Week 3: IDP Starters
DE Shawne Merriman, ---
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Sometimes, you can over-think a matchup. The Patriots O-line that had been looked so dominant against the Jets seemed like a bad gamble for Merriman owners last week. No one told Merriman, though, as he still managed 2 sacks and a forced fumble. You can bet I'll think twice before leaving him off this list again.
DE Julius Peppers, ---
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In spite of my high recommendations, Peppers has started the season quietly going sackless over his first two games. If I were a betting man (and I am), I would count on him recording his first sack of 2007 against the woeful Falcons. Atlanta has given up a whopping 6 sacks per game so far this year and the pattern is likely to continue as long as Joey Harrington is the starting QB. With the led-footed and uncomfortable Harrington at the helm, opposing defenses will continue to react like sharks when they smell blood in the water.
DE Kenechi Udeze, ---
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And the gamble of the week is...Kenechi Udeze. Don't be fooled by his terrible showing last year, or by his low tackle numbers so far this season. Udeze is a fierce pass-rusher who just needs to find his groove. He has 2 sacks in his previous two games and could really break loose against the surprisingly sieve-like line of the Kansas City Chiefs.
LB Lance Briggs, ---
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Briggs continues to make his case for consideration as the Bears' best linebacker. Early into the 2007 campaign, he has an edge on teammate Brian Urlacher. With many more games like last week's gem (11 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery), the comparison between the two Pro-Bowlers could soon gain some heated intensity.
LB Keith Bulluck, ---
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Combine a team with a high-powered offense and an inept defense and you have the ideal opponent for a heavy tackling IDP. The Saints have yielded opponents the second most tackles in the league so far and - with a defense that has given up plenty of quick scores - that offense will be on the field plenty, thereby providing a great matchup for Keith Bulluck owners who are hoping to see their stud linebacker build on his slow start.
LB Napoleon Harris, ---
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Coming off a massive game against the Bears (10 solo tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), Harris - a former Viking - will be looking for some payback against the team that let him go in the off-season. Harris seems to finally be realizing some of his vast potential, and he certainly benefits from playing in KC with veteran Donnie Edwards and speed-burning Derrick Johnson on either side of him. Expect more high tackle numbers and a big play or two from Harris this weekend.
LB Ray Lewis, ---
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Arizona has been a kind opponent for opposing middle linebackers lately, granting 11 tackles and a forced fumble to Patrick Willis in week 1, and then giving up a 12 tackle, 1 INT performance to Lofa Tatupu in week 2. Ray Lewis looks to cash in on this trend. Ten tackles and a turnover would be a reasonable expectation for the tenacious veteran linebacker.
