Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Hive, your one stop IDP breakdown for the week. A companion to the Seadog Report if you will, The Hive will bring you game by game IDP breakdowns each week.
Keep in mind that the advice given here is for your standard fantasy leagues with IDP’s that start between 3-5 defensive players. The players will be broken down into studs (guys you should never bench), solid starters (guys who are a relatively safe bet to produce), gut checks (guys who could blow up or could fizzle out), and the stay away list. Without further ado, lets take a look at some interesting week one games from the defensive perspective.
Miami @ Pittsburgh – Thursday 8:30 PM EST
Miami
Studs
Zach Thomas – with no Big Ben, Zach will be on Fast Willie all day long. Tackles galore. Those that slept on Zach in their IDP drafts due to age or his injury issues last year be prepared to kick yourself repeatedly this season.
Jason Taylor – expect Batch to be pressured on the occasions he does pass by the best DE in football.
Solid starts
Channing Crowder – this 2nd year beast is primed to explode. Normally I like to give a youngster like this a week or 2 on the pine to see how they do, but Crowder has had an amazing camp, and the Miami run defense should be busy with the ineffective Batch under center
Gut check
None
Stay away
Miami DB’s – Jason Allen isn’t starting yet, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to try and guess who gets the picks out of this lot
Pittsburgh
Studs
Troy Polamalu – don’t even think about benching him.
Solid starts
Ike Taylor – should be very busy with Chris Chambers, also will get tackles in run support. Not the best real life corner, but a top IDP option at CB
James Farrior – the most likely of the Pitt LB’s to get you solid numbers, should be in Ronnie Browns grill all night long.
Gut check
Pittsburgh LB’s not named Farrior– one of the best units in all of football, but the Steeler LB factory is the IDP version of a Denver RBBC – you never know who will get the numbers. Porter is the most inconsistent of the lot, and Haggans will drive you nuts too with his 20 points one week 3 the next routine. I already have Tatum and Mike on a couple of teams, I cant deal with the Pitt LB’s too!
Ryan Clark – should be a real nice signing for the Champs, but in the world of IDP Clark is like a #4 WR, fighting for scraps left over by Polamalu, Farrior, Taylor et all.
Stay away
Pittsburgh DL’s – None worth starting. Ever.
Atlanta @ Carolina – Sunday 1PM EST
Atlanta
Studs
Keith Brookings – Carolina runs the ball. A lot. Playing LB’s against them is rarely a bad idea, and Brookings should be in your lineup regardless of matchup. Is the starting WILL, but may play in the middle while Edgerton Hartwell recovers. Either way he will produce.
John Abraham – in DL required leagues he should never be benched. The man seems to be on a mission to prove he got a bad rap from the Jets organization and that he is worth all the coin Atlanta shelled out on him.
Solid starters
Pat Kerney – the old man can still bring it, and he should greatly benefit from having Abraham on the other side.
Lawyer Milloy – normally would be a gut check, but with his abilities in run support I’ll bump him up this week. Doesn’t hurt that he is mopping up for a rookie corner either, should get plenty of tackles this week.
Gut check
Jimmy Williams – should get burnt repeatedly by Keyshawn, which should result in a pile of tackles. He is a gut check because I don’t like starting rookie IDP DB’s week one (in general), as a lot of coaches will only allow you to get beat once before you hit the pine.
Deangelo Hall – will he cover Steve Smith or Colbert/Carter? That is a huge issue, Hall wont do much if it’s the latter.
Stay away
Edgerton Hartwell – In case you didn’t know, Hartwell is hurt (again) and will be out 2-4 weeks).
Carolina
Studs
Julius Peppers – not that he should ever be benched in any league that requires a DL, but this week in particular you need to get Peppers in your lineup. Carolina has owned Mike Vick over the years, and I smell a multiple sack performance from Julius.
Solid starters
Dan Morgan – when healthy (ie: not often) he is a solid IDP LB. Take advantage of his current injury free state and get him in your lineup vs the Atlanta running game, which should be firing on all cylinders.
Thomas Davis – the nagging injury to Diggs allows me to bump Davis up from the gut check section. Should be the guy who has to cover Alge as well, which should result in additional tackles and possibly passes defended.
Gut check
Carolina DB’s – normally Gamble and Lucas are strong starts, but I advise caution in starting solid corners like these 2 vs Vick, who hasn’t shown us an inclination to pass to the WR’s at this point in his career. Granted they are both good bets to get a pick, but that’s not a dice roll I want to go with this week.
Stay away
Nai’l Diggs – even if healthy you weren’t going to start him. Were you?
Baltimore @ Tampa Bay Sunday 1PM EST
Baltimore
Studs
Ray Lewis – a man on a mission. Like Zach Thomas, a lot of people passed on Ray Ray because of what he did last year and/or his age. Big mistake. With big Haloti Ngata in front of him I predict a return to the Ray Ray of old.
Ed Reed – all pro ballhawk vs young QB = IDP goodness
Terrell Suggs – another guy who should never sit in DL required leagues, the Tampa o line has been spotty in the preseason. Get Suggs in your lineup.
Strong starters
None
Gut check
Adalius Thomas – a lot of you are wondering how a top 15 LB from last season ends up as a gut check. The answer is simple, a different scheme gives you different results, and I am far from convinced that Thomas can duplicate his 3-4 numbers from 2005 in the 4-3 the Ravens will run in 2006. Proceed with caution.
Stay away
Haloti Ngata – don’t be the guy who has him on your team. Will do nada in the world of IDP, outside of helping Ray Ray pile up tackles. Ngata is a Jamal Williams clone, space eater and not a tackling machine of any kind.
Chris Mccallister – one of the best CB’s in football, but worthless in IDP as no one throws at him.
Tampa Bay
Studs
Derrick Brooks – another old guy who can still bring it, Brooks should have a solid game going against Lewis and Heap all day long
Ronde Barber – a lock in CB required leagues, and a top 10 DB in all formats, Barber should be in your lineup. He will be covering reception machine Derrick Mason, which should result in some tackles.
Simeon Rice – another guy who should be started every week in DL required leagues, Ogden will be tested all day long by the veteran Rice.
Solid starts
Shelton Quarles – I want to see if Ruud is getting PT before I put Quarles back in the every week starter category.
Gut check
None
Stay away
Will Allen – could make some plays in this D, but has been battling nagging injuries all through camp, I’ll pass this week.
Buffalo @ New England Sunday 1PM EST
Buffalo
Studs
London Fletcher – duh!
Aaron Schobel – a top 10 DL in all formats, start him in DL required formats
Nate Clements – no Branch, no problem, Brady will still air it out, which bodes well for Clements and…….
Solid starts
Terrance Mcgee – should have a real nice game. Also returns kicks, so he becomes a borderline every week starter in leagues that give points for returns/return yards.
Angelo Crowell – this young kid has been turning heads since last season, this could be a huge year for Crowell.
Gut check
Takeo Spikes – will probably move up to solid starter soon, but I want to see him play a full game before I tell you to start him.
Donte Whitner – should be a fantastic player, and the opportunity for points will be there against the pass happy Pats. A real gut check here.
Stay away
None
New England
Studs
None
Strong starts
None
Gut check
Mike Vrabel – Pats LB’s are like the Steelers LB’s, they score, but you never know who will do it.
Rodney Harrison – an every week stud when healthy, much like Spikes I want to see Harrison play a full game before I recommend him to you.
Junior Seau – could have a decent game with all the other injuries to the NE LB corp.
Stay away
Richard Seymour – more name than game in the world of IDP
Tedy Bruschi – listed as questionable, but I think they will sit him at least this week.
Cincinnati @ Kansas City
Cincy
Studs
None
Strong starters
Brian Simmons – with no Odell for the first 4 weeks Simmons should be the main beneficiary. I like this matchup vs LJ.
Madieu Williams – should be back in the top 10-15 DB’s this year.
Gut check
Deltha O’Neal – currently questionable, check your injury reports and upgrade/downgrade accordingly.
Dexter Jackson – had a great preseason, but will have to get his points in run support this week to have an impact
Justin Smith – will the Bengals run some 4-3 and some 3-4?? How does Smith fit in the 3-4 if so. Too many questions to allow me to recommend him this week
Stay away
Odell Thurman – suspended 4 games, and with a bye for Cincy week 5 he is useless til week 6. Plan accordingly.
Kansas City
Studs
None
Strong starters
Derrick Johnson – fizzled a little bit towards the end of last year, but is one of the most talented young LB’s in the game. Should have a real nice game vs Rudi, and will likely move into the every week starter category in a matter of weeks.
Kawika Mitchell – terribly underrated, should also have a solid game vs Rudi.
Jared Allen – can he duplicate 2005? My gut says yes.
Gut check
Ty Law – you know Palmer and the boys will air it out, but will Law be ready after skipping camp again. Close to a strong start here, but the extended layoff makes me cautious.
Stay away
Pat Surtain – like Chris McCallister, is just too good for teams to pick on him, resulting in a lack of IDP worthy numbers.
Denver @ St Louis Sunday 1PM EST
Denver
Studs
Champ Bailey – in CB required leagues he is a lock, and vs Torry Holt he should be started this week for sure. One of the better tackle producing CB’s in the world of IDP.
Strong starts
Al Wilson – should be in for a big day vs SJax, Wilson is a tackle machine.
Ian Gold – had a rebirth in Denver last year after fading out in Tampa. Gold is all over the field and is a solid start most weeks.
Darrent Williams – will come into his own this season.
Gut check
John Lynch/Nick Ferguson – they rarely seem to have good IDP weeks at the same time, which drops them to the gut check category.
Stay away
DJ Williams – showed signs of coming back to life in the preseason, keep your eyes on this kid. He might finally put it together this season. But I wouldn’t bet the success of my fantasy team on it at this point.
Bronco DL’s – no.
St Louis
Studs
None
Solid starters
Will Witherspoon – a lot of people are a little too high on Witherspoon this season. He is a fine player, but is a little on the small side and isn’t a very good value when compared to fellow LB Pino Tinoisamoa. But this is a fine matchup.
Leonard Little – a fine option in DL required leagues
Pino Tinoisamoa – “Hawaii 5-0” is coming into his own, and LB’s versus the Denver run game should put up nice numbers.
Gut check
Tye Hill- rookie corners get picked on. That being said I think Denver will have an easy time running it, which should result in a decrease in DB stats for the Rams.
Stay away
Corey Chaveous – already gimpy, might not play
New Orleans @ Cleveland Sunday 1PM EST
New Orleans
Studs
Will Smith/Charles Grant – should NEVER be out of your lineup in DL required leagues
Strong starters
Josh Bullocks – the 2nd year safety is primed for a breakout season. Doesn’t hurt that he plays on a defense that should spend a lot of time on the field.
Gut check
Fred Thomas – could get picked on by Frye, and put up solid numbers last year.
Stay away
Danny Clark – not yet, but could be a force in the next few weeks.
Cleveland
Studs
Andra Davis – not thrilled with the matchup, but he is a stud.
Strong starts
Orpheous Roye- I don’t think he can duplicate his numbers from 2005, but vs the New Orleans “o line” he should be able to produce. DL required leagues only for this guy.
Gut check
D’Qwell Jackson – should be a real player, but I wouldn’t line him up in my fantasy roster til I see how things play out with him and Chaun Thompson.
Willie McGinest – was terribly inconsistent in NE, I don’t see why that would change now.
Brodney Pool – again, I wouldn’t start any of these guys who were in camp battles til you see how the PT plays out for Pool and Sean Jones.
Stay away
The rest of the Cleveland D – ugly, ugly and ugly……
NY Jets @ Tennessee Sunday 1PM EST
NY Jets
Studs
Jonathan Vilma – like you’d bench him.
Strong starters
Kerry Rhodes – looks like a top 15 DB for sure this year, I’ll play him vs Volek or Collins all day long.
Gut check
Shawn Ellis – will he be able to produce with no Abraham on the other side? Even in DL required leagues I wouldn’t start him til he shows me something.
Erik Coleman – stud last year, then almost loses his job in preseason? Another guy that needs to show me something before I can recommend him.
Stay away
Jets corners – ummmm, no.
Tennessee
Studs
Keith Bullock – the #1 LB this year. I will drive to your home and slap you if you bench him.
Solid starters
Kyle Vanden Bosch – will the offseason payday result in complacency? I’m betting no, and I think Kyle will abuse the future stud rookie tackle of the Jets (Ferguson) in his 1st game.
Gut check
Pac Man Jones – could be a starter in leagues with return bonuses, looked in the preseason like he was ready to show some of the promise that made him a top 10 pick.
Stay away
Peter Sirmon – no.
Philadelphia @ Houston Sunday 1PM EST
Philly
Studs
Jeramiah Trotter – still has plenty left in the tank, and should be an absolute stud in all IDP formats this year. Wali Lundy, meet Mr Trotter. Now meet him again. Now meet him again!!
Michael Lewis – horribly underrated by most, is a top 10 DB and should be busy vs Kubiak’s new offense.
Solid starters
Brian Dawkins – I smell a pick here, and Dawkins will also do his usual dirty work in run support. A fine player who seems to get better with age.
Darren Howard/Jevon Kearse – I really like both of these guys in DL required leagues this season, and its hard to not like a stud DL vs the Houston o line, which doesn’t seem much better than last years’ version.
Gut check
Sheldon Brown – will he see enough balls coming his way to be effective?
Stay away
Lito Sheppard – not an IDP producer
Dhani Jones – not unless you get a “ridiculous looking bow tie” bonus in your league
Houston
Studs
None
Strong starters
DeMeco Ryans – will be in the stud category soon enough, start the rookie tackling machine with confidence.
Dunta Robinson – a stud in a CB required league, Dunta will be busy on Sunday.
Morlon Greenwood – Greenwood and Ryans are going to be IDP saviors for a lot of people this year.
Gut check
Mario Williams – I don’t buy the hype, and I think he will get manhandled this week. Start him at your own risk, even in DL required leagues
Stay away
Sam Cowart – when the music’s over, turn out the light, turn out the light………
Seattle @ Detroit Sunday 1PM EST
Seattle
Studs
Lofa Tatupu – say it with me Lofa owners “LO-FA! LO-FA! LO-FA!” This kid is going to be a stud for the next 10 years.
Solid starters
Michael Boulware – a fine young DB who puts up solid tackle numbers
Julian Peterson – is he hurt yet? No? Then get him in your lineup while you have the chance!
Marcus Trufant – gut check in non CB required leagues, will have to contend with Roy Williams all day long, and Kitna has been known to throw a pick or two in his day (sic).
Gut check
Bryce Fisher – a borderline starter in DL required leagues, with the addition of Darryl Tapp I wouldn’t want to have to rely on Fisher or Grant Wistrom this year, as Tapp is just too talented to keep on the bench.
Darryl Tapp – should be good for a sack even if he only gets in on passing situations, but not a full time guy yet, so not a solid start.
Stay away
Ken Hamlin – lets see how he does for a couple of weeks before you consider starting him.
Detroit
Studs
None
Solid starters
Ernie Sims – with his speed and the tremendous Seattle rushing attack hed have to get hurt to not give you 6+ tackles IMO.
Gut check
Boss Bailey – rave reviews on Boss out of camp this year, but I have a rule about starting players made of glass. Lets see if he can change my mind.
Dre Bly – no DJax (or a limited DJax) will mean lesser stats for Bly. Hass will pick on the #2 corner all day long if all he has out there is Burleson and Engram.
Stay away
Lions safeties – Bullocks will be a stud, but I’d leave him on the pine this week
Chicago @ Green Bay Sunday 4:15 PM EST
Chicago
Studs
Brian Urlacher – YES!
Lance Briggs – YES! (neither of these guys should ever be on your bench)
Charles Tillman – might make Favre reconsider his choice to play this year.
Solid starts
Adewale Ogunleye – should be good for at least a sack against the Arena League-quality line of Green Bay
Gut check
Mike Brown – s stud when healthy, Brown is coming off injury which makes me hesitant to start him, even against Favre.
Stay away
None
Green Bay
Studs
Nick Barnett – start him before he moves to SAM, and trade him when he has a good game. Trust me on this one, you don’t want to still be holding onto Barnett when the pack puts Abdul Hodge at MLB. But for now, get Barnett in there vs the potent Chicago run game.
Aaron Kampman – one of my favorite players in DL required leagues this season, should do well this week
Strong starters
Nick Collins – one of my favorite IDP’s in the 2005 rookie class, Collins is primed for an explosion this season. Can ball hawk and hit, a rare combo at his position these days.
AJ Hawk – again, gotta like LB’s going against this run game. Hawk will be in the every week starter category soon enough.
Kabeer Gbaja Biamila- KGB is still a player, and will benefit from the emergence of Kampman on the other side.
Gut check
Charles Woodson – was burnt repeatedly in preseason, which could bode well for his IDP numbers. “Charley Heisman” will also return kicks for the first time in a long long time.
Stay away
Abdul Hodge – I’d stay away for now, but should be the stud in the middle before too long.
Dallas @ Jacksonville Sunday 4:15 PM EST
Dallas
Studs
Roy Williams – isn’t going to get you many picks, but a tackle machine. Should be in Fred Taylors face all day long.
Solid starters
Bradie James – seems to be the tackle machine out of this Dallas LB crew.
Gut check
Demarcus Ware – do you like starting LB’s who live and die by the sack? I don’t, but the potential for explosion is there every single game with Ware. The potential for one or two tackles and no sacks is there as well. A true “gut check” player.
Akin Ayodele – very productive in Jacksonville, will there be enough IDP love to go around in Dallas? Could be very streaky with all the talent around him.
Terrance Newman – you have to think Jacksonville will try to go to Matt Jones early and often, Newman could have a big day.
Stay away
Greg Ellis – Converted DE probably wont be a stat sheet filler.
Jacksonville
Studs
None
Strong starts
Mike Peterson – normally would be in the stud category, but is coming off a knee injury that was supposed to keep him out week one. As of right now he is looking good to play, but keep up on your injury reports leading up to gametime.
Darryl Smith – will either start in place of Peterson at MLB or will start in his usual WILL spot. Either way should produce.
Rashean Mathis – should be on T.O.’s hip all day long. A fine IDP matchup.
Gut check
Donovan Darius – more name than game at this point in his career, but might put up some numbers.
John Henderson – in a DT required league, sure, but I’ll take most top 25 DE’s over the top 5 DT’s any day.
Reggie Hayward – could get a sack or 2 against the human statue that is Drew Bledsoe
Stay away
Nick Griesen – don’t expect the same late season IDP numbers he put up for the Giants last year.
San Francisco @ Arizona Sunday 4:15PM EST
San Francisco
Studs
None
Solid starters
Derek Smith – some think he is a top 15 LB, some have him much lower, I am in the latter, mostly due to his injury history. If he can stay healthy with the Niners offensive woes Smith could be an IDP star this year if he can stay off the trainer’s table.
Tony Parrish – whether Edge is running the ball or Warner is airing it out it should be a fine day for Parrish
Gut check
Manny Lawson – I think he will have a rookie year more like Demarcus Ware than Shawne Merriman, so expect inconsistent brilliance from the young pass rushing LB Lawson. Could do well vs the shoddy Cardinals line.
Shawnte Spencer – check the injury reports before you insert him, if he is probable bump him up to strong starter (he is currently questionable)
Stay away
Niners “D Lineman” – don’t bother.
Arizona
Studs
Adrian Wilson – the man. Vernon Davis and Frank Gore will be seeing Wilson in their night terrors after Sunday’s contest. Never sit Wilson. Ever.
Solid starters
Bert Berry/Chike Okeafor – both make solid starts in DL required leagues, Berry in particular. Nice to see him off the injury report. Nice unless your name is Alex Smith.
Gut Check
Antrel Rolle – will Smith throw enough to make Rolle relevant? I say yes, but a definite gut check here.
Stay away
Karlos Dansby – the Cardinals “hope” to have their most talented LB back next week, but I have heard some talk that Dansby’s career, and not just a week or 2, COULD be in jeopardy due to a toe problem that will not go away and prevents him from accelerating, cutting and pushing off, all keys for a NFL LB. Keep your ears open on this, I am hoping he is back in a week or two, he is one of the better young LB’s in the game when healthy.
Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants Sunday 8:15PM EST
Indy
Studs
None (normally Brackett would be here, but he is questionable)
Solid starters
Freeney/Mathis – these guys are top DE’s, and should be in your lineup in DL required leagues.
Bob Sanders – should put up some numbers chasing Tiki, Burress, and Shockey around the field.
Gut check
Gary Brackett – listed as questionable, and probably not a real good idea considering it’s the Sunday night game and you may not know for sure if he is playing til after your rosters must be in.
Nick Harper – in the exact same boat as Brackett, but I think Harper is more likely to play.
Stay away
Mike Doss – also listed as questionable, but Doss is too injury prone and streaky for my tastes.
New York Giants
Studs
Antonio Pierce – underrated by some, beloved by his owners in 2005. I think Pierce will have another outstanding year.
Osi / Michael Strahan – every week starters in DL required leagues, but temper your expectations against the fine Indy line.
Gibril Wilson – should have a great game vs the Indy passing attack
Solid starters
None
Gut check
Will Demps – more known for laying Shockey out in camp, Demps is a hard hitter who might not do much in a pass oriented game. His cover skills are ungood.
Sam Madison – old man Sam could be an IDP surprise this year, as he has lost a step and should get picked on, but I don’t trust him enough to start him.
Stay away
Lavar Arrington – already gimpy and was inconsistent at best in the world of IDP’s even when healthy.
Minnesota @ Washington Monday 7PM EST
Studs
Antoine Winfield – the Skins have been horrible in the preseason, whether they shape up or not Winfield should have a good game. He will either be chasing Santana Moss all over the field or will be helping in run support.
Strong starters
None
Gut check
EJ Henderson – has had a really good camp, but I don’t buy it yet after a couple of lackluster seasons to start his career.
Erasmus James – solid young pass rusher, should get chances to make things happen on MNF
Stay away
Fred Smoot – wont be playing this week due to injury
Washington
Studs
Lemar Marshall – another underrated LB, Marshall should benefit from the Skins offensive struggles. Could be a long night for the Washington D
Solid starters
Sean Taylor / Adam Archuleta – I don’t know if Brad Johnson will have to throw enough to make the CB’s relevant, but Taylor and Archuleta are both fantastic in run support (that’s really all Archuleta is good at period) so feel good about starting them this week.
Marcus Washington – I see a few tackles and a sack for Washington, a solid outing.
Gut check
Carlos Rogers – the 2nd year CB could get picked on, but again I don’t think the Vikes will have to throw a lot.
Stay away
Shawn Springs – out this week
San Diego @ Oakland
San Diego
Studs
Donnie Edwards – like Seau before him, genuinely dislikes the Raiders and his numbers prove it. Never sit this guy, that goes double for prime time games versus hated rivals.
Strong starters
Shawne Merriman – the Raiders o line was a sieve in preseason, start Merriman with confidence. Could easily force a fumble on The Human Turnover (Aaron Brooks).
Quentin Jammer – faces Randy Moss, should be very busy
Marlon McCree – the FA pickup should be a solid IDP contributor this year.
Gut check
Antonio Cromartie – will the Raiders even acknowledge the existence of a #2 WR? I wouldn’t mess with the rook this week.
Stay away
The Bolts D Line – their purpose is to free up the LB’s, and they will not help your fantasy team most weeks.
Steve Foley – will not be playing this season.
Randall Godfrey – should not be playing this season!
Oakland
Studs
Kirk Morrison – never sit this young stud in the making, especially vs the best RB in football.
Derrick Burgess – a weekly DL starter, should get Rivers at least once
Strong starters
Thomas Howard – this lightning fast (4.4 40) rookie LB made former top 20 LB Danny Clark expendable, and should have a great 1st week vs Ladanian.
Gut check
Stuart Schweigart – could be big in run support
Michael Huff – will rotate in at S and CB, I will start him in a couple of leagues this week, but as to not be a complete homer we will call Huff a gut check for now
Stay away
Sam Williams – wont do much.
Lance Johnstone – a situational pass rusher when healthy, Johnstone is questionable this week. Will be a spotty sack producer at best this year.
Well there you have it folks, week one of The Hive. Best of luck in all of your IDP matchups this week, and I hope to see you back for week 2!
Swarm