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.
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.
LB Brian Urlacher, ---
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Here's a strange (albeit useless) stat: Urlacher has never in his 8-year career played against the Cowboys. Dallas has thus far been solid in providing protection for their QB and in holding on to the football, so don't expect much in the way of big plays from Urlacher this week. Still, this is a fierce Bears D that makes even the steadiest opponent cause mistakes, and Dallas has some young players on offense whose inexperience could play into Urlacher's hands.
S Brian Dawkins, ---
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Detroit in 2007 is a passing team. When the Eagles look to stop the pass this weekend, much of their success will depend on the play of Brian Dawkins. When healthy, Dawkins is an opposing ball-carrier's worst nightmare. His shoulder injury from last weekend was diagnosed as a simple "stinger", and you can expect him to play and be extremely busy against the Lions on Sunday.
S Sean Jones, ---
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Play the percentages and trust a Cleveland IDP to come up big in this Sunday's game against the turnover-prone Raiders. Leigh Bodden is coming off a solid performance and Kamerion Wimbley could feast on the Raider's poor pass-protection, but I'm looking to Sean Jones for his steady tackling and the increased chance of recording a pick or forcing a turnover.
S Bob Sanders, ---
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Sanders is amongst the league leaders in (get this): sacks. Sure, it's still very early in the season, but this statistic only goes to show just how effectively Ron Meeks has learned to use his defense's greatest weapon. In 4 career games against Houston, Sanders' performance has been modest, though he does have a defensive touchdown against the Texans to his credit.
S Gibril Wilson, ---
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I'm a strong proponent of playing safeties over corners in IDP leagues that have a generic "DB" slot. Corners tend to record more picks, while safeties load up on the tackles. Against an offense like Washington's that's been generous to DBs thus far, I take the safety with high tackle numbers who's increased likelihood of intercepting Jason Campbell simply sweetens the pot.