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IDP: Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 9

November 1, 2007 @ 16:07:30

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

Kyle Vanden Bosch, Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vanden Bosch	4	2.8	0.8	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
Panthers	3	17.3	3.7	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Panthers attempted 45 passes and 33 runs last week; however, most of those passes came in the second half when the team was trailing the Indianapolis Colts. In a defensive battle against the Titans this week, expect Carolina to utilize running back DeShaun Foster heavily. Vanden Bosch should be able to pick up a high number of tackles because of that, and he is considered a strong play as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive lineman.

Charles Grant, New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Grant	4	2.5	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
Jaguars	4	14.0	3.2	1.9	0.2	0.0	0.0

Like most strong plays among defensive linemen, Grant will face a strong rush attack this week. As quarterback Quinn Gray continues to adapt to the offensive system, the Jacksonville Jaguars will likely feature a run-heavy offense. Against the Buccaneers last week, they attempted 44 runs compared to just 16 pass plays. This should put Grant in prime position to pick up tackles. He's a strong play as a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive lineman.

Luis A. Castillo, San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Castillo	3	2.3	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
Vikings	3	15.0	3.3	1.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Vikings are averaging 31.0 rushing attempts per game in three contests over the past four weeks, good for third in the league. Castillo will be lined up on the right side of the defense against the Vikings and could be in line for a lot of tackles. It should be a big week for Castillo; he lines up as a strong play and ranks as a No. 3 or Bye Week replacement.

Defensive Linemen - Weak Plays

Dewayne White, Detroit Lions vs. Denver Broncos

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
White	3	3.7	1.0	1.3	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
Broncos	3	11.7	4.7	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Running backs Selvin Young and Travis Henry lead the Broncos backfield with 34 utilizations over the past four weeks. With the low amount of utilizations among Denver running backs, White might not be around the play that often to reach his tackle levels. He is still a No. 1 defensive lineman this week, but he also stands as a weak play.

Darryl Tapp, Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Tapp	3	3.0	0.3	1.3	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
Browns	3	11.3	2.3	1.0	0.3	0.0	0.0

The Browns have utilized running back Jason Wright an average of 12.5 times per game over the past four weeks. That will hurt Tapp's (hand) value this week as he won't be in position to pick up as many tackles. As well, the Browns heavily utilize tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, which takes some value away from Tapp. Although he's playing through a broken right hand, Tapp could feel some discomfort in collisions with Cleveland's offensive line due to a bulky cast. Consider him a weak play as a No. 2 defensive lineman.

Pat Williams, Minnesota Vikings vs. San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Williams	3	2.7	1.7	0.0	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
Chargers	3	7.3	2.7	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

Although the Chargers heavily utilize running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Williams' spot in the middle of the defensive line likely means he won't be in position to make many plays this week. The Chargers game plan will likely run away from Williams and defensive tackle Kevin Williams. Consider Pat Williams a weak play as a No. 3 lineman this week.

Linebackers - Strong Plays

Tyjuan Hagler, Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Hagler	3	6.3	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
Patriots	4	25.2	8.2	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Patriots offense is averaging a league-best 6.5 yards per play and 439.5 yards per game. If they hit six yards every play, that would put them right where Hagler is working and should give him a solid fantasy boost this week. They are also giving up 25.2 tackles per game, which ranks them fourth in the league. Hagler comes recommended as a No. 2 linebacker and a strong play this week.

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Vrabel	4	4.2	1.2	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
Colts	3	22.7	5.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Colts are one of the top rushing teams in the league (33.3 rushing attempts per game) and that should only increase this week as a run-heavy offense could be needed to keep the Patriots offense off the field. That should benefit Vrabel this week, and he comes recommended as a strong play for a No. 3 linebacker.

Lofa Tatupu, Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Tatupu	3	3.7	2.7	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
Browns	3	21.7	5.3	1.0	0.0	0.7	0.0

The Browns make good use of tight end Kellen Winslow, and Tatupu has the athleticism to match up against him this week. Over the Browns' last three games Winslow has 12 targets - that's 12.60 percent of the team's offense and the team's third-highest amount over that span. Consider Tatupu a strong play as a No. 3 or Bye Week replacement against the Browns.

Linebackers - Weak Plays

London Fletcher-Baker, Washington Redskins at New York Jets

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Fletcher-Baker	4	6.8	3.0	0.0	0.0	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
Jets	4	16.2	5.0	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Jets are utilizing running back Thomas Jones 20 times per game over the past four weeks, which could give Fletcher-Baker a fantasy boost. However, Jones attempted just 16 carries last week, and the Jets totaled only 23 rushes. With no great threats at receiver, Fletcher-Baker's value takes a hit and he comes recommended as a weak play at a No. 1 linebacker spot.

Derek Smith, San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Smith	3	5.7	3.7	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
Falcons	3	14.0	4.0	0.7	0.0	0.3	0.0

The Falcons are averaging 17.3 rushing attempts per game over the past four weeks. With Smith working in the middle of the field, he likely won't be in position to pick up many tackles this week. This makes him a weak play as a No. 1 or No. 2 linebacker.

Bradie James, Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
James	3	5.0	3.7	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
Eagles	3	17.7	4.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook carries a heavy load each week, but James should be isolated on the inside left of the defense away from most of Westbrook's plays. This should result in fewer tackles this week. The Eagles don't have consistent threats at tight end or wide receiver, so James won't be able to contribute as much to the Dallas defense or your fantasy squad. He ranks as a weak play for a No. 2 linebacker.

Defensive Backs - Strong Plays

Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Bethea	3	4.3	1.7	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
Patriots	4	27.5	6.8	0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

The Patriots wide receivers are miles ahead of the league in receptions over the past four weeks, catching 75 passes for 1,012 yards and 12 touchdowns. If that pattern continues, Bethea should see plenty of action as the Colts will likely drop back seven into coverage. However, what makes the Patriots so dangerous is their balance on offense, and Bethea could be just as likely to come up and guard against the run. This should be a big week for Bethea, who comes ranked as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back that for a strong play.

Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Mathis	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
Saints	4	27.0	4.0	0.0	0.2	0.5	0.0

Over the past four weeks, the Saints have been averaging 39.0 pass attempts per game, good for fifth in the league. The team is attempting shorter passes on three-step drops, which has helped quarterback Drew Brees and factored into their three-game winning streak. Mathis should be matched up against Saints wide receiver Marques Colston on most plays this week. Colston is averaging 7.5 targets over the past four weeks, which puts Mathis in line for a big week. He comes recommended as a No. 2 defensive back with a strong play.

LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins at New York Jets

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Landry	4	4.5	2.2	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
Jets	4	23.0	6.5	0.5	0.0	1.5	0.5

Jets wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery have been targeted 36 and 33 times respectively over the past four weeks. Although Landry will not match up against them individually, the Jets heavily utilize their passing game and that should benefit Landry. Jets running back Thomas Jones sees an average of 20 utilizations per game, which should also help Landry's value. He comes recommended as a strong play for a No. 2 or No. 3 defensive back.

Defensive Backs - Weak Plays

Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings vs. San Diego Chargers

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Winfield	3	6.0	1.3	0.0	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
Chargers	3	19.7	3.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Winfield should be covering Chargers wide receiver the Chargers' No. 1 receiver this week, which will likely be Chris Chambers. However, with Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson seeing over half of the team's offensive utilizations over the past four weeks, it could be a quiet day for Winfield. Over the past four weeks, the Chargers wide receivers have just 20 combined targets. Winfield is still a No. 1 defensive back this week, but faces a weak play.

Deke Cooper, Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Cooper	3	5.0	0.3	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	19.5	3.8	0.0	0.5	0.2	0.2

The Titans attempted just 14 passes last week. With Cooper slotting in at free safety, he could be left out of the action this week as the Titans are not expected to throw the ball that much. Consider him a weak play against the Panthers as a No. 1 or No. 2 defensive back.

Darrelle Revis, New York Jets vs. Washington Redskins

Matchup	Gm	Solo/G	Asst/G	Sks/G	Fum Rec/G	INT/G	TD/G
Revis	4	5.5	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	18.5	3.5	0.0	0.5	0.5	0.2

Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El is the Redskins' most desired receiver over the past four weeks with 23 targets, good for only 9.68 percent of their total offense. On the flipside, teams have run the ball 33.5 times per game against Jets over the past four weeks. Their average of 144.8 rushing yards allowed per game in that time is the fourth-highest figure in the league. That trend should continue in Week 9, which means Revis likely won't be in on many plays. Even as a weak play, he is still a No. 1 or No. 2 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.