A collaborative post by Ross Miles and Jeff Ratcliffe.
The IDP team breaks down and ranks the IDP rosters of all 32 NFL teams, by taking the average projected points per team for players projected to play over 500 snaps in 2011. For each franchise starting caliber players (top 10) are listed for big-play scoring formats, such as our own IDP scoring system, and tackle-heavy (or more standard) leagues.
See teams ranked 32 – 17 here.
16. San Diego (95.18)
Gone are the days of Shawne Merriman and a fearsome Chargers pass-rush. Instead their elite IDP options are the consistent tackling defensive backs, Eric Weddle and Antoine Cason. Weddle recorded 127 total tackles in 2008/9 and after signing the biggest contract ever for a safety, will be looking to make an impact again in 2011. Cason stepped up from his nickel role to be a full time starter last season, seeing 937 snaps, grading +9.1 and making 4 INTs. He is their CB1 this year so will be covering the top wideouts and will have plenty of opportunities. Donald Butler has been a favorite sleeper candidate of ours since handed the ILB1 position and 3 down role, while Antonio Garay graded +27.9, recorded 6 sacks (5 hits and 18 pressures) on just 465 snaps, making him another under the radar option. Be wary of Shaun Phillips (4 sacks in one game) and Bob Sanders (injuries).
Big-Play Studs: Eric Weddle (S)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Eric Weddle (S), Antoine Cason (CB)
16. Cleveland Browns (95.18)
T.J. Ward is one of the elite options at safety and should push to be the top scoring defensive back this season with his high tackles numbers (123 total last year) in a lackluster Browns defense. Although he doesn’t add turnovers, his consistency is what makes him such a great fantasy asset. Joe Haden lived up to his lofty draft position with 6 INTs in just seven starts as a rookie, but his 65 total tackles (and only two missed tackles) is what makes him a top 10 option. The return fitness of D’Qwell Jackson should see him post around 100 tackles, making him an attractive upside LB2, while Jabaal Sheard holds value in dynasty leagues as a pass-rushing 4-3 DE if Ahtyba Rubin and Phil Taylor can be the space-eaters inside.
Big-Play Studs: Joe Haden (CB), T.J. Ward (S)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Joe Haden (CB), T.J. Ward (S)
14. Atlanta Falcons (95.50)
One of the most under-rated corners in fantasy football, Brent Grimes has quietly amassed 153 total tackles and 11 interceptions in the past two years as a starter. It wouldn’t take too much for Grimes to turn his 16 pass deflections from last season into a couple more picks and then he’d be in the race to be #1 fantasy CB. Curtis Lofton is excellent in tackle-heavy leagues, averaging 115 total tackles a year, but is exposed and only a LB2 in scoring systems with an emphasis on turnovers, as he averages only 3.3. Ray Edwards and John Abraham make for nice pass-rushing bookends, and Sean Weatherspoon represents good upside if he can stay healthy.
Big-Play Studs: Brent Grimes (CB)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Brent Grimes (CB), Curtis Lofton (LB)
13. Oakland Raiders (95.83)
Matt Shaughnessy, Lamarr Houston, Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly comprise one of the most fantasy friendly defensive lines, but none are truly elite. The best of the quartet is Shaughnessy, who at 24, entering his 3rd season in the NFL, has the potential to improve to the next level and break into double-digit sacks. After much hype as a rookie, Rolando McClain did not live up to expectations, but should not be overlooked, especially in tackle-heavy formats. Tyvon Branch is the best IDP option on the roster having recorded 4 sacks last season and averaging 114 total tackles in the past two years. Michael Huff had been an under-achiever since being selected 7th overall in 2006, but last season he finally clicked, charting 95 total tackles and 4 sacks, but beware he is a one-season wonder.
Big-Play Studs: Tyvon Branch (S)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Tyvon Branch (S)
12. Baltimore Ravens (96.33)
The Ravens have provided excellent IDP starters for years, but age is starting to catch up with several of them now, namely Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. Reed in particular has struggled with injury, but still managed 8 INTs in 10 regular season games last year. Lewis has played 15 seasons in the NFL, and the only times he hasn’t broken 100 total tackles (twice) is when he missed 10+ games, making him ultra-reliable. Terrell Suggs combines solid tackle numbers with double-digit sacks when firing on all cylinders, but is most valuable in big-play leagues, although if classed as a LB, be wary that his 07/08 and 09/10 stats make him only a high-end LB3. In-the-box safety, Bernard Pollard, has been a consistent tackler through-out his career and has the potential to be a DB1 in tackle-heavy leagues.
Big-Play Studs: Terrell Suggs (DE), Ray Lewis (LB)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Terrell Suggs (DE), Ray Lewis (LB)
11. Minnesota Vikings (97.17)
Jared Allen is one of the elite DEs and although the loss or Ray Edwards means opposing teams can scheme for him, he has seen plenty of double teams in the past and still put up DE1 numbers, so should do again in 2011. Antoine Winfield has been one of the most consistent CBs in the NFL throughout his career, breaking 80 total tackles 7 times in his 12 years in the NFL and was our top graded CB in ’08 (+28.6) and ’10 (+21.0). If you are looking for a safe bet, Winfield is your man. As far as OLBs go, few can post tackle numbers like Chad Greenway, who has averaged 116 total tackles a year since 07/08. If he can reproduce his 5.5 sacks from 08/09, he could break into the top 5 LBs.
Big-Play Studs: Jared Allen (DE), Chad Greenway (LB), Antoine Winfield (CB)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Jared Allen (DE), Chad Greenway (LB), Antoine Winfield (CB)
=10. Tennessee Titans (99.08)
Titans defenders saw an extremely high number of snaps last season, which inflated the value of several players heading into 2011, but there is still plenty of value to be found, especially in their secondary. Both Cortland Finnegan (100 total tackles) and Alterraun Verner (101) are tackle-machines, but Finnegan has the edge with his ability to turn interceptions (12 in 3 years) into a pick-6 (3). Michael Griffin took a step up last year too, reaching the 100 total tackle mark for the first time. He’s always been able to create turnovers (15 INTs, 6 FF and 2 sacks in 4 seasons) and assuming the increased tackle numbers weren’t just a result of his 1215 snaps, he will be a DB1 this year again. Free agent Barrett Ruud is a solid LB2, but only signed a one-year deal, so Colin McCarthy holds sleeper value in dynasty leagues. Jason Jones has tremendous upside, if only he can finally put together a whole season together.
Big-Play Studs: Cortland Finnegan (CB), Alterraun Verner (CB), Michael Griffin (S)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Alterraun Verner (CB)
=10. New England Patriots (99.08)
With the Patriots switching to a base 4-3 defense there has been a change in value for some of their IDP players over the past few months, most notably Jerod Mayo. When running the 4-3, Mayo is lining up as the WLB which means it’s likely he’ll see a drop in his league leading tackle numbers from 2010, although he will have more pass-rushing opportunities. The main beneficiary should be Brandon Spikes (+18.6 on 365 snaps), who is projected to be the starter at MLB and expected to breakout. That being said, Mayo is still an LB1. Devin McCourty’s 7 interception rookie campaign marked him out as a future star and although it will be hard to reproduce, his 82 total tackles still make him a top CB option, especially in dynasty leagues. Patrick Chung helped many fantasy teams win in week 4 last year, blocking two kicks, but his 94 total tackles in just 14 games show his potential to be a DB1. Albert Haynesworth has been a divisive figure in IDP circles, but if anyone can complete a reclamation project, it’s Belicheck.
Big-Play Studs: Jerod Mayo (LB), Devin McCourty (DB), Patrick Chung (S)
Tackle-Heavy Studs: Jerod Mayo (LB)
Questions and comments are always welcome via Twitter – @PFF_RossMiles & @JeffRatcliffe.
© 2025 PFF - all rights reserved.