There is a certain dedication of the fantasy enthusiast who like to play with IDPs (individual defensive players). Kind of like the difference between a Batman fan who just watches the movies and those who will get into heated discussions on who the best Robin of all-time is. (And while I'll hear your arguments for Jason Todd or Dick Grayson, I've really enjoyed Damien Wayne enough to move him into the top spot. But we can have that discussion offline if you'd like.)
In any event, it's time for the defensive players to get some love here on NFL.com. And if you've stumbled into this space as somebody who has never done an IDP league, I suggest you give it a shot. I was very skeptical at first, but now I've grown to love it. Again, it might not be for everybody, but it's something you should try at least once. Like sushi. Or "Hot Tub Time Machine", a movie our Michael Fabiano calls one of the funniest of our generation.
So let's jump in with the defensive linemen. A note here, some of NFL.com's position listings might differ from other sites out there. (But why would you play anywhere else?)
In any event, let's get going.
Defensive linemen
Top 10 fantasy IDP options
- J.J. Watt, Texans
- Calais Campbell, Cardinals
- Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants
- Cameron Wake, Dolphins
- Jared Allen, Vikings
- Charles Johnson, Panthers
- DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
- Greg Hardy, Panthers
- Mario Williams, Bills
- Geno Atkins, Bengals
- Julius Peppers, Bears
- Carlos Dunlap, Bengals
- Michael Johnson, Bengals
- Chandler Jones, Patriots
- Cliff Avril, Seahawks
- Derrick Morgan, Titans
- Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets
- Robert Quinn, St. Louis
- Osi Umenyiora, Falcons
- Justin Smith, 49ers
- Cameron Jordan, Saints
- Chris Long, St. Louis
- Rob Ninkovich, Patriots
- Justin Tuck, Giants
- Lamarr Houston, Raiders
- Everson Griffen, Vikings
- Haloti Ngata, Ravens
- Dion Jordan, Dolphins
- Jason Babin, Jaguars
- Corey Liuget, Chargers
- I love Campbell this year. I have a feeling about the Cardinals this season.
- Ware didn't participate in OTAs, which is fine. He will be there when the season starts. He will be good.
- Ninkovich is playing for a contract extension. This works for defensive players, too.
- Liuget is expected to have a big year for the Chargers in 2013.
Linebackers
- Luke Kuechly, Panthers
- James Laurinaitis, St. Louis
- NaVorro Bowman, 49ers
- Derrick Johnson, Chiefs
- Lavonte David, Buccaneers
- Paul Posluszny, Jaguars
- Bobby Wagner, Seahawks
- Sean Lee, Cowboys
- Jerod Mayo, Patriots
- Von Miller, Broncos
- Brian Cushing, Texans
- Chad Greenway, Vikings
- D'Qwell Jackson, Browns
- Patrick Willis, 49ers
- Desmond Bishop, Vikings
- Daryl Washington, Cardinals
- Lawrence Timmons, Steelers
- Elvis Dumervil, Ravens
- London Fletcher, Redskins
- Wesley Woodyard, Broncos
- Dannell Ellerbe, Dolphins
- Sean Weatherspoon, Falcons
- Anthony Spencer, Cowboys
- Jerrell Freeman, Colts
- Vontaze Burfict, Bengals
- Donald Butler, Chargers
- Curtis Lofton, Saints
- Bruce Carter, Cowboys
- Colin McCarthy, Titans
- Aldon Smith, 49ers
- Yeah, I hear you on Smith, too. It's just the way the projections and rankings sorted out. I do like Smith, and realize, these are July rankings. I will probably talk myself into moving him higher on this list.
- Dumervil is listed on NFL.com as a linebacker. So he plays here. I do like him.
- Keep an eye out for Washington's off-the-field issues. He could end up moving down.
Defensive backs
- Morgan Burnett, Packers
- Charles Tillman, Bears
- Eric Berry, Chiefs
- Eric Weddle, Chargers
- Harrison Smith, Vikings
- Roman Harper, Saints
- Tyvon Branch, Raiders
- Mark Barron, Buccaneers
- Bernard Pollard, Titans
- LaRon Landry, Colts
- Stevie Brown, Giants
- Reshad Jones, Dolphins
- Cortland Finnegan, St. Louis
- Kam Chancellor, Seahawks
- Da'Norris Searcy, Bills
- Jason McCourty, Titans
- William Moore, Falcons
- John Cyprien, Jaguars
- Patrick Chung, Eagles
- T.J. Ward, Browns
- Antoine Bethea, Colts
- Jairus Byrd, Bills
- Tim Jennings, Bears
- Ryan Clark, Steelers
- DeAngelo Hall, Redskins
- Matt Elam, Ravens
- Richard Sherman, Seahawks
- Antrel Rolle, Giants
- Glover Quin, Lions
- Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis
- Had a tough time with what to do about Sherman. Do teams try to target him more to get him to shut his mouth? I do like the idea of having him on my team, though.
- People have asked for a defensive sleeper, and for me, it's Cyprien in Jacksonville. He was fantastic in OTAs. You can find a lot of talented rookies if you're patient enough.
Did you know that Adam Rank won last year's Expert's League title? Oh that's right, it's like the only thing he ever talks about. Well congratulations, Rank. You finally did something. What have you done for us lately? Let's worry about 2013 and stop living in the past. Typical Lakers fan, am I right? Oh, if you found this useful (as if) check him out on the latest "Dave Dameshek Football Program". And follow him on Twitter, please. He's taking us to lunch if he gets 17 more Twitter followers today. And we only got 15 the last time, so step up fantasy enthusiasts!
