Ah, the linebacker position. Despite the lofty numbers that J.J. Watt produced from the defensive end spot, linebackers are still the glamor boys of the Individual Defensive Player (IDP) format. They are the quarterbacks of IDP lineups, if you will. Even the most casual football fan would recognize names such as Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher. The same can't be said for Jared Allen, Roman Harper or any other high producing defensive lineman or defensive backs in the league. A solid linebacker corps is essential in having a successful IDP fantasy season and the position generally runs deep with fantasy point producers but precious few reach the lofty level of top-tier elite players. The league wide shift to a more RBBC (running back by committee) approach has altered the way running backs are looked at and drafted in today's fantasy realm. And the IDP side of the ball has also seen a shift in how often and when certain positions should be targeted in fantasy drafts. The specialization of the linebacker position has made it a smart strategy to draft as many high point producers at the position as early as possible. Distinguishing three down players from those that leave the field on passing downs is vital when examining and then ranking linebackers. Some situational players may be poised to take that next step to an every down role and being ahead of that curve can exponentially help an IDP owner to dominate their league. So, let's take a look at a few linebackers that are ready to step into fantasy stardom and lead IDP teams to 2013 glory. Perry Riley, ILB, Washington: Riley has been rock solid since replacing Rocky McIntosh at inside linebacker prior to Week 10 of the 2011 season. In the 25 games that Riley has appeared as a full-time player, he has amassed more than 200 combined tackles. Due to injuries suffered by Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker, Riley was also utilized in quite a few blitz packages last season, as Washington had to get creative with ways to generate pressure on the quarterback. He responded with 3½ sacks while also holding his own in coverage and was credited with seven passes defended. Riley is the heir apparent to London Fletcher, if and when, he does finally decide to retire (I'm not holding my breath while waiting for that) and is due for a big bump in fantasy value once that does occur. At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, he is a slightly bigger version of Fletcher, and, once he takes over as the lead man in the middle, he can ...

Vinnie goes 3-for-4 in Week 2 and looks to continue with some winners in Week 3. This week's lines are from usatoday.com (as of Thursday night). San Francisco @ Minnesota (+6.5) The 49ers started the season with an impressive road win against the Green Bay Packers and then followed it up by beating the Detroit Lions at home. Their defense looks to be among the best and will be feasting on inexperienced Viking's QB Christian Ponder. The 49ers have one of the best run games and Alex Smith does a good job of managing games and has plenty of options to throw to. The Vikings are one of the worst teams in the league. They only have two offensive threats in RB Adrian Peterson who's coming off an ACL tear and WR Percy Harvin. Look for the 49ers tough run defense to shutdown Peterson and force Ponder's hand. Last week, the Vikings lost to the Indianapolis Colts, who are also in rebuilding mode. Maybe this is a trap, but I don't see the Vikings staying in this game. This one could be over by halftime. The 49ers are 2-0 ATS to start the season while the Vikings are 0-2. Gimme the 49ers minus the points. Detroit Lions @ Tennessee Titans (+4) Lions QB Matthew Stafford hasn't exactly lit the world on fire like he did last year. He threw three interceptions against the St. Louis Rams in the season opener and another one in their loss to the 49ers last week. The Titans defense is one of the worst in the league and will be the perfect remedy for Stafford to bounceback. In their first two games of the season, the Titans have given up an average of 36 points per game and 403 yards to opposing teams. The Lions should be able to score at will against the Titans. Look for WR Calvin Johnson to have a big day and their running game to get a little boost with RB Mikel Leshoure making his NFL debut after tearing his Achilles tendon in 2011. The Titans offense has scored a total of 23 points in their first two games. RB Chris Johnson has looked terrible, averaging 1.1 yards per carry. Johnson hasn't done anything since getting his big contract from the Titans after holding out to begin the 2011 season. On the bright side, QB Jake Locker has his best wide receiver, Kenny Britt, back from a 2011 season ending ACL tear and one game suspension. Britt played in 19 plays last week as he was on a limited snap count. Look for him to be a bigger part of the offense this week. However, it won't be enough against the Lions this week. I expect the Lions to ...