IDP Notes and Rankings 

Fantasy playoffs and championships are upon us! If you’re reading this, you’re most likely “in” and congratulations are in order. Here are my IDP notes and rankings for week 15.

Last week I touted Karlos Dansby as being one of the most underrated linebackers (LBs) in fantasy. He made me look good by recording eleven total tackles, a forced fumble, and one pass defended. If you need LB help and he’s available, pick him up. Someone who didn’t make me look so smart is Kirk Morrison. He did have seven tackles, but only four were solo. I’m not worried as he’s been one the more consistent tacklers this season. Stick with him.

LB Notes

Matt Wilhelm should be available in most leagues and is worth considering adding in medium to deep leagues. While not as consistent as a top 25 LB, he has been a steady contributor for the Chargers and had ten total tackles, two defended passes, and an interception last week. He’s a sneaky play down the stretch, especially with Merriman out. Morlon Greenwood (aka “the Houston Linebacker not named Demeco Ryans”) is also worth a late season pick up. He has 29 total tackles, two defended passes, and a sack over his last three games. Ryans is actually questionable as of Wednesday, so check the inactive reports. Greenwood makes an even better start if Ryans sits. David Harris is out of my top ten this week due to the pass happy Patriot matchup.

DL Notes

If Patrick Kerney is still available, grab him if you are in a league that values sacks. I predicted a great week 13, and he disappointed with two solo tackles and no sacks. However, he was back at it in week 14 with seven total tackles and three sacks. He shouldn’t be left on any waiver wires. Mario Williams has at least a sack in each of his last four games and he should get to Cutler this week as well. Start him with confidence. Saint Louis gives up quite a few sacks, so you’ll want Aaron Kampman active.

DB Notes

Bob Sanders had a great week 14 and seems to really turn it up during prime time games. Don’t be the person who waits on Gibril Wilson this week as he’ll probably miss his third straight game. Even though Antonio Cromartie isn’t a great source of tackles, he is an interception machine and had another last week. I’d use him against Kitna. See if Chris Harris is still on your wire - he’s one of my favorite DBs for tackles.

 
Here are my rankings for week 15. Rankings are based on performance and matchup.

 

Rank LB DL DB 1 Patrick Willis Patrick Kerney Sean Jones 2 DeMeco Ryans Aaron Kampman Sammy Knight 3 London Fletcher Osi Umenyiura Jermaine Philips 4 Karlos Dansby Trent Cole Marcus Trufant 5 Nick Barnett Jared Allen Chris Harris 6 Ray Lewis Mario Williams Bob Sanders 7 Brian Urlacher Elvis Dumervil Antoine Winfield 8 Ernie Sims Adewale Ogunleye Atari Bigby 9 Angelo Crowell Kyle Vanden Bosch LaRon Landry 10 Jon Beason Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Donte Whitner 11 Kirk Morrison Michael Strahan Antonio Cromartie 12 AJ Hawk Aaron Schobel Rodney Harrison 13 Gary Brackett Andre Carter Darrelle Revis 14 DJ Williams Terell Suggs Roy Williams 15 David Harris Darnell Dockett Nate Clements 16 Will Witherspoon Justin Tuck Marlin Jackson 17 Lofa Tatupu Marques Douglas Michael Huff 18 EJ Henderson Mark Anderson Von Hutchins 19 Morlon Greenwood Kenyon Coleman Leigh Bodden 20 Chad Greenway Tommie Harris Kerry Rhodes 21 Derrick Brooks Amobi Okoye Kelvin Hayden 22 Demarcus Ware Justin Smith Oshiomogho Atogwe 23 Michael Boley Pat Williams Champ Bailey 24 Lance Briggs Julius Peppers Terrence McGee 25 Greg Ellis Bryant Young Stuart Schweigert

(10 votes, average: 4.2 out of 5)  Loading ... Questions or comments for Alison? Post them in the Cafe Forums! Want to see your own fantasy wisdom published? Check out the Cafe's Pencil & Paper section!