Introduction to IDPs in Fantasy Football

Let me ask you something, from one football fan to another: would you rather see a wide-receiver make a spectacular leaping one-handed grab over the middle for a first down, or see the same wide receiver attempt to make that spectacular grab, only to be belted by a 250lb linebacker with murder in his eyes who forces a deflection that tumbles right into the waiting arms of an opportunistic safety? If you're like me, you'll take the second scenario every time. Why not? Great football has always been about great defense. It's the reason many of us watch the game. And for guys like us, a single DEF slot on our fantasy team just isn't enough. What we need are spots for Individual Defensive Players (IDPs). You wouldn't think of running a baseball league without pitcher slots, and it would be sacrilege to run a hockey league without making accommodations for the goaltenders. So, why should the great domineering linebackers, sure-handed corners, and speed-rushing ends of the world go unacknowledged in your fantasy football league?

Using the IDP in fantasy football can add an extra dimension of authenticity and intrigue to a stagnant league. Tired of seeing the same owners win on the strength of a great QB or two solid RBs? Maybe it's time to make things interesting by throwing some IDPs into the mix. It'll give your league some balance and (maybe more importantly) will elevate your appreciation of defensive play on Sundays. The 9-6 ballgame no longer need be feared, as even the most offensively anemic and gritty matches can be a source for great IDP numbers.

Of course, as is the case with any other position on a fantasy team, finding the best defensive players is largely a matter of understanding the scoring system, making the most of specific weekly matchups, and knowing when to make your waiver claims.

If you have a scoring system that favors the big play (ie: a system that places heavy value on sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, and touchdowns), you'll want to focus on those electrifying players who seem to always impact the outcome of the game. That means the Jason Taylors, Shawne Merrimans and Ed Reeds of the league - specialists who might only have moderate tackle numbers, but can be relied on to make game-changing plays. Alternately, a more balanced scoring system that might include points for tackles, assists, passes defended and forced fumbles tends to reward owners who are able to find the consistent defensive performers; those guys who put up steady, solid numbers week-to-week. Here you might want to consider such reliable performers as Donnie Edwards, Aaron Schoebel, and Ronde Barber. In these tackle-heavy leagues, a player who can be counted on to make 6-10 tackles a game might be more valuable than a guy who gets three sacks one week, and then is shut out of the stat sheet the next.

Another factor to keep in mind when drafting is the specific distribution of defensive players on your fantasy roster. In a typical IDP league, you might have three spots for defensive players: one for linebackers, one for defensive linemen, and one for defensive backs. Other leagues may have IDP slots that are not position specific. Be mindful of the scoring system when filling out your roster.

Most league formats tend to favor linebackers because of the statistical versatility afforded by the position. The top linebackers in the NFL not only post the most tackles, but also have the opportunity to defend passes, make interceptions, force and recover fumbles, and sack the quarterbacks. Some safeties (Troy Polamalu, Adrian Wilson, and Kerry Rhodes, for example) are often used by their respective teams much like linebackers and therefore share the same statistical benefits. Top-tier safeties often lead their team in tackles, forced fumbles and sometimes interceptions( while also garnering the occasional sack). Corners, on the other hand, tend to make for a riskier fantasy selection. Most years, a corner will lead the league in interceptions, but that same corner rarely records significant tackle numbers. Typically, the more physical corners will make for better fantasy selections, while those with exceptional coverage skills post only modest numbers. Champ Bailey was the exception last season as teams (inexplicably) chose to test him, resulting in his posting career highs in both interceptions and tackles. Most years, teams avoid Bailey - and other shut-down corners - like the plague, limiting their opportunity to make plays and making for a more erratic, hit-or-miss fantasy performance.