Congratulations, you have decided to begin enjoying the benefits of playing in a fantasy football league that does not limit your player selection to the usual quarterback/running back/wide receiver/tight end offensive positions. You may now select those beasts who play on defense as well. Playing in a league with individual defensive players will broaden your appreciation for the entire game being played on the gridiron and will allow you to root for your players to not only try and score, but to also prevent those aforementioned offensive types from moving down the field and getting into the end zone. Ah, the thrill of two-way football. It’s not all peaches and cream on the defensive side of the ball, however, and there are some key techniques you will want to employ to get the maximum value out of your IDP personnel.
First, as with any fantasy league in which you play, you must understand your league rules. This is a basic commandment, but often neglected. How your commissioner has set up scoring, roster limits and position eligibility is extremely important as to just how you approach the draft and implement in-season management of your roster.
Secondly, you need to figure out where the emphasis is concerning how your IDPs rack up points for your team. Are you in a "big play" league where sacks, interceptions, and defensive takeaways are valued highly? Or is your league more of a tackle oriented system where the value of your players is increased when they are on the field every down as opposed to being specialty substitutions on passing downs? A three-down linebacker in a tackle-oriented league has tremendous value, while a nickel or dime back who takes the field on obvious passing downs is the kind of player to target in a league that rewards heavily for defensive turnover production.
We all want to snag that hot rookie off the draft board, but be cautious with regard to defensive players. Obviously, a rookie will have a steep learning curve to overcome at a minimum, as adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game can dampen a first year player’s impact tremendously. Then there is the worry about a rookie ‘hitting the wall” as the season drags on, as none of these young players have been subjected to the ongoing grind of an NFL season previously. Add to this the fact that they are going up against savvy veteran players and you would do well to wait on the shiny, new IDPs in favor of proven defensive players. Just to contradict myself, though, if a rookie has been drafted and is expected to start immediately because his predecessor has been cut, traded or retired, then by all means target the youngster. Just be sure to monitor his playing time in camp and during the pre-season to make certain he really is being slotted in as a starter on defense. As an example, I would suggest you keep an eye on Atlanta safety Keanu Neal who should be an every-down player immediately.
It is tempting to grab the stud IDPs in your drafts, thinking you will get a leg up on your competitors. You are better served by filling your starting offensive roster prior to drafting IDPs, unless, of course, you play in a league that dramatically pumps up defensive stats. You need to have a firm offensive foundation to compete in fantasy football in general as there are only so many top-notch QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs. While a J.J. Watt, Lavonte David or Reshad Jones is a key foundation for your team, there are also many other good to excellent defensive players who can carry you week to week. I equate it to the decision to grab a stud QB or wait on the position and use a committee approach; both techniques can work, so long as you can adjust during the season to take advantage of match ups and work the waiver wire effectively. Plus, if you read my weekly IDP Reports here on Fantasy Alarm, you will be able to make savvy free agent additions to your squad and outperform your opponents.
When drafting IDP, keep the scarcity of certain positions in mind but not at the expense of building depth. For example, if your league uses defensive tackle as a required position (as opposed to the general defensive lineman designation), you will find that after the top few DTs are off the board, the pool thins out rapidly. That is not a reason to take a DT before a top-20 linebacker though, as the point difference between the top DT and the 10th DT off the board will not win you many weeks, while the 20th best LB may just give you enough tackles to win a close match up once or twice a season.
Understand the eligibility options employed by the platform your league plays on, as getting a linebacker who also qualifies as a defensive linesman can yield significant benefits. Not all platforms determine eligibility equally, and sneaking in an IDP who outperforms those other players at his position due to dual-eligibility status can be the difference between making the playoffs and playing in the consolation round.
When considering defensive backs, do not be charmed by a shutdown corner, such as Darrell Revis. Offenses will avoid throwing the ball to his side of the field, and therefore, a better option is the corner playing on the opposite side of the field; a player who sees more action and has more chances to make tackles, pick off passes and generally be involved in the game. The trend to use multiple receiver sets has diminished this effect somewhat, but it is still not wise to trust a cornerback that has proven his ability to keep any receiver off the stat sheet with his coverage skills.
Speaking of defensive backs, if your league does not differentiate between cornerbacks and safeties, the rule of thumb is to draft safeties for their tackle production. Unless your league uses a big play format, then you will want to seek out the good hands corners that see significant action on a weekly basis. Safeties are especially valuable during weeks when they face run-oriented offenses, as they will usually wind up filling gaps and making tackles all game long.
When trolling the waiver wire, whether to cover a bye week issue or replace an injured IDP, look to the upcoming schedule. Is the player you are targeting going to face a high-powered offense or some plodding run oriented, grind it out team? Are there going to be significant tackle opportunities or is a big play week in store? Adjust and adapt to the schedule when you make your waiver claims.
Finally, have fun, and make sure to check our site for the latest IDP suggestions in my weekly column throughout the season. I will do my best to help you outfox your opponents.