Starting a quarterback, a couple of running backs and a couple of receivers is a piece of cake.
Try setting your lineup when you need to pick defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.
The die-hard Fantasy Footballers that have chucked defense and special teams units for individual defensive players (IDPs) know how challenging the game gets when you have to pick defenders along with the standard complement of offensive players. And their secret is coming out -- whether it's the simple addition of one or two IDPs or a full 11-man starting unit, Fantasy leagues are embracing the concept of using both sides of the ball.
Picking good IDPs is lot like picking good offensive players: Get guys who are around the ball. Ballhawking defensive backs and playmakers in the front seven are always desirable Fantasy options because they're racking up stats by making tackles, registering sacks, forcing fumbles, deflecting or intercepting passes and scoring touchdowns. The only exception, and it's a weird one, are stud cornerbacks who don't play in Cover 2 schemes because they're not thrown at as much, making the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha unappealing.
Like yardage for typical Fantasy players, tackles are the primary stat to keep an eye out for when judging IDPs. Most leagues that use defenders rely on both solo and assisted tackles to give points, with the other defensive stats boosting totals. You might see all tackles count for one point; passes defensed, forced fumbles and recoveries count for two; sacks and interceptions count for three; and touchdowns count for six. Obviously, because a good defender will make anywhere from 90 to 150 total tackles in a season versus a handful of other stats, tackles are king.
We're going to provide you a rank list for IDPs (good through the third week of the preseason), but a sharp Fantasy owner should always keep an eye on the waiver wire for rising talent. Just like offensive players, defenders will come out of nowhere to post big stats and be helpful options to your team. Win the battle of uncovering waiver-wire gems, and you'll be on your way to IDP-league success.
You can e-mail your Fantasy Football questions to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: IDPs in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state and we'll get to as many as we can.
