Week 6 IDP Rankings: Defensive Backs

I don't usually get too jazzed over touchdown celebrations, but Detroit Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith's end zone dance (in addition to his breakout numbers and favorable matchup) has me adding him in any and all IDP formats. Yes, folks. That's "The Carlton" -- a triumphant boogie that needs neither props nor teammate coordination to pull off. And it's awesome.

Smith, a Wake Forest product who has a history of breakin' it down, was drafted in the second round by Denver last year. While the talented corner didn't see much action for the Broncos, he has picked off passes in his last three games for Detroit. The scintillating sophomore has a knack for getting to the ball and making plays, and he'll have plenty of chances against the Giants, a team that's been mounting long drives and going to the Hakeem Nicks well a whole lot over the past few weeks. While the Giants do run the ball quite a bit with both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, the Lions defensive line is one of the best the Giants will face all season, so I'm expecting a lot of passing. Both Smith and safety Louis Delmas will see plenty of chances for big plays this week and should be started in all formats.

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1. Bernard Pollard, HOU (vs. KC)
2. Yeremiah Bell, MIA (at GB)
3. Tyvon Branch, OAK (at SF)
4. LaRon Landry, WAS (vs. IND)
5. Louis Delmas, DET (at NYG)
6. DeAngelo Hall, WAS (vs. IND)
7. Charles Woodson, GB (vs. MIA)
8. Dawan Landry, BAL (at NE)
9. Troy Polamalu, PIT (vs. CLE)
10. O.J. Atogwe, STL (vs. SD)
11. Patrick Chung, NE (vs. BAL)
12. Antonio Cromartie, NYJ (at DEN)
13. Alphonso Smith, DET (at NYG)
14. Quintin Mikell, PHI (vs. ATL)
15. Terrell Thomas, NYG (vs. DET)
16. Michael Griffin, TEN (at JAC)
17. Charles Tillman, CHI (vs. SEA)
18. T.J. Ward, CLE (at PIT)
19. Eric Weddle, SD (at STL)
20. Antoine Bethea, IND (at WAS)
21. Brandon Flowers, KC (at HOU)
22. Ronde Barber, TB (vs. NO)
23. Marcus Trufant, SEA (at CHI)
24. Earl Thomas, SEA (at CHI)
25. Sean Jones, TB (vs. NO)
26. Nathaniel Allen, PHI (vs. ATL)
27. Eric Berry, KC (at HOU)
28. Cody Grimm, TB (vs. NO)
29. Jason Allen, MIA (at GB)
30. Taylor Mays, SF (vs. OAK)

• In addition to the aforementioned Alphonso Smith, DBs Quintin Mikell, Kerry Rhodes and Tyvon Branch all scored defensive TDs on Sunday. It was Rhodes' second of 2010, but the veteran safety is on a bye in Week 6. Mikell and Branch remain must-starts.

• Bucs safety Cody Grimm took one to the house as well. The rookie seventh-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech has been filling in for the suspended Tanard Jackson. Grimm, Sean Jones and Ronde Barber all make the top 30 DBs this week facing the Saints.

• Broncos safety Brian Dawkins suffered strained knee ligaments in Sunday's loss to Baltimore and will be out two to three weeks. There's nobody worth adding to start in his place at the moment, since so many other injuries plague the Denver secondary.

• Antoine Bethea (hamstring, full participation) was back at practice on Wednesday and looks good to go this weekend. He's the best play among the Colts secondary, although CBs Jerraud Powers, Kelvin Hayden and Jacob Lacey have all posted explosive single-game numbers on at least one occasion this season.

• The Jets secondary should be busy on Sunday facing the Broncos, who look to continue their aerial assault against a defense that only seems vulnerable via the pass. With Darrelle Revis rusty and battling injuries, CB Antonio Cromartie has been drawing the opposing team's No.1 WR and remains the standout IDP performer to own in that bunch.

• Seattle CB Marcus Trufant (ankle) had one of his best games in Week 4 before the team's bye and should be able to play on Sunday. With the Bears struggling to protect the QB, he has a chance to pick off an errant pass -- or at least knock down a few.

• Future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, who's been slowed by a lingering toe injury at times this season, got smacked with multiple penalties down the stretch against the Redskins but posted acceptable IDP numbers (six total tackles, PD). He'll be frequently tested this week if he's assigned with covering Miami WR Brandon Marshall.