Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 24, 2011::

It’s Week 16, which means many fantasy championships will be decided this week. As always wide receivers have been a fickle position, but many studs came through for their fantasy owners last week including Calvin Johnson, Roddy White and Steve Smith. However, there were also many disappointing receivers who didn’t come through for their fantasy owners. These players include Victor Cruz, Wes Welker and Jordy Nelson. Our Fantasy Football Week 16 Wide Receiver Rankings will help provide clarity for fantasy owners who need points from an unstable position.

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. San Diego   

Now that’s the Megatron we know! Johnson had nine receptions for 214 yards and scored his 13th touchdown of the season against the Oakland Raiders in Week 15. It was Johnson’s first one hundred yard plus yard game since Week 8, but he definitely made it up to his fantasy owners who were fighting for a possible fantasy championship birth. The San Diego Chargers have only allowed 19.2 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season, but the Detroit Lions are fighting for a playoff spot and Johnson should once again receive heavy targets this week. No reason not to trust the best receiver in football this week.

Point Projection: 17 points

2. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) @ New Orleans

What a streak! White had 10 receptions for 135 yards and scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. White continues to torch secondaries averaging 7.6 receptions, 107.4 yards per game and scoring five touchdowns over the Atlanta Falcons last five games. White had a respectable game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 (four receptions for 62 yards), but a bigger game for White maybe in the works this week, especially if Julio Jones continues to take pressure off of him. White is a rock solid WR1 this week.

Point Projection: 16 points

3. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) vs. Miami  **QUESTIONABLE - STATUS UNCERTAIN FOR SATURDAY**

The slot machine didn’t pay out in Week 15, as Welker had only four receptions for 41 yards against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos were determined not to let Welker beat them, so he receive bracket coverage most of the game. Welker has a great shot at bouncing back against a Miami Dolphins’ team that has allowed 21.1 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. Welker, who had eight receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, maybe in line for a big game this week.

Point Projection: 15 points

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

Green caught six passes for 115 yards against the St. Louis Rams in Week 15. It was another nice performance for Green, but he sprained his shoulder in the Cincinnati Bengals victory. Green intends to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, which is great news for his fantasy owners, especially considering the Arizona Cardinals have allowed 21.9 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this year. It’s possible that Green’s shoulder injury might hamper him this week, but he certainly has earned the right to be in fantasy owners’ lineup because of his overall great body of work this season.

Point Projection: 15 points

5. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Tampa Bay

Smith hauled in five receptions for 82 yards and scored his sixth touchdown of the season against the Houston Texans in Week 15. Jonathan Joseph had trouble containing Smith, who had two 20 plus yard receptions in the game. Smith had one of his worst performances of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 13 (two receptions for 32 yards). However, Smith has been playing well of late and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has been horrid in recent weeks, recently giving up 29 fantasy points to the Dallas Cowboys’ receiving core in Week 15. Smith is a solid WR1 this week.

Point Projection: 15 points

6. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) vs. Atlanta

Colston had eight receptions for 91 yards against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.  He has been great over the New Orleans Saints last two games, catching 15 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He continues to be one of Drew Brees’ favorite receivers and he had eight receptions for 113 yards the last time he faced the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. Colston is becoming hot at the right time for his fantasy owners.

Point Projection: 14 points

7. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) @ New Orleans

Anyone else still have a strong urge to call him Quintorris? Jones had five receptions for 85 yards and scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. He keeps getting better every week and has a solid chance to have another big game against a New Orleans Saints’ team that has struggled against wide receivers this season, allowing 12 touchdowns to the position. The time to play Jones is now. 

Point Projection: 14 points

8. Brandon Marshall (Miami Dolphins) @ New England

Marshall had three receptions for 84 yards and scored his fourth touchdown of the season against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. Marshall was much more successful against the Buffalo Bills this time around, doing most of his damage on a 65-yard reception that went for a touchdown from Matt Moore. It was Marshall’s third touchdown in three out of the last four Miami Dolphins games. Marshall couldn’t ask for a better matchup this week against a New England Patriots’ team he demolished in Week 1 (seven receptions for 139 yards). Marshall is a solid WR2 for fantasy teams this week, considering how the New England Patriots have allowed six touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their past three games.

Point Projection: 14 points

9. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) @ Cincinnati

Fitz had three receptions for 65 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15. He was shutdown most of the afternoon by Cleveland Browns’ elite corner Joe Haden, but did come through with a couple of big grabs that led to an Arizona Cardinals’ victory. Expect a better performance from Fitzgerald this week against a Cincinnati Bengals’ team that has allowed 388 yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Make sure Fitz is in your lineup this week.

Point Projection: 13 points

10. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) @ New York Jets

If you listen carefully you could hear fantasy owners heartbreaking after Nicks dropped a potential 54-yard touchdown reception. Nicks still had a solid game (five receptions for 73 yards, but his drop was a real backbreaker for many of his fantasy owners. Nicks has a bad matchup this week against a New York Jets’ team that has allowed the fifth least fantasy points to the wide receiver position (15.4). However, Eli Manning is playing outstanding football and Nicks has the skills to score or any play. Expect a solid game for Nicks this week, but burning Darrelle Revis for a big play is a difficult task.

Point Projection: 13 points

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11. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) @ Washington

What happened? Harvin had three receptions for 15 yards against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. A combination of Adrian Peterson’s return and Christian Ponder playing rancid football hurt Harvin’s numbers this week. Harvin has a decent chance to bounce back against a Washington Redskins’ team that has allowed five touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last five games. Disregarding his recent clunker, Harvin has earned fantasy owners trust in recent weeks and continues to rack up the all purpose yards for the Minnesota Vikings and his fantasy owners alike.

Point Projection: 13 points

12. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia

Tony Romo clearly missed you. Austin had five receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15. Every Dallas Cowboys receiver worth owning on a fantasy team scored, as Tony Romo threw for four touchdowns. Austin didn’t do much against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8 (three receptions for 27 yards), but he’s been playing well over the Dallas Cowboys’ last two games and leads their receiving core in targets (15) in that span. The Philadelphia Eagles have allowed four touchdowns over their last three games to opposing wide receivers, so Austin has a solid chance to have a productive game this week.

Point Projection: 13 points

13. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Chicago

Not a good time to fail your fantasy owners Jordy. Nelson had only two receptions for 29 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. The Kansas City Chiefs did an immaculate job of holding the Green Bay Packers wide receivers down. Only Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb had five fantasy points or more in the game. If he can find some separation from the defensive back (has been sporadic of late), bank on Nelson giving his fantasy owners a Christmas present against a Chicago Bears’ team that has allowed 507 receiving yards and two touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games.

Point Projection: 12 points

14. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia

Bryant had four receptions for 40 yards and scored his ninth touchdown of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15. It was Bryant’s fifth touchdown in six games. It’s difficult to gauge which Dallas Cowboys receiver or receivers will have a big game each week because Tony Romo doesn’t seem to prefer one receiver over another. Bryant, who had five receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, is a decent WR2 this week, but there is some risk involved.

Point Projection: 12 points

15. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) @ New York Jets

No salsa dancing in two weeks. What gives? Cruz had five receptions for 44 yards against the Washington Redskins in Week 15. He hasn’t been exactly light fantasy owners fire over the past two games averaging only scoring 11 fantasy points over the New York Giants past two games.  Since Hakeem Nicks will likely be covered by Darrelle Revis, which mean Cruz will have room to make plays. Cruz has a solid chance to bounce back this week and should be started in all leagues.

Point Projection: 11 points

16. Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) @ Detroit  **QUESTIONABLE - STATUS UNCERTAIN FOR SATURDAY**

Still driving your fantasy owners crazy this season huh? Jackson had three receptions for 84 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15. He continues to be a strong boom or bust play, but he has a pretty good chance of booming this week against the Detroit Lions. The Detroit Lions have allowed 585 yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Jackson has a strong chance of having two rare strong games in a row this season.

Point Projection: 11 points

17. Demaryious Thomas (Denver Broncos) @ Buffalo

Capitalizing on a terrific matchup, Thomas had seven receptions for 116 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 15. Thomas has been terrific over the Denver Broncos last three games averaging six receptions, 112.6 yards per game and scoring three touchdowns. Thomas is looking like a nice play this week against the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed 13 touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. Expect to Thomas to be productive this week, but don’t expect a huge game because the Denver Broncos seem likely to run the ball often against a poor Buffalo Bills’ run defense.

Point Projection: 11 points

18. Santonio Holmes (New York Jets) vs. New York Giants

Holmes had four receptions for 40 yards and scored his eighth touchdown of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. From a fantasy perspective, Holmes had a successful afternoon, but he was truly awful in the game. He lost a fumble and dropped a pass that led to two Philadelphia Eagles touchdowns. He also had a 15 yard taunting penalty after scoring his touchdown in the fourth quarter. Holmes, who has scored four touchdowns over the New York Jets last five games, is a solid play against a New York Giants’ squad that has allowed the second most fantasy points (25.2) to the wide receiver position this season.

Point Projection: 11 points

19. Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) vs. Minnesota

Moss had two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 15. He now has touchdowns in back to back games and has a solid chance at getting another score against an inept Minnesota Vikings secondary. Expect Moss to have a nice game against a Minnesota Vikings’ team that has allowed the third most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (24.8).

Point Projection: 11 points

20. Laurent Robinson (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia    **QUESTIONABLE - EXPECTED TO PLAY ON SATURDAY**

Robinson had three receptions for 29 yards and scored a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15. Miles Austin’s return hasn’t hurt Robinson’s fantasy owners much. Robinson has seven receptions for 166 yards and has scored two touchdowns over the Dallas Cowboys last two games. The Philadelphia Eagles have allowed 20.3 fantasy points and have surrendered the second most receptions (12) of 40 plus yards this season. Robinson is a risk, but he often gets targeted for big plays and has a solid chance of scoring a touchdown on any given week.

Point Projection: 11 points

21. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Denver

The Buffalo Bills have struggled since their bye week, but it isn’t Stevie Johnson’s fault. Johnson had five receptions for 82 yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Averaging 5.6 catches and 81 yards per game over the Buffalo Bills last three games; Johnson has been one of the better wide receiver fantasy options of late. Johnson will likely be paired against Champ Bailey this week, but Johnson has been successful against some of the better corners in the league this season (Darrelle Revis, Quentin Jammer, etc…). The Denver Broncos have also allowed the eighth most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (22.1). Johnson is a solid WR2 this week.

Point Projection: 10 points

22. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. St. Louis

We all took your terrific production earlier in the season for granted, didn’t we? Wallace caught five passes for 66 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. Ben Roethlisberger was under siege most of the night so he didn’t have much time to hit Wallace down the field. Wallace has a chance at a monster game this week against a St. Louis Rams’ team that has allowed the fifth most fantasy points to the wide receiver position (23.2). However, if it were to come to fruition, it will be Charlie Batch and not Big Ben throwing him the football.

Point Projection: 10 points

23. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. St. Louis

What can Brown do for you? Apparently, he can do nothing outstanding against the San Francisco 49ers. Brown had five receptions for 59 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. Expect Brown to be a solid WR2 this week against a St. Louis Rams’ team that has allowed 17 touchdowns to the wide receiver position. While Brown is consistent, and the matchup is nice, with Big Ben out of action in this game you can’t heavily rely on him winning you a fantasy title.

Point Projection: 9 points

24. Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oakland Raiders) @ Kansas City

Heyward-Bey had a monster game against the Detroit Lions in Week 15, hauling in eight receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. Over the last two weeks Heyward-Bey has 13 receptions for 233 yards and a touchdown. He has also been targeted 18 times. The Kansas City Chiefs’ pass defense has been playing tough lately, but Heyward-Bey had five receptions for 89 yards against them in Week 7. If Heyward-Bey continues to receive a high volume of targets expect him to have a productive game this week.

Point Projection: 9 points

25. Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis Rams) @ Pittsburgh

Lloyd hauled in only five receptions for 42 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15. Kellen Clemens didn’t do a very good Sam Bradford impersonation and didn’t throw many deep passes. Lloyd has been very good this season, but going against the Pittsburgh Steelers terrific pass defense with Kellen Clemens at quarterback make his a scary option this week. Lloyd has been a really consistent option for fantasy owners, but this week he will be a risky play.

Point Projection: 8 points