Wire Me This (IDP)

09/29/2009 1:45 PM -  Mike Woellert

Well, week 4 begins the bye weeks for Atlanta, Arizona, Carolina and Philadelphia.  So, that means no Karlos Dansby, Trent Cole, Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, Mike Peterson, Curtis Lofton, among others this week.  If you have bench depth, than use it this week but if you need to go to the wire, here are some dependable options for you to use this week (depending on your league size and scoring format):

Defensive Linemen

1. Will Smith, DE (NO): The New Orleans defense is much improved under Gregg Williams and should no longer be considered a “cream-puff” defense.  Will Smith makes a fine replacement for guys like Julius Peppers and Trent Cole this week.  If he’s on your wire, grab him and start him against the Jets this week.

2. Robert Geathers, DE (CIN): Feel free to start anyone on the defensive line for the Bengals this week against Cleveland.  Geathers put together a solid game against the Steeler registering 3 solos/4 assists and a 1/2 sack.  I believe he has DE1 upside against the Browns this week.

3. Greg Ellis, DE (OAK): Ellis was held in check on MNF but still makes a dependable option in most league formats.  He has a pretty favorable matchup with the Texans playing on the right side.

4. Andre Carter, DE (WAS): I would recommend playing anyone on the Washington defense this week.  Carter has registered 13 total tackles and a sack thus far and will be facing a rookie QB in Josh Johnson.  The Bucs haven’t allowed a sack but the line has been susceptible to the pressure.  Carter makes a nice DE2 for week 4.

5. Chris Kelsay/Aaron Schoebel, DE (BUF): Buffalo has a decent matchup with Miami and Kelsay and Schoebel are usually dependable DE options.  Schoebel has 2 sacks thus far and Kelsay filled the stat sheet nicely with 6 solos and a sack.  Both make fine DE replacement if you need a temporary replacement or bench depth.

Some other options to look for: Marcus Stroud (BUF), Sedrick Ellis (NO), Leonard Little (STL)

Linebackers

1. Kevin Burnett, RILB (SD): I liked Burnett coming into the season and he’s starting to pull away from a rotation with Tim Dobbins.  Shawne Merriman is expected to play against the Steelers but could be limited meaning more opportunities for Burnett.  I think he makes a great addition for the rest of the season and playing at the ILB spot next Stephen Cooper shouldn’t hurt things either.

2. Daryl Smith, LILB (JAC): Smith has been productive in the Jags’ 3-4 scheme alongside Justin Durant, as he’s registed 24 total tackles and has forced a few fumbles.  Smith has a nice matchup with the Titans as they should be running leaving plenty of opportunities for him.  He’s definitely should be considered an LB3 the rest of the season.

3. David Hawthorne, MLB (SEA): Hawthorne came out of nowhere in week 3 as Lofa Tatupu’s replacement at the MIKE.  He registed 15 solos and picked a pass off in Sunday’s game with the Bears.  If you have the bench depth grab him and Lofa Tatupu owners will want him as their handcuff since he proved he’s more than capable of stepping up.

4. Rocky McIntosh, WLB (WAS): McIntosh has been productive alongside Fletcher.  He’s registered 18 total tackles and has forced a few fumbles.  The Redskins and their linebacking group have a nice matchup with the Bucs Sunday.  McIntosh makes a nice LB3 if you need the fill-in.

5. Demorrio Williams, LILB (KC): He’s been getting most of the reps at LILB, which was Derrick Johnson’s position and has made the most of it.  With the exception of a bad week against Oakland, he’s been productive and makes a decent add for bench depth in tackle heavy leagues (19 total).

Some other ‘backers to look for: Brandon Ayanbandejo (BAL), Quincy Black (TBB), Dhani Jones (CIN)

Defensive Backs

1. Abram Elam, SS (CLE): Cleveland’s defense is going to be on the field….a lot.  Elam has fit in nicely with Mangini’s 3-4 scheme (shouldn’t have been too difficult in the first place).  Elam has been a tackling machine and has registered at least 6 solos tackles in the first 3 weeks of the season.  He has a nice matchup with Bengals and should be productive yet again.

2. Antoine Bethea, FS (IND): He’s been all over the field for the Colts and has a pick in consecutive games.  He’s also registered 8 total tackles in consecutive games.  Bethea might not be available in most leagues but if he, he makes a fine DB2 in most league formats.

3. Nate Clements, DB (SF): He’s been productive the past few weeks as teams start to pass to him a bit more (6 pass defensed on the season).  He has a nice matchup with the Rams this week as they look to get their pass game going with Kyle Boller.  He won’t duplicate his 100 tackle season of 2005 but should be good for pass defensed and 60-70 total tackles going forward.

4. Roy Williams, SS (CIN): He’s getting himself back on the radar and has a very nice matchup with the Browns in week 4.  He’s cleaned up his act (so far) in terms of his horse collar technique and so far as registered 23 total tackles on the season.  He makes for nice bench depth or bye-week filler if you own someone like Quintin Mikell or Erik Coleman.

5. Chris Hope, SS (TEN): Hope usually is a lock for 100 total tackles and has 21 on the season thus far.  His week 4 matchup against may not allow for many opportunities this week but he has a nice schedule the rest of the way.  He can typically be counted on as a DB1/2 in most formats.

Some other guys to look for: Terrence Newman (DAL), Nick Harper (TEN) and Reggie Nelson (JAC)