2012 IDP Fantasy Football Week 6: Linebacker (LB) Rankings

It was hard to like Rey Maualuga after such a horrible let down in his first season at middle linebacker a year ago. Maualuga played in the middle in college, and it only made sense he would at least give us respectable LB3 numbers for a cheap price. However, he struggled, perhaps because of poor conditioning and little time to work in the off-season with this coaching staff because of the lockout.

Whatever the reasons, Maualuga is putting together the kind of numbers we expected last year, and it appears he has a firm grasp on a three down role.

What Did We Learn From Week Five?

- Bobby Wagner is clearly gaining the trust of Head Coach Pete Carroll, and his upgrade to a three down role is proof. Wagner plays the run well. Based on his one and a half sacks last week, we know he can make an impact behind the line of scrimmage.

Wagner projects to have a three down role, as he shouldn’t be considered a liability in pass protection in the long run. This week will be a big test for the rookie against Tom Brady and the Patriots. If he does well, consider him a three down backer for the rest of the season and a possible LB2 play going forward.

- David Harris has had some ups and downs since his early career success. Situation makes a big difference for Harris this season, as the offense is having a hard time staying on the field. Harris should be a respectable start weekly in as the Jets will struggle most weeks.

Sean’s Week Six Watch List

- Stephen Nicholas suffered an ankle injury last week, so I’ve tailed him back to a low-end LB3 play. Nicholas has done a terrific job opposite Sean Weatherspoon, and when healthy, we should continue to have him in the lineup. Let’s keep an eye on his snap count this week, and if he’s catching would-be ball carriers or striking them.

- Lavonte David impressed in his last game against the Redskins. Let’s see how he does against a mostly run heavy offense as the Chiefs come to town.

- Playing on a short week, Colin McCarthy will have a hard time suiting up against the Steelers; even if he plays, it will be interesting to see if he can go for a full complement of snaps.

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1	James Laurinaitis	Dolphins
2	Daryl Washington	Bills
3	Sean Lee	@ Ravens
4	Ray Lewis	Cowboys
5	Chad Greenway	@ Redskins
6	Mason Foster	Chiefs
7	Jerod Mayo	@ Seahawks
8	Sean Weatherspoon	Raiders
9	London Fletcher	Vikings
10	D.J. Smith	@ Texans
11	Patrick Willis	Giants
12	Lavonte David	Chiefs
13	David Harris	@ Colts
14	NaVorro Bowman	Giants
15	Karlos Dansby	Rams
16	Donald Butler	Broncos
17	Philip Wheeler	@ Falcons
18	DeMarcus Ware	@ Ravens
19	Rey Maualuga	@ Browns
20	Michael Boley	@ 49ers
21	Von Miller	@ Chargers
22	Derrick Johnson (I)	@ Bucs
23	Nick Barnett (I)	@ Cardinals
24	Stephen Tulloch (I)	@ Eagles
25	Larry Foote	@ Titans
26	Bobby Wagner	Patriots
27	Perry Riley	Vikings
28	Jerrell Freeman	@ Jets
29	Colin McCarthy (I)	Steelers
30	Akeem Ayers	Steelers
31	DeMeco Ryans	Lions
32	D’Qwell Jackson (I)	Bengals
33	Stephen Nicholas (I)	Raiders
34	DeAndre Levy	@ Eagles
35	Paris Lenon	Bills
36	Wesley Woodyard	@ Chargers

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