DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Ryan Sims, Kansas City - Sims will be a key in stopping the inside run. He should get plenty of tackles.
• Vonnie Holliday, Kansas City - Yes, three sacks last week, but heed caution- the Steelers are balanced in run and pass, and we might see more three-step drops from Tommy Maddox.

WEAK PLAY

• Aaron Smith, Pittsburgh - OT John Tait should handle Smith. Most of the plays should come from the Steeler linebackers.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Kendrell Bell, Pittsburgh - Bell will be an every down player, as he roams the field chasing down Priest Holmes.
• Clark Haggans, Pittsburgh - Haggans played well in Joey Porter's absence with 9 tackles and a sack. He may have only one or two more weeks before Porter comes back.
• Shawn Barber, Kansas City - Barber will be busy on all plays as he stays in on passing and running downs.

WEAK PLAY

• Mike Maslowski, Kansas City - Maslowski did little against the Chargers last week, and with the added speed, will play little in passing downs.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Mike Logan, Pittsburgh - Logan showed impressive run stopping ability last week. He'll be needed again against Priest Holmes.
• Chad Scott and DeWayne Washington, Pittsburgh - The Steeler corners will be busy this week as QB Trent Green will throw their way often.

WEAK PLAY

• None

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Hugh Douglas, Jags - Bledsoe was effective last week, but he still prone to sacks from big pressure pass rusher. Douglas will do that.
• Pat Williams, Buffalo - He's still the foundation to the front and will be a force in stuffing Fred Taylor.

WEAK PLAY

• Sam Adams, Buffalo - Adams had his career fantasy day last week. Don't expect anymore games like that.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Akin Ayodele, Jags - Fantasy player of the Week with 10 tackles, a sack & a pick. Don't expect as much against the Bills, but worth picking up and starting this week.
• Takeo Spikes, Buffalo - Spikes made his presence known last week against the Patriots. Tackle numbers weren't great, but that will improve this week.
• London Fletcher, Buffalo - While Spikes was in the spotlight, Fletcher was there doing the dirty work with 13 tackles. He will be dependable.

WEAK PLAY

• Mike Peterson, Jags - It may take a couple more weeks for Peterson to get accustomed to playing the middle. Ayodele's numbers may be affected when Peterson's numbers improve.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Antoine Winfield, Buffalo - Winfield had a big impact stopping the run his way.
• Lawyer Milloy, Buffalo - Milloy has won the SS spot and is ready to go for the Bills defense.

WEAK PLAY

• Coy Wire, Buffalo - After losing the starting SS spot to Milloy, Wire make himself busy on special teams.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis - Freeney wasn't much in the season opener. He'll do better against the Titans Brad Hopkins this week.
• Kevin Carter, Tennessee - This is one matchup Carter can take advantage of. Peyton Manning seldom gets sacked, but look for Carter to take advantage of OT Ryan Diem's slowness.

NEUTRAL PLAY

• Jevon Kearse, Tennessee - We heed caution, as Kearse will be going up against one of the best pass-blockers in Tarik Glenn.

WEAK PLAY

• None

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Keith Bulluck, Tennessee - None of the LBs on either team were impressive in Week 1. Someone's got to make the tackles.

WEAK PLAY

• Brad Kassell, Tennessee - The titans started last week's game with five defensive backs, and only two linebackers. Rocky Calmus' replacement played little, mainly on special teams.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Mike Doss, Indianapolis - Doss was not afraid to come up and support the run. He'll get many tackles.
• Nick Harper, Indianapolis - Right out of the gate, he gets 6 tackles and 2 picks. Quarterbacks will be looking his way. He could be worth a look.

WEAK PLAY

• Scott McGarrahan, Tennessee - He's the 5th defensive back for the Titans. He'll play a lot, but not figure in too much fantasy-wise.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Grenn Bay - KGB was effective as a full time starter. He got a sack and forced a fumble. His speed should prove advantageous against the Lions Jeff Backus.
• James Hall, Detroit - Hall had 4 tackles last week and could take advantage of Chad Clifton's lack of quickness in the pass rush.

WEAK PLAY

• Joe Johnson, Green Bay - Johnson is not the same pass rushing force he was a few years back.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Na'il Diggs, Green Bay - Diggs was effective even while playing hurt. He'll continue to make plays around the line of scrimmage.

WEAK PLAY

• Earl Holmes, Detroit - Won't get in many plays against the Pack, will be off the field on passing situations.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Dre Bly, Detroit - Had 6 tackles along with the pick. The Packers Brett Favre will keep him busy this week.
• Mike McKenzie, Green Bay - The Lions will throw the ball … a lot! McKenzie will be in the action.

WEAK PLAY

• Darren Sharper, Green Bay - Still slowed by a groin injury. May not play much this week either.
• Alex Molden, Detroit - Don't ask me why the Lions picked him up. Most of his tackles come in the end zone after a touchdown.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Kelly Gregg, Baltimore - Gregg was solid in the season opener at nose tackle. He should be a force in the middle against the Browns.
• Marques Douglas, Baltimore - Gregg and Douglas combined for 14 tackles against the Steelers. Good numbers for a 3-4 alignment.

WEAK PLAY

• Kenard Lang, Cleveland - Jonathan Ogden will shut him down. Not a worthy fantasy consideration this week.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Ray Lewis, Baltimore - Not a strong opening week… 4 tackles, 5 assists. He's still around the ball. He'll play big at home this week.
• Andra Davis, Cleveland - Ben Taylor had the big numbers for the Browns last week with 11 tackles, but Davis was solid as well, and should be this week.

WEAK PLAY

• None - Terrell Suggs played well, and got is inaugural sack to keep him off the weak play list.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Daylon McCutcheon, Cleveland - Strong against the run going his way, McCutcheon could be back to his old form.
• Ed Reed, Baltimore - Reed will be in William Green's face all day.

WEAK PLAY

• Anthony Henry, Cleveland - I'm not jumping off the bandwagon … yet! The Ravens will play the control passing game, and few chances for Henry to make big plays.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Patrick Kerney, Atlanta - Ed Jasper was the most productive of the Falcon linemen last week. Look for Kerney to pick up the pace this week.

WEAK PLAY

• Brady Smith, Atlanta - The Redskins Bob Whitfield should have little trouble containing Smith this week.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Keith Brooking, Atlanta - Brooking will improve on his 3-tackle performance of last week.
• Jeremiah Trotter, Washington - Trotter will try to stuff the Falcon running game, forcing the Falcons to beat them with Doug Johnson.

WEAK PLAY

• Sam Rogers, Atlanta - The knee injury will keep Rogers out another week.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• None

WEAK PLAY

• None

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Leonard Little, St. Louis - The 49ers Jeff Garcia is a scrambler, but Little's speed should get to Garcia a couple of times.

WEAK PLAY

• Andre Carter, San Francisco - Carter is one of the best, but the combination of Orlando Pace and QB Marc Bulger will make it difficult.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Jamie Winborn, San Francisco - He will play a lot this game. His speed will keep pace with Marshall Faulk, and you might see him blitz several times.
• Julian Peterson, San Francisco - He will also be a key in putting pressure on Marc Bulger.

WEAK PLAY

• Jeff Ulbrich, San Francisco - He will start, but Winborn's speed will keep him on the field more.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Adam Archuleta, St. Louis - He will be the eighth man in the box stopping the 49er running game.
• Jeramitrius Butler, St. Louis - He will have his hands full with Terrell Owens.
• Mike Rumph, San Francisco - Look for the Rams to pick on this corner rather than Ahmed Plummer.

WEAK PLAY

• Jason Webster, San Francisco - He will be ready to play soon, but not this week

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Jason Taylor, Miami - What, you think Taylor will go two weeks without a sack? He may even double up on Vinny T.
• John Abraham, New York - Abraham will go against an undersized Wade Smith. Maybe a sack, but should get more tackles.

WEAK PLAY

• Larry Chester, Miami - Will be slowed by a foot injury. He may not be in the rotation much.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Zach Thomas, Miami - In this heated rivalry, Thomas will play the field, and get his double-digit tackles.
• Marvin Jones, New York - He played hurt last week and was limited in his playing time, but he'll be up for this rivalry

WEAK PLAY

• Mo Lewis, New York - He's slowing, and might not be effective in playing Ricky Williams or the pass.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Sammy Knight, Miami - He will need to step it up and stop the Jets running game… make Vinny beat you.
• Donnie Abraham, New York - He will have a big game covering Chris Chambers.

WEAK PLAY

Sam Madison, Miami - Ankle injury will limit Madison's mobility. Look for more playing time for Terrell Buckley.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Seth Payne, Houston - Not big on the pass rush, but can shed blockers and make tackles. He'll have many chances on the inside.
• Charles Grant, New Orleans - Playing on a bad calf last week, Grant had 6 tackles and two sacks. It's hard to believe the Texans will go two straight weeks without giving up a sack.

WEAK PLAY

• Gary Walker, Houston - His Shoulder injury will limit his playing time this week.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Sedrick Hodge, New Orleans - He will be the main key in shutting down the Texans running game.
• Jamie Sharper & Jay Foreman, Houston - Both will be busy in stopping Deuce McAllister and the Saints running game.

WEAK PLAY

• Kailee Wong, Houston - This is not a good game for a pass rushing LB. Aaron Brooks will be hard to chase down.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Marcus Coleman, Houston - 2 interceptions and a forced fumble last week. Enough for most players in a season.
• Jay Bellamy, New Orleans - Bellamy has made the adjustment to strong safety, and will enforce the rush defense from the secondary.

WEAK PLAY

• Matt Stevens, Houston - Very few tackles will come from the Texans free safety.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers, Carolina - Yes, Brad Johnson will see the turf a lot this Sunday.
• Simeon Rice, Tampa Bay - We could see a lot of sacks in this game.

NEUTRAL PLAY

• Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay - Just in case he catches a ball as a tight end!

WEAK PLAY

• None - Two great defensive lines.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay - Not great numbers his first week. He will need to be a force in stopping the Panthers Stephen Davis.

WEAK PLAY

• Dan Morgan, Carolina - A hamstring injury makes Morgan questionable for this game… who are already missing Mike Caldwell.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Mike Minter, Carolina - He will need to make Brad Johnson beat them. A lot of tackles for Minter.
• John Lynch, Tampa Bay - This might be a good game to start Lynch, as the 8th man in the box stopping Stephen Davis.

WEAK PLAY

• Terry Cousin, Carolina - Not much coverage action for Cousin in this game. Not strong on the run.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Chike Okeafor, Seattle - Okeafor was impressive in his Seahawk debut. He will get a challenge from the Cards LJ Shelton, but should get his big plays in.

WEAK PLAY

• Wendell Bryant, Arizona - I couldn't find any explanation of Bryant's disappearance last week. He did play… didn't he???

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Anthony Simmons, Seattle - One of the top fantasy players of the week, Simmons totaled 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. He'll remain an important cog for the Seahawk defense.
• Ray Thompson, Arizona - He will the main key to containing Shaun Alexander.
• DD Lewis, Seattle - 8 tackles in his inaugural game. Solid on the strong side.

WEAK PLAY

• None

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Adrian Wilson, Arizona - Not a good showing against the Lions. He will rebound against the Seahawks.
• Ken Lucas, Seattle - All Seahawk DBs were productive last week. Lucas with 8 tackles led the crew, and may draw rookie sensation Anquan Boldin.

WEAK PLAY

• None

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Adrian Dingle, San Diego - This is based off his first week's game with 6 tackles and a sack. It will be interesting if Denver keys on Dingle instead of Marcellus Wiley.
• Reggie Hayward, Denver - This was what the Broncos were hoping for in Hayward, and he might take some pressure off of Trevor Pryce.

WEAK PLAY

• Jamal Williams, San Diego - The run-stuffer contributes little in tackles, and may get tied up with many double teams.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Donnie Edwards, San Diego - He'll get plenty of action putting the hits on the Broncos Clinton Portis
• Ian Gold, Denver - 7 tackles and an interception last week highlighted the Broncos defense. He should be a factor for more big plays this week against the Cardinals.

WEAK PLAY

• None

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Kwamie Lassiter, San Diego - Lassiter is still a presence in the secondary. Will get his tackles against Portis.
• Deltha O'Neal, Denver - He will challenge the Chargers David Boston, so he will have some action this Sunday

WEAK PLAY

• Kennoy Kennedy, Denver - Not enough tackles to make him a quality strong safety.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Richard Seymour, New England - Seymour will need to be solid in keeping the Eagles running game in check.

WEAK PLAY

• ND Kalu, Philadelphia - No pass rushing threat at all on Monday night. He will need to improve.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Roman Phifer, New England - Phifer was one of the few who were effective on defense last Sunday.
• Carlos Emmons, Philadelphia - Was around the ball often Monday night. Will need to do the same this Sunday.

WEAK PLAY

• Ted Johnson, New England - A broken foot discovered after the Bills game will sideline Johnson for a few weeks.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Troy Vincent, Philadelphia - He will need to step up with Brian Dawkins and Bobby Taylor possibly out this weekend.
• Rodney Harrison, New England - Harrison was out of position at times, but still around the ball to make plays.
• Lito Shepard, Philadelphia - We see the Pats Tom Brady throwing a lot. Shepard will be a main target.

WEAK PLAY

• Brian Dawkins and Bobby Taylor, Philadelphia - These two listed as doubtful will leave the Eagles thin in the secondary.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Duane Clemons, Cincinnati - Clemons could put the heat on Rich Gannon. Also had 6 tackles last week.

WEAK PLAY

• Justin Smith, Cincinnati - Raider OT Barry Sims will control Smith this week. Look for little production for Smith.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Eric Barton, Oakland - 12 tackles last week, he will lead the Raiders in stuffing the Bengals running game.
• Brian Simmons, Cincinnati - Simmons was adequate last week. He will get more opportunities against the Raiders.

WEAK PLAY

• Kevin Hardy, Cincinnati - Didn't make the adjustment to the middle last week. We'll see how far he adjusts against the Raiders.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Tory James, Cincinnati - James is familiar with the Raiders; this gives him somewhat of an advantage.

WEAK PLAY

Rod Woodson, Oakland - Woodson is a late scratch due to knee surgery

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Kevin Williams, Minnesota - Not bad in his rookie debut. You could probably put any Viking on the strong play list.
• Alex Brown, Chicago - Brown was respectable with 7 tackles in the 49er debacle. He should get some numbers against the Vikings.

WEAK PLAY

• Lance Johnstone, Minnesota - Is playing behind Kenny Mixon, who got more playing time.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Chris Claiborne, Minnesota - Yeh, I made a mistake on this one last week. Start him against the pathetic Bears.
• Brian Urlacher, Chicago - Yeh, the Bears are bad, but you should start him anyway.
• Warrick Holdman, Chicago - Led the Bears with 12 tackles. Start him again this week.

WEAK PLAY

• Henri Crockett, Minnesota - When will Raonall Smith win the job from this guy?

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Mike Green, Chicago - Still plays out of position, yet still gets his tackle numbers.
• Brian Russell, Minnesota - Played solid in his rookie debut. Could have a field day if Kordell Stewart falters.

WEAK PLAY

• Corey Chavous, Minnesota - Is listed as doubtful with the knee injury and probably won't play.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

STRONG PLAY

• Michael Strahan, New York - The Cowboys can't leave OT Ryan on the end alone to block Strahan. If they do, Quincy Carter will be eating turf.
• Greg Ellis, Dallas - Didn't register a sack last week, but solid tackle numbers.

WEAK PLAY

• Ebenezer Ekuban, Dallas - Failed as a pass rushing threat last week. That's what he's there for.

LINEBACKERS

STRONG PLAY

• Dexter Coakley, Dallas - He must be a force in stopping the Giants running game.
• Michael Barrow, New York - Barrow showed a forced as a blitzer against the Rams last week. Could the Cowboys be the next victim?

WEAK PLAY

• Dat Nguyen, Dallas - Nguyen's size may be a factor, as the Giants will try to power the ball through the Cowboy defensive front.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

STRONG PLAY

• Omar Stoutmire, New York - Former Cowboy had a career game last week with 10 tackles and a pick.
• Will Allen, New York - Good run support, was a key in stopping Marshall Faulk last week.
• Terrance Newman, Dallas - Not bad in his rookie debut. Kerry Collins will be looking his way.

WEAK PLAY

• Shaun Williams, New York - Too many good players in front of him for Williams to make a fantasy impact.