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Fantasy football has a created a language all of its own. We rely heavily on otherwise odd words like targets, YAC, sleepers and studs. Matchup is one of these words we use in volume when talking with our fellow fantasy nerds. If there's one fantasy truism that I always adhere to and endorse, it's to "always play the matchups."

In IDP leagues, playing the matchups is perhaps even more vital than in standard fantasy leagues. To manage an IDP roster successfully, you need to trust production and favorable matchups over recognizable names. Nearly every IDP league has a team (or five) that stays loyal to household names like Julius Peppers over lesser-known, more productive players like Greg White, thus costing them points in the process.

With offensive players, we often evaluate potential starters by investigating who they are playing that week and how the opposing defenses could potentially affect their production. When deciding between comparable defensive players, consider the matchup that each defender faces by perusing the number of sacks and turnovers that the opposing offenses have allowed. This week, for example, I'm pursuing a handful of Panthers and Broncos defenders because of their sweet matchups against messy offenses.

Consider using these players if you are in immediate need of impact defenders, especially in deep leagues.

Linebackers and Linemen: Shaun Phillips can't replace the loss of Shawne Merriman to the Chargers (or your fantasy squad) by himself, but he can certainly help. The oft-injured Phillips seems healthy after a solid Monday night performance and could wreck shop this week against an ever-reeling Oakland offense. … Freddie Keiaho was on his way to a breakout campaign last season before injury cut it short. So far in this young season, Keiaho has picked up where he left off with brilliant tackle numbers behind a Colts front line that will get run on all year. … We've been endorsing Gaines Adams for a few weeks now in this column and yet he's still available in over 70 percent of ESPN leagues. With a TD last week and some nice matchups coming up, Adams won't be available in your league much longer if you don't act fast. … D'Qwell Jackson, a natural NyQuil endorser, has been the Browns' best fantasy player so far and you didn't even have to use a top pick like you did with Braylon Edwards or Derek Anderson. Add Jackson immediately if you're in one of the many leagues where he's still riding the wire. … Nate Webster has been getting some D Up! love this season thanks to his awesomely productive role in the middle of Denver's defense. The Broncos used some 3-4 looks this past week to go with their traditional 4-3 and will continue to experiment, but don't let that affect the value of Webster or D.J. Williams, as they will still get numbers. Instead, it really deflates the value of DE Elvis Dumervil. … Thomas Davis' successful transition to the weakside role is a major reason for an improved Carolina defense and his elite production should continue this week against the run-first Atlanta offense. … MLB Dhani Jones is near the league lead in tackles and should continue to produce playing behind a historically inept Cincinnati defensive line.

Defensive Backs: Michael Griffin is coming into his own on a Tennessee defense that is really living up to the hype. With three interceptions already and a productive role in an aggressive secondary, Griffin could be a top-10 fantasy DB by year's end and is likely available for the click of a plus symbol in your league. … The big-play Ed Reed that we all grew to love in IDP-ville made an appearance last week in what is hopefully a sign of improving health. When healthy, which has been rare the past few seasons, Reed is a truly elite playmaker and fantasy commodity. He can be still be had for free in over 60 percent of ESPN leagues. … There's no doubt that Chris Gamble has an awesome name for a football player, particularly a cornerback. There has been doubt, however, over whether Gamble could ever match his awesome production from a few seasons ago after two down years. It's finally worth taking a gamble once again on him as he's proven healthy in what is an aggressive and underrated Panthers secondary. … Much like Gamble, Charles Tillman was a top IDP talent a few years back but has struggled with injury and a depleted supporting cast in recent seasons. Tillman and his fellow Chicago defenders seem rejuvenated and once again are carrying the hopes of the team on their backs. With a favorable schedule over the next few weeks, target Tillman as an ideal bye-week plug-in with potential to be a fixed starter on your IDP roster. … Brian Williams has been forcing his way on fantasy teams with his prolific early production and he should maintain his current clip as he's in an ultimately productive spot in the Jacksonville defense.

Target these guys for depth and bye-week plug-ins with an eye on their potential to be full-fledged starters.

Linebackers and Linemen: Atlanta's Curtis Lofton was a preseason darling among IDP enthusiasts but has failed to put to up the expected big numbers as of yet. Have some patience with Lofton as he's learning to man the middle on the fly. He should start to pile up the tackles while he adjusts as the season progresses. … OLB Parys Haralson is ably replacing the production that was eventually expected from fellow tweener pass rusher Manny Lawson for the 49ers. Haralson is available in the vast majority of leagues and has a favorable (i.e. NFC West) schedule to enjoy. … Fellow 49er Justin Smith has played well himself in a hybrid role as a stand-up linebacker and an edge rusher. He has added value in leagues that afford him eligibility at both defensive end and linebacker. … Chris Long doesn't have much help in St. Louis and will have a tough time tallying sacks with the amount of double teams and attention opposing lines will throw his way. Be patient with Long in deeper leagues as he's at least posting respectable tackle totals and will eventually bust out with a big sack outing (be sure to follow his matchups). … Paris Lenon gets no love in ESPN fantasy leagues with just 4 percent ownership but he's staved off the competition in Detroit and is the team's starting middle linebacker. … Andra Davis was a fantasy beast in 2005 but has battled injury and competition for his job ever since. This past week, he posted 10 tackles and seems to have regained the staff's trust in Cleveland, making him a great depth addition to target.

Defensive Backs: Chris Hope may never put up the elite numbers he mustered in 2006 as a top-five fantasy DB, but on this opportunistic Titans defense, he's reemerging as a valid fantasy play as the young secondary matures around him. … Rashean Mathis is the classic example of a player who's better in real football than fantasy. His cover skills tend to deflate his tackles, since QBs tend to shy away from him, but this week, against Andre Johnson, expect heavy traffic his way and thus good tackle and interception potential. … Despite some recent off-the-field issues, Lawyer Milloy continues to be an ageless wonder and an ideal plug-in play for fantasy owners facing bye weeks and injuries. … Dawan Landry's injury has Rex Ryan turning to the wily Jim Leonhard to start beside Ed Reed in Baltimore's fantasy-conducive secondary. … Rookie Tyrell Johnson continues to start for the Vikings in place of Madieu Williams and the tackles should keep coming as QBs target the rook.

Jim McCormick is an analyst for ESPN.com fantasy football.