Individual Defensive Players

Written by Jason Chicoine

shaunm

As Fantasy Football gains more traction year over year, some leagues are starting to incorporate the IDP (Individual Defensive Players) format into their defensive scoring. Traditionally, fantasy owners would draft a Team D as one of their position slots, but some leagues are taking the plunge into the IDP arena.

It all depends on the commish on the settings for the league, but alot will use the scheme of starting 2 Defensive Linemen (i.e.), 2 Linebackers (i.e.) and 2 Defensive Backs (i.e.). Some will even throw in a flex slot in addition to these 6 spots. Other leagues I've been in throw out 3 defensive slots, and you can make the choice on the mix of postions. The scoring for these leagues is all determined on tackles, sacks, INT's, TD's, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and passes defended. As you can tell from the scoring, your gems in this kind of format are stud linebackers that create a ruckus and load up on the tackles. I'm starting to prefer these formats since it keeps you focused on matchups pretty heavily on who you start due to the running and passing match ups. Below I've included some items you want to look for as you choose your players, and I also attached some picks that I think are a good fit for the matchups this week.

Items to look for in IDP Matchups

1. What is the opponents running to passing ratio? If a team is heavy on the run, i.e. Tennessee, then you want to focus on the D's top linebacker. This is guaranteed to get you alot of solo tackles and/or forced fumbles.

2. How vulnerable is the O-line? If you notice the team gives up alot of sacks and the QB is rushed then I'd focus on a solid Defensive End who could get tackles and add on sacks.

3. Look at WR matchups for weekly games. If you can pick up a gem that has been locking down WR's on tackles and INT's get 'em on your squad.

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