VDB and the IDP "nickel package"

[redman]

If you're in a IDP league like mine, you first of all differentiate DT's from DE's, and you must start no fewer than: 1 DT; 2 DE's; 3 LB's; 2 CB's; and 2 S's. In other words, you have the option of starting any of the following combinations of personnel:

 

Standard 4-3

2 DT's

2 DE's

3 LB's

2 CB's

2 S's

 

Standard 3-4

1 DT

2 DE's

4 LB's

2 CB's

2 S's

 

Standard 4-3 nickel

2 DT's

2 DE's

2 LB's

2or 3 CB's

2or 3 S's

 

Standard 3-4 nickel

1 DT

2 DE's

3 LB's

2or 3 CB's

2or 3 S's

 

These rules tend to mean that you are effectively playing the 3-4 alignment rather than the 4-3, given that LB's, S's and even most starting CB's tend to outscore DL's. But because you are having to compare different positions, does anyone have a good system that they use to break down the analysis/matchups on a week-to-week basis? I truly don't, other than generally knowing that a strong safety and a LB will likely be the best choice for that last option spot in my lineup. I'd prefer not to go by the seat of my pants.

[Rovers]

That nickel package is what I would draft for, and play. It only requires 1 DT. It allows for an extra safety. I think that line up maximises point potential. you always want to start 3 LB's. As a general rule, safeties outpoint CB's , in terms of players, by about 2 to 1. (What I mean here is of say, the top 35 DB's 2/3rds will come from the safety position) The nickel allows for 3 safeties. Based on what players you have, and bye weeks, it's plenty flexable, but for my base D, that nickel starting line up has the most points in it, although you could do some weekly matchup management too.