Definition of IDP (Individual Defensive Player)

What does the term IDP, or Individual Defensive Player, mean in the world of fantasy football? What is meant by an individual defensive player?

Some fantasy football leagues will allow you to have individual defensive players on your team, as well as the standard offensive players.

With leagues that use IDP, teams will usually be required to start a couple of defensive linemen, a couple of linebackers, a couple of defensive backs and a couple of players that play any of these positions.

Scoring can vary, though defensive players will get credit for solo tackles, tackle assists, sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries and deflected passes.

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IDP is usually used in leagues that are quite advanced, as most casual fans don't follow defensive players nearly as closely as they do offensive players.