Defensive Upgrades/Downgrades by Brian Roberson and Tom Nadratowski Every week, FootballGuys.com's resident Individual Defensive Player (IDP) Gurus - Brian Roberson and Tom Nadratowski- will be providing you with immediate opinions on what players are stepping up their play, which ones are falling down on the job and which players just happened to have a horseshoe in their pocket for one game. ** Some players with asterisks have been kept on this week's list as holdovers from last week because they were on a bye last week and we didn't want you to forget about them. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Upgrades Frank Ferrara NYG (Nadratowski) - With Keith Hamilton now gone for the year and Kenny Holmes down with an elbow injury, Ferrara responded with a great 7-2-1.5 outing. Even Michael Strahan was dinged with some back spasms. As long as the Giant front four keeps resembling a MASH unit, Ferrara gets an upgrade. Aberrations Bobby Hamilton NE (Nadratowski) - Hamilton has been posting forgettable numbers most of the season - 5 tackles or so per game. This week he notched But this week he notched a big 7-4-1. He probably won't do that again, so don't grab him thinking he'll do that again.Glover managed only 1 solo tackle this time out against the Rams. For whatever reason he just didn't get it done. The Rams are one of those funky teams that skew defensive players' numbers when they throw they're odd packages out there (5 WR, 3 TE, etc.) Downgrades Justin Smith CIN (Roberson) - Smith was great last year, but has a mere 19-2-1 on the year. Why? Because the whole Bengal team has imploded. He never gets a chance to rush on passing downs, and then opposing teams get up by the half and run the ball to kill the clock. He's also the only legitimate sack threat on the team and gets taken out. Hang on to him in dynasty leagues because he IS talented, but in redraft leagues move on and get another DL. LINEBACKERS Upgrades Wali Rainer JAC (Roberson) - With TJ Slaughter set to return from a four game suspension, Rainer is hearing the rumors that he's going to be replaced at middle linebacker. He responded this week with a huge game. If he continues this production, he'll be a great addition. Ed Hartwell BAL (Nadratowski) - Ed Hartwell probably was the hottest pickup defensively this week, with Ray Lewis' status so questionable. He rewarded his owners with a Lewis-esque 6-5-0 game. With Lewis out probably only one more week, start him or trade him for someone good to the desperate Ray Lewis owner in your league. Downgrades Marvcus Patton KC (Nadratowski)- Patton has had exactly one good game this season. It was a 5-3-1 1 FR outing in week 4 against Miami. He is 35 years old and has obviously slowed down. He may be good as a spot play from time to time, but he's going to make you nuts with his inconsistency. Time to put the old guy out to pasture. If you're in a dynasty league keep an eye on rookie Scott Fujita. He could crack the starting lineup by the end of the season at SLB. Hardy Nickerson GB (Nadratowksi) - Speaking of old linebackers, Nickerson is another player who has been frustratingly inconsistent. He notched a putrid 0-2-0 week 6. He has played so poorly that the equally inconsistent Torrance Marshall was recalled from FB duty to be a backup MLB. That's not a good sign for Nickerson. He'll have his moments, but he's going to make you bald from frustration while you try to figure out when to play him. Get rid of him. DEFENSIVE BACKS Upgrades Marques Anderson GB (Roberson) - Anderson's numbers sure looked sweet after the Packers trounced the Patriots Sunday. This is a situation to monitor this week because Anderson was filling in for the injured Darren Sharper. If Sharper continues to be out, take a flier on Anderson. Shaunard Harts KC (Roberson) - Harts started this week for the injured Greg Wesley. His first start could not have been much better. He was all over the field leaving me asking my pals "Who is #42 for the Chiefs?" numerous times during the game. While he's in the lineup, he is a nice option. One thing to mention though and that's that while Harts had a nice statistical day, he was out of position many times also. IF he holds on to the job, he's valuable. Chris Cash DET (Roberson) - Cash is an unknown in the IDP world right now. He has put together two very nice weeks back to back though and could be emerging as a worthwhile pickup. He's a cornerback and as most of you know, corners aren't the best scorers from week to week but he could be a spot starter against passing opponents. Aberrations Ifeyani Ohalete WAS (Nadratowski) - He is going to jump up your weekly leader boards but don't bother. He had a pick that he returned for a TD that is inflating his numbers. He's a blip, so avoid him. Downgrades John Lynch TB (Roberson) - Lynch's production has waned due to numerous reasons but the facts are that he's not a dependable fantasy start each week. At this point, look for other options if Lynch is a starter for you.