The Buffalo Bills will have an uphill battle in 2010 with the stiff competition they face in the AFC East

Well, where to begin with the neglected and forgotten basement dwellers of the AFC East. In 2009 they struggled on offense, defense, special teams, cheerleading, stadium vendoring, etc. The Bills offseason needs were numerous and remained primarily unaddressed through both the draft and free agency, as if they are trying to slip into obscurity before making the move to Toronto in the next few years. One thing is for sure the Bills management have made it clear that they have faith in their personnel and are hoping that this year they can finally turn it around and scrap their way out of the doldrums at the bottom of the league. Ahead I will address the Bills Fantasy Draft Targets, as well as provide analysis of their schedule and offensive and defensive coaching strategies coming into the 2010 NFL Football Season.

Buffalo Bills 2010 Fantasy Football Draft Targets

Quarterback

Guess what we’ve got in Buffalo for the third year running… a little good old fashioned Quarterback Controversy. One of the Bills biggest needs in the offseason seemed to be a franchise QB, but to the shock and awe of the media and most of their fans, the Bills refrained from making a free agent signing or drafting a quarterback (they had the 9^th overall pick) in the offseason. So again, this is what the Buffalo faithful have to look forward to coming into 2010…

Trent Edwards: Has potential at the position, but not as a starter. When Edwards stepped into the starting role in Buffalo in 2008 he ranked fourth in the league in completion percentage and seemed to be gaining confidence in the Bill offensive scheme, but 2009 told a different story. Edwards suffered from having a sub-par offensive line in front of him and was hit hard and hit often, leaving him with a concussion and an ankle injury that forced him out of the line up for half of the 2009 season. I really do not foresee Trent Edwards bouncing back much in 2010. The raw talent is there, but he lacks the weapons and the arm strength to produce big numbers. Edwards should be left towards the bottom of most teams QB draft boards, especially since when he was healthy last season his best game was a 230 yd, 2 TD, performance against the hapless Buccaneers.

New season, same old quarterback controversy in Buffalo

Ryan Fitzpatrick: The most likely scenario is that Fitzpatrick will start the season as the backup, but again, this is the Bills we are talking about and stranger things have happened (remember TO?). Fitzpatrick has a notoriously weak arm and failed to produce consistently when he stepped into the starting role last season in the wake of Trent Edwards myriad of injuries. While he did throw for 9 touchdowns, he was also responsible for 10 interceptions and two consecutive sub-100 yard performances.

Overall, neither quarterback has the arm strength to get the ball down the field and neither should be your starter going into week one, or any week really. The Bills offense should be more wide open under Chan Gailey, but the weapons on the outside and under center are simply not there to produce big aerial numbers. They ranked 30^th in passing yards per game (157.2) and 28^th in points per game (16.1) last season with the combination of Edwards and Fitzpatrick at the helms, and I do not see them digging themselves out of that hole anytime soon.

Running Back

Fred Jackson: In 2009, Fred Jackson certainly deserved the majority of the touches that he got despite most people believing that Marshawn Lynch was/is a superior player. Last year there was no question that Jackson has the talent to be an every down back, but a weak offensive line and the addition of C.J. Spiller could deplete his fantasy production. With Spiller waiting in the wings Jackson could be used more as a first and second down back and Spiller as their home run hitter, but I do not think that will be the case until Spiller has proven himself in an NFL game. For now this is Jackson’s spot to lose after accumulating 1,062 rushing yards in 2009. The downside to Jackson is that he only managed to score 4 total touchdowns last year, which could, and should, make fantasy owners weary in their upcoming drafts. Jackson, for now, is a solid backup, but is certainly not going to win you, or the Bills, any silverware. If Marshawn Lynch stays in Buffalo this could become a case of running back by committee, and all of their stats could decline accordingly. I look for him to have a season very similar to last year, around 1,000 yards rushing and 5 total touchdowns in their open attack.

Marshawn Lynch/C.J. Spiller- These two guys are wild cards for very different reasons. Lynch has the physical skills to be a hard nosed downhill runner and an everyday back in this league but seems to lack the focus and discipline to do so. The talk was that this year was going to be the year he would not only resurrect his short career, but also his sordid reputation, but any change has yet to be seen. Lynch has been seen training in Buffalo, just not with the Bills. Lynch has only attending a handful, if that, of OTAs so far, which leaves fans and management speculative of his commitment to the Bills in the coming season. Spiller, on the other hand, is simply unproven at this level. He has speed to burn and a work ethic that is severely needed in Buffalo, but the question remains if he can produce in the National Football League. I think he will be dangerous and will meet the high expectations that people have set for him (700-800 total yds, 3 TDs), but I think most of his production will come as a receiver out of the backfield and as a return man. Give Spiller a year to adjust to the speed of the game and he will begin to produce bigger and bigger numbers, just not this year, not quite yet.

Wide Receiver

Lee Evans could put up decent fantasy numbers as the only real threat at wide receiver for the Bills

Lee Evans- Evans is the only true threat that the Bills have at the wide receiver position.  In the past Evans has put up solid numbers with a few 1,000 yard seasons sprinkled in here and there, but the question remains if he is a viable fantasy option with the Bills’ question marks at quarterback. I think that Evans will be a solid backup on a fantasy team who will still catch 7 or so touchdowns this year and be the primary target in the red zone, highlighted by departure of Terrell Owens, but is not going to be a big week to week point producer. Fantasy-wise there is potential that he could be a surprise because he is the Bills only proven receiver, with the #2 spot wide open for competition between James Hardy (1 catch in 2009), Chad Jackson (Did not play in 2009), and Steve Johnson (2 catches in 2009), but that is something we will just have to keep an eye on for the time being.

Tight End

Tight End is a massive question mark for the Buffalo Bills. They do have two young tight ends that could be valuable coming into the 2010 season but Derek Schouman is coming off of major knee surgery and Shawn Nelson failed to be a consistent receiver or blocker in his rookie campaign. Nelson seems to be the favorite to take on the starting role again this year with his size and speed he could be a big surprise as a pass catcher, but his lack of discipline could limit his touches. I would not recommend either as a viable first option in the draft but I could see Nelson becoming a valuable commodity in free agency as the season progresses and he settles into his role, but again do not expect massive numbers over the long haul.

Defense

The Bills D was one of the few bright spots to come out of the 2009 campaign. They put together a relatively solid season considering their stiff divisional competition and put their team in a position to win on a consistent basis with half of their losses coming by 7 points or less. One of the biggest issues that the Bills defense faces is that they need to strike some sort of balance because they sport the 2^nd best pass defense in the league, but they also 30^th against the rush. It was as frustrating to watch as it seemed because any advantage they would gain over an opposing quarterback (28 INTs), they would lose it against even the most inept rushing attack (117 yards to Jamal Lewis). Since they are so polarized I cannot recommend them as a whole, despite the fact that they do an amazing job attacking the football in the air. They simply do not have the personnel up front to stop the ball on the ground. If they can find a way to address those issues they could be a dangerous point scoring defense, but as of now there are literally too many holes for them to be a primary option. If you play in a league with defensive impact players look for their secondary to keep up their stellar play and watch out for Jairus Byrd who quietly, very quietly, was tied for the league lead in interceptions with nine in just thirteen games as a rookie last season.

Schedule

Wk        Date                 Opponent

1      Sun, Sept 12^th Miami Dolphins

2      Sun, Sept 19^th @ Green Bay Packers

3      Sun, Sept 26^th @ New England Patriots

4      Sun, Oct 3^rd New York Jets

5      Sun, Oct 10^th Jacksonville Jaguars

6      BYE WEEK

7      Sun, Oct 24^th @ Baltimore Ravens

8      Sun, Oct 31^st @ Kansas City Chiefs

9      Sun, Nov 7^th Chicago Bears (in Toronto!)

10    Sun, Nov 14^th Detroit Lions

11    Sun, Nov 21^st @ Cincinnati Bengals

12    Sun, Nov 28^th Pittsburgh Steelers

13    Sun, Dec 5^th @ Minnesota Vikings

14    Sun, Dec 12^th Cleveland Browns

15    Sun, Dec 19^th @ Miami Dolphins

16    Sun, Dec 26^th New England Patriots

17    Sun, Jan 2^nd @ New York Jets

Being in the AFC East certainly does not do you any favors schedule-wise. The Bills may be the only team in the AFC East who will not competing for a playoff spot down the home stretch. I am not saying that the Bills are that bad, it is merely to say that their division has potential to be that good. For Buffalo to be competitive this season they need to steal a couple of wins against divisional foes and they need to win the games they should win. I think the Bills will take care of KC, Cleveland, and grab a big win in Toronto over the Bears, but if they stumble at all out of the gate they could limp into their Bye Week winless and out of the playoff picture altogether. The Bills will most likely finish off another relatively disappointing season going 5-11 overall and last in the AFC East. There are simply too many well rounded teams that will take advantage of their weaknesses on offense and their defense is not nearly good enough to dig them out of any early holes.

Coaching Strategy

Offense

Fred Jackson and the Bills running game will be key for the Bills to have any success on offense this season

With Chan Gailey at the helms, the Buffalo Bills offense will become more spread out than it has in past years, but it will still stutter and fizzle out. The spread offense will open more holes for Jackson, Spiller and Lynch, but due to their lack of explosiveness on the outside most defenses will have their linebackers stay at home and locked in on the rush forcing them to go to the air more than they would like. Opposing coaches will try to make the Bills beat them through the air and put pressure on their unproven quarterback(s) and receivers to make plays before backing off respecting their passing game. Right now that is what the Bills offense is out for, respect, and if they plan on gaining that respect they need to be able to balance their offense, establish a short effective passing game with screens and slants and not rely solely upon their running game to get the job done.

Defense

Although they may lack the name recognition, besides Paul Posluszny, the Bills do have the pieces to be successful on the defensive side of the ball. Their main objective is to find a way to stop the run, which is going to start up front with Aaron Schobel and Aaron Maybin, but they can not do it alone. In the offseason they made some key acquisitions to do just that by picking up the versatile linebacker Reggie Torbor in free agency and NT Torell Troup and DE Alex Carrington through the draft. They need to utilize their speed to attack the line, clog the middle of the field, and force their opposition to beat them through the air. I still see the Bills playing a bit conservative in the beginning of the season in order to find their balance but as the year progresses look for their safeties to step up the pressure at the line and provide a little extra support. Despite the fact that the added pressure will leave them slightly exposed to the pass, their corners are good enough to contain many of the receivers they will see. The Bills will have a little more success on the defensive side of the ball this year, but with no major improvements in the offseason I can not see them being a real intimidating force.

Can Derrick Morgan be a viable fantasy lineman in 2010?

UPDATED: August 24, 2010

The Defensive Lineman position is the shallowest Individual Defensive Player (IDP) spot to draft for. While there is a fair amount of consistency at this position year to year (this year’s Top 5 is basically the same as last year’s), the position depth is quite limited. That fact alone may be a solid argument for passing over top Linebackers and grabbing a Jared Allen or Justin Tuck with your initial IDP draft picks.

With linemen their weekly production is less consistent than with linebackers. Where tackles are fairly reliable week to week, sacks, which is what lineman are noted for, are significantly rare, and hard to predict. While getting a player with consistent yearly sack totals is a solid goal, I tend to look for those with consistent solo tackles.

One important bit of advice in drafting linemen is to aim for defensive ends over defensive tackles. Tackles tend to get less fantasy production opportunities. The majority of Linemen on this list, especially the top 25 are defensive ends. These are the playmakers.

Two rookies who could make an impact this year; Derrick Morgan for the Tennessee Titans and Brandon Graham for the Philadelphia Eagles. They barely sneaks into my top 50, but it would be wise to keep an eye on both, and perhaps stash them in dynasty leagues.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

*Scott will likely play OLB position in 2010, so IF he retains his DL eligibility (as he does in Yahoo and ESPN leagues) he is a solid DL pick. If your league lists him only as a LB, then he does not rank in the Top 50.

Top 50 IDP Linebacker Rankings

Top 50 IDP Defensive Back Rankings

For each position (DL, LB, DB), I will recommend 3 Starts and 2 Sits in addition to my “Start of the Week” and “Sit of the Week.” Also, for each position, I have listed players that I consider to be every week starters or, in other terms, “matchup independent.”

I hope everyone was successful in their respective playoff matchups last week (if you had one). My philosophy, at this point in the season, is to start defensive players based primarily on their matchups. There’s no use in holding on to “big name” players any longer in hopes of them panning out. It’s guys like Reed Doughty and James Anderson that are going to win you the ‘ship, not DeMeco Ryans or Osi Umenyiora.

Enough preaching, here are my IDP recommendations for Week 15:

Starts

*The IDP Guru’s Start of the Week*

WLB Keith Bulluck – I actually like both WLB Keith Bullock and MLB Stephen Tulloch this week against Miami. I chose Bullock as my start of the week over Tulloch because he stays in for nickel packages whereas Tulloch does not. Therefore, if Miami starts throwing, Bullock will obviously have more tackle opportunities than Tulloch. Look for Bullock to have 9-11 total tackles this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Every Week Starters:
Jared Allen
Julius Peppers
Elvis Dumervil
Justin Tuck
Trent Cole
Mario Williams
Robert Mathis
Andre Carter
Dwight Freeney
Will Smith
Brian Orakpo

1. DE/WLB Terrell Suggs – Suggs had missed the last 3 weeks with an injury but he returned last week against the Lions and had 4 solo tackles. Suggs is a great value because of the high tackling capability he brings from his hybrid DE/WLB spot. Chicago gets sacked a decent amount as well. Sounds like a good combination to me.

2. LDE John Abraham – I know, I know. Abraham sucks this year. I agree completely. I drafted him for God’s sake! But, he has a matchup this week against the Jets which is just too good to pass up. The Jets give up the most fantasy points to opposing defensive lineman and Abraham has a little extra incentive to do well playing against his old team. And hell, he hasn’t had a full sack since Week 5, he’s due. Isn’t he?

3. RDE Aaron Schobel – I’ve recommended Schobel a few times in my weekly waiver wire articles this year and for good reason. He plays in a division that has teams who get sacked a lot! This week the Bills play the New England Patriots, who are actually in the Top 5 for fantasy points given up to opposing defensive lineman.

LINEBACKERS

Every Week Starters:
Patrick Willis
James Harrison
Jon Beason
Barrett Rudd
London Fletcher
D.J. Williams
Curtis Lofton
Kirk Morrison
Brian Cushing
David Harris
David Hawthorne
James Laurinaitis
Karlos Dansby – INJURED (PROBABLE)
Clint Session
Paul Posluszny

1. LOLB LaMarr Woodley - I recommended Woodley in my blog as a waiver wire pickup last week and he came up big with 6 solo tackles and a sack. He has a superb matchup against the Packers this week, so expect a similar stat line.

2. WLB Michael Boley - Boley really impressed me last week by going 10-1-0 against the Eagles, who are one of the stingiest teams in the NFL when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing linebackers. He’s got a great matchup against the ‘Skins this week. Look for Boley to have a very solid game.

3. WLB James Anderson – If you’re in need of a one-week filler, Anderson may be your guy. He’s been thrown into the WLB position because of the season-ending injury to Thomas Davis a few weeks ago. To a certain extent, it’s Carolina’s Cover 2 defensive scheme that makes the WLB position valuable, not the actual player. With this being said, Anderson has the Vikings this week who  are a fantasy linebackers dream come true. He should be able to produce at least 7-9 total tackles this week.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Every Week Starters:
Eric Weddle - INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Charles Woodson
Troy Polamalu - INJURED (OUT)
Darren Sharper
Tyvon Branch
Antoine Bethea
Yeremiah Bell
Oshiomogho Atogwe - INJURED (PLACED ON IR 12/9)
Dashon Goldson
Bernard Pollard
Bryan Scott

1. SS Reed Doughty – Doughty has been one of the more consistent tackling strong safeties in the league. He has a great matchup this week against the New York “Football” Giants. Get him in your lineup!

2. SS Erik Coleman – Coleman has cooled off the last three weeks after a hot start to the season. However, I think he will bounce back this week against the Jets who will look to run the ball a lot. Seriously, what else are the Jets going to do except hand the ball to Thomas Jones? Let Mark Sanchez (or possibly Kellen Clemens) throw? I think not.

3. LCB William James – James is coming off a nine tackle week against the Ravens last week and this week he has the best matchup an opposing fantasy CB can have: The Arizona Cardinals. He should be good for 7 or 8 solo tackles.

Sits

*The IDP Guru’s Sit of the Week*

WLB Daryl Smith – Smith is on pace for about 100 total tackles this season. Not bad. However, he is the 2nd best fantasy linebacker in Jacksonville behind Justin Durant and he has to face the Colts this week who are extremely stingy when it comes to giving out fantasy points to opposing linebackers. Don’t even think about Smith this week. Look somewhere else. 

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

1. RDE Stylez White – “The Artist formerly known as Greg” had a nice game last week against the Jets. But, I could probably manage a sack (or two) against the Jets, so that isn’t saying a whole lot. White gets the Seahawks this week who have allowed the 2nd fewest points to defensive lineman over the last 8 weeks. I would shy away from White this week.

2. RDE Will Smith – For as inconsistent as the Cowboys offense has been this year, the offensive line has managed to protect Romo fairly well. Add to that the fact that Romo is an elusive QB to begin with and you have a recipe that opposing defensive lineman don’t like tasting. I don’t see Smith being successful in his “Pursuit of Happiness” (bad pun, I know).

LINEBACKERS

1. WLB Will Witherspoon – Since be traded to the Eagles in Week 7, “Spoon” has been a fairly solid fantasy producer. His value took a slight hit when the Eagles decided to move him from MLB to WLB a few ago though. And he has bad matchup this week against the 49ers and their west-coast offense. Don’t expect more than 4-6 total tackles this week.

2. MLB Dhani Jones – It was just last week that I recommended you start Mr. Jones and he came through with 10 total tackles. However, he just isn’t good enough to overcome bad matchups like the one he has against the Chargers this week. Look somewhere else for a linebacker this week. 

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1.  SS Brian Dawkins – Dawkins is coming off a huge game last week (7-3-0, 2 INTS). However, the Raiders are just not good enough to 1) control the ball for an extended period of time, and 2) get to the 2nd level of the opposing team’s defense which is bad news for a secondary player like Dawkins. The last time Dawkins played the Raiders he only had 3 total tackles. Not good.

2. SS Nedu Ndukwe – Gotta love that name! Ndukwe has filled in well for Roy “Horse Collar” Williams, but he’s probably going to hit a brick wall this week against the Eagles. The Eagles are pretty stingy when it comes to giving up points to opposing DBs.

I hope you found this article to be helpful and enjoyable!

Please feel free to leave comments, questions, or derogatory remarks!

Thanks!

Ryan Sitzmann (The IDP Guru)

If you liked this article, make sure to check out our other great Week 15 articles:

• QB Rankings (Start/Sit)
• RB Rankings
  
• WR Rankings (Start/Sit)
• Waiver Wire Sleepers
  

Harrison looks to continue his dominance!

IDP Weekly: Week 11 Preview!

This week the IDP world will be focusing on some great defensive match-ups to take advantage of, the Giants and Texans will be looking to wreak havoc after their week 10 bye. Get your studs ready, because they are going off this week!

Start of the week! James Harrison (PIT): In week 11 Harrison has a huge match-up against a struggling Kansas City offense, look for his sack totals to increase rapidly in this contest……and who knows, he might sprinkle a few forced fumbles on the stat sheets also.

Start’em:

Manny Lawson (SF): He may not get all the attention on the San Francisco defense, but he will pay big dividends this week against the Green Bay Packers this week. Lawson will be playing the outside against a woeful offensive line and a QB that seems to invite sacks at a rapid pace…….sounds good to me, start this LB with confidence this week.

Kamerion Wimbley (CLE): Wimbley has been a rare bright spot for the Browns this year, he combines a good combination of speed and strength and should prove to be worthy of a start against a terrible Detroit team. If Wimbley doesn’t get on the score sheet against Stafford and company…..I will be blown away, or at the least very disappointed.

LaMarr Woodley (PIT): With his partner in crime as the start of the week, it’s no surprise to see Woodley on the list of must starts. Woodley has been a bit of an enigma this season after his breakout performance last year, but he still sits in a good position to have a huge second half…..he should be ready for a huge game against the Chiefs this week.

Aqib Talib (TB): This DB is turning into a supreme ball-hawk. This week Talib should be busy against one of the most potent passing attacks in football. Brees will give this second year player a run for his money in week 11, this start is more about opportunity and there should be plenty of that this week for Talib…….let’s see how he responds for the Bucs.

Sit’em: Aaron Schobel (BUF): Schobel has been good this year after an injury riddled ’08 campaign, but if your a betting man, the safe bet is to sit Schobel against a Jacksonville team that shouldn’t even need to throw a  pass to win this game, Mojo will be the focal point of this game……do your best Larry Johnson impression and sit’em!

Gibril Wilson (MIA): At first thought this should be a good start, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Wilson will not be challenged through the air against Carolina, now that Delhomme is figured out how to hand the ball off and make smarter decisions, Carolina will want to use what works…..and that isn’t Delhomme!

Ray Lewis (BAL): You may be asking yourself, how do I sit Ray Lewis? Well, he is playing Peyton Manning and Baltimore lost their best pass-rusher in Suggs, all of those things have to be taken into consideration this week against the Colts. Let’s face it, do you honestly believe Manning is going to put the ball in a position to let Ray Lewis make a big-play? I don’t think so!

1. Waiver Wire Help Wanted Ads
2. TE Ranking the Start Sit
3. RB Rankings Smokes and Jokes
4. Defensive Rankings & Game Predictions
5. WR Rankings, Taste Like Chocolate
6. NFL Office Pool picks and Against the Spread Locks

Odom will be wearing a different suit for the rest of 2009

Injuries are just tearing up the IDP fantasy landscape this season, including what seems like an unusually high number of the season-ending kind, for prominent players. We already lost guys like Brian Urlacher, Leodis McKelvin and Stewart Bradley for 2009, now this week we had a few more. Bengals sacks leader and top three fantasy defensive lineman Antwan Odom has a torn Achilles tendon. The Browns top line backer, D’Qwell Jackson is on the IR with a shoulder injury. The Chicago Bears have once again lost Pisa Tinoisamoa, and will require knee surgery. The Seahawks have lost Lofa Tatupa to a torn chest muscle, and after losing Bradley, the Eagles have now lost his replacement, Omar Gaither to an ankle injury.

The Seahawks also lost DE, Patrick Kerney indefinitely, and the Vikings have lost DB Antoine Winfield indefinitely as well.

The Eagles made about the only trade at the deadline. picking up Will Witherspoon from the St. Louis Rams. When Gaither stepped in to replace Bradley he did very well, fantasywise, so Witherspoon may be worth a look if you’re strapped at linebacker.

In place of Tatupa, the Seahawks will once again look to LB David Hawthorne. For those that recall, in week three when Hawthorne subbed for Tatupa, he had 16 tackles (15 solo) a pass deflection and an interception. He was the fantasy LB of the week. Most people are not paying attention because of the bye week, so snag him now.

For the Browns, they will turn to rookie Kaluka Maiava to fill Jackson’s mighty shoes. When he stepped in last week after D’Qwell’s injury he put up 6 tackles and a forced fumble, so he may be worth a look. Another potential replacement in Cleveland is another rookie, David Veikune.

On the bright side, the Steelers welcomed their star defensive player, Troy Polamalu back last week, and next week when the Seahawks return to action they should have DB Marcus Trufant back. Finally, the Colts get their stub DB, Bob Sanders back. Check the free agent pool for him.

–Week 7 IDP – Start ‘em–

–Defensive Linemen–

Andre Carter, WAS – Carter has been unusually productive so far this year. He’s still available in more leagues than he should be based on his top 5 DL performance so far. He makes a solid replacement for Odom, and he has a nice match up this week vs. the Eagles.

Is the Long wait over?

Chris Long, STL – Long has been the word to describe this kid’s road to fantasy prosperity. So far this season Long has been in a 3-man rotation at DL for the Rams, but James Hall’s injury (yes, yet another) opens the door for Chris to play fulltime.

Michael Johnson, CIN – With Odom out Johnson and Robert Geathers have to step up. Johnson has more upside.

Charles Johnson, CAR - With Julius Peppers playing so well, he’s been getting tag-teamed. That means more seams for Johnson to slip through.

Justin Smith, SFO – Smith has sucked this season, but he should own Houston this week. It may be his best game of the season.

–Linebackers–

Brian Cushing, HOU - I’ve been pitching Cushing and Seattle’s Aaron Curry all season, and they just keep getting better, yet they’re still widely available. D’Qwell Jackson says pick this kid up.

Will Witherspoon, PHI - As mentioned above, he steps right in for the Eagles. Look for him to try and prove his value in his first game.

Clay Mathews, GBP – Another rookie starting to make noise. He had 3 tackles, 2 sacks and a pass deflection last week.

Chase Blackburn, NYG – Michael Boley’s injury opened the door for Blackburn who had 8 solo tackles and a sack last week.

–Defensive Backs–

C.C. Brown, NYG – Is it possible for terrible to be good? Drew Brees took advantage of Brown’s horrendous play last week, and Brown ended up with a dozen solo tackles and 2 pass deflections. I would pick him up for use against another pass happy QB this week, but his value should be short lived.

Leon Hall, CIN – You remember the guy who tipped the ball to Brandon Stokely in Week 1 and caused the Bengals to lose the game on one of the freakiest plays of the season? That was Hall, who has been quietly redeeming himself ever since. This week he faces Jay Cutler. Nice match-up.

Dashon Goldson, SFO – Matt Schaub will be passing early and often. Nuff said.

Sabby Piscatelli, TBB – Sabby had a couple of slow weeks, then went on bye. He got dropped in a lot of leagues. If he’s available in yours, snap him up. Especially this week against Tom Brady.

–Current Top 40 IDP Statistical Fantasy Rankings through Week 6–

(These rankings are not based on opinion or projections, just stats)

Defensive Linemen	Team	Linebackers	Team	Defensive Backs	Team
1. Jared Allen	MIN	1. Patrick Willis	SF	1. Darren Sharper	NO
2. Andre Carter	WAS	2. Elvis Dumervil	DEN	2. Cedric Griffin	MIN
3. Antwan Odom	CIN	3. James Harrison	PIT	3. Louis Delmas	DET
4. Aaron Schobel	BUF	4. David Harris	NYJ	4. Antoine Bethea	IND
5. Justin Tuck	NYG	5. D.J. Williams	DEN	5. Oshiomogho Atogwe	STL
6. Jimmy Wilkerson	TB	6. Thomas Davis	CAR	6. Derek Cox	JAC
7. Julius Peppers	CAR	7. Brian Cushing	HOU	7. Charles Woodson	GB
8. Trent Cole	PHI	8. Curtis Lofton	ATL	8. Brandon McGowan	NE
9. Robert Mathis	IND	9. Ray Lewis	BAL	9. Eric Weddle	SD
10. Richard Seymour	OAK	10. Barrett Ruud	TB	10. Chris Hope	TEN
11. Marcus Stroud	BUF	11. D’Qwell Jackson	CLE	11. Ed Reed	BAL
12. Dwight Freeney	IND	12. Kirk Morrison	OAK	12. Leon Hall	CIN
13. Lawrence Jackson	SEA	13. London Fletcher	WAS	13. Brian Dawkins	DEN
14. Greg Ellis	OAK	14. Stephen Tulloch	TEN	14. Brodney Pool	CLE
15. Kevin Williams	MIN	15. James Laurinaitis	STL	15. Tyvon Branch	OAK
16. Jarret Johnson	BAL	16. Chad Greenway	MIN	16. Johnathan Joseph	CIN
17. Patrick Kerney	SEA	17. Keith Bulluck	TEN	17. Antrel Rolle	ARI
18. Adewale Ogunleye	CHI	18. Mike Peterson	ATL	18. Abram Elam	CLE
19. Osi Umenyiora	NYG	19. Aaron Curry	SEA	19. DeAngelo Hall	WAS
20. Robert Geathers	CIN	20. Keith Ellison	BUF	20. Terence Newman	DAL
21. Mario Williams	HOU	21. Stephen Cooper	SD	21. Champ Bailey	DEN
22. Charles Grant	NO	22. Larry Foote	DET	22. Sabby Piscitelli	TB
23. James Hall	STL	23. E.J. Henderson	MIN	23. George Wilson	BUF
24. Cullen Jenkins	GB	24. Daryl Smith	JAC	24. Jairus Byrd	BUF
25. Mike Wright	NE	25. Thomas Howard	OAK	25. Ryan Clark	PIT
26. Will Smith	NO	26. Jon Beason	CAR	26. Aqib Talib	TB
27. Kroy Biermann	ATL	27. Eric Barton	CLE	27. Chris Johnson	OAK
28. Chris Kelsay	BUF	28. Leonard Little	STL	28. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	ARI
29. Trevor Pryce	BAL	29. Lance Briggs	CHI	29. Mike Brown	KC
30. John Abraham	ATL	30. Julian Peterson	DET	30. Al Harris	GB
31. Kyle Williams	BUF	31. DeMeco Ryans	HOU	31. Michael Huff	OAK
32. Victor Abiamiri	PHI	32. Kamerion Wimbley	CLE	32. Danieal Manning	CHI
33. Shaun Rogers	CLE	33. Terrell Suggs	BAL	33. Asante Samuel	PHI
34. Cliff Avril	DET	34. Akeem Jordan	PHI	34. Roman Harper	NO
35. Albert Haynesworth	WAS	35. Scott Shanle	NO	35. Dawan Landry	BAL
36. Darren Howard	PHI	36. Lawrence Timmons	PIT	36. Jabari Greer	NO
37. Bryan Thomas	NYJ	37. Antonio Pierce	NYG	37. Jordan Babineaux	SEA
38. Mathias Kiwanuka	NYG	38. Keith Brooking	DAL	38. Charles Tillman	CHI
39. Juqua Parker	PHI	39. Andra Davis	DEN	39. Antoine Winfield	MIN
40. Ray Edwards	MIN	40. Rocky McIntosh	WAS	40. Nate Clements	SF

Other reads:

Week 7 – QB Start Sit

Week 7 – RB Start Sit

Week 7 – WR Start Sit

Week 7 – TE Start Sit

Weekly Start Sit Advice Column

Todish plays wingman for Heff and the twins

We at Top Fantasy have decided to break up our weekly defense articles into team and individual columns. Unfortunately, my colleague Chris Todish and I got our wires crossed and we both did a team defense piece. Next week, look for Chris to keep you up -to-date with weekly IDP start and sit suggestions. This week, Chris is otherwise engaged. Apparently, Hugh Hefner needed a wingman, and Chris got the gig. I can’t fault a guy for playing the man card on that call. So this week I will endeavor to kick off his column for him. If all my suggestions turn out wrong, blame Chris and his fondness for Playboy bunnies.

Good news for the Buffalo Bills this week, and fantasy owners who drafted Donte Whitner and Paul Posluzney. Both players are back at practice, and one or both could play this week. Last week the Patriots got their star linebacker, Jerod Mayo back from his week one injury. He contributed 6 solo tackles and a forced fumble against the Broncos. This week the Steelers finally get their defensive catalyst, Troy Polamalu back from his week one injury against the Titans.

While Pittsburgh gets their spark plug back, they lost DE Aaron Smith for the season. This opens the door for rookie Evander “Ziggy” Hood to make his presence known. If you’re in a dynasty league, stash him on your bench now. In regular leagues, keep an eye on him the next couple of weeks. He could have fantasy potential in the second half of the season.

Speaking of the Steelers, linebacker, James Harrison finally broke out last week with a 7 tackle, 3 sack game. That’s what IDP owners drafted him for.

Another rookie DE to keep an eye on is the Seahawks, Nick Reed. Reed didn’t play in the first few games, but last week he saw limited action and tallied, 2 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. As shallow as the depth is for fantasy defensive lineman, Reed is a guy to keep tabs on.

For the second straight week, defensive line stud, Jared Allen proved why he is fantasy’s top DL. After his Week 4 six tackle, 4.5 sack monster game, Allen had a quiet Week 5, with a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

Finally, while many owners drafted the Dolphins’ Gibril Wilson to be their top DB, he has been a let down so far. That is until last week when he had 11 tackles. I’m not saying he’s turned the corner, but he’s too good to have been so bad. Miami is on a bye this week, and many owners gave up and dumped him this week. If you have the bench depth, snag him from the FA pool and see, if week 5 was the start of his resurgence to top DB.

Jumpin' Jimmy Wilkerson

–Week 6 IDP – Start ‘em–

–Defensive Linemen–

Jimmy Wilkerson, TBB – Who the hell is Wilkerson? Until his defensive TD last week, he really hasn’t been on the fantasy radar. But through 5 games he has 5 sacks and an average of 3 solo tackles a week. The Panthers have the worst turnover stats in the league. He could have another nice week.

Glenn Dorsey, KCC – Dorsey has been a bust so far this season, but this weekend’s game against the Redskins could be his coming out party. Washington’s O-line is all banged up, and Dorsey should be able to get to Jason Campbell.

Antwan Odom, CIN – Odom was lights out to start the season then went dormant. Look for him to get back in the sack column against the Texans.

James Hall, STL – Hall looks to have a nice game vs. the Jaguars

–Linebackers–

Aaron Curry, SEA – One of my picks this season to become the next Patrick Willis. He started slowly but last week he had 10 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass defense. He’s warming up and should have a nice game vs. the Cardinals.

Paul Posluzney, BUF – Pos should be back on the field this week. Look for him to make the Jets miserable all day.

DeMeco meet the Bengals...

DeMeco Ryans, HOU – he’s been a bit of a disappointment in 2009, but look for a huge day against the Bengals. I like him to hit double figure tackles.

James Laurinaitis, STL - Another rookie favorite I’ve been touting all summer/fall. The Jags will run the ball a lot and that means J.L. should have a double-digit day.

–Defensive Backs–

Tyvon Branch, OAK – The sophomore has quietly been sneaking up the rankings and is now ranked 13th overall. This week he will face the pass happy Eagles. He should see lots of tackle and pass defense opportunities.

Abram Elam, CLE – Elam had a very quiet week against the Bills. Then again so did the whole team. This week he’ll be up against the pass happy Steelers. He should be back in the fantasy bling department.

Louis Delmas/Anthony Henry, DET – Aaron Rodgers likes to pass, so look for these guys to have a busy day.

Josh Wilson, SEA – Wilson should be back and healthy, and facing Kurt Warner’s air assault this week. Oh, and he returns kicks, if your league awards points for such things.

–Current Top 40 IDP Statistical Fantasy Rankings through Week 5–

(These rankings are not based on opinion or projections, just stats)

LaDainian Tomlinson sprained his ankle in the season opener vs. Oakland Monday night. Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett will carry the ball in his absence

With Tomlinson’s injury and the Chargers upcoming matchup vs. the stingy Ravens defense, you might want to stay away from a RB pick for the Bolts. If you’re a risk taker, play the 5’6″ 185-pound speedy Darren Sproles who will get the bulk of the carries this week.

The NFL injury reports have added some talented players this week. Along with LT, Donovan McNabb, Antonio Bryant, Anthony Gonzalez, and Jerod Mayo will most likely be out this week. Mayo’s teammate Tom Brady is still listed with that shoulder injury and you have to think the deceptive Bill Belichick will have him there all season.

Here are the complete  injury reports around the NFL.

As reported per NFL guidelines Friday Septermber 18

ARIZONA CARDINALS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Cardinals

Out: DE Kenny Iwebema (ankle), S Matt Ware (shoulder)

Questionable: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), WR Steve Breaston (knee), WR Early Doucet (ribs), LB Chike Okeafor (shoulder)

Probable: WR Sean Morey (ribs), QB Brian St. Pierre (back), G Reggie Wells (thumb)

Jaguars

Out: TE Zach Miller (knee), CB Brian Witherspoon (hamstring)

Probable: DE Quentin Groves (thigh), LB Daryl Smith (hip)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Ravens

Doubtful: S Tom Zbikowski (concussion)

Questionable: TE L.J. Smith (hamstring)

Probable: LB Tavares Gooden (knee), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), S Ed Reed (concussion), LB Terrell Suggs (concussion, chest)

Chargers

Out: C Nick Hardwick (ankle), DT Travis Johnson (groin), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle)

Questionable: LB Antwan Applewhite (hamstring), G Louis Vasquez (knee), DT Jamal Williams (elbow)

 Probable: T Marcus McNeill (hand), P Mike Scifres (bilateral groin)

CAROLINA PANTHERS at ATLANTA FALCONS

Panthers

Doubtful: S Chris Harris (knee)

Questionable: DT Nick Hayden (toe)

Probable: DE Everette Brown (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (knee), CB Sherrod Martin (knee), T Jeff Otah (shoulder), RB Jonathan Stewart (heel)

Falcons

Questionable: S William Moore (hamstring)

Probable: K Jason Elam (left hamstring), DT Peria Jerry (chest)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

Bengals

Out: CB David Jones (foot), G Nate Livings (knee), T Andre Smith (foot)

Probable: T Scott Kooistra (knee), RB Brian Leonard (chest), QB Jordan Palmer (illness)

Packers

Out: S Atari Bigby (knee), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle)

Questionable: G Daryn Colledge (foot), DT B.J. Raji (ankle)

Probable: CB Will Blackmon (quadricep), K Mason Crosby (abdomen), WR Greg Jennings (wrist)

CLEVELAND BROWNS at DENVER BRONCOS

Browns

Out: G Rex Hadnot (knee)

Questionable: LB David Bowens (knee), RB James Davis (shoulder), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder), RB Cedric Peerman (thigh)

Probable: RB Jerome Harrison (knee), TE Steve Heiden (knee), RB Jamal Lewis (neck), DT Shaun Rogers (foot), P Dave Zastudil (right knee)

Broncos

Out: LB Spencer Larsen (shoulder), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee)

Questionable: S Josh Barrett (shoulder), G Chris Kuper (ankle)

Probable: CB Champ Bailey (ankle), S Brian Dawkins (hand), WR Jabar Gaffney (finger), RB Knowshon Moreno (knee), QB Kyle Orton (right finger)

HOUSTON TEXANS at TENNESSEE TITANS

Texans

Out: WR Andre Davis (concussion), CB Antwaun Molden (quadricep)

Questionable: DT Shaun Cody (knee), RB Vonta Leach (knee), CB Jacques Reeves (fibula), WR Kevin Walter (hamstring)

Probable: CB Eugene Wilson (knee)

Titans

Doubtful: TE Bo Scaife (knee)

Questionable: TE Jared Cook (ankle), LB David Thornton (knee)

Probable: P Craig Hentrich (back)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at DETROIT LIONS

Vikings

Out: LB Erin Henderson (calf)

Questionable: LB Heath Farwell (hamstring)

Probable: G Anthony Herrera (back), TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand)

Lions

Doubtful: DE Cliff Avril (hamstring), QB Drew Stanton (knee)

Questionable: DT Andre Fluellen (knee), CB Eric King (shoulder)

Probable: CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), K Jason Hanson (right knee), DT Grady Jackson (knee), CB William James (foot), T Daniel Loper (knee)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS

Patriots

Out: LB Jerod Mayo (knee), WR Wes Welker (knee)

Questionable: C Dan Connolly (back), WR Julian Edelman (ankle), G Steve Neal (back), LB Rob Ninkovich (calf), DT Myron Pryor (calf), WR Matt Slater (elbow), CB Terrence Wheatley (knee)

Probable: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), LB Adalius Thomas (foot)

Jets

Questionable: DT Kris Jenkins (back), DT Sione Pouha (ankle), WR Wallace Wright (hamstring)

Probable: QB Kellen Clemens (right elbow), DE Mike Devito (hamstring), RB Shonn Greene (rib), LB Bryan Thomas (ankle), LB Jamaal Westerman (quadricep)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Saints

Out: T Jammal Brown (hip), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot)

Questionable: DT Kendrick Clancy (knee), RB Pierre Thomas (knee)

Probable: T Jermon Bushrod (ankle), S Roman Harper (hamstring), CB Tracy Porter (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle), S Usama Young (shoulder)

Eagles

Out: S Quintin Demps (hamstring), G Todd Herremans (foot), LB Joe Mays (shoulder)

Doubtful: QB Donovan McNabb (rib)

Questionable: DE Victor Abiamiri (groin)

Probable: WR Kevin Curtis (knee), T King Dunlap (elbow), WR DeSean Jackson (groin), G Max Jean-Gilles (knee), T Winston Justice (shoulder)

OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Raiders

Out: WR Nick Miller (shin), WR Chaz Schilens (foot)

Questionable: WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (shoulder)

Probable: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (wrist), DE Greg Ellis (shoulder), LB Kirk Morrison (elbow)

Chiefs

Questionable: QB Matt Cassel (knee), CB Brandon Flowers (shoulder)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CHICAGO BEARS

Steelers

Out: S Troy Polamalu (knee), WR Limas Sweed (foot) 

Probable: CB Ike Taylor (not injury related), LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle)

Bears

Doubtful: TE Desmond Clark (rib), LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee)

Probable: S Al Afalava (shoulder), DE Mark Anderson (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), S Danieal Manning (back), G Frank Omiyale (ankle)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Seahawks

Out: LB LeRoy Hill (groin)

Questionable: WR Deion Branch (hamstring), CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), T Walter Jones (knee), DT Brandon Mebane (calf), C Chris Spencer (quadricep), LB Lofa Tatupu (hamstring)

Probable: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (back spasms), S C.J. Wallace (rib)

49ers

Out: LB Ahmad Brooks (knee)

Doubtful: WR Brandon Jones (shoulder)

Probable: G David Baas (biceps), DT Aubrayo Franklin (shin), CB Marcus Hudson (knee), G Chilo Rachal (neck), DE Justin Smith (elbow), DE Isaac Sopoaga (shoulder)

ST. LOUIS RAMS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Rams

Out: S Craig Dahl (hamstring), T John Greco (wrist)

Redskins

Questionable: DT Anthony Montgomery (knee)

Probable: LB Robert Henson (illness), T Chris Samuels (knee), CB Fred Smoot (rib)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at BUFFALO BILLS

Buccaneers

Out: CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder), C Jeff Faine (triceps)

Doubtful: WR Antonio Bryant (knee)

Questionable: TE John Gilmore (ankle), DE Kyle Moore (groin)

Probable: S Jermaine Phillips (calf)

Bills

Out: LB Paul Posluszny (forearm)

Questionable: CB Terrence McGee (back)

Probable: TE Derek Fine (hamstring), CB Drayton Florence (knee), DE Chris Kelsay (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (back)

NEW YORK GIANTS at DALLAS COWBOYS on Sunday night

Giants

Out: DE Chris Canty (calf), T Adam Koets (ankle), WR Hakeem Nicks (foot), CB Aaron Ross (hamstring), LB Clint Sintim (groin), RB Danny Ware (elbow)

Questionable: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), S Kenny Phillips (knee)

Probable: LB Michael Boley (hip), S Michael Johnson (shoulder)

Cowboys

Out: S Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Jason Williams (ankle)

Probable: LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), QB Stephen McGee (knee), QB Tony Romo (ankle), S Gerald Sensabaugh (chest)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MIAMI DOLPHINS on Monday night

Colts

Out: WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee),  S Bob Sanders (knee), TE Tom Santi (ankle)

Questionable: G Jamey Richard (shoulder), T Charlie Johnson (back), DB Jerraud Powers (groin), TE Gijon Robinson (back), DB Jamie Silva (abdomen) 

Dolphins 

Questionable: LB Akin Ayodele (back)

• Here is our AFC East, AFC West , AFC North, and AFC South outlooks for week 2.
• Here is our NFC West, NFC East, NFC South and NFC North outlooks for week 2.