Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2011::

Week 10 had everything NFL fans could ask for. There was a little bit of love, demonstrated by David Nelson giving his girlfriend the game ball after scoring a touchdown and their was a little bit of hate, exhibited by the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears brawling near the sidelines. Unfortunately Week 10 was also about disappointing performances from top wide receivers. Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, Vincent Jackson and Wes Welker all scored under five fantasy points. This week is crucial for fantasy playoff seeding, so hopefully our wide receiver rankings will help shed some light on important wide receiver decisions fantasy owners will have to make.

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

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1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Carolina

The Chicago Bears were able to “hold” Johnson to seven receptions for 81 yards in Week 10. He was targeted an outrageous 19 times, but Matthew Stafford really struggled, throwing four interceptions. The Carolina Panthers have allowed the seventh least fantasy points to the wide receiver position (16.0), but Johnson has scored less than 11 fantasy points only one time this season. Expect a nice game from Megatron this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

2. Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers) vs. Tampa Bay

The Green Bay Packers routed the Minnesota Vikings for the second time this season and Jennings found a way to make an impact in fantasy leagues once again. Jennings caught only three passes for 32 yards, but he scored his seventh touchdown of the season. Six different Green Bay Packers having three receptions or more, is the primary reason for Jennings’ low yardage total. Jennings has been victim to Aaron Rodgers spreading the ball around over the past two games, but he has come through with touchdowns in both those games. Jennings could have a big game this week against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ team that has allowed an average of 20.4 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. Even if Aaron Rodgers spreads the wealth again, Jennings is still a good bet to score a touchdown considering he has scored seven this season.
Point Projection: 17 points

3. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) @ Detroit

The Steve Smith gravy train was derailed in Week 10. Smith was targeted eight times and caught five passes for only 33 yards. The Tennessee Titans minimized Smith’s impact with excellent coverage and tackling and Smith averaged only 6.6 yards per reception. Count on a bounce back performance for Smith, who has produced at a high level most of this season, against a Detroit Lions’ team that has allowed two touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games.
Point Projection: 16 points

4. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) @ San Francisco

Asomugha shasomugha! Fitzgerald had his biggest game of the season against a waning Philadephia Eagles’ defense, hauling in seven receptions for 146 yards and scoring two touchdowns. After not scoring a touchdown in a month, Fitzgerald has scored three touchdowns over the Arizona Cardinals last two games. On pace for his fifth straight 1000 yard season, Fitzgerald is a nice start against a San Francisco 49ers’ team that has allowed an average of 20.4 fantasy points per game this season. Expect a productive game for Fitzgerald this week no matter, who his signal caller is this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

5. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) vs. Kansas City  **PROBABLE - EXPECTED TO PLAY ON SUNDAY**

Even the leading receiver in the NFL can be trapped on Revis Island. Welker caught six passes for only 46 yards against the New York Jets in Week 10. Darrelle Revis gave Welker little breathing room on Sunday night and he was only able to muster a 7.7 yards per reception average. Welker should bounce back against a reeling Kansas City Chiefs’ team this week that has allowed 20.6 fantasy points to the wide receiver position and has surrendered the thrid most 20 plus yard receptions games this season (40).
Point Projection: 15 points

6. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

Coming off a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined in Week 9, Nicks caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. Nicks appeared healthy in the game, and is looking like a nice start against a Philadelphia Eagles’ team he was productive in two starts against last season (12 receptions, 158 yards and a touchdown. Nicks has had some big games this season and another one could be coming up this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

7. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) @ Washington

Bryant caught six passes for 74 yards and scored a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. He has been impressive with Miles Austin out catching 13 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. The Washington Redskins have only allowed an average of 15 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. However, the Dallas Cowboys’ offense has been on a roll lately and Bryant was solid against the Washington Redskins earlier in the season, catching four passes for 63 yards. Expect Bryant to see more targets with Austin Miles out again this week and have a nice game against the Washington Redskins.
Point Projection: 14 points

8. Anquan Boldin (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Cincinnati

The Seattle Seahawks held Boldin to two receptions for only 22 yards in Week 10. Boldin’s poor performance snapped a four game run where he produced at least eight fantasy points in each game. The Cincinnati Bengals normally have a stingy pass defense, but it’s been made weaker recently by the significant loss of elite cornerback Leon Hall, who ruptured his Achilles and was placed on IR this week. Look for Boldin, who has received a whopping 31 targets over the Baltimore Ravens last three games, to capitalize on the Leon Hall injury and be much more productive this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

9. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) @ New England

Week 10 wasn’t the best week for Bowe owners. The Kansas City Chiefs star wide receiver only had two receptions for 17 yards against the Denver Broncos. Bowe’s poor performance can be more attributed to Matt Cassel, who only completed 13 passes before leaving the game. Cassel may miss this week with hand and shoulder injuries, but Bowe has an excellent matchup against the New England Patriots, who have allowed the most receiving yards in the NFL this season (2,911). They have also given up the most fantasy points to the wide receiver position (26.7). The New England Patriots might have looked great on defense last week, but they lost their top cornerback Devin McCourty to a separated shoulder, which further improves Bowe’s chances to make an impact this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

10. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Tampa Bay

Nelson maybe the second fiddle to Greg Jennings at the wide receiver position for the Green Bay Packers, but he’s out produced Jennings of late. He has 10 receptions for 168 receiving yards and has scored three touchdowns over the Green Bay Packers last two games. Nelson doesn’t receive a ton of targets, but the targets he does receive are usually for big plays. The struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers have allowed 564 receiving yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last four games, which bodes well for Nelson, who has scored seven touchdowns this season. Nelson is a great start this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

11. Brandon Marshall (Miami Dolphins) vs. Buffalo

Marshall had a nice game against the Washington Redskins in Week 10, catching seven passes for 98 yards. He has only scored two touchdowns this season, but is on pace for his fifth straight 1,000 yard receiving season. The Buffalo Bills have struggled against wide receivers recently allowing four touchdowns to the position over their past two games. Expect Marshall, who was productive against the Buffalo Bills last season (19 receptions 155 yards and a touchdown in two games) to burn a Buffalo Bills defense that has allowed touchdowns to big play receivers in recently (Dez Bryant, Santonio Holmes, etc…).
Point Projection: 12 points

12. Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) @ Chicago

Jackson floundered in a nice matchup against the Oakland Raiders in Week 10, catching only one pass for 22 yards. Drawing double coverage most of the game, Jackson didn’t see many looks until the fourth quarter when the San Diego Chargers were in desperation mode. Jackson continues to be boom or bust this season, but he has a good shot to bounce back this week against the Chicago Bears, who have struggled containing high profile wide receivers (Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith, Greg Jennings, etc…), this season. Make sure VJAX is in your lineup this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

13. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Tennessee

What is up with Rowdy Roddy? White caught four passes for 62 yards against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. He’s producing decent numbers so far, but he isn’t piling up the receiving yards or having monster games like he did last season. White has a tough matchup against a Tennessee Titans’ team that shutdown Steve Smith last week and have only allowed 16.3 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. White will have a solid game as usual, but a spectacular one may be a stretch.
Point Projection: 12 points

14. Santonio Holmes (New York Jets) @ Denver  **THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL**

Holmes caught six passes and had a season high 93 receiving yards against the New England Patriots in Week 10. The New York Jets shockingly made an effort to get Holmes more involved in the offense. Holmes received nine targets in the game and he may see a similar amount against a Denver Broncos team’ that has struggled against the pass, allowing the fourth most fantasy points to the wide receiver position (24.7). They have also surrendered the most 40 plus yard receptions this season (nine). Look for Holmes to have another productive games this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

15. Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis Rams) vs. Seattle

Even though he had a tough time finding separation from Cleveland Browns’ stellar cornerback Joe Haden, Lloyd was still productive for his fantasy owners, catching four passes for 48 yards and scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10. Averaging 5.3 receptions and 63.7 yards per game, Lloyd has had a nice four game stretch in a St. Louis Rams’ uniform. Lloyd has a chance to have a big game this week against a Seattle Seahawks’ team that has given up 269 receiving yards and three touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Lloyd is a quality WR2 this week
Point Projection: 10 points

**BEAT THE BRUNO BOYS $350 WEEK 11 FREE CONTEST - TOP 20 PAID** 

 

We’ve partnered with DraftStreet.com to provide our fans an opportunity to play WEEKLY salary cap fantasy football against the Bruno Boys Staff.  Through the first nine weeks of the NFL season we have given away over $4,000 in cash prizes. This week, we are offering a $350 free roll in which the TOP 20 win prize money. Make sure to sign-up now for a chance to win money and take on the Bruno Boys… IT’S FREE!!

Please use this link to enter:  Week 11 $350 Contest  (click to register)

16. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

Leading the New York Giants receivers in catches (six) and receiving yards (84) in Week 10, Cruz continues to be one of the best waiver wire grabs this season. Surprisingly, Cruz has also been one of the most consistent fantasy receivers this season. He has scored at least eight fantasy points in six out nine games. It would be wise to deploy the highly productive, Cruz this week against a Philadelphia Eagles’ defense that has struggled against the wide receiver position over the past three weeks (558 yards and five touchdowns).
Point Projection: 10 points

17. Mario Manningham (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

After a slow start to the season, Manningham is slowly winning back the hearts of his fantasy owners. Over the New York Giants last three games, Manningham is averaging 4.6 receptions, 57.6 yards per game and has scored three touchdowns. Manningham is looking like a nice start this week against a Philadelphia Eagles’ team in complete disarray, that Manningham dominated the last he played against them (eight receptions, 113 yards and two touchdowns). Expect a productive game from Super Mario this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

18. Denarious Moore (Oakland Raiders) @ Minnesota

The Jacoby Ford injury opened up the door for Moore and he came through with an impressive performance against the San Diego Chargers in Week 10, catching five passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Moore ran some impressive routes, frequently got behind defenders and his two touchdown receptions were things of beauty. If Ford misses any time with the sprained foot he suffered in Thursday night’s game, Moore will undoubtedly be Carson Palmer’s No. 1 receiver going forward. It’s hard for Moore to ask for a better matchup this week, going against a Minnesota Vikings team’ that has been whipped by wide receivers in recent weeks, allowing 644 yards and a five touchdowns over their last three games. Another impressive game for Moore isn’t a stretch this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

19. Laurent Robinson (Dallas Cowboys) @ Washington

Robinson had a huge day for fantasy owners, who decided to take a flier on him in Week 10, catching three passes for 73 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Over the last three games, Robinson has hauled in 13 passes for 208 yards and has scored four touchdowns. Since Miles Austin is out again this week, Robinson appears like a viable start again this week against a struggling Washington Redskins team.  Robinson is a solid WR3 this week
Point Projection: 9 points

20. Damian Williams (Tennessee Titans) @ Atlanta

Williams led the Tennessee Titans receiving core against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10, catching five passes for 107 yards and scoring his fourth touchdown of the season. He has scored no less than six fantasy points in each of the Tennessee Titans’ previous three games and has touchdowns in over the past two games. Fantasy owners should consider Williams as a WR3 option against an Atlanta Falcons’ team that has surrendered 21.7 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season.
Point Projection: 9 points

21. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Oakland

Harvin continued to be a jack-of-all trades player this week, catching six passes for 52 yards and had three carries for 18 yards. He continues to pile on the all-purpose yards, especially over the Minnesota Vikings last two games (158 total yards). The Oakland Raiders have allowed 22.0 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season, which is good for Harvin because the Minnesota Vikings seem intent on giving him the ball much more lately. Expect an all around solid performance from Harvin this week.
Point Projection: 8 points

22.Sidney Rice (Seattle Seahawks) @ St. Louis

Rice suffered a minor concussion in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens and it’s unknown whether his will play this week. If Rice could pass his concussion tests, he has a fabulous matchup against a St. Louis Rams’ team with a banged up secondary, that has surrendered 25.1 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season.
Point Projection: 8 points

23. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) @ Miami  **QUESTIONABLE - STATUS UNKNOWN FOR SUNDAY**

Johnson sustained a shoulder injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. He is day to day with the injury and will likely miss practice time, but it appears he has a decent chance to play against the Miami Dolphins this week. The last time Johnson played the Miami Dolphins he was productive, catching six passes for 69 yards and scoring a touchdown. The Miami Dolphins have also allowed the eighth most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (23.4). Deploy Johnson if he is able to go this week because this could be a fruitful matchup.
Point Projection: 8 points

24. Plaxico Burress (New York Jets) @ Denver  **THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL**

Even though he was bent like a pretzel on Sunday night against the New England Patriots, Burress hauled in three passes for 39 yards and scored a touchdown. Burress doesn’t produce a high number of receiving yards, but he his making his living in the red zone this season. Having scored six touchdowns this season, Burress has a good shot to hit pay dirt against the Denver Broncos this week. Burress is a risky play, but could be worth the gamble.
Point Projection: 7 points

25. Deion Branch (New England Patriots) vs. Kansas City

Following a poor outing that provided his fantasy owners with only two fantasy points, Branch had a much better game against the New York Jets, catching five passes for 58 yards and scoring a touchdown. The touchdown was Branch’s fourth of the season. Branch continues to be a boom or bust play, but he has a decent chance to boom this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed 10 touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. Branch might just be a risk worth taking for teams lacking WR3 options.
Point Projection: 7 points