2012 IDP Fantasy Football Week 1: Defensive Linemen (DL) Rankings

Talk about a great kickoff weekend for defensive linemen, as many of the top-flight studs have favorable matchups. To get the party started, we have Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora facing off against a Cowboys offensive line that has serious continuity issues.

That's not good for Tony Romo, and even if the veteran quarterback is precise with his pre-snap reads, it’s likely he will have a few busted plays and these lineman will re-introduce him to the Giants home field—literally.

Speaking of MetLife Stadium, the Jets will also host a home game this weekend as Mario Williams and the Bills' imposing front four come to town. Look for Williams and Mark Anderson to harass Mark Sanchez, as the Jets' right tackle situation is so bad they had to trade starter Wayne Hunter away for Jason Smith of the Rams—yeah.

Sean’s Watch List

I love Matt Shaughnessy, and his problem has never been talent but more health concerns. Another issue I had with the Raiders early in the offseason is talk about possibly transitioning from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. This would’ve been a horrible move for the Raiders linemen, but thankfully, the new coaching staff got the clue that they don’t have the personnel to run a base 3-4 at this time.

The Chargers will have an undrafted rookie at left tackle with Jared Gaither sidelined for who knows how long with continued back problems. San Diego’s offensive line as a whole is a mess, so the Raiders should have some fun at Philip Rivers' expense.

Turning our attention to Tennessee, I like what I saw from Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan in the preseason, and they will play against a suddenly patchwork offensive line vs. the Patriots. Tom Brady is a master at sidestepping the rush, but he’s one of the more immobile quarterbacks in terms of running with the football.

If Stevan Ridley fails in pass protection, we could see some bull rushes that land Brady on his butt.

On the other side of the ball, I like Chandler Jones to be Defensive Rookie of the Year. His burst off the line is dangerous, and he will be taking over Andre Carter's position in the defense. A worthy starter out of the gates, Jones should have a decent game, and he will be a must-start next week against the Cardinals.

1	Jason Pierre-Paul	Cowboys
2	Jared Allen	Jaguars
3	Trent Cole	@ Browns
4	Justin Tuck	Cowboys
5	Mario Williams	@ Jets
6	Chris Long	@ Lions
7	Elvis Dumervil	Steelers
8	Jason Babin (I)	@ Browns
9	Jabaal Sheard	Eagles
10	Julius Peppers	Colts
11	Osi Umenyiora	Cowboys
12	Jeremy Mincey	@ Vikings
13	Robert Quinn	@ Lions
14	Matt Shaughnessy	Chargers
15	Chris Clemons	@ Cardinals
16	Calais Campbell	Seahawks
17	Justin Smith	@ Packers
18	Kamerion Wimbley	Patriots
19	Cliff Avril	Rams
20	Mark Anderson	@ Jets
21	Cameron Wake	@ Texans
22	Charles Johnson	@ Bucs
23	Derrick Morgan	Patriots
24	Tommy Kelly	Chargers
25	Ahtyba Rubin	Eagles
26	Adrian Clayborn	Panthers
27	Haloti Ngata	Bengals
28	J.J. Watt	Dolphins
29	Darnell Dockett	Seahawks
30	Kyle Williams	@ Jets
31	Ndamukong Suh	Rams
32	Chandler Jones	@ Titans
33	John Abraham	@ Chiefs

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