The Key is IDP

We all know a successful fantasy roster includes top ranked running backs, first tier wide receivers and at least one solid quarterback. However, people participating in Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues know that one seemingly harmless linebacker, defensive lineman, or defensive back choice can make or break your championship run. It’s an extra challenge to find the right plays each week, and I’m here to convince you that an IDP league is the way to go.

The majority of standard leagues I know of, if not all, involve starting at least a defensive unit. Popular choices this year are teams we never would have guessed would shine, such as Green Bay or even Arizona at times. My feeling, however, is that starting individual defensive players - usually some combination of linebackers (LB), defensive linemen (DL), or defensive backs (DB), adds to the challenge of building a great team. Think of it as one more position you can scour the wire for, looking for that LB that no one has heard of yet. Everyone knows the Brian Urlachers’ and Ray Lewis’, but who ever heard of Demeco Ryans until a stellar 2006 year? In my league, he has single handedly won games for his owner’s team. The basic scoring system for IDPs in my league is 1 point for tackles, 1/2 point for an assist and 2 points for a sack, fumble recovery, or interception. That guy with Demecco Ryans on his roster? Ryans has accumulated 110 points so far this season - Heath Miller, the same owner’s TE? 78.35. I personally love the challenge each season, or even each week, of finding some “no name” IDP that can help me win. If my wide receivers have a bad matchup or are just generally underperforming, I can focus on an IDP pick up that will pick up some of those missing points.

Have I convinced you? Maybe? Maybe not? Either way, I plan to write a regular column with the best IDP plays. Hope you enjoy it. For those who currently play in IDP leagues, here are some lesser known guys who can help, or hurt you this week, along with their stats for the past three weeks (weeks 10-12).

 
HEROES:

Michael Boley, LB - 19 total tackles (tts), 3 sacks, 1 INT. A breakout season continues.

Chad Greenway, LB - 18 ttks, 2 INTS, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD. Not as well known as EJ Henderson, but who cares?

Jon Beason, LB - 30 ttks. Can’t ask for much more - especially from a rookie!

Patrick Kerney, DL - 14 ttks, 7 sacks, 1 INT, 3 forced fumbles. Look out AJ Feely!
 

VILLAINS:

Bart Scott, LB - 17 ttks. Big disappointment in general.

Lance Briggs, LB - 16 ttks, 1 fumble recovery. Always has potential, but you don’t win on name recognition alone.

Troy Polamalu, DB - 10 ttks. Can be a great player,but not for a fantasy DB or your team.

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