October IDP Article: Fantasy Football IDP Studs/Duds & Surprises First Quarter of season
By Robert Kirlin "Mr. IDP Guru"

Well the first 4 weeks of the NFL Fantasy Football season has come and gone, here is my report card on players that are on most of your rosters (some on mine good and bad) and some options you may want to look at with some pleasant surprises.

D-Lineman: STUDS:

1. Justin Smith San Francisco: In both of my leagues he is the league leader with 49 points, I was lucky enough to draft him in both leagues, many magazines had him ranked out of the top 20, I had him ranked #6.

2. Charles Grant New Orleans: Had a big game week #4 but his numbers have been consistent, many have Will Smith ranked higher but Grant will let him have the pub, I’ll take the points. 3. Albert Haynesworth Tennessee: In some leagues he’s on your waiver wire, many go with Kyle Vandenbosch, honestly, Tennessee has if not the best one of the best tackling teams in the NFL.

DUDS:

1. Jonathan Babineaux Atlanta: Here’s a guy that should be flourishing, he’s definetly underperforming.

2. Jevon Kearse Tennessee: He’s really the odd man out on the Titans, he just doesn’t seem to fit this defense.

3. Frostee Rucker Cincinnati: He’s put up solid numbers in the past and for a team that spends so much time on defense, he’s clearly not making plays.

SURPISES:

1. Gaines Adams Tampa Bay: Had a poor week #1 but has put up consistent numbers each of the last 3 weeks to be a top fantasy football IDP pick by adding/including an INT and a TD.

2. Shaun Rogers Cleveland: The big man in the middle never gets a lot of credit, Rogers is one who not only takes up space, but actually makes plays.

3. Chris Long St. Louis: Sonny boy is doing his daddy proud, not a huge scorer, but he’s a lot better than many rookie D-Lineman in his first year.

LINEBACKERS:
STUDS: 1.Barrett Ruud Tampa Bay: He fell off at the end of last year, but is off to a huge start reminds me of a young Jack Ham in the day where if he wasn’t making the tackle, he was always around it.

2. Patrick Willis San Francisco: The only surprise right now is why is there someone ahead of him on this list.
 
3. DJ Williams Denver: Had 140 tackles last year and is on his way to another monster year.

DUDS:
1. Andra Davis Cleveland: 2 years ago he led the Browns in tackles, last year was so-so, this year he has fallen off the map.

2. Tedy Bruschi New England: Once a top 5 player in Fantasy Football IDP rankings, many have him, but only as a backup, and many now are wondering why.

3. Keith Rivers Cincinnati: I was really high on this guy and his potential, but he’s been up and down points wise and is clearly inconsistent.

SURPRISES: 1. Dhani Jones Cincinnati: Much as I’m not a fan of the Steelers AFC North opponents, Jones has been putting up great numbers and quite honestly with Donnie Edwards hurt on my roster, I’m picking this guy up this week.

2. Chad Greenway Minnesota: To me he’s not much of a surprise as his first year he was injured in the preseason and came back the next year to have an average year. This year he’s busting out and is now on my roster as a must start. (I just have to figure how to get him in the game when I already have Patrick Willis and DJ Williams on my roster as well).

3. Jonathan Vilma New Orleans: Remember the movie Escape from New York? Well Vilma’s escape has paid dividends for the New Orleans Saints. D-BACKS:

STUDS:

1. Charles Tillman Chicago: He always puts up great numbers and is one of the few corners that are worthy of being on your roster.

2. Quintin Michael Philadelphia: Yeah, he killed my Steelers week #3, but has put up great numbers each week so I can’t play favorites.

3. Gibril Wilson Oakland: So he goes from the Super Bowl Champs to the asylum that is the Oakland Raiders. With all the distractions between coaching and the front office, Wilson is just showing what a professional he is.

DUDS: 1. Darren Sharper Minnesota: 3 years ago he was top 10, this year I did have him ranked in the top 50… I think.

2. Nate Clements San Francisco: Here’s a guy I had ranked 6th amongst D-Backs this year, so far his numbers are way below average. I wouldn’t give up on him just yet though, he should respond.

3. Laron Landry Washington: Ranked number 15 on my list and I though had the potential to go higher, I still do but he needs to get it in gear.

SURPRISES:

1. Cortland Finnegan Tennessee: Had a decent year last year and I saw enough potential in him to rank him at #26. His numbers may drop off some, but if they don’t he’ll end up leading all D-Backs this year.

2. Chris Gamble Carolina: Another corner who is consistent like a Charles Tillman or Antoine Winfield, for those who know IDP and know those players, you know what I mean.

3. Lawyer Milloy Atlanta: I really had to do a doubletake when I saw his numbers and how consistent he’s been, I guess the old man still has it.

Look for me again in November when I give the midseason report, hopefully some of your fantasy football IDP players who are on the “DUDS” list will start coming around for you, if not, I hope some of the players I’ve mentioned on this list will help your team. Also check out the FORUMS section as I post weekly starts for players you may need to fill in for 1 week.