IDP: Week 11 matchups to watch

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I’ve made a few more changes this week. Since there’s a bunch of defensive backs making such a huge impact in the IDP world these days, I’ve expanded the number of targeted DB matchups to 15. I’ve also added and dropped a few studs from my list.

Coming aboard this week are Raiders MLB Kirk Morrison(notes), Vikings SLB Chad Greenway(notes), Colts LDE Robert Mathis(notes), Colts safety Antoine Bethea(notes), and Cards safety Antrel Rolle(notes). Off the studs list (at least for this week) are Vikings MLB E.J. Henderson(notes), Giants RDE Osi Umenyiora(notes), Texans RDE Mario Williams(notes), injured DL/LB Terrell Suggs(notes) (out 2-4 weeks) and injured Steelers SS Troy Polamalu(notes) (likely out this week). Get better, Terrell and Troy. I miss you both already.

I’ve still got Darren Sharper(notes) up there, although his status for Sunday’s tilt with Tampa Bay is still in question, so stay tuned to the injury report and start him if he’s active.

As always, keep the e-mails and comments coming and be as specific as possible if you’re looking for one-on-one advice – I’ll get to as many as I can.

Studs (this could change from week-to-week, so pay attention)

DL: Jared Allen(notes), Elvis Dumervil(notes), Andre Carter(notes), Aaron Schobel(notes), Julius Peppers(notes), Jason Taylor(notes), Robert Mathis, Trent Cole(notes), Will Smith(notes), Justin Tuck(notes), Dwight Freeney(notes)

LB: Patrick Willis(notes), Brian Cushing(notes), Jon Beason(notes), David Harris(notes), Curtis Lofton(notes), D.J. Williams(notes), Keith Bulluck(notes), Ray Lewis(notes), Barrett Ruud(notes), Lance Briggs(notes), Chad Greenway, London Fletcher(notes), James Harrison(notes), David Hawthorne(notes), Kirk Morrison

DB: Darren Sharper (INJ), Charles Woodson(notes), Jairus Byrd(notes), Leon Hall(notes), Antoine Bethea, Antrel Rolle, Brian Dawkins(notes), Daniel Manning, Eric Weddle(notes), O.J. Atogwe, Ed Reed(notes)

Defensive Linemen – 10 matchups to watch in Week 11:

Ray Edwards(notes), MIN vs. SEA – Both Edwards and Kevin Williams(notes) make excellent plays this week at home versus the Seahawks, who are now without pass-protection specialist Julius Jones(notes) in the backfield. That front four is going to feast on Matt Hasselbeck(notes).

Shaun Rogers(notes), CLE @ DET – Rogers is an IDP rarity – a space-eater who actually makes tackles and occasionally gets to the QB. He’s been relatively quiet this season, but the Detroit offensive line will have their hands full dealing with his 350-pound frame.

Jonathan Fanene(notes), CIN @ OAK – The big Samoan emerged into IDP relevance after RDE Antwan Odom(notes) went down for the year in Week 5. He now has 14 tackles and 4.0 sacks in his last four games and faces a vulnerable Raiders offensive line Week 10. Start him with confidence.

Brett Keisel(notes), PIT @KC – After a slow start where he registered only nine tackles over a four-week span (Week 2-6) Keisel really started heating up. Now he’s finding holes in opposing offensive lines because of the outside pressure applied by the Steelers standout 3-4 OLBs. He may not do it every week, and Polamalu’s absence could mean a less aggressive front seven, but Keisel stands a good chance of getting to KC signal-caller Matt Cassel(notes) if the defense maintains the same approach.

Leonard Little(notes), STL vs. ARI – One big game (Week 6 in Jacksonville) has skewed Little’s overall numbers, but the veteran pass rusher can still get it done, and the Rams will need to be aggressive this week to have a shot at beating the Cards.

Calais Campbell(notes), ARI @ STL – On the flip side, Campbell can capitalize on St. Louis’ weak line and newfound willingness to throw the ball. He makes a solid start at DE2 this week.

Cliff Avril(notes), DET vs. CLE – Avril’s best games this season have come against Pittsburgh, Green Bay and St. Louis – teams with problems in pass protection. The Browns line offers a similar situation for this talented pass rusher. Don’t expect a bunch of tackles, but consider Avril a lock for at least one sack.

Tamba Hali(notes), KC vs. PIT – As great as the Steelers running game looked against the Broncos two weeks ago, the offensive line yields a lot of sacks. And Hali, as a DL-eligible ROLB, maintains value beyond the pale of sack-based specialists.

Justin Smith(notes), SF @ GB – Smith should exploit Green Bay’s line and rack up both multiple tackles and a possible sack. The handy defender is as valuable on rushing downs as he is rushing the passer.

Jason Jones(notes), TEN @ HOU – I’m giving Jones another shot this week against a Texans offensive line that might be overmatched. You should too.

Linebackers – 15 matchups to watch in Week 11:

Paul Posluszny(notes), BUF @JAC – While Posluszny is owned in just 13 percent of Yahoo IDP leagues, he’s coming on strong and has played well in his last four games (41 total tackles, FF, INT, PD). He should be owned in all formats and has a favorable schedule on the way, including a tasty Week 11 matchup in Jacksonville.

Dhani Jones(notes), CIN @OAK – Despite being the 37th ranked fantasy LB and relatively consistent tackle totals all season, Jones also gets little fanfare. He should be a main contributor for the Bengals defense in the team’s next few games.

DeMarcus Ware(notes), DAL vs. WAS – I’m wary of throwing him up on the studs list because he’s a pretty one-dimensional player. Since I’ve taken him off he’s played well, and so has the Cowboys defense (yeah – I’m a fan). Last week he had five tackles and two sacks in the loss to Green Bay, but the Washington’s makeshift line will have a hard time keeping both Ware and DL Jay Ratliff(notes) off Jason Campbell(notes).

Nick Barnett(notes), GB vs. SF – Barnett has emerged as the most effective of the Packers linebackers, and seems to be on the field more than the others in the 3-4 rotation. Readers have been asking me to show Barnett some love, so here he is, coming off a big week and primed for another versus the 49ers.

Andra Davis(notes), DEN vs. SD – Davis has played well in his last three games (23 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and deserves another shot this week against the Chargers. The Broncos seem to be surrendering some long drives, and the Chargers are likely to stick with the formula that’s been beating them – plenty of runs to the strong side, where Davis cleans up as the LILB.

Lawrence Timmons(notes), PIT @ KC – Timmons is starting to find his groove and seems almost 100 percent healthy now. He’s young, fast, and probably the second-best all-around linebacker among the talented Steelers 3-4 unit. The Chiefs won’t have the ball all that much this week, but expect Timmons and Harrison to be all over them while they are.

James Laurinaitis(notes), STL vs. ARI – I can’t really justify sitting Laurinaitis in anything but the shallowest IDP leagues, even though he’s been quiet lately. As the defense continues to improve, he’s spending less time on the field, but the Cardinals will likely play conservative football and run the ball a ton versus the Rams, giving the rookie a shot at 10-plus total tackles.

Will Witherspoon(notes), PHI @ CHI – The veteran LB had just three tackles last week but should rebound against a Chicago team that loves to run the football – or at least should be running the football instead of having Jay Cutler(notes) just heave it all over the field.

Gary Brackett(notes), IND @ BAL – Brackett made me look good last week with his 11 total tackles (eight solos) and key fumble recovery. I’ll give him another chance to make me smile by including his matchup in Baltimore. It’s a battle that’ll likely be fought on the ground when the Ravens have the ball.

Jonathan Vilma(notes), NO @ TB – Vilma had eight tackles last week and seems to be more involved on this defense as teams have kept it close. While the Bucs might get blown out, they’re just not much of a passing team, so Vilma should remain on the field enough to post good numbers.

Jerod Mayo(notes), NE vs. NYJ – He posted six tackles and a sack last week against the Colts and should have another solid week versus the Jets. I’m wary of 3-4 inside LBs from time to time, but Mayo looks (and plays) like the real deal.

Karlos Dansby(notes), ARI @ STL – Dansby isn’t blowing anybody away with his IDP numbers right now, but he’s been pretty consistent (eight total tackles and a half-sack last week; at least six solos in four straight). The Rams are a team that relies heavily on Steven Jackson, and I expect Dansby top be all over him.

Justin Durant(notes), JAC vs. BUF – The emerging IDP star’s injury hiatus threw a bit of a monkey wrench in his production, but he had seven solos last week and should have a big day against Buffalo, a team that’s now relying on the arm of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes) and the brains of defensive minded new head coach Perry Fewell. I think that means a simple offensive approach and a heavy dose of both Marshawn Lynch(notes) and Fred Jackson(notes) – with Durant benefiting.

Bradie James(notes), DAL vs. WAS – He has a great history against the Redskins and at LILB is now the leading tackler on the Cowboys (his 66 total tackles edges out Keith Brooking’s(notes) 65). The Redskins kept Andre Davis involved so much last week at LILB, why shouldn’t Bradie see similar success?

Stephen Cooper(notes), SD @ DEN – Cooper had seven tackles and a PD last week but remains the most consistent LB on the Chargers. Give him a start versus the Broncos, who might be without QB Kyle Orton(notes) and forced to deploy a heavy rushing attack.

Defensive Backs – 10 matchups to watch in Week 11:

Cortland Finnegan(notes), TEN @ HOU – Finnegan is a big play defensive back with a penchant for PDs. Since returning from a lingering hamstring injury in Week 8, he has 16 total tackles, three PD and two INT (one returned for a TD) in past three games. He’s an excellent play against the Texans this week, and should be active in just about any format that rewards PDs and INTs heavily.

Darrelle Revis(notes), NYJ @ NE – He had arguably best game of the season against New England in Week 2 and despite a reputation as a shutdown corner has attracted a lot of attention from opposing QBs. Other than two games against Miami and Week One in Houston, he’s been a very solid IDP contributor this season. We all know Bill Belichick is stubborn, so don’t expect him to shy away from Revis despite his effectiveness battling Randy Moss(notes) the first time out this year.

George Wilson(notes), BUF @ JAC – Since Week 4, Wilson’s been an absolute madman at strong safety for the Bills, compiling 71 tackles, two sacks, three PDs and two INTs in just six games. He’s earned a spot on this list with that kind of play, if not the aforementioned list of studs.

Louis Delmas(notes), DET vs. CLE – Delmas is having a solid rookie campaign and should be started this week facing a Cleveland offense that makes a lot of dumb mistakes. He’s a ball-hawking safety and could easily make a huge impact in the box score.

Dashon Goldson(notes), SF @ GB – Goldson is coming off another huge game and seems to be a better tackler than his veteran counterpart, SS Michael Lewis, who missed some time this season because of concussions and seems a shadow of his former aggressive self. I’m putting my chips on the youngster, not Lewis, to break out with another big game against the Packers.

Erik Coleman(notes), ATL @ NYG – The Cooler is heating up, and should see copious amounts of action with Eli Manning(notes) spreading the ball around to his litany of young, talented receivers. The Giants will undoubtedly open things up at home and use the middle of the field – unless those proverbial New Jersey winds blow oppressively. Keep an eye on the weather report and stay away from Coleman if it looks like it’ll be one of those super-windy days.

Terrell Thomas(notes), NYG vs. ATL – Thomas has quietly produced excellent IDP numbers the past few weeks and will be tested this week versus the Falcons, who are without starting RB Michael Turner(notes) and will likely attempt to move the ball through the air a lot more than in previous weeks. See above comments regarding the weather.

Yeremiah Bell(notes), MIA @ CAR – Bell hasn’t really been too spectacular this season, but he’s still worth consideration in all IDP formats. He could see a lot of work against the Panthers and remains a decent option each week.

Terence Newman(notes), DAL vs. WAS – Newman is the best IDP defensive back in Dallas and could make a big impact when the Redskins decide to throw the ball. He’s adept at jumping routes and has a nose for the ball. Give him a shot in deeper IDP leagues.

Cedric Griffin(notes), MIN vs. SEA – He had nine solo tackles last week and should be busy against the Seahawks, a team that’ll go to the air and make plenty of mistakes against this wicked defense. As far as upside goes, Griffin is among the best DBs in the league this week.

Reed Doughty(notes), WAS @ DAL – Does anybody know if Reed Doughty is any relation to talented singer/songwriter Mike Doughty (formerly of Soul Coughing)? Because I love that guy’s music – just wish I had the time to go see him play live in nearby Troy, NY tonight (Wednesday) at Revolution Hall. I also love Reed’s sweet IDP music. He had 10 tackles, a PD and a fumble recovery versus the Broncos and should be working hard again this week in Dallas.

Quintin Mikell(notes), PHI @ CHI – Mikell got back in my good graces with eight tackles and two PD last week facing the Chargers. The Bears should run the ball a lot this week, but the obvious possibility of another Cutler feast means I’m starting my Eagles DBs. Asante Samuel(notes) is another high risk/high reward play.

Aqib Talib(notes), TB vs. NO – He’s another definite risk/reward guy, but the Saints offense is bound to throw long a bunch of times and give the 6-1, 205-pound corner a shot at a few PDs or a random INT. Play him in deeper formats and keep your fingers crossed that the Saints don’t get up by too much too early.

Brodney Pool(notes), CLE @ DET – Pool has played quite well alongside safety Abram Elam(notes) in Cleveland and has been the better IDP contributor in 2009 (43 tackles, three INT, eight PD). Both remain excellent plays against the Lions, who will definitely try to get the ball up field using their promising “Stafford-Megatron” connection.

Tyvon Branch(notes), OAK vs. CIN – I picked up Branch in a 14-team IDP league that only requires one DB. The top team in the league, “Ochocinco’s Revenge” (expertly managed by sometimes grocery clerk and fantasy football guru D. Tompkins) dropped him during his bye. Bad move, D-Man. I was nicely rewarded with Branch’s 10-tackle, two-PD game versus the Chiefs last week, and I’m expecting another solid performance this week. In a related note, RotoExperts.com’s Paul Bourdett (the “PUA” here on Yahoo!) is currently tied for second place in Ochocinco’s division. Here’s to a couple big weeks and a new division leader, Pauly!

Antonio can be reached at Antonio@rotoexperts.com.