I don’t usually play in fantasy football leagues with individual defensive players (IDP) but there are many of you out there that do and I didn’t want to exclude you from the fantasy football rankings I’ve been doing for GMEN HQ.
From my research and the few IDP leagues I’ve been a part of in the past the linebacker position tends to get all the glory. The potential for sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions to go along with their propensity for tackles makes them the most attractive IDP fantasy targets and you can see that reflected in my rankings.
Defensive backs are always nice because any INT can be turned into a quick pick-six and we all know touchdowns are gold in the world of fantasy football. And if you’re looking to bolster the sack category of your team you can’t go wrong with one of the top pass rushing d-lineman.
I’ve compiled a list of my Top 50 IDP fantasy players for the 2012 fantasy football season so take a look at them and let me know in the comments what you think…
- Patrick Willis
- Jason Pierre-Paul
- Desmond Bishop
- James Laurinaitis
- Jared Allen
- D’Qwell Jackson
- NaVorro Bowman
- Sean Lee
- Justin Tuck
- Julius Peppers
- Eric Berry
- Pat Angerer
- Derrick Johnson
- Curtis Lofton
- Trent Cole
- Ray Lewis
- Stephen Tulloch
- Tyvon Branch
- Kam Chancellor
- Paul Posluszny
- Cameron Wake
- George Wilson
- Daryl Washington
- J.J. Watt
- Sean Witherspoon
- Jerod Mayo
- Mario Williams
- Karlos Dansby
- Colin McCarthy
- Luke Kuechly
- Roman Harper
- DeMeco Ryans
- Von Miller
- Elvis Dumervil
- Chris Long
- Osi Umenyiora
- Earl Thomas
- Chris Clemons
- Jon Beason
- DeMarcus Ware
- Cliff Avril
- Lawrence Timmons
- London Fletcher
- Donald Butler
- Jason Babin
- Charles Tillman
- Ed Reed
- Patrick Peterson
- Justin Smith
- Charles Johnson