What Do You Look For In Matchups (1 Viewer)

[Uruk-Hai]

I think I'm damned near clueless here. When I only had a few good IDPs, my decisions were pretty easy - start the good ones. However, I've beefed up my IDP corps & now have real problems deciding who to start. I don't really know what to look for. Obviously, you start guys like K Bulluck just about all the time, but what about making a call between two lesser players who are generally about equal. My strategy is pretty hazy at this point. For example:

D-Line: against a team that passes a lot, play my rush ends; team runs a lot, play stud DT.

LB: play the solid tackle guys against the running teams; big play/sack guys against passing teams

DB: stumped

These admittedly half-***ed methods are probably completely wrong. In reading some of the WDIS posts, I've been trying to find common threads about different positions, but haven't been able to put it together yet.

What do some of the experts look for when trying to decide who to play at each position - both with the opposing team & the player's own team?

 

[Red Herring]

I'd love to hear the answers to this as well. As well as what Uruk- mentioned, these are some of what I look for:

D-line: Who my guy is playing against; If he's facing Walter Jones or Orlando Pace, and I have a roughly equal option, I'd rather not watch my guy get pancacked all day. The matchup goes the other way too; if I see that some rookie is starting on the OL due to injuries, etc., I'll take a longer look at the guy that'll be across from him.

LB: Especially when you have a good tackler with ball-hawk skills as well, I love to see them go against better offenses in general, especially ones that regularly use a good 3rd WR (Bengals, Indy, etc) or hevily involved TE (NYG, Bal, etc) ... there should be more intermediate throws, which can create both tackle and Int opportunities.

I also look at the LB's team's DL. If they suck, or there are injuries (ATL this week maybe?), there should be more holes for the RBs, hence more tackle ops.

DB: Scheme obviously plays a big part at all positions, and I'm not confident enough in my IDP IQ to break those down. Apart from that, though, the rookie CB rule is one thing to consider.

Also, against teams that run a lot, the run-stopping safety (traditionally SS) should become a better play. League scoring makes a difference here, but looking at the opposing QB should be part of it. Int machines like Culpepper, Kerry Collins, Favre lately, can break a tie for me between an average safety and good ballhawking corner.

I think a good pass-rush also helps out the ball-hawks, but hurt CB tackle numers, so again, depending on scoring, it could push my decision.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'd love to hear the answers to this as well. As well as what Uruk- mentioned, these are some of what I look for-line: Who my guy is playing against; If he's facing Walter Jones or Orlando Pace, and I have a roughly equal option, I'd rather not watch my guy get pancacked all day.

This should turn into a solid topic, and it is a very needed discussion. For now, I followed the above thinking to the letter last weekend. James Hall faced Walter Jones. I benched him. Jones got a little tweak on a play Hall scored a sack. Then Hall gets another on Jones replacement. Obviously this matchup business is more art than science.

 

[SackDiesel808]

I think I'm damned near clueless here. When I only had a few good IDPs, my decisions were pretty easy - start the good ones. However, I've beefed up my IDP corps & now have real problems deciding who to start. I don't really know what to look for. Obviously, you start guys like K Bulluck just about all the time, but what about making a call between two lesser players who are generally about equal. My strategy is pretty hazy at this point. For example:

D-Line: against a team that passes a lot, play my rush ends; team runs a lot, play stud DT.

LB: play the solid tackle guys against the running teams; big play/sack guys against passing teams

DB: stumped

These admittedly half-***ed methods are probably completely wrong. In reading some of the WDIS posts, I've been trying to find common threads about different positions, but haven't been able to put it together yet.

What do some of the experts look for when trying to decide who to play at each position - both with the opposing team & the player's own team?

Starting lineup requirements and scoring system please.....In general, getting solo tackles is the staple for getting solid production, since sacks, fumble, and ints are unreliable and random in their occurances. I almost never play a D-line over either a LB or DB. I almost never play a CB instead of a FS/SS. Given the choice stay away from SLB and get MLB and stud WLB (in tampa 2 usually).

The next most important thing to learn is which LBs stay on the field in nickel and dime situations.

HERE: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=261141

 

[Chaos Commish]

I think some thorough responses can turn this thread into a nice tool. There's many angles to consider. Team tendencies and individual matchups should take center stage, imo. Of course a good handle on your leagues scoring system is also key.

D-Line: against a team that passes a lot, play my rush ends; team runs a lot, play stud DT.

It's a "team tendency matchup" that I consider a very loose rule of thumb. In the long run, playing your best DEs should pay off. That's in general and some solid DTs are often better plays for the reason in quotes. But that all important sack + forced fumble is generally coming from the DEs. The individual matchups require knowing OLs. Do you want Peppers against Bryant McKinnie or Suggs against the strip club bouncer the Raiders are rolling out?

LB: play the solid tackle guys against the running teams; big play/sack guys against passing teams

In standard scoring, I stick with the solid tackle guys here almost always. They have a better chance of netting a sack or a pick than the pass rusher does a big tackle performance.

DB: stumped

Treat safeties like LBs, same rules apply. The big tacklers are more likely to make big plays than the big playmakers are to have a bunch of solos. Corner matchups usually get juicy when you know the QB is avoiding the other corner.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'd love to hear the answers to this as well. As well as what Uruk- mentioned, these are some of what I look for:

D-line: Who my guy is playing against; If he's facing Walter Jones or Orlando Pace, and I have a roughly equal option, I'd rather not watch my guy get pancacked all day.

This should turn into a solid topic, and it is a very needed discussion. For now, I followed the above thinking to the letter last weekend. James Hall faced Walter Jones. I benched him. Jones got a little tweak on a play Hall scored a sack. Then Hall gets another on Jones replacement.



Obviously this matchup business is more art than science.

Ignorance is bliss sometimes I guess - I played Hall & didn't even consider who he was up against; got a nice 13 pt day out of him

 

[Uruk-Hai]

[

Starting lineup requirements and scoring system please.....

I know this makes a big difference, but I left it out to try & keep the discussion more generalized & not come off like a WDIS

In general, getting solo tackles is the staple for getting solid production, since sacks, fumble, and ints are unreliable and random in their occurances.

That's been my thinking for the most part when acquiring players. But when does the scale tip the other way (assuming some kind of "normal" scoring if that's possible)? What situation will make you lean towards the big play as opposed to the safer play?

I almost never play a D-line over either a LB or DB. I almost never play a CB instead of a FS/SS. Given the choice stay away from SLB and get MLB and stud WLB (in tampa 2 usually).

I'm with you, but if you have to play DL, what do you look for?

The next most important thing to learn is which LBs stay on the field in nickel and dime situations.

HERE: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=261141

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I think some thorough responses can turn this thread into a nice tool.

I hope so. 3 years into my first IDP league & after a ton of trial/error, I think I could now draft a pretty good squad from scratch. But I really need work on my in-season management. I'm hoping that in between listening at the feet of the more experienced masters here & with the much-appreciated increase in in-season content at FBGs, many of us relative noobs will improve in this area quickly.

 

[Biabreakable]

Adding my post on this topic from before here. I hope that this thread or another of it's ilk gets many responses and some discussion. I think this is one of the most challenging aspects of IDP. Figuring out which of your players are the best plays each week means the difference between a loss or win in competitive leagues.

I definitly still have not mastered this yet. I have added some more comments on the criteria.

There are many factors to take into consideration.

1. IDPs role in the defense. Type of defense they play. There has been some good discushion on the cover 2 defense and how it generaly helps the WLB and ushualy one of the CBs. While other defenses will tend to produce better numbers from the MLB. Teams will build thier scheme around certain players. You just need to recognise what each players role is for thier respective defense so you can determine how they will matchup against opposing offenses and what that may mean for thier numbers.

2. IDPs talent. Talent is not always what makes a IDP a good play. For example a shut down CB will often be avoided by the opposing team as they pick on the weaker cornerback. This is similar to the rookie CB rule. But also works for veteran players. Spencer from the 49ers was a good one to have last year. Now week 1 Harris was the better play.. trend? I am not sure yet. But its definitly nice to play CBs against Arizona I think.

3. IDPs on your players team that may effect production. Other more talented players on your IDPs team may get to the ball before they can limiting the plays they make. This has to do with player injuries or players returning from injury now entering the lineup. Or aquisitions by trade/free agency. Or possibly a new player moving into the starting lineup. Sometimes your player will get platooned with another limiting thier production as well.

4. Injuries to key players on your IDPs roster. If a NT is injured then blockers may get to the 2nd level and block your Lbers more limiting thier ability to make plays. This in turn to make you lean towards a Db from same team or cause you to bench the Lber in question.

5. Opposing teams offensive tendencies. How will your players role in the defense be effected by this?

6. Talent of opposing offensive players that will match up against your IDPs. If your DE is playing against a elite offensive tackle you might want to consider starting someone else. Likewise maybe your DT has a good matchup against a poor offensive guard that might lead your to start him over a DE.

6. Injuries to key offensive players your IDP faces. Starting a good DE against a weak offensive tackle because of injury for example. Or if the teams starting Rb is injured this could cause that team to throw more than normaly.

7. Inexperienced or trunover prone Qbs. You might favor a IDP player because of the Qb they face having a greater chance of turning the ball over.

8. Overall strength and weakness of opposing offense vs. your IDPs defense. This is somewhat backwards thinking but you will get used to it. If the team your IDP faces is very good on offense then you should expect that team to have more time of possesion. The more offensive plays they run the greater opportunity your IDP will have to make plays trying to stop them. The flip side of this is a very good defense against a poor offense will not be on the field as much and so have less opportunity to make plays. However chances are a strong defense against a weak offense has a higher chance of forcing turnovers.

9. Strength of your IDPs offensive team against opposing defense. If your IDP plays on a team with a good offense that controls the clock this gives your IDP less chances to make plays.

I think your on the right track of thinking about running teams vs. passing teams. Although it is not always a direct translation of starting a SS vs. running team or FS against passing team. Each situation is different based on the factors I listed above and probobly some others I have missed.

If your a subscriber Aaron tracks a matrix that shows IDP scoring by position against each offense. I think this is a great tool to help you pick matchups after week 3 or so when tendencies begin to show.

Picking week one starters is always tough. A lot changes from year to year. So for the most part I would just start who you consider to be your best players in week 1. Then start looking at trends and tendencies from matchups later.

It is week 2 now. What tendencies have people noticed thus far?

 

[Rozelle]

It's important not too get to tricky with this. At times things happen during the course of a game that drastically change things. Such as a running team falling way behind and having to pass or the other way around, a key injury and team attacks weakness. Many different variables can come into play. I pretty much stick to the basic rule: Start your Studs.

 

[Biabreakable]

Here are some applications of these things from my rosters. The decisions I made last week and why. And the decisions I am making this week and why from Zealots scoring/starting format:

Dline I always start 2 here.

Last week I started Charles Grant because I liked his match up against a below average LT and inexperienced Qb in Frye. I expected Cleveland to run a lot more than they did. Grant did not do so well.

I also started Mike Rucker against the Falcons for much of the same reasons. I thought he had a good matchup against LT and he has been known to make quite a few tackles against the run in years past as well. Vick is a wild card that I always consider attractive to start my IDPs against.

I was totaly wrong.

My best 2 Dlinemen were Shaun Rogers playing against the Seahawks and inexperienced LG now that Hutch moved on. I considered this prior to the game as possibly a good matchup for him also. But left him on the bench.

Leonard Little was another Dlineman I could have played. I didn't like him against the Broncos running game really and figured he would be often double teamed. Wrong again Little had a nice game against a shaky Jake Plummer who seemed to be trying to force the ball to Walker a lot.

0-2 lol Now I am playing Rogers and Little. My other 2 DE play against good LTs this week. Little plays the 9ers Rogers against the Bears inside running game and inexperienced Grossman.

I start 3 Lbers

Last week and this week I will play the same 3 MLBers. Hayes, Pierce and Brian Simmons. Pierce actualy wasn't a great matchup against the Colts passing offense last week and now plays against the Eagles another passing team. But he is the best Lber I have so I play him. My other options right now have some injuries. Brackett and Spikes. If Spikes was healthy I would start him against CPep (who makes turnovers) and respectable runshing giving him tackle ops. But Spikes isn't healthy so he gets bench. I also have Danny Clark, Simoneau and Fujita. I am waiting for the Saints Lber corps to settle before I decide which one is a keeper and possible starter for me. I worry that Clark/Simoneau will platoon MLB making neither worth playing though. :(

I start 3 Dbs

Last week I went with Shawtae Spencer because I liked the numbers he has put up against arizona past 2 years. He was hurting though and Harris had the better game. I even considered that Harris might prior to the game. Harris is now on my watch list to possibly pick up.

I also started Ed Reed and Kerry Rhodes. Both of these guys will almost always be in my lineup unless somthing changes. I have Whitner also and will play him this week instead of Spencer. I had him on bench week 1 because he is a rookie and I wanted to see what he would do 1st. I am thinking about putting Antrel Rolle in for one of the safeties. But I have not decided on that yet. he did well against the 9ers last week and could again against the Seahawks who are looking to pass more I think. But Hass is pretty safe with the ball so Im not seeing great int ops for him this week. I have Vasher and McCree also who are players I will possibly use against poor Qbs. McCree is playing the Titans.. Collins/Young and the SD pass rush is tempting me to put him in there over Rhodes who faces Brady. But I think the Pats will run the ball a ton again so Rhodes should get good tackles numbers. Maybe he can force a fumble on the rook Maroney.

Not sure if that helps or not but that is mostly what goes into my thought process when picking my starters.

 

[Chaos Commish]

s Biabreakable

I wanted to jump into the topic, but I just didn't have the energy for typing the long posts the topic requires. You make great points I wouldn't have. Well done. I too hope we can develop this thread thoroughly. This is the challenge of IDPs, also the fun, and also why I am addicted to them.

 

[Tick]

 

[Islander]

Sometimes it is so frustrating I just want to start my best players and not care about the matchup. I spend all this time analyzing the matchup and I screw up from A to Z.

Adalius Thomas was not supposed to be on the field much because the Raiders suck, blah blah blah. I knew he had a good chance for big plays, but he had a low tackle potential. Well even if we ignore his 2 sacks, 1 INT, and safety, he still got 7 tackles. Similar for Ray Lewis.

 

[stevegamer]

My primary rule of thumb is to sit anyone who is listed as questionable or worse. I figure that will translate to a zero often enough that mybackup will be better. Week 1 was awful, because I ended up having too many LB's at questionable, and I wasn't starting my development bench LB. I picked the wrong questionable LB to start due to him having just shown up as questionable on the Friday report - Hill from Sea over MPeterson.

I normally start my studs, no matter what at DL & LB, so I'm left with one LB to pick from to fill in a 3-4 with the following guys: Abraham/Umeniyora/Berry/Thomas/Peterson/Quarles-usually KMitchell.

DB gives me fits, because I've got Gibril Wilson, whom I start every week, and a horde of young safeties, plus Dunta Robinson. since I only carry the one corner, I try and figure out his prospects first, and then start wading throught the safeties. If I play dunta, I need 2, otherwise, I need 3.

I think that once my LB core of studs goesaway, I will need to do a lot more analysis of matchups.

Additionally, we're still trying to figure out who the surprise studs & breakout players of 2006 will be. Once they are positively identified, they will be added to the mix, and some former studs will fall.