a weak play as a No. 3 or Bye-week replacement 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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