Last year I wrote 8 steps to understand before you draft IDP (Individual Defensive Players). You can find it here Link
This year I want to help some of you to add IDP to your leagues. First a few myths about IDP.
- Using IDP doesn't necessarily mean you won't have a team defense, that is a choice and it is up to you
- Adding IDP to your league doesn't mean you are exclusively IDP! You still have offensive players. UNLESS you are an IDP only league (these do exist and are much harder, however I don't think that many people run them)
However here are a few facts about IDP leagues:
- No matter how easy or complicated your IDP league is, your league will be more complex and more time consuming, however the reward is the fun you will have
- IDP leagues like regular leagues are fully customizable therefore you must understand the scoring system and the league rules
How to add IDP to your standard league
Format
So if you are ready for the IDP plunge in your league I will go over a few ways in which you can apply IDP to your league. There are many variables that you can adjust, these are just a few examples.
1. Adding IDP as a flex position (1-3 roster positions)
Here you are choosing to add IDP in the simplest way. You can have a position that will allow you to start any defensive player no matter his position. I would not remove your team defense in this format.
2. Adding IDP by positions (3 roster positions)
With this format you are adding 3 defensive positions, 1 Linebacker, 1 Defensive Lineman, 1 Defensive Back (1LB, 1DL, 1DB) This is still a simple way of adding IDP to your league. Here also I would keep the team defense.
3. Adding numerous IDP by positions (usually 6 roster spots)
This format is similar to the previous one but instead of having 1LB, 1 DL, and 1 DB you will have at least 2LB, 2 DL and 2 DB's. Taking up at least 6 roster spots will allow you to get rid of the team defense (again as I mentioned in the myths of IDP you don't have to remove the team defense)
4. Adding all IDP positions (usually at least 6 roster spots)
This is the most complex of the IDP formats and if you are new to IDP I would stay away from this format. This format basically will start the following positions. 2 LB, 1 or 2 Defensive Tackle, 1 or 2 Defensive End, 2 Cornerbacks and 2 safeties. In case you are using this format make sure to go over your draft strategy as it will change.
Scoring
Once you have decided on the number and type of positions you need to set up the scoring. In general the scoring will be dictated by two variables. Big plays vs. Tackles. You can adjust the scores on many categories but it will eventually boil back down to Big plays vs. Tackles.
1. Big Play scoring
When you are playing a big play league usually that means that Sacks, Interceptions and Fumble recoveries are worth MORE than 3 Points and Tackles for a loss are rewarded
2. Tackle Heavy Scoring
Tackles and Assisted Tackles worth the same amount and big plays worth NO MORE than 3 points
Like I said you can have many variables here but it will be very hard to even these two and your league will be either a tackle heavy league or a big play league.
Recommended settings
This is what I recommend for those who are starting with IDP for the first year.
Add IDP by positions (3 roster spots) 1 LB, 1 DL and 1 DB and go for a tackle heavy scoring set up. Don't get rid of your team defense. If you do this, and your league is standard offensive scoring (i.e. 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX, 1 K), your IDP spots will amount to about 15% of your total weekly score.
Please feel free to contact me if you are thinking of adding IDP to your league, remember to join our membership for more details.