Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

- Written by Ryan Boser
- Edited by Marc Caviglia
- Predictions are based on Staff Consensus

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF JANUARY 31, 2012::

It’s Beantown versus the Big Apple in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, and one thing’s for certain: we can expect more than 31 total points this time around. Let’s break down the sequel in our Super Bowl Quarterback Rankings!

Standard Scoring

Pass TD: 4 points |  All Other TDs: 6 points
25 Passing Yards: 1 point |  All Turnovers: -2 points
10 Rushing Yards: 1 point |  10 Receiving Yards: 1 point

 
1. Eli Manning (New York Giants) vs. New England

Buried well below the Kyle Williams headlines was a gutsy performance by Eli Manning in the NFC Title Game. Bruised and battered, Eli attempted a career-high 58 passes, completing 32 of them for 316 yards and two touchdowns. In Eli’s last four games (including a must-win Week 17 tilt with Dallas), he’s thrown 11 touchdowns against just one interception, and averaged 317 passing yards. Now, he gets his softest opponent to date. The Patriots were the worst fantasy pass defense in the league this season, and they just surrendered 306 yards and two touchdowns to the same Joe Flacco who’d averaged just 159 passing yards in his previous seven contests. Manning threw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the teams’ first meeting back in Week 9. Consider that his fantasy floor, and expect the Giants’ high-octane passing game to come out blazing.
Point Projection: 24 points

2. Tom Brady (New England Patriots) vs. New York Giants

Tom Brady summed up his performance in the AFC Title Game very eloquently, admitting that he “played like crap.” Well, Tom, when you throw for 363 yards and six touchdowns in the divisional round, you’ve set the bar awfully high. A shockingly nimble goal-line leap salvaged an otherwise lousy day, as Brady threw for just 239 yards and two interceptions. However, his Patriots lived to see another day, and that’s the key to success in playoff fantasy football. Brady threw for 342 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions when these teams met back in Week 9, and we all know what he’s capable of on any given week. However, led by a fierce pass rush, the Giants’ pass defense has turned the corner. In their last six games, New York has surrendered a very respectable eight touchdown passes. Moreover, three opposing quarterbacks have failed to top even 200 passing yards, and none has reached the 300-yard mark. Brady will have to earn it in the Super Bowl.
Point Projection: 22 points