Stats you can use: Sack leaders | INT leaders | Tackle leaders

A lot of defensive backs made a surprise appearance at the top of high-scoring IDPs in Week 11. More and more, players in the secondary are starting to become as varied as defensive linemen and less reliable than linebackers.

Outside of studs like Chris Gamble and Cortland Finnegan, no defensive back has been rock-solid week in and week out. Here's a look at five big-time ball hawks who made waves in Week 11.

Walt Harris, CB, 49ers
Stats: Three tackles, sack, interception, three passes defensed (vs. Rams)
Harris' strong 2006 season has long been in the rearview mirror and the truth is that he's not involved enough on defense to warrant Fantasy use. Maybe against pass-happy teams might he be worth a look off the waiver wire, but his Week 11 effort is an example of a defensive player having a good game without warning.

Johnathan Joseph, CB, Bengals
Stats: Four tackles, interception, three passes defensed (vs. Eagles)
Joseph has quietly had a good year, totaling at least 10 Fantasy points in three weeks this season. His 13 passes defensed should put him on pace to set a new career-high in the category, and he's a reason why the Bengals pass defense is a bright spot. Joseph fits the bill as a No. 3 Fantasy defensive back in deeper leagues.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Cardinals
Stats: Four tackles, two interceptions, two passes defensed (at Seahawks)
"DRC" has started three straight games for the Cards and has played nicely in all of them. He's an athletic corner and has an obvious nose for the football (six passes defensed and the two interceptions in his last two games -- with seven solo tackles). There's no doubt that he is worth owning in all IDP leagues as he has potential to be a quality Fantasy defensive back in the second half.

Aaron Ross, CB, Giants
Stats: Six tackles, two interceptions, one touchdown, two passes defensed (vs. Ravens)
Ross had been developing the reputation of a tackling corner with no real knack for additional stats -- until last week. Don't be the Fantasy owner to pick up this guy and start him. He left the game with an injury and isn't a lock to be at 100 percent for Week 12 at Arizona, which is the only other game this year we like Ross to have a shot at picking up big stats since the Cardinals throw the ball a ton.

Josh Wilson, CB, Seahawks
Stats: 10 tackles, interception, forced fumble, pass defensed
Wilson is good for one stat: tackles. He's fourth on the team with 52 total as a result of offenses finding him and throwing on him. He's one of the reasons why the Seahawks' defense has struggled this year. The minimal stats he provides won't help owners enough, making him no better than a No. 3 option in the deepest of IDP leagues.

DL matchups

Bears vs. Rams O-line ... Not that left tackle Orlando Pace was difficult to breeze past at this point in his career anyway, but with the big fella missing it's a safe bet that Chicago gets its stroke back in the sack department (just 17 so far this season).
Players to watch: Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown, Tommie Harris

Buccaneers vs. Lions O-line/passing game ... Another element of the Bucs' preparation for Week 12 against former D-line coach Rod Marinelli is the chance to sack Daunte Culpepper behind an offensive line that has already given up 37 sacks this season and 10 in their last two games.
Players to watch: Gaines Adams, Kevin Carter, Greg White

LB matchups

Broncos vs. Raiders run game ... Figure the Raiders to try and establish the run against the Broncos as they've struggled against nearly every running back they've faced. That will result in a lot of tackling opportunities for the Denver linebacking corps, which is already depleted, leaving several sleepers to consider.
Players to watch: Spencer Larsen, Jamie Winborn, Wesley Woodyard

Eagles vs. Ravens run game ... With the Eagles' secondary playing well for most of the season and the Ravens' passing offense regressing from a week ago, look for Baltimore to lean on its ground game against Philadelphia.
Players to watch: Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong

Browns vs. Texans run game ... Houston has had some passing woes in recent weeks but can't help but be pleased with the effort Steve Slaton and Ahman Green have given them. With the Browns playing on a short week, the Texans should look to take the pressure off of Sage Rosenfels and hand off a lot against Cleveland.
Players to watch: D'Qwell Jackson, Andra Davis, Willie McGinest

DB matchups

Giants vs. Cardinals pass game ... Arizona won't find running the ball to their liking against the G-Men, so expect Kurt Warner to throw a bunch to his trio of talented receivers. That will provide lots of opportunities for the Giants' DBs to make plays.
Players to watch: Corey Webster, Michael Johnson, Aaron Ross

Chargers vs. Colts pass game ... With the Chargers ranking dead last against the pass, it's obvious that Peyton Manning will throw a bunch. If you're looking for some cheap tackles and a shot at some passes defensed, going with some Bolts defensive backs isn't a bad idea.
Players to watch: Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromartie, Eric Weddle, Clinton Hart

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