D'Qwell Jackson : IDP Sleeper (Aaron Josefczyk/Icon SMI)
Fantasy Football IDP Rankings and IDP Draft Strategy
For leagues with individual defensive players (IDP)
September 1, 2010
While we strive each and every year to provide the most accurate
fantasy football player rankings and
fantasy football projections available, we
do not have formal Individual Defense Players (IDP) projections at this time. However, we have played in numerous IDP leagues and offer
our IDP draft strategy, advice, informal fantasy football IDP rankings, and IDP player commentary for fantasy football leagues with IDP formats. After writing several individual
replies, we decided it would better serve the masses to post a compilation of those replies in an IDP article. Our responses
to those questions are provided below, and we conclude with an unofficial FootballDocs' IDP rankings list. So whether you are completely
unfamiliar with IDP, on the fence regarding whether or not to play IDP, or a seasoned veteran of IDP play, this article has something for everyone.
Fantasy football leagues with Individual Defense Players (a.k.a. IDP Leagues) are slowly becoming more and more prevalent; however,
they still remain in the minority with most leagues opting for team
fantasy defense rankings in their draft.
This is neither good nor bad, but just a
reality of the current state of fantasy football. Personally, we do not like IDP leagues as much as standard fantasy football
leagues that use a Team Defense format. We have played in expert and highly competitive leagues that have used IDP, and while we did
have success in those leagues, we did not enjoy the experience nearly as much as your standard fantasy football league that uses
a team defense. For one, you can dominate the highlight reel with players on ESPN's NFL Primetime and lose your fantasy football
game by a collection of defensive players on your opponent's roster that recorded several tackles (not necessarily sacks). We
have been both the recipient and provider of such loses, and neither was much fun. In our opinion, part of the excitement of fantasy
football is watching a highlight reel and knowing your fantasy team did well (or poorly). Individual tackles rarely make the highlight
reel, yet factor in significantly to most IDP scoring formats. Second, more players required for the start means watering down the
performance of your primetime players. Peyton Manning being 1 of 8 fantasy players (traditional format) that compose a starting fantasy
roster is more significant than Peyton Manning (#2 in
fantasy football quarterback rankings)
being 1 of 15 fantasy players that compose a starting fantasy roster (IDP format).
The extra players dilute the impact of his fantasy scoring performance. However, opinions are like noses, and everybody has one.
Other folks will disagree and would prefer nothing else than to play only in leagues that offer IPD. That is what is great about
fantasy football - the ability and flexibility to incorporate new systems and new ideas to tailor to individual interests. Regardless
of where you stand on the issue, we would recommend trying an IDP league at least once to see for yourself if you like it or not.
As noted above, we have had good success playing in IDP leagues and will outline our strategies that have helped us be successful in
IDP formats. We will start with the basics and work our way up to our IDP Draft Strategy, Rankings, and Player Commentary. The information is presented
in a very scannable format, so depending on your level of experience with IDP, feel free to skip sections that are not relevant to
your particular level of IDP expertise:
What is IDP?
OK - let's start with the basics. IDP is simply that, a league that incorporates individual defense players into fantasy football
scoring. Traditional fantasy football leagues use a team defense, where the aggregate play of an entire defensive unit (i.e. Atlanta
Falcons Team Defense) contributes to the overall score of the fantasy defense. Typically fantasy team defenses (D) are but one factor
in an overall fantasy football team output. Other positions include QB,
RB,
WR,
TE, and
K. Somewhere along the way someone wanted to
try to incorporate individual defense play into fantasy leagues - after all, we don't have team offense in traditional systems do we?
So hence started the concept of IDP leagues, where now you also draft (and start)
Linebackers (LB),
Defensive Backs (DB), and
Defensive Line (DL)
players rather than an aggregate team defense for your fantasy football team.
How do leagues incorporate IDP players into the line-up?
There is a large range in regards to the level of detail each fantasy league incorporates IDP into the starting requirements for each
fantasy football roster. On the one hand, you have leagues that still start a team defense, but incorporate a single IDP flex player
(LB, DB, or DL) as an additional start to the team defense (i.e. QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, K, D, and IDP Flex). On the other hand, you have
more dedicated IDP leagues that only start IDP players with no team defense. Typically, these leagues start players at each of these
positions (2 DL, 2 LB, 2 DB, and 1 Dflex). This makes the league go relatively deep at IDP: Eight offensive players and seven defensive
players. The fantasy points awarded for tackles, sacks, INTs, and passes defended can vary from IDP position to IDP position. If the
same system is used for all IDP players, LBs will dominate since they are involved in all categories consistently. As with anything,
adjustments are made as experience is gained, and most IDP leagues now incorporate a weighted scoring system for each IDP position in
an effort to equilibrate scoring a little better between the positions of DL, LB, and DB.
IDP Draft Strategy:
Even in an "Expert IDP league", there are plenty of serviceable IDP players available off the waivers each week. There are just too many
defensive players available. Just for starters, 5 of the 11 offensive players on a NFL team aren't even usable (the O-line). On defense, all 11
starting defensive NFL players (plus a few reserves) are draftable and available for a potential fantasy football start each week.
Basically, the numbers create an excess of IDP players. This means that in the draft and regular season the following hold true:
1) Go after offensive players first. (Show them your "O" face by using our custom fantasy football cheat sheets) Again, this is just a simple matter of supply and demand. High
quality offensive skill position players will be more of a commodity than defensive players given the large selection pool of defensive players.
2) Wait on your kicker until the end of your draft. (Write this on your hand before the draft if you are still having trouble
remembering it, so check the fantasy football kicker rankings).
3) Take most IDP players later in the draft (late rounds), but it is OK to grab the top couple of guys at each position a little
early (mid rounds).
4) Work the waivers and don't worry if you have never heard of a guy before. If he is hot, find a spot on your bench for him.
(For those of you that play fantasy baseball, it is very similar. That same mentality will serve you well in IDP fantasy football leagues).
5) Don't let IDP players take up too much room on your bench. It is still all about the O (offense).
6) Don't even bother trying to get the top LBs. The price will be too high relative to the benefit of having them on your fantasy football team.
7) If you do get a couple of the top IDP guys, you should free-fall on your #2 guys at each IDP position. (By free-fall, we mean wait several
rounds before selecting another IDP player).
8) If your league doesn't weight points by IDP position, get LBs and lots of them.
Fantasy Football IDP Rankings and Player Commentary:
As for IDP players, here are a few players we like for later in the draft (i.e. at the right price). We are omitting the top picks
because you will probably be letting the rest of your league take them if you are following our advice. You will notice that many of
these players are younger and therefore stand a better chance of being drafted at a bargain (later rounds of your draft).
Dockett finished 2009 with 42 tackles, 9 assists, 7 sacks, 2 passes defended, and 1 INT. He isn't going to blow your socks off, but he should benefit from a more run dominant approach on the other side of the ball. Look for Dockett to be little fresher in 2010 thanks to an attack that will feature Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. The real boost to Dockett's production comes in the form of a 6'2" 327 lbs NT picked in the 1st round from the University of Tennessee, Dan Williams. Williams should be able to open things up for Dockett in 2010.
249
Justin Smith
SF
Ever since his days with Cincinnatti, Smith has never been an outstanding pass rusher. However, he is a decent pass rusher and he plays the run well. As a result, he consistently racks up tackles. Smith had a bit of a down season last year, but he should rebound nicely in 2010. Smith probably won't jump to the top of the defensive linemen, but he should give you solid numbers all season long.
257
Mathias Kiwanuka
NYG
Kiwanuka will be battling Osi Umenyiora for a starting spot in the Giants rotation. This team has a great defensive line and they aren't going to be afraid to use it. Their DL strength is what helped them win their Super Bowl. In his 9th season, Umenyiora is coming off of a terrible season and he is also fighting with a hip injury that he has opted to not work on. This should only help open things up for Kiwanuka have a good season for New York.
271
Kyle Vanden Bosch
DET
The story of Vanden Bosch's recruitment by the Lions is well known. His new HC showed up on his doorstep just as soon as the free agent signing period began. Vanden Bosch was brought to Detroit to bring toughness and attitude. He will get to work along with the Lions' top pick from 2010, Ndamukong Suh. The number of reps and the steady Production Vanden Bosch bring to the table make him a sold DL selection in 2010.
288
Greg White
TB
White is another veteran defensive end that will benefit from an injection of rookies into the middle of the D-line. Second-year player Roy Miller and rookies Gerald McCoy and Brian Price will be a force in the middle of the Buccaneers defensive line. This will open things up for White and he could be looking at one of his best seasons yet.
342
Alex Brown
NO
Brown joined the Saints following their Super Bowl in the hopes of getting his own ring. The move from the Bears to the Saints gives him a big boost in a supporting cast. The Saint defensive line is very good and that should allow him to make some solid plays.
Jackson will likely not be one of the first names off of the tongue IDP players. His isn't a sexy name because he plays for a NFL team that might be competing for the top draft pick in 2011. However, struggling teams can produce gobs of tackles for their LBs. Jackson is a tackling fool. Last year Jackson was limited to 6 games thanks to an injury. Reports have him back to full strength, so he should be ready to make a fantasy impact in 2010. Just make sure you are willing to take on his slight injury risk.
135
Karlos Dansby
MIA
Dansby was a solid player in Arizona and he should be even more fearsome with the Dolphins. The Dolphins will be showing off their new defense under Mike Nolan. Nolan was the man responsible for the turn around in Denver. Look for the whole Miami defense to be much improved and look for some big plays from this main man in the middle of the scheme.
146
Ray Lewis
BAL
Lewis made our list in 2009 for the same reason he will make our list in 2010. He sounds like yesterday's news and people are undervaluing this savvy veteran. Last year Lewis was being taken as the 16th best LB off the board and he finished as the 8th best LB. This season he is being picked as the 17th LB, and we think he can out produce that status again.
153
DeAndre Levy
DET
Levy looks like he will be the starting MLB for the Lions this year. In fantasy, it is all bout talent and opportunity. The Lions will be one of the weaker teams in their division, so you can count on plenty of time on the field for the defense. This will lead to lots of tackles for the MLB. As far as talent goes, Levy has plenty. The concern with Levy is that back issues have slowed him in the preseason. Don't overspend for him, but if you are willing to take the injury risk, Levy could roll up some huge stats for you in 2010.
153
Stephen Tulloch
TEN
Tulloch had 94 tackles and 27 assists in 2009. This season the Titans staple in the middle, Keith Bulluck, will not be playing for Tennessee. This leaves a leadership and production gap that will be filled by Tulloch. In 2010, Tulloch might not be a big name, but he can give you big numbers.
188
London Fletcher
WAS
Fletcher is an oldie but goodie. He is short and old. Those traits make him a very unexciting pick on draft day. When you draft him, you know you don't have the next ROY on your team and you know you don't have a guy that could become the defensive MVP. What you will get is a guy who out produces his draft position. Over the past 10 seasons, Fletcher has NEVER had less than 90 tackles in a season and he consistently has well over 30 assists. 2010 will be another great season for Fletcher.
194
Clint Session
IND
Session was one of our sleepers for 2009 and he really outproduced his 296th player ADP (49th LB). Session finished 2009 with 84 tackles, 19 assists, 0.5 sacks, 5 pass defended, 2 INTs, and 1 forced fumble in only 14 games. That made him the 16th best LB on a points per game basis. Those couple of missed games caused him to be the 22nd best LB in 2009. Session is currently being taken off the board as the 27th best LB. He could outproduce that postion just by playing in all 16 games. Session plays WLB for Indy in a Cover 2. That is a money position for any IDP fantasy team owner.
211
James Harrison
PIT
Harrison finished 2009 as the 12th best LB with 60 tackles, 19 assists, 10 sacks, 3 passes defended, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. This was a disappointing season for Harrison. However, he played almost the entire season injured. Great potential, great system, great supporting cast, and disappointed fantasy owners means that Harrison can be picked up for a bargain. He is currently going off the board as the 31st LB. If you feel like Harrison is healthy, then you had better be looking to add him to your roster.
367
Derrick Johnson
KC
This is a DEEP sleeper for your team. Right now Johnson might not even be guaranteed a starting position on the team. Johnson has some of the best skills and he flashed those skills a little at the end of 2009. Johnson has spent time practicing with the 1st team, so you could keep your fingers crossed that he could get some significant playing time in 2010. If Johnson does become the starter, you will have a great steal on your hands.
393
Dan Connor
CAR
Thomas Davis managed to get injured AGAIN. While we always feel bad for the guy this happens to, you have to determine what are the ramifications for any injury. It looks like the team is moving Jon Beason to the WLB and Connor will be manning the middle. However, it looks like Connor will not be an every down LB at this point. As such, his fantasy value will be a little limited. The good news is that you can get Connor very late. He is currently going off the board as the 33rd LB. If it is late in your draft and you are still looking for some LB help, be sure to give Connor a look.
Other deep, deep sleepers include Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers with Denver. Elvis Dumervil is out, so someone is going to have to step up for this team. Both of these guys were former 1st round picks, so they have the talent. If things click with either of these guys, they now have the opportunity to produce. Neither were drafted in the top 86 linebackers. Just recently Moss broke his hand. He is expected to miss a few weeks. He still might be able to make an impact, but Ayers is suddenly getting the leg up. Another interesting guy that wasn't drafted in the top 86 linebackers is Cameron Wake. Mike Nolan created magic in Denver last season. This year he will be bolstering that Miami defense. Wake plays the same position as Elvis Dumervile did in 2009. Perhaps Wake could have that kind of production in the same defensive game plan. However, Wake is a long shot, so don't fool yourself into thinking he is someone you can count on for 2010.
This former top 10 pick in the NFL draft recorded 77 tackles, 12 assists, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 6 passes defended in only 15 games. This season it looks like Landry will be moving back to strong safety for the 1st time since his rookie season. The plan is to use him more like an extra linebacker. This could mean even more tackles for this talented safety. Landry had toe surgery in the offseason, but it isn't expected to interfere with his 2010 season.
223
Brian Dawkins
DEN
Dawkins is another oldie, but goodie! He sounds like yesterday's news, and that will probably let him slip in your fantasy draft. Don't let his perceived value alter your feelings about him. Dawkins is still going to be the leader of the defense in Denver, and he will still get loads of tackles.
264
Erik Coleman
ATL
Atlanta hasn't had the strongest of defenses over the past few years and that is exactly one of the factors that helps Coleman be a tackling machine. It some more of the people in front of Coleman would actually tackle someone, perhaps he wouldn't get so many tackles. Things shouldn't change in terms of Coleman's opportunities, so you can count on another season with high tackle totals.
267
Charles Tillman
CHI
Tillman battled injuries in 2009, so you are going to have to consider that when you decide what to do with him in 2010. Tillman is also going to play some on the right side after playing his 1st seven seasons on the left side. The left side is typically where the opposing #1 WR lines up. This is probably an early sign of the changing of the guard in Chicago, but Tillman is still a very good tackling corner. Look for him to benefit from the more aggressive game plan of the Bears in 2010.
290
Antrel Rolle
NYG
Rolle started out his NFL career as a corner, but he made the Pro Bowl last year as a Safety with the Cardinals. Now Rolle has a new team to work with in the Giants. The Giants defense has some serious playmakers and Rolle could benefit from that group. After forking out $15 million guaranteed to Rolle this offseason, you can bet the Giants are going to try and get their money's worth out of him.
ADP - Average Draft Position in IDP fantasy football leagues.
