Week 3: IDP Starters
LB Antonio Pierce, ---
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Still amongst the steadiest of producers at IDP, Pierce has put up excellent fantasy numbers without yet recording a sack or interception. Against the young (and sometimes shaky) Jason Campbell, this might be the week Pierce breaks out of his INT slump. Certainly, he's due for a big play to go along with his healthy tackle totals.
LB Paul Posluszny, ---
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Posluszny continues to take a beating and continues to make plays. His grittiness and durability will be essential this weekend as the Bills face arguably the most potent offense in the league. Posluszny should log plenty of field time against the Patriots and will be rewarded with some high tackle numbers and an increased chance to make a big play.
LB Barrett Ruud, ---
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Ruud forces his way onto this list after consecutive weeks of 11 or more total tackles, including 2 forced fumbles last week against New Orleans. I had him pegged in the off-season as a sleeper candidate and he's certainly proving to be that and more. Rumors of Tampa Bay's defensive demise have been greatly exaggerated and much of the praise for this resurgent group should be directed at Barrett Ruud.
LB DeMeco Ryans, ---
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Ryans continues to be one of the most reliable tackling options amongst all IDPs, although the improved play of Houston's defensive line means he's unlikely to match his numbers from last year. Still, owners can count on his steady performance even against an offense such as that of the Colts, which doesn't provide defenses with many big play or turnover opportunities.
LB Lofa Tatupu, ---
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While he can be counted on to make tackles all over the field, against the pass or against the rush, his big play potential for this Sunday will be dependent upon which Cincinnati offense takes the field. If it's the efficient squad that handled the Ravens vaunted defense in week 1, then his numbers may be modest; however, if it's the mistake-addled team that lost to the Browns last week, Tatupu and the Seattle D could be in for a big performance.
LB Jason Taylor, ---
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Whether Kellen Clemens gets the start or Chad Penington does, the Jets have seemed unable to keep their QBs safe from defenders this year. Whoever plays pivot this week, you can bet that Jason Taylor will have him on the run. Look for more of Taylor's usual brilliance this weekend.
LB Zach Thomas, ---
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In 2006, the Jets were the second most-frequently tackled team in football. Even without their offense clicking, the Jets will be a fine feeding ground for the tackle-hungry Thomas who defies age (and height) in remaining amongst the upper echelon of NFL linebackers.
*Note: After this article was posted, news reports indicated that Thomas was suffering from symptoms related to a mild concussion he sustained last week. He likely won't play on SundayIf this Sunday. In his stead, LB Channing Crowder will get the start and could post Thomas-like numbers in this contest.
