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IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 17

December 28, 2007 @ 10:10:13

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Herija C. Green

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

Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots at New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Wilfork	4	3.5	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
Giants	4	16.5	4.2	1.5	1.8	0.0	0.0

The Giants enter this game averaging 34.8 rushing attempts per game over the past month, which puts them second in the league during that stretch. The Patriots enter this game with the league's highest-scoring offense, and possibly one of the all-time great offenses. In order to keep that offense off the field, the Giants will likely utilize their running game heavily. That should lead to high tackle totals for Wilfork, making him a strong play as a No. 2 defensive lineman this week.

Hollis Thomas, New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Thomas	4	1.5	1.0	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
Bears	4	19.5	6.5	1.5	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Bears have not had much success running the ball, which has led them to abandon the run early. They are averaging just 27.7 rushing attempts per game. However, a lot of that can be attributed to facing three solid run defenses in their last four weeks (the Washington Redskins, the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings). Despite the low amount of rushing attempts, most of them are ending up in tackles for defensive linemen. Thus, Thomas should be used as a strong play that is a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Robert Geathers, Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Geathers	4	2.0	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
Dolphins	4	14.2	2.5	2.9	0.2	0.0	0.0

Like the Bears, the Dolphins have not had much of a running game over the past month. They are averaging just 22.5 rushing attempts and 70.5 rushing yards per game in that stretch. However, due to poor offensive line play, most of those attempts are winding up as tackles for opposing linemen. That makes Geathers a strong play this week as a No. 3 defensive lineman.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hoye	4	2.2	0.8	0.5	1.0	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
Panthers	4	12.5	2.0	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Panthers are averaging just 27.8 rushing attempts per game over the past month, putting them at 15th in the league, for 99.8 yards per game. That number could decrease this week as the Buccaneers have one of the top run defenses in the league and are allowing just 89.5 rushing yards per game in the past month. Haye might not see a lot of action this week and comes recommended as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman that is a weak play.

Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Ogunleye	4	3.5	0.2	0.0	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
Saints	4	12.2	2.0	0.5	0.2	0.0	0.0

With Saints running back Reggie Bush (knee) still banged up and a game-time decision for Sunday, the team will likely keep going to the air this week. Over the past four weeks they are averaging 34.8 passing attempts per game compared to just 24.5 rushing attempts. That could make it tough for Ogunleye to hit his weekly averages this week. He is ranked as a No. 3 or injury replacement defensive lineman that is also a weak play.

Gaines Adams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Adams	4	2.8	0.5	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
Panthers	4	12.5	2.0	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0

Like Haye, it could be hard for Adams to reach his weekly averages this week with the Panthers' weak running game. He is ranked as a No. 3 or injury replacement at the position that is also a weak play.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Tyjuan Hagler, Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hagler	4	3.2	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	23.8	6.2	1.0	0.0	0.2	0.0

The Colts have one of the top pass defenses and are allowing only 189.8 passing yards per game over the past month. Their run defense is a bit worse and allowing 120.2 rushing yards per game. If the Titans want tow in this game, they may need their rushing offense to show up. In their current winning streak it has, and they are averaging 34.5 rushing attempts per game in the past month. That should make for a busy day at the office for Hagler. He comes ranked as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker that is a strong play.

Larry Foote, Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Foote	4	3.0	2.8	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	23.0	6.0	0.4	0.5	0.5	0.2

The Ravens should look to keep the ball out of quarterback Troy Smith's hands as much as possible this week after he failed to generate much offense in the team's 27-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week. That could give a boost to the Ravens offense that is already averaging 33 rushing attempts per game in the past month. That makes Foote a strong play this week as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker.

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots at New York Giants

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vrabel	4	3.0	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
Giants	4	22.2	5.2	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0

The Giants rank second in the league in rushing attempts over the past four games, averaging 34.8 per game. For the same reason that Wilfork is a strong play, Vrabel is one as well. The Giants should utilize their running game even more than usual this week and Vrabel should be a beneficiary. Use him as a strong play that is a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

Ernie Sims, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Sims	4	5.5	2.8	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
Packers	4	14.5	2.8	0.8	0.0	0.2	0.2

Despite Packers running back Ryan Grant's emergence in the second half of the season, the Packers are still not rushing the ball that often. Over the past four weeks, they are averaging just 24.8 rushing attempts per game. The Lions are allowing 262.2 passing yards per game over the past month, and the Packers may try to get their passing game back on track after their 35-7 loss last week. Sims likely won't see as much action this week, making him a weak play as a No. 3 or injury replacement at the position.

Julian Peterson, Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Peterson	4	4.2	0.5	0.4	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	4	14.0	1.8	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Falcons are last in the league in rushing attempts per game over the past month, averaging just 19.2 per game. That number likely won't get any higher with the Seahawks possessing one of the better run defenses in the past month. Peterson likely won't get a lot of chances to pick up tackles this week and should be used as a No. 3 or injury replacement with a weak play.

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

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hawk	4	6.2	1.5	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
Lions	4	12.5	3.2	0.5	0.0	0.8	0.2

After the Falcons, the Lions have the second-least utilized rushing attack in the league over the past month. In that stretch, they are averaging just 20 rushing attempts per game. With running back Kevin Jones (knee) going down with another season-ending injury, the rushing attack could be worse off this week. That should make it harder for Hawk to pick up tackles. He comes ranked as a No. 3 or injury replacement at the position this week, and he is also a weak play.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Corey Chavous, St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Chavous	4	5.2	0.2	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
Falcons	4	18.5	1.0	0.0	0.2	1.2	0.0

With the least utilized rushing attack in the league over the past month, it only makes sense that the Falcons have been throwing the ball more. They are averaging 38.8 passing attempts per game in the past month. The Rams also have one of the worst pass defenses in the league over the past month, allowing 266.2 passing yards per game. That should put Chavous in a good position to pick up tackles this week. He is ranked as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back that is a strong play.

LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Landry	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
Cowboys	4	24.5	4.8	0.2	0.2	1.0	0.0

Only four teams have had more pass attempts over the past month than the Cowboys. They are averaging 38 pass attempts per game in that stretch. The Redskins also have a solid run defense and are allowing only 96.5 rushing yards per game in the past month. That may force the Cowboys to the air this week, which could result in Landry having a big game. He is ranked as a No. 3 defensive back with a strong play.

Michael Lewis, San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Lewis	4	2.2	2.5	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
Browns	4	21.8	3.2	0.0	0.2	1.8	0.2

The Browns are averaging 35.5 passing attempts per game over the past four weeks. They should be able to exploit a 49ers defense that is allowing 241.0 passing yards per game in the last month and likely doesn't have a good matchup for Browns tight end Kellen Winslow. Lewis could find himself on Winslow quite often this week and should be able to boost his weekly averages. He is ranked as a No. 3 defensive back that is a strong play.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Nick Harper, Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Harper	4	4.3	0.7	0.0	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
Colts	4	21.2	4.0	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.0

The Colts have just 32.5 pass attempts per game over the past month, although they are averaging just 25.8 run attempts per game. However, Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and quarterback Peyton Manning may not see much time in this game. That means the ball will likely be in quarterback Jim Sorgi's hands for most of the game. It could also result in the team running the ball more often this week. Either way, Harper should be used as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back with a weak play this week.

Cedric Griffin, Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Griffin	4	5.5	0.5	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
Broncos	4	19.5	4.0	0.2	0.0	0.8	0.0

Like the Colts, the Broncos are averaging just 32.5 passing attempts per game over the past four weeks. The Vikings are allowing only 58.5 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. That should force the Broncos to the air this week, although for Griffin that likely won't mean many more fantasy points. He should be covering Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker this week and Walker is averaging just four targets per game in the past four weeks. He likely won't be see many opportunities and is ranked as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Terence Newman, Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Newman	4	4.0	0.8	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
Redskins	4	19.2	3.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Redskins have gone to the running game over the past four weeks and are averaging 30.2 rushing attempts per game in that stretch. This has been done to get the play action working in order take pressure off quarterback Todd Collins, who does not have the strongest of arms. They should continue to do that this week, especially with the Cowboys offense giving up 119.8 rushing yards per game. Use Newman as a No. 3 or injury replacement at this position in Week 17.

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.