Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 7, 2011::

It’s Week 13, which means the fantasy playoffs are starting in many head to head leagues. At this point in the season, many fantasy owners are evaluating the weekly pickups they made or didn’t make. They are also examining their draft picks. Owners who were astute and punctual enough to pickup receivers like Victor Cruz and Antonio Brown may still be in the hunt for a championship.

However, those who drafted Mike Thomas and Chad Ochocinco are possibly in “wait until next year” mode. For those owners still in contention during this crucial week in fantasy football we strongly hope our Fantasy Football Week 14 Wide Receiver Rankings will help make some of your heart wrenching decisions easier.

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. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Minnesota   

No touchdowns in three out of the last four games? Something must be wrong. Johnson caught six passes for 69 yards against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. The New Orleans Saints defensive backs gave Johnson very little breathing room, employing bracket coverage on the all world receiver most of the game. Even though Johnson isn’t as hot as he was earlier in the season, he has a great chance at having a big game against a Minnesota Vikings’ team he torched in Week 3 (seven receptions, 108 yards and two touchdowns). There is still, no better bet to score a touchdown than Johnson and this week is no exception.
Point Projection: 17 points

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

Jennings caught seven passes for 94 yards and scored his ninth touchdown of the season against the New York Giants in Week 13. The touchdown Jennings scored was really questionable, but he was fortunate enough to have it ruled in his favor. Averaging 5.4 catches and 77.4 yards per game this season, Jennings continually rewards his fantasy owners and this week should be no different. The Oakland Raiders have surrendered 21.3 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position. Jennings continues to be a slam-dunk at an inconsistent position.
Point Projection: 16 points

3. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) @ Washington

Tom Brady’s security blanket had 11 receptions for 110 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. After lackluster performances in Weeks 10 and 11, Welker has had a stellar past couple of games and now has seven 100 plus yard receiving performances. The Washington Redskins have been solid against the wide receiver position most of the season, but over their past three games there have been cracks in the foundation (336 yards and four touchdowns) The New England Patriots offense continues to roll and Welker is a big reason why.
Point Projection: 16 points

4. A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Houston

Meet the receiver that will be targeted on every fantasy owner’s draft board next season. Green had six receptions for 87 yards and scored his seventh touchdown of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. He continues to have one of the best seasons by a rookie wide receiver since Randy Moss. The Houston Texans have a rock solid pass defense, but Green has had strong fantasy outings against some of the best pass defenses in the NFL this season (Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars. Tennessee Titans, etc…). Green is a must start this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

5. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Cleveland

Continuing his past history of burning the Cincinnati Bengals, Wallace had three receptions for 38 yards and scored two touchdowns against them in Week 13. Wallace has killed the Cleveland Browns in the past (six receptions, 195 yards and two touchdowns in two games last season), but a matchup with Joe Haden may lessen his impact this week. It’s possible for Wallace to score any week, so his fantasy owners should have him in their lineups no matter what. However, a stellar game is going to be difficult this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

6. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) @ Carolina

The short-lived streak of monster games maybe over, but White’s fantasy owners have little room to complain. White had four receptions for 51 yards and scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 13. It was White’s third straight game where he has scored at least 11 fantasy points. White didn’t perform well against the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season (two receptions for 21 yards) and he likely has a date with stellar corner Chris Gamble this week. However, White has looked like his old self and Matt Ryan has been dissecting defenses of late. No reason, to bench rowdy Roddy, while he’s hot.
Point Projection: 15 points

7. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) @ Dallas

Finally the breakout Nicks fantasy owners have been waiting for this season. Nicks had seven receptions for 88 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Nicks has been heating up, scoring at least eight fantasy points in three out of the last four New York Giants games. The Dallas Cowboys have had a pretty solid pass defense this season, but Nicks has dominated them in the past, hauling in 14 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in two games against them last season. Nicks is and excellent play this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

8. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Atlanta

Smith had his worst outing of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, catching only two passes for 32 yards. Since the Carolina Panthers bye in Week 9, Smith hasn’t looked like the same electric receiver he was earlier in the season, averaging only 3.7 catches and 43.5 yards per game. However, Smith has a chance to bounce back this week against an Atlanta Falcons’ team that has allowed an average of 20.9 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. Smith, who was solid against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6 (five receptions for 66 yards), is always a threat to have a big game, especially if Cam Newton’s big arm has anything to say about it.
Point Projection: 15 points

9. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) @ Dallas

There’s a waiver wire grab that stands out from the rest every fantasy football season. Cruz has been that guy this season. Since Week 7, Cruz is averaging an outstanding 6.8 receptions and 113 yards per game. There’s little reason to abandon Cruz’s hot hand this week against the Dallas Cowboys, who have surrendered 575 receiving yards and three touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their past two games. Shockingly, there are not many wide receiving options better than Cruz at this point in the season.
Point Projection: 15 points

10. Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Buffalo

There is no crystal ball in the world to determine when VJAX is going to have a big game. Jackson caught four passes for 72 yards and scored his eighth touchdown of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a terrific game for the San Diego Chargers’ offense and Jackson was one of the key pieces. Even though he hasn’t had two big games in a row all season, Jackson has a good chance at bludgeoning the Buffalo Bills, who have given up an average of 20.1 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. He can be frustrating, but VJAX needs to be in your lineup.
Point Projection: 14 points

11. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Oakland   

This guy needs a cool nickname. Nelson caught four passes for 94 yards against the New York Giants in Week 13. Averaging four receptions and 73 yards per game, Nelson has been better than many fantasy owners expected this season. The Oakland Raiders have allowed 13 touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season, so Nelson has a solid shot of scoring his tenth touchdown. Nelson needs to be in fantasy lineups this week. 
Point Projection: 14 points

12. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit

Harvin was nothing short of spectacular against the Denver Broncos in Week 13, catching eight passes for 156 yards, rushing for 19 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Over the Minnesota Vikings’ last three games, Harvin is averaging 7.3 receptions, 108 yards receiving and has scored four touchdowns. Harvin will likely be used heavily again with Adrian Peterson possibly absent. He will face off against a Detroit Lions’ team that has been smoked by the wide receiver position of late, surrendering 559 yards and five touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Harvin is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

13. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) vs. New York Giants

Bryant had eight receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. He is averaging 65.7 yards and has three touchdowns over the Dallas Cowboys last four games. The New York Giants have allowed the third most receptions of 20 plus yards this season and allowed an average of 22.4 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. There’s no reason to bench Bryant now as he primes himself for a big finish to the season.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) vs. San Francisco

Nearly mirroring his Week 12 performance, Fitzgerald, had four receptions for 55 yards against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13. He led the team with seven targets, but wasn’t targeted for many big plays. Fitzgerald, who had three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, always has a chance to have a big game, but this week isn’t looking great, especially if Kevin Kolb isn’t going to give him double digit targets on a regular basis.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) @ Tennessee

Colston caught six passes for 52 yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 13. He was contained most of the game only averaging 8.7 yards per catch, but on the bright side he had the second most targets on the team (8). The Tennessee Titans have only allowed 16.4 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position, but the New Orleans Saints’ offense has been so unstoppable this season every one of their receivers is a threat to be productive. It could be Colston’s turn to be productive this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

16. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Philadelphia

It appears he’s learned his lesson, at least for now. Johnson caught five passes for 52 yards and scored a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13. He has scored at least 11 fantasy points in each of the Buffalo Bills’ last two games and is looking like a solid WR2 against a San Diego Chargers’ squad that has allowed and average of 19.6 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. Johnson is heating up at just the right time for his fantasy owners.
Point Projection: 12 points

17. Mike Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Jacksonville

What timing Tampa Bay Mike has! Williams caught five passes for 93 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 13. It was the third straight game where Williams scored at least nine fantasy points. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been tough against wide receivers this year, but they were eviscerated by the San Diego Chargers’ wide receivers in Week 13 and Williams has been burning defensive backs over the last three weeks. Williams is a solid WR3 this week. 
Point Projection: 11 points

18. Santonio Holmes (New York Jets) vs. Kansas City

Holmes had four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 13. It was Holmes second touchdown in two games. Holmes is looking like a risky play this week considering he will likely be matched up with Brandon Flowers. He is also facing a Kansas City Chiefs’ defense that has allowed 16 points over their past two games. Holmes has the talent to make an impact anytime he’ s on the field, but this week isn’t going to be easy.
Point Projection: 11 points

19. Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis Rams) @ Seattle

Receiving only two targets, Lloyd had his poorest outing in a St. Louis Rams’ uniform, catching only one pass for 34 yards. It was a disappointing outing for Lloyd at a crucial time for some fantasy owners. Lloyd seems likely to bounce back this week however; against a Seattle Seahawks’ team he had five receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown against in Week 11. The Seattle Seahawks have also surrendered 431 yards and three touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Make sure Lloyd, who has been one of the most consistent wide receivers this season, is in your lineup.
Point Projection: 10 points

20. Brandon Marshall (Miami Dolphins) vs. Philadelphia

Marshall caught four passes for 60 yards against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13. It wasn’t exactly a performance to flee from, but it wasn’t spectacular one either. The Miami Dolphins effectively ran the ball down the Oakland Raiders throat, so Matt Moore didn’t attempt many passes in the game (25). Marshall maybe in line for a bigger game this week against a banged up Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary that has allowed 550 receiving yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. The Miami Dolphins may run heavily again this week against a poor Philadelphia Eagles’ run defense, but Marshall still has a solid chance at another productive game.
Point Projection: 9 points

21. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Cleveland

Brown caught two passes for 67 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. He also added a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown to his final line. Since stellar corner, Joe Haden will likely cover Mike Wallace this week, so Brown should have an opportunity to continue his stellar play. There’s no reason to bench Brown, who has been one of the best receivers in fantasy football over the Pittsburgh Steelers’ last six games.
Point Projection: 9 points

22. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) @ Carolina

What injured hamstring? Jones caught four passes for 68 yards against the Houston Texans in Week 13. It was a nice bounce back game for Jones who had zero receptions in Week 12. He has a chance at a standout game this week against a Carolina Panthers’ team that has allowed 565 receiving yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Since Chris Gamble will likely be attached to Roddy White this week, Jones is primed to see a bunch of targets.
Point Projection: 9 points

23. Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) @ Arizona

What a difference proper coaching makes. Crabtree had four receptions for 96 yards and scored his second touchdown of the season against the St. Louis Rams. Averaging 4.3 receptions and 55 yards, Crabtree is quietly putting together a solid season. The Arizona Cardinals have allowed the eighth most fantasy points (22.8) to the wide receiver position this season. Crabtree, who had seven receptions for 120 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, is a nice start this week.   
Point Projection: 9 points

24. Anquan Boldin (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Indianapolis   

Boldin had two receptions for 32 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. A combination of being covered by Joe Haden and the Ray Rice show didn’t help Boldin owners. Boldin has a chance to bounce back this week against the Indianapolis Colts, who have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. If any Baltimore Ravens receiver is going to succeed this week it will likely be Boldin, who has been their most targeted receiver this year.
Point Projection: 8 points

25. Plaxico Burress (New York Jets) vs. Kansas City

Plax caught three passes for 33 yards against the Washington Redskins in Week 13. It was Burress’ weakest fantasy point total since Week 6. Most of Burress’ fantasy value this season has come from scoring touchdowns, which makes him a real risky play this week against a Kansas City Chiefs’ team that has only allowed two touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last six games. It’s probably best to consider other options before deciding whether to start Burress this week.
Point Projection: 8 points