Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2011::

Last week wasn’t the best week of NFL football this season. It was less about the play and more about the injuries. Several wide receivers (Percy Harvin, Hines Ward, Santana Moss, Malcom Floyd, Danario Alexander, etc…) left their Week 7 games with injuries. The injuries to all these wide receivers along with six teams on their bye week have made the wide receiver position thin this week. That said, take a look at our Fantasy Football Week 7 Wide Receiver Rankings to find out which pass catchers make for a good bye week option in your wide receiver slot.

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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) @ Denver

Please be okay Matthew Stafford! Johnson caught five passes for 115 yards and scored his tenth touchdown of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. He has impressively scored no less than 11 fantasy points in every game this season. Most reports are that Matthew Stafford’s knee and ankle injuries are minor and he will play in Week 8, which is a good thing for Johnson because he has tough matchup against Denver Broncos, shutdown cornerback, Champ Bailey. However, Johnson’s is the prototype in the next phase of the evolution of the wide receiver – height, explosiveness and strength. The Denver Broncos have also allowed the fifth most fantasy points (24.8) to the wide receiver position this season. Expect Megatron to continue his new touchdown streak.
Point Projection: 18 points

2. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) @ Pittsburgh

The league leader in targets (74), receptions (51) and receiving yards (785), has been unable to be stopped this season. There is no slot receiver that’s better at exploiting a seam more than Welker right now. He’s overcome some tough defensive matchups and had great fantasy days anyway. The Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed the least fantasy points (12.1) to the wide receiver position this season, but they will still have problems containing Welker, especially with a healthy Aaron Hernandez back in the New England Patriots starting lineup. Expect a nice game from Welker this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

3. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New England

In many ways Wallace is the perfect fantasy receiver. He makes big plays and is incredibly consistent. For instance, Wallace has four 100 yard plus receiving games and has scored five touchdowns in seven games this season. Regardless of the matchup, Wallace performs and he should no problem putting together an excellent game against a Patriots passing defense that allows 13.83 receptions per game to the wide receiver position. Look for Wallace to get loose downfield and make it four straight games with a touchdown.
Point Projection: 17 points

4. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) vs. Miami

He’s not off to as great a start as last season, but Nicks has showed signs that he could go on a tear at anytime. So, far Nicks has 32 receptions, 508 receiving yards and has scored three touchdowns in six games this season. Nicks has a terrific matchup against a Miami Dolphins’ defense that has taken a big step back from last season, allowing an average of 21.8 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position. Extra rest from the bye week probably has likely allowed Nicks’ ankle to be near one hundred percent healthy. Expect Nicks to be chased all over the field by the Miami Dolphins leaky secondary this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

5. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Minnesota

So Steve, do you still want to be traded? Cam Newton has single handedly resurrected Smith’s career and Smith is having one of best seasons as a pro so far. Smith has four one hundred yard receiving performances in seven games. He has a solid chance of cracking the one hundred yard mark again against a Minnesota Vikings’ team that has allowed an average of 24.7 fantasy points per game against wide receivers this season. Expect another stellar performance by Smith this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

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6. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) @ St. Louis

Since returning from a broken collarbone injury, Colston has been a monster averaging 6.3 receptions, 95 yards receiving and scoring three touchdowns over the New Orleans Saints last three games. He couldn’t ask for a better matchup this week against a St. Louis Rams’ team that has the worst overall ranked defense in the NFL this season. The St. Louis Rams have also allowed the second most fantasy points (26.7) to the wide receiver position. Colton needs to be in your lineup if he isn’t already.
Point Projection: 16 points

7. Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) @ Kansas City

Going against the likes of Champ Bailey and Darrelle Revis has not been good for Jackson’s numbers the past couple of weeks. Jackson only has four receptions for 49 yards over the past two games, but he has a much better matchup this week against a Kansas City Chiefs’ team that allowed over 200 passing yards to the Indianapolis Colts’ pathetic offense in Week 6 and have surrendered 22.8 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. Jackson is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

8. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. San Diego

The Kansas Chiefs are taking themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. They have won their last three games and Bowe is a big reason why. Bowe is averaging 95.8 yards receiving and has four touchdowns over the Kansas City Chiefs last five games. The last time Bowe faced the San Diego Chargers back in Week 3 he hauled in four receptions for 67 yards and scored a touchdown. Expecting a similar output from Bowe is reasonable considering the San Diego Chargers allowed three touchdowns inside the 20-yard line to Plaxico Burress in Week 7. It’s a good thing that Bowe has a history doing some of his best work in the red zone.
Point Projection: 15 points

9. A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Seattle

Green’s not quite the super rookie Randy Moss was, but he’s turning fantasy owners heads this season. He easily leads all rookie wide receivers in receptions (29), and receiving yards (453). He has also scored four touchdowns in six games this season. Green is probably salivating from a tasty matchup against a Seattle Seahawks’ team that has allowed 500 plus receiving yards and two touchdowns to the wide receiver position over the last two games. A well rested Green and a nice matchup equals big fantasy points this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

10. Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas

Michael Vick’s favorite receiver continues to quietly put up solid WR2 numbers. Maclin is tenth in the NFL in receptions (37) and is eleventh in receiving yards (489) and has scored three touchdowns this season. The Dallas Cowboys held Maclin to only one reception for 11 yards in two games last season, but the Philadelphia Eagles offense appeared back on track after roughing up the Washington Redskins in Week 6. Expect the Philadelphia Eagles to utilize Maclin’s strengths better this time around.
Point Projection: 14 points

11. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia

The Dallas Cowboys’ bye week in Week 6 was clearly beneficial for Bryant. He has nine receptions for 168 yards and a touchdown over the last couple of games. At first glance, it seems unlikely that Bryant will succeed in this matchup, but he might have some opportunities to create big plays if the Dallas Cowboys can establish the run like they did last week against the St. Louis Rams. Start Bryant without a second’s thought.
Point Projection: 13 points

12. Brandon Marshall (Miami Dolphins) @ New York Giants

Even though he hasn’t had a monster game with Matt Moore as his signal caller, Marshall’s production is trending upward. Marshall has 12 receptions for 170 yards over the last two games and he has received 22 targets in that span. The New York Giants have allowed the sixth most fantasy points (25.2) to the wide receiver position this season and don’t have the benefit of a shutdown corner to take Marshall out of the game. Expect a better performance from Marshall this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

13. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas

Plugging Jackson into your fantasy football lineup is a bit like heading to a fortune teller.. you never know what they are going to do you. That said, his playmaking ability and the fact that he plays in an explosive offense is too good to pass. Jackson has been the furthest thing from consistent this year, three big games and three duds, however he has had some big games against the Cowboys and his speed will be tough to defend in Week 8. You can’t expect him to repeat his four reception for 210 yard and a score performance like he did last year against the Cowboys, however don’ be surprised if he breaks off a few big plays.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Anquan Boldin (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Arizona

Boldin’s most impressive performance of the season was followed by a brutal performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. If not for a late touchdown Boldin’s line (four receptions for 40 receiving yards) would have looked much worse. He did however; once again lead the Baltimore Ravens receivers in targets (12). The Arizona Cardinals have struggled against wide receivers especially over their last three games surrendering 681 yards and three touchdowns. Expect a more impressive outing from Boldin this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

15. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Washington

Johnson’s has silenced his critics, who thought he would be a bust this season. He has 33 receptions for 382 yards and has scored four touchdowns this season. The Washington Redskins have only allowed two touchdowns to the wide receiver position, so Johnson’s chances of scoring his fifth touchdown of the season seem slim. Johnson is talented enough to still find a way to make big plays in this game however.
Point Projection: 12 points

16. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) @ Baltimore

The receptions and receiving yards have been there for Fitzgerald this season, but he has only scored two touchdowns in the Arizona Cardinals first seven games. It will be difficult for Fitzgerald to score a touchdown this week against a Baltimore Ravens’ squad that has only allowed four touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. The chances to have an outstanding game become an even bigger mountain to climb for Fitzgerald knowing that the Baltimore Ravens defense has held opponents to only 43 points over the last three games. Expect Fitzgerald to get his receptions and yards, but a touchdown isn’t likely.
Point Projection: 11 points

17. Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis Rams) vs. New Orleans

It was by no means a spectacular St. Louis Rams debut for Lloyd, but it was an overall solid performance considering Sam Bradford’s absence. Lloyd caught six passes for 74 yards and his 12 targets far and away led the team. It seems likely that Lloyd will keep receiving the targets to be successful and he has a great matchup against a New Orleans Saints’ team that has allowed an average of 22 fantasy points against wide receivers this season. Regardless of who play quarterback in St. Louis, the Rams will have to throw and Lloyd has the matchup to build on a solid debut.
Point Projection: 10 points

18. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia

Austin disappointed his fantasy owners hoping for a big week coming off an injury and the bye, as he could muster just two receptions for 16 receiving yards in a blowout victory over the St. Louis Rams last week. His matchup against the Eagles in Week 8 won’t get any easier. Philadelphia does an excellent job of shutting down receivers on the outside and Austin is averaging just 39.2 receiving yards per game against the Eagles throughout his career. With there being so many players on a bye, it’s tough to not place Austin in your lineup but don’t be surprised if he puts up a second consecutive flop of a week.
Point Projection: 9 points

19. Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee

Garcon had a lousy performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, thanks mostly to a Curtis Painter performance that was only rivaled by Charlie Whitehurst’s. Despite his ghastly performance, Garcon his been awesome lately, averaging 4.8 receptions, 87.2 yards per game and scoring four touchdowns over the last five games. The Tennessee Titans pass defense has been shaky lately allowing 431 receiving yards and three touchdowns over the last three games to the wide receiver position. Garcon is a risky start this week, but he could definitely pay off.
Point Projection: 9 points

20. Mario Manningham (New York Giants) @ Miami

Manningham has been more involved in the New York Giants offense recently, hauling in 10 receptions for 112 yards over the past two games. He once again has Eli Manning’s eye, receiving 17 targets over the last two weeks. The Miami Dolphins have allowed eight touchdowns in seven games to the wide receiver position this season. Manningham has a good chance to find pay dirt and is a solid WR3 this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

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Please use this link to enter:  Week 8 $350 Contest  (click to register)

21. Deion Branch (New England Patriots) @ Pittsburgh

Those neon gloves that Branch famously wore as a Seattle Seahawk are becoming a distant memory. He’s now reminded his fans he can still play football being a member of the New England Patriots the last couple of seasons. Much like last season, Branch has been great in PPR leagues averaging 4.3 receptions and 61.5 yards receiving. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been awesome against wide receivers this sesaon, but the New England Patriots offense has so many weapons to keep track of that the best pass defenses can crack against them. Count on a productive game from Branch this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

22. Nate Washington (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis

Excluding a clunker in Week 7, (one reception for 10 yards) due primarily to poor quarterback play; Washington is off to one of the best starts to a season in his career. However, he isn’t likely to have many more big games because he is receiving more attention from defensive backs with Kenny Britt out and Matt Hasselbeck’s thumb injury is concerning. The good news is that the Indianapolis Colts have allowed the third most fantasy points per game (26.4) this season, which is definitely a matchup the crafty, veteran, Washington can exploit.
Point Projection: 9 points

23. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New England

After two weeks where he basically contributed next to nothing for fantasy teams, Brown broke out in a big way, hauling in seven receptions for 102 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. If Hines Ward’s ankle injury is serious, Brown seems to be the most likely Pittsburgh Steelers receiver to benefit. The New England Patriots have surrendered seven touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season, so Brown has a decent chance to score the first touchdown of his career. Expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to be passing a bunch in this game and Brown to be productive.
Point Projection: 8 points

24. Eric Decker (Denver Broncos) vs. Detroit

No more Brandon Lloyd in his way, meant a productive game for Decker right? Wrong! Decker only had two receptions for 21 yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. As long as Tim Tebow is the quarterback in the run first offense for the Denver Broncos, Decker may have many more games like he did in Week 7. The Detroit Lions have been solid against the wide receiver position over the past two games allowing only 27 fantasy points over the past two weeks. Decker is a shaky WR3 this week.
Point Projection: 8 points

25. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos) vs. Detroit

Even though it was his first game back and he didn’t start, Thomas showed great chemistry with Tim Tebow. Thomas far and away led the Denver Broncos’ receiving core in targets (10) and finished the game with three receptions for 27 yards and scored a touchdown. It’s possible that Thomas maybe the Denver Broncos’ receiver with the most fantasy potential going forward. However, Tim Tebow probably doesn’t have the skill set to throw a high volume of passes with deadly accuracy and the running game comes first in John Fox’s offense, so those two things will likely hamper Thomas’ production some weeks. That being said, don’t let that stop you from taking a flier on Thomas if he’s available in your league.
Point Projection: 8 points