Single IDP Slot Strategy?

[Tanton]

Hey everyone,

I am in a league where you can play a single IDP player in your lineup. I drafted James Laurinaitis after reading LB's are generally the most consistent and productive players. However, as I look at the waiver wire, there are a TON of people doing MUCH better so far. Since we only use one IDP, nearly every person is available - each team pretty much only has 1 IDP on their team, and it is usually a LB.

Is there a better strategy to employ rather than just leaving in Laurinaitis? Could I be checking match ups and picking up a new player each week? Should I use a different position?

Here are our scoring settings:

1/2 Sack (HALFSK) 2
Interception Return TD (INTTD) 6
Fumble Return TD (FRTD) 6
Blocked Punt or FG return for TD (BLKKRTD) 6
Blocked Punt, PAT or FG (BLKK) 2
Each Interception (INT) 3
Each Fumble Recovered (FR) 2
Each Fumble Forced (FF) 2
Each Safety (SF) 2
Assisted Tackles (TKA) 0.5
Solo Tackles (TKS) 1
Passes Defensed (PD) 1

[meineymoe]

only a dback like Charles Woodson last season would be a good start - but it's hard to predict INTs, etc... so I'd avoid dbacks in your league.

so, go with the big tacklers in the middle, like Laurinaitis, and hope for the best!!

I would consider DE Robert Mathis if he's available - I assume Jared Allen and probably Mario Williams are on teams already - but otherwise I'd go LB if I could only start one IDP (which, I admit, is a pretty bizarre rule to me).

Also, break the mold and carry two IDPs! It doesn't hurt to have a stud backup in case of injury (as the Poz owner no doubt found out)

-oo-

[Tanton]

Yeah, Mario is available.

It is definitely a bizarre rule! We wanted to start to introduce IDP into the league without doing it all at once. Definitely open to suggestions for next year! It has been kind of strange so far.

[meineymoe]

Yeah, Mario is available.

It is definitely a bizarre rule! We wanted to start to introduce IDP into the league without doing it all at once. Definitely open to suggestions for next year! It has been kind of strange so far.

well, your scoring is pretty standard, and I think the average league probably starts 2 DL, 2 LB, and 2 DB, or some variation of that, with perhaps a flex or two.

I'm not usually a dabbler, and like to just jump in (after some research and scenario testing) rather than slowly introduce things... so, I'd say go to six IDPs next season. Also, because of the vast rule change, I'd probably say no IDPs can be protected, and you have a separate one-time IDP draft.

-oo-

[Tanton]

Would it be unfair to say you can keep one IDP player? So if you used a relatively high pick in our inaugural draft one someone you have a chance to retain that pick?

[meineymoe]

Would it be unfair to say you can keep one IDP player? So if you used a relatively high pick in our inaugural draft one someone you have a chance to retain that pick?

hm. yeah, I suppose that would be something to consider... perhaps a Willis was taken early, so that owner shouldn't be punished.... good point....

-oo-

[Tanton]

What is the current perception/value of Laurinaitis? Which LB's are ahead of him?

[Scorp]

Starting only one IDP has got to be tough, but here are some patterns emerging leading up to week 3 so far.
— Philadelphia, Buffalo, Carolina, and Pittsburgh have all failed to protect the passer and figure to be great plays for opposing fantasy defensive linemen.

— Miami, Minnesota, Cinncinati, and Tennessee have been some of the more run-heavy teams and have really given up the fantasy points to opposing linebackers.

— The cornerback that goes up against Roddy White is in for a solid tackle day, Roddy's been targeted 35 times in the past two weeks!

— This may be the year to ignore typical IDP rational and pick up a SLB. Sam linebackers Daryl Smith, James Anderson, and Sean Weatherspoon have all put up top 15 linebacker numbers so far this season.
Bottomline, I would try to start the SLB that plays against Miami, or Tennessee for the most tackles, but you'll want to know whether or not your LB is also a 3 down LB, and if he's a nickel backer. Current list of 3 down LB's:

AFC

Baltimore: Ray Lewis, Jarrett Johnson
Buffalo: Paul Posluszny, Chris Kelsay
Cincinnati: Dhani Jones
Cleveland: D’Qwell Jackson (injured), Matt Roth, Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong
Denver: DJ Williams, Robert Ayers, Mario Haggan
Houston: DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing (suspended), Zac Diles
Indianapolis: Gary Brackett, Clint Session
Jacksonville: Daryl Smith, Justin Durant
Kansas City: Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson
Miami:: Karlos Dansby, Cameron Wake, Channing Crowder (injured)
New England: Jerod Mayo, Tully Banta-Cain
New York Jets: Bart Scott, David Harris, Calvin Pace (injured)
Oakland: Rolando McClain
Pittsburgh: James Farrior, James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons
San Diego: Stephen Cooper (injured-Brandon Siler), Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips
Tennessee: Stephen Tulloch, Will Witherspoon

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NFC

Arizona: Paris Lenon, Clark Haggans, Joey Porter
Atlanta: Curtis Lofton, Sean Weatherspoon
Carolina: Jon Beason, James Anderson
Chicago: Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher
Dallas: Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Demarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer
Detroit: DeAndre Levy (injured - Landon Johnson), Julian Peterson
Green Bay: Nick Barnett, Clay Matthews
Minnesota: EJ Henderson, Chad Greenway
New Orleans: Jonathan Vilma, Scott Shanle
New York Giants: Varies weekly depending on defensive package
Philadelphia: Stewart Bradley, Ernie Sims
St. Louis: James Laurinaitis
San Francisco: Patrick Willis, Parys Haralson
Seattle: Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry
Tampa Bay: Barrett Ruud, Geno Hayes
Washington: London Fletcher, Brian Orakpo, probably Andre Carter, Rocky McIntosh
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I barely know any of the nickle LB's, but bolded are the current one's I'm a little partial to wanting to start, and a 3 down LB, is important.

[Tanton]

Wow, thanks for the information and advice!

[Scorp]

Some of this will change by around week 6, and we'll have different information but I think most of it is going to be helpful, your welcome.

[Biggcmo]

I Like l. Timmons(Pit)..he has been a BEAST 1st 2 games