Think IDP leagues are the way to go? Then Ballhawkin' is for you. Here, we pick out a few Individual Defensive Players that could have huge weeks and are possibly sitting in your free-agent pool.Half of last week's picks were huge. One has emerged as an every-week start, an LB1 that fell into a great opportunity due to injury. We're picking him again this week, so more on him later.
The other two hits were both Buccaneers. Tanard Jackson is the best IDP DB in the league, on average, yet his early-season suspension has likely buried him in your free agency pool. He's managed an interception in three of his four games, returning two for TDs (including one in Week 9). Stylez G. White abused the poor Packers line for 1.5 sacks.
Can we unearth more unknowns this week? Let's find out.
Linebackers
1. David Hawthorne, Seahawks (15% owned). Up six percentage points from last week, Hawthorne is still vastly unowned, and shouldn't be. In a league where Patrick Willis (the No. 1 LB) averages 17.5 points per game, Hawthorne turned in his third game of 25 points or more in Week 9. That fantastic performance came thanks to nine total tackles and two interceptions. Pick him up immediately and start him every game from here on out.
2. Kamerion Wimbley, Browns (8% owned). The Browns are playing the Ravens on Monday night this week. At first look it seems to be a tough matchup, but the Ravens are having problems along the line, surrendering four sacks to the Bengals last week. Wimbley has notched a sack in five of his seven games played, and he obviously has a great shot at adding another in this game.
3. Jason Trusnik, Browns (1% owned). The rash of injuries to Cleveland backers has elevated Trusnik, who was acquired in the Braylon Edwards trade, into a more prominent role with the Browns. He responded in Week 8 with an eight-tackle game that also included a sack. Given an extra week to prepare, he should have another solid day on Monday. Both Browns 'backers make for solid spot-plays, while Wimbley is probably more than just a one-week starter for your team at this point.
Defensive Backs
1. Jairus Byrd, Bills (8% owned).2. Bryan Scott, Bills (2% owned).
Byrd has a remarkable three games in a row with two interceptions. He also had an interception in the previous game to that streak. Scott has been out with an injury, but with the safety position probably the strongest on the Buffalo defense, the Bills have been prepping Scott to play linebacker in case of emergency. That scenario came to pass with Keith Ellison out this week, so Scott will start at weakside linebacker. He should see a boost in his tackle total as a result, while Byrd should be able to cause at least one Vince Young turnover.
Defensive Lineman
1. Anthony Hargrove, Saints (9% owned). Meet the top fantasy DL over the last three weeks. Hargrove notched two sacks in Week 7 against Miami, one sack in Week 8 against Atlanta, and two fumble recoveries (one forced by himself) and a TD in Week 9 against Carolina. He travels to St. Louis this week and should have ample opportunity to rack up more sacks and turnovers.
