For those in Individual Defensive Player (IDP) fantasy football leagues, the defensive lineman position can either be feast or famine.  Defensive lineman rarely get enough tackles in a given game to make a huge difference, however, many league heavily reward sacks.  Sacks are unpredictable so the strategy in selecting linemen can be tricky.  Take for example Justin Smith last year.  He had 6.5 sacks in his first 7 games but only had ½ a sack the rest of the season (9 games).  If a linemen is too successful early on they are likely to see double teams and their production drops significantly.  The elite linement aside (who are used to seeing double teams), it is essential to play the hot hand and to not get caught up in the name game.  That’s why IDP leagues are so much more fun…it takes much more skill to forecast how a particular defensive player will perform against the opposing offense.  Will the team be trying to pressure the opposing rookie QB or will the defense sit back and wait for mistakes?  Reading up on scouting reports can keep you ahead of the game!

1. Terrel Suggs, BAL
2. Jason Taylor, MIA
3. Julius Peppers, CAR
4. Aaron Kampman, GB
5. Aaron Schobel, BUF
6. Osi Umenyiora, NYG
7. Derrick Burgess, OAK
8. Dwight Freeney, IND
9. Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
10. Mark Anderson, CHI