It can always be hard to decide on what linebackers to start in your IDP league each week, as it is a very fluid fantasy position from week to week.  But, you can never really go wrong with some of the top names at the position, especially when they have a favorable matchup.  Lets take a look at five such players. 

5.  Dannell Ellerbe, Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons

Ellerbe and the Dolphins’ defense are off to a hot start and aren’t going to slow down at all against Atlanta this weekend.  Ellerbe could possibly be the week’s No. 1 inside linebacker if Steven Jackson was playing, but Atlanta’s perceived lack of a running game without Jackson will hurt Ellerbe’s output just a bit. 

Even still, Ellerbe will have the middle on lockdown, and will be in on stopping any running plays the Falcons do run. 

Game Projections: Seven tackles (one for a loss), one assist and one pass defended - 14.4 fantasy points.

4.  Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants

Kuechly is quickly becoming the most electric inside linebacker in the NFL.  His ability to fly all over the field and be in on every play has had such a big impact on Carolina’s defense.  Any passing or running play the Giants attempt between the hashes (and a lot outside of it) will quickly be shut down by Kuechly.  Look for him to continue his dominance against the Giants’ weak offensive line. 

Game Projections: Seven tackles (one for a loss), three assists and one pass defended - 14.5 points.

3. NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts

Bowman makes up one-half of the best inside linebacker tandem in football.  He’s great in coverage, against the run and even blitzing.  Bowman will be a huge factor against Indianapolis’ tight ends, slot receivers, running backs and anyone else that thinks about coming across the middle. 

Game Projections: Eight tackles (one for a loss), two assists and one pass defended - 14.8 points.

2. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New England Patriots

David has started all but one game since being drafted by Tampa Bay and has quietly established himself as a cornerstone of the Bucs’ young defense.  The Patriots love to cross receivers, tight ends and even running backs over the middle in the passing game, and will also look to establish a ground-and-pound with Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount, which will give David plenty of opportunity to pad his stats. 

Game Projections: Six tackles (one for a loss), five assists and one pass defended - 15 points.

1.  D’Qwell Jackson, Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings

As long as Christian Ponder is under center in Minnesota, it’s always realistic to expect 30 carries per game from Adrian Peterson.  It’s no secret that the Vikings love to run Pederson up the middle, where Jackson will be waiting all-day long.  Look for him to have a big day against Pederson and the Vikings’ one-dimensional offense.

Game Projections: Eight tackles (one for a loss), three assists and one pass defended - 17.6 points.