Top IDP Fantasy Players for the Playoffs

Individual Defensive Player (IDP) leagues are becoming more and more popular each year, and while many fantasy owners out there are stocking up on playoff skill position players like Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson, there are likely some out there craving the knowledge of who to pick in their IDP league.

In my third season of action, I'm absolutely hooked on IDP leagues, and I was fortunate enough to land Patrick Willis and Curtis Lofton this year. A late round steal in Jay Ratliff and a lucky gamble on Darren Sharper gave me my first IDP victory and ensured that I'll be back for another season. As we look into the NFL playoffs, those brave people out there embarking on playoff IDP leagues must look somewhere for advice. Therefore, the following are some of the top IDP prospects to look at for the NFL playoffs.

Linebackers

In many IDP leagues, linebackers are the cream of the crop, the top point getters, and the go-to-guys for fantasy success. With studs like Patrick Willis, Jon Beason, and Curtis Lofton home for the playoffs, who do you turn to?

Ray Lewis, Baltimore - Lewis has become an ageless wonder. At age 34, he continues to be a stellar middle linebacker in this league, and the leader of a still very good defense. He had a great season once again, putting up big numbers for fantasy owners. He finished the season fifth in the league in tackles and added three sacks and two forced fumbles to go along with it. Lewis remains one of the most intense players in the game and he'll surely bring that into the post-season.

Bradie James, Dallas - James has quietly had a fantastic season as the backbone of one the league's most underrated defenses. James won't typically make the big play, as he's only notched one interception in his seven year career. He will get an occasional sack however, and he's a reliable tackling machine with over 100 tackles in each of the past four seasons. He's a reliable veteran for any fantasy team.

Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans - Vilma, along with veteran SS Darren Sharper, is one of the reasons why the Saints defense improved so dramatically this season. Vilma is ideally suited in the 4-3 style defense the Saints run and he's found a way to stay healthy two years in a row after an injury plagued 2007 (his last year as a Jet). Vilma had over 100 tackles for the second consecutive season, and he added three interceptions to go with it. He's a reliable fantasy starter and should be productive in the playoffs.

Other linebacker prospects to be noted: Karlos Dansby, Keith Brooking, Nick Barnett, Dhani Jones, Chad Greenway, Jerod Mayo, Clint Session, and Stephen Cooper.

Defensive Line

Defensive line players aren't traditionally the cream of the IDP fantasy crop, but this year several top linemen from the season will be in the playoffs as well. I would suggest getting a hold of one of them if your league requires you to start a defensive lineman.

Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings - Allen has been a relentless pass-rushing machine this year, but what many haven't noticed is that his high-motor style of play has also led him to amass 50 total tackles. Allen is exactly the kind of player fantasy owners should be looking for if your team requires starting a defensive lineman.

Trent Cole, Philadelphia - Cole burst onto the seen a couple years ago and he's been a force ever since. Cole had a fantastic season with 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles to go with 57 total tackles. Cole will try to continue his success against the Cowboys next week and will be a force for as long as the Eagles are still in the playoffs.

Jay Ratliff, Dallas - Some leagues require not only defensive lineman, but specifically at least one defensive tackle. Because tackles eat up space and blockers, often they don't produce much statistically. They do the dirty work while the pass-rushers get all the glory. Still, if you're forced to play a DT, a guy like Ratliff who posed 40 tackles and 6 sacks would be a good one to grab. Chances are, someone will over-value a guy like Kevin Williams, but you can be satisfied with a guy like Ratliff to be a stable part of your fantasy lineup.

Other defensive linemen to be noted: Kevin Williams, Dwight Freeney, Will Smith, Ray Edwards, Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell, and Robert Mathis.

Secondary

The value of secondary players depends greatly on the league you're in. Most leagues favor tackles, so these are the players that I'll focus on here. Sometimes a sleeper safety will rack up enough points to win your league for you, so be meticulous when drafting your secondary starters.

Antoine Bethea, Indianapolis - Bethea has long been an underrated part of the Colts defense and he is truly one of the better safeties in the league. He's a solid tackler, amassing 95 this year, but he also has excellent ball skills with four picks and nine passes defended in 2009. In a year where safety play wasn't dominated by the usual suspects, Bethea continued to shine and should be one of the top secondary targets in the fantasy playoffs.

Roman Harper, New Orleans - Harper took a back seat to Darren Sharper this year, as Sharper created more turnovers. However, in IDP fantasy leagues, Harper was the player notching 100 plus tackles and two forced fumbles. Sharper is certainly not a bad choice, but Harper might be the one who brings home the fantasy gold.

Charles Woodson, Green Bay - Woodson is a corner, which is a position that often doesn't put up the kinds of statistics that you look for in fantasy. However, Woodson managed to put up 74 total tackles this year to go along with his nine interceptions and three touchdowns. Woodson will be a strong, if not the leading, candidate for defensive player of the year. He'll be plenty busy against the pass-happy Arizona offense and against the other high-octane teams he'll face if the Packers advance. Draft him if you get the chance.

Other secondary players to be noted: Darren Sharper, Darrelle Revis, Johnathan Joseph, Nick Collins, Brandon Meriweather, Adrian Wilson, Cedric Griffin, Ed Reed, Dawan Landry, and Asante Samuel.