New to IDP

[malcolm_reynolds]

We are starting IDP this year. Pretty basic, sacks, int and tackles are awarded points (in that order)

I admit I have never really followed defensive players stats that closely, can someone give me a quick heads up on what to look for. We have 3 catergories which are defined as DL(DE,DT), LB, and DB(CB,S). Its when it comes to the specific positions that I want to have a better understanding of where points are generated. Who typically gets more tackles, sacks...that sort of thing)

1. How do DE compare to DT
2. How do MLB compare to OLB
3. How do CB compre to S?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[bungle613]

The scoring will be the asnwer. IF sacks are scored well then the DL position moves up in value etc...

So, post the scoring and you will get a solid answer.

LB is the RB of IDP and generally rules but as I said, post up the scoring please.

[iamgregg]

These thoughts are mostly based on the scoring system in my IDP league, but the logic behind it should be pretty universal.

1. How do DE compare to DT

I find pass rushing DEs to be the most valuable as they have the most opportunity for sacks and turnovers and contribute a little in terms of tackles.

2. How do MLB compare to OLB

OLBs tend to get more sacks and turnovers, but MLBs who really rack up the tackles are more consistent and I find them to generally score higher. I'd rather have an MLB who'll average 6-7 tackles a game with sacks/turnovers sprinkled in than an OLB who could have big games, but several medicore ones.

3. How do CB compre to S?

Mixed bag really. In the top 30 performers at DB in my league alst season, 16 were Safeties and 14 were Corners. Look for DBs who are effective in run support but also hawk their fair share of balls. Also, good safeties on weak defensive teams can collect a lot of tackles as more runs and catches make it to their level. Eric Weddle (SD), Gibril Wilson (OAK), Nick Collins (GB) scored highly.

Also helps to look for returners who also start on defense as return scores can be a nice little bonus.

[mattb47]

IDPs are interesting...I personally love leagues that have them and I think you'll enjoy it once you get into it more...definitely gives you a better overall view of NFL players.

First thing you need to keep in mind is not to go for the "big name" guys...most times they won't really be as productive as you might think BECAUSE they are the bigger name players. This holds especially true at a position like DE...guys in the past like Dwight Freeney would go somewhat early in some fantasy drafts because people knew he was a good pass rushing DE but he is probably near the bottom of guys you want on your fantasy team. Do research on the numbers and situation/position only.

Position wise, here's what I normally look at:

These are all based on a "default" scoring system which tends to be the most common which gives points as follows: 1pt/solo tackle, .5pt/assisted tackle, 2pts/sack, 2pts/INT, 2pts/FF, 2pts/FR, and 6pts/Def TD.

Defensive Lineman

First thing to look for are players that are listed as a DE but will sometimes play both DE and LB or play as a 3-4 OLB as they are sometimes given DE eligibility. Guys like Calvin Pace (NYJ) and Terrell Suggs (Bal last year, NYJ this year) are guys that play LB but I've seen them have DL eligibility and they'll rack up more tackles and things than other DL players.

After those players, definitely DEs are the ones to look at. The majority of the top DL players are almost always going to be the DEs moreso than the DTs. Some dominant DTs can be the exception but generally the Defensive Ends are in on more plays and have the added bonus of having more opportunities for sacks.

Linebackers

Linebackers are pretty straightforward generally speaking. For the most part you can bet on guys playing MLB and WLB (Weak side LB) racking up the most tackles which makes them the most consistent guys in all of IDPs. You will normally want guys from these positions in the 4-3 as they will more consistently get in on a lot of plays. Something also to look at is the scheme they are in, the guys who play in the Cover 2 schemes (such as Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, etc) generally have very productive MLB and even WLB when it comes to tackles.

Try to avoid going to crazy on guys that went nuts with sacks or defensive TDs in a past season...players like that rarely come up with the same kind of production again. Guys that fall under this category for LBs are players like James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware...they will likely still be solid fantasy options but don't take them as the #2 and #6 fantasy LBs they finished at last season.

Defensive Backs

As a general rule you're going to want safeties FAR over cornerbacks. The main reasoning for this is that they will tend to be more consistent week in and week out with a few exceptions of course. Guys like Antoine Winfield and Charles Tillman seem to be the exception to the rule as they both are CBs that tend to finish well fantasy wise. Generally speaking the SS is going to be a bit more productive than the FS

Stay away from guys that are great at their position especially for CBs...players like Champ Bailey and Nmandi Asomugha are going to put up barely anything from a fantasy standpoint because it's easy to keep the ball away from them and keep them from being involved in many plays.


So as general rules, keep to guys that can give you consistent production for the most part...high tackle guys are what you want especially at LB and DB but you can go for more of the big sack guys on the DL positions.

[flotsamnjetsam]

IDPs are interesting...I personally love leagues that have them and I think you'll enjoy it once you get into it more...definitely gives you a better overall view of NFL players.

First thing you need to keep in mind is not to go for the "big name" guys...most times they won't really be as productive as you might think BECAUSE they are the bigger name players. This holds especially true at a position like DE...guys in the past like Dwight Freeney would go somewhat early in some fantasy drafts because people knew he was a good pass rushing DE but he is probably near the bottom of guys you want on your fantasy team. Do research on the numbers and situation/position only.

Position wise, here's what I normally look at:

These are all based on a "default" scoring system which tends to be the most common which gives points as follows: 1pt/solo tackle, .5pt/assisted tackle, 2pts/sack, 2pts/INT, 2pts/FF, 2pts/FR, and 6pts/Def TD.

Defensive Lineman

First thing to look for are players that are listed as a DE but will sometimes play both DE and LB or play as a 3-4 OLB as they are sometimes given DE eligibility. Guys like Calvin Pace (NYJ) and Terrell Suggs (Bal last year, NYJ this year) are guys that play LB but I've seen them have DL eligibility and they'll rack up more tackles and things than other DL players.

After those players, definitely DEs are the ones to look at. The majority of the top DL players are almost always going to be the DEs moreso than the DTs. Some dominant DTs can be the exception but generally the Defensive Ends are in on more plays and have the added bonus of having more opportunities for sacks.

Linebackers

Linebackers are pretty straightforward generally speaking. For the most part you can bet on guys playing MLB and WLB (Weak side LB) racking up the most tackles which makes them the most consistent guys in all of IDPs. You will normally want guys from these positions in the 4-3 as they will more consistently get in on a lot of plays. Something also to look at is the scheme they are in, the guys who play in the Cover 2 schemes (such as Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, etc) generally have very productive MLB and even WLB when it comes to tackles.

Try to avoid going to crazy on guys that went nuts with sacks or defensive TDs in a past season...players like that rarely come up with the same kind of production again. Guys that fall under this category for LBs are players like James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware...they will likely still be solid fantasy options but don't take them as the #2 and #6 fantasy LBs they finished at last season.

Defensive Backs

As a general rule you're going to want safeties FAR over cornerbacks. The main reasoning for this is that they will tend to be more consistent week in and week out with a few exceptions of course. Guys like Antoine Winfield and Charles Tillman seem to be the exception to the rule as they both are CBs that tend to finish well fantasy wise. Generally speaking the SS is going to be a bit more productive than the FS

Stay away from guys that are great at their position especially for CBs...players like Champ Bailey and Nmandi Asomugha are going to put up barely anything from a fantasy standpoint because it's easy to keep the ball away from them and keep them from being involved in many plays.


So as general rules, keep to guys that can give you consistent production for the most part...high tackle guys are what you want especially at LB and DB but you can go for more of the big sack guys on the DL positions.

Excellent post Matt.


Nothing more to add except that Suggs is still in Balt!

[mattb47]

Jeez...maybe I was high when I wrote that then...I guess I was thinking Scott instead of Suggs...you know what I mean.

[flotsamnjetsam]

Jeez...maybe I was high when I wrote that then...I guess I was thinking Scott instead of Suggs...you know what I mean.

Yep, I knew who you meant...just busting your chops!

[Fenway Frank]

mattb47, nice post. i doubt this kid has anymore questions after that, but if you do kid, here's where i get all of my info on IDP:

sorry, but thats the best link i can find, you might have to look around the site but it's all there


Mod edit: removed irrelevent link