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.
--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 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)
|
Linebackers |
Team |
Defensive Linemen |
Team |
Defensive Backs |
Team |
| 1. Patrick Willis |
SF |
1. Jared Allen |
MIN |
1. Darren Sharper |
NO |
| 2. James Harrison |
PIT |
2. Elvis Dumervil |
DEN |
2. Antoine Bethea |
IND |
| 3. David Harris |
NYJ |
3. Antwan Odom |
CIN |
3. Charles Woodson |
GB |
| 4. London Fletcher |
WAS |
4. Robert Mathis |
IND |
4. Terence Newman |
DAL |
| 5. D'Qwell Jackson |
CLE |
5. Jimmy Wilkerson |
TB |
5. Derek Cox |
JAC |
| 6. D.J. Williams |
DEN |
6. Justin Tuck |
NYG |
6. Johnathan Joseph |
CIN |
| 7. Thomas Davis *E.J. Henderson should be at 7.5 |
CAR |
7. Kamerion Wimbley *is also tied for 15th as a LB |
CLE |
7. Eric Weddle |
SD |
| 8. Kirk Morrison |
OAK |
8. Aaron Schobel |
BUF |
8. Louis Delmas |
DET |
| 9. Aaron Curry |
SEA |
9. Andre Carter |
WAS |
9. Aqib Talib |
TB |
| 10. Ray Lewis |
BAL |
10. Trent Cole |
PHI |
10. Brian Dawkins |
DEN |
| 11. Curtis Lofton |
ATL |
11. Dwight Freeney |
IND |
11. Cedric Griffin |
MIN |
| 12. Stephen Tulloch |
TEN |
12. Marcus Stroud |
BUF |
12. Ed Reed |
BAL |
| 13. Daryl Smith |
JAC |
13. Lawrence Jackson |
SEA |
13. Tyvon Branch |
OAK |
| 14. Chad Greenway |
MIN |
14. Jarret Johnson |
BAL |
14. Chris Hope |
TEN |
| 15. James Laurinaitis |
STL |
15. Adewale Ogunleye |
CHI |
15. Danieal Manning |
CHI |
| 16. Jon Beason |
CAR |
16. Will Smith |
NO |
16. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie |
ARI |
| 17. Barrett Ruud |
TB |
17. Osi Umenyiora |
NYG |
17. Antoine Winfield |
MIN |
| 18. Keith Bulluck |
TEN |
18. Julius Peppers |
CAR |
18. Nate Clements |
SF |
| 19. Larry Foote |
DET |
19. Mario Williams |
HOU |
19. Oshiomogho Atogwe |
STL |
| 20. Mike Peterson |
ATL |
20. Robert Geathers |
CIN |
20. DeAngelo Hall |
WAS |
| 21. Stephen Cooper |
SD |
21. Tamba Hali |
KC |
21. Anthony Henry |
DET |
| 22. Keith Brooking |
DAL |
22. Mike Wright |
NE |
22. Leigh Bodden |
NE |
| 23. Keith Ellison |
BUF |
23. Ray Edwards |
MIN |
23. Dashon Goldson |
SF |
| 24. Akeem Jordan |
PHI |
24. Victor Abiamiri |
PHI |
24. Michael Huff |
OAK |
| 25. Thomas Howard |
OAK |
25. James Hall |
STL |
25. Chris Johnson |
OAK |
| 26. Terrell Suggs |
BAL |
26. Kyle Williams |
BUF |
26. Nick Harper |
TEN |
| 27. Brian Cushing |
HOU |
27. Charles Grant |
NO |
27. Dawan Landry |
BAL |
| 28. Bradie James |
DAL |
28. Darren Howard |
PHI |
28. Will Allen |
MIA |
| 29. Lance Briggs |
CHI |
29. Brian Orakpo |
WAS |
29. Mike Brown |
KC |
| 30. Scott Shanle |
NO |
30. Cullen Jenkins |
GB |
30. Ryan Clark |
PIT |
| 31. Justin Durant |
JAC |
31. Trevor Pryce |
BAL |
31. LaRon Landry |
WAS |
| 32. Greg Ellis |
OAK |
32. Richard Seymour |
OAK |
32. Brandon McGowan |
NE |
| 33. Demarcus Ware |
DAL |
33. Mathias Kiwanuka |
NYG |
33. Tim Jennings |
IND |
| 34. Karlos Dansby |
ARI |
34. Jason Taylor |
MIA |
34. Brodney Pool |
CLE |
| 35. Andra Davis |
DEN |
35. Alex Brown |
CHI |
35. Abram Elam |
CLE |
| 36. Eric Barton |
CLE |
36. Amobi Okoye |
HOU |
36. Sabby Piscitelli |
TB |
| 37. Rocky McIntosh |
WAS |
37. Shaun Rogers |
CLE |
37. Yeremiah Bell |
MIA |
| 38. DeMeco Ryans |
HOU |
38. John Abraham |
ATL |
38. William Gay |
PIT |
| 39. Antonio Pierce |
NYG |
39. Jason Hunter |
DET |
39. Asante Samuel |
PHI |
| 40. Ricky Brown |
OAK |
40. Bryan Thomas |
NYJ |
40. Sheldon Brown |
PHI |
