Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

WEEK 4 RANKINGS  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF

No disrespect intended to Weeks 1 and 2, but Week 3 in the NFL had everything one could ask for. There was comedy (the refereeing), drama (the refereeing), and suspense (mostly to do with the refereeing).
There were some big performances from A.J. Green, Calvin Johnson and Torrey Smith in Week 3. Will they have encore performances in Week 4, or will there be a surprising new crop of receivers on top of the leaderboard? Only time will tell. However, the concept of time or the occasional pass interference penalty maybe unfamiliar to you if you are a replacement referee. In that case, consult the dictionary and/or NFL rulebook for more information.

Who will be among the top scoring wide receivers this week? Read our fantasy football Week 4 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings below to gain an advantage over your friends and competitors alike.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 28 2012::

1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Minnesota

Madden curse be damned! Megatron is back! Johnson caught 10 passes for 164 yards and scored a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. After pulling a disappearing act in the first half, Johnson was dominant in the second, catching eight passes. Johnson dominated the Minnesota Vikings in two games last season, catching 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a big win and were able to hold the San Francisco 49ers receiving core to 12 total fantasy points. However, the San Francisco 49ers don’t have anyone the caliber of a Calvin Johnson on their receiving core. Bet on a big game for Megatron this week.
Point Projection: 18 points

2. A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Jacksonville

Dominance thy name is A.J. Green. Green had an absolute monster game catching nine passes for 183 yards and scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 3. He once again led the team in targets (11) and was on the same page as Andy Dalton most of the afternoon. The Jacksonville Jaguars pass defense has been solid so far this season, but they have struggled against the run allowing the second most fantasy points to the running back position (27.0). Expect the Cincinnati Bengals to use the running game to set up the pass this week. It wouldn’t be surprising if Green, who has played like an emerging superstar the last two games, is terrific once again. 
Point Projection: 17 points

3. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Carolina

Jones caught five passes for 67 yards and scored a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers in Week 3. It was a nice return to fantasy prominence for Jones, who was held to only four receptions for 14 yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. It’s difficult to determine, which Atlanta Falcons’ receiver will score more fantasy points each week. Roddy or Julio? However, Matt Ryan is playing at an MVP type level, so both receivers should continue to see a ton of targets and be productive. The Carolina Panthers secondary has been solid this year, much like last season, but the Atlanta Falcons offense is functioning like a well-oiled machine scoring 94 points through three games this season. Jones, who had a huge game against the Carolina Panthers last season (three receptions, 104 yards and two touchdowns), is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

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4. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Miami Dolphins

Where’s Larry? There he is! Fitzgerald torched the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, catching nine passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Kolb finally looked Fitzgerald’s way unlike in the past the results couldn’t of ended up much better. The Miami Dolphins were torched by the New York Jets receiving core in Week 3 allowing 28 total fantasy points to the wide receiver position. Bet on another terrific performance for Fitzgerald against a Miami Dolphins’ team that has been burned by playmaking receivers Santonio Holmes and Andre Johnson so far this season. They may have to add Fitzgerald’s name to that list.
Point Projection: 16 points

5. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) @ Philadelphia

Sorry, no dance lessons this week. Cruz had six catches for 42 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. He was targeted eight times, but played second banana to Ramses Barden most of the night. The Philadelphia Eagles have a challenging secondary for most receivers, but Cruz was dominant against them last season, catching nine passes for 238 yards and scoring three touchdowns in two games. Expect a strong bounce back performance for Cruz this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

6. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) vs. Tennessee

A healthy A.J. is a dangerous A.J.  Johnson had two receptions for 72 yards and scored a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. Johnson caught a beautiful 60-yard bomb from Matt Schaub and showed a nice burst of speed, outrunning his defender to score the touchdown. It could have been an even bigger game for Johnson, but he juggled a pass and dropped a potential second touchdown in the end zone. Johnson has performed well against the Tennessee Titans in the past, including catching 15 passes for 114 yards and scoring two touchdowns against them in the 2010 season. Bet on a solid performance for Johnson against a Tennessee Titans team that allowed 308 receiving yards and three touchdowns to the Detroit Lions wide receiving core in Week 3.
Point Projection: 15 points

7. Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Washington Redskins

So this week is going to be the big game for Vincent “ Delivers Bi Weekly” Jackson right? Let’s hope that nickname sticks. Jackson caught two passes for 29 yards against Dallas Cowboy in Week 3. The Dallas Cowboys bottled Jackson up most of the game and his only catch came late in the fourth quarter. Much like last season, Jackson has inverted good and bad performances this season. He seems likely to continue that trend going against a Washington Redskins’ squad that has allowed the most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (38.) and struggled to contain rising star receiver A.J. Green in Week 3. Bet on a bounce back performance for Jackson this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

8. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit

No more migraines equals one dangerous receiver. Harvin caught nine passes for 89 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. He once again led the team in targets (11) and has now scored eight fantasy points or more in each of the past three Minnesota Vikings games. Harvin was solid against the Detroit Lions last season, catching 13 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in two games. Harvin’s chances of success continue to rise considering the Detroit Lions allowed 44 points to a mediocre Tennessee Titans offense in Week 3. Bet on a nice game for Harvin this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

9. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos) vs. Oakland

Thomas caught three passes for 34 yards against the Houston Texans in Week 3. He was tied for the team lead in targets (11), but was blanketed most of the afternoon by shutdown corner, Jonathan Joseph. He nearly had a touchdown to salvage the day for fantasy owners, but was unable to get both feet in on a running catch. The Oakland Raiders, who were recently torched by the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiving core in Week 3, (18 receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns) will likely struggle to stop the dynamic Thomas from having his way. The Oakland Raiders also struggled to stop big play receiver Mike Wallace in Week 3 and could suffer the same fate against Thomas this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

10. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Carolina

Roddy wasn’t very rowdy in Week 3, catching five passes for 55 yards against the San Diego Chargers. He nearly had a touchdown, but it was taken away due to an offensive interference call. Much like his teammate Julio Jones, White has a nice chance at a bounce back performance against a Carolina Panthers secondary that had trouble stopping the New York Giants, developing wide receiver Ramses Barden in Week 3. White, who had nine receptions for 105 yards and scored a touchdown in two games against the Carolina Panthers last season, is looking like a stellar play this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

11. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) @ Buffalo

All that talk about Wes Welker not playing a big role in the New England Patriots offense this season stopped pretty quickly didn’t it? Does anyone else here the crickets? Welker had a monster game, catching eight receptions for 142 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. It was a nice comeback performance for Welker, who played most of the New England Patriots’ snaps in Week 3. Welker is looking like a terrific start against a Buffalo Bills’ team he dominated last season, catching 22 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Welker needs to be in fantasy owners’ lineups this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

12. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) @ Philadelphia

Nicks is likely to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 after sitting out New York Giants’ last game with a foot injury. The Philadelphia Eagles held Nicks to six receptions for 69 yards in two games last season. However, the Philadelphia Eagles allowed playmaking receiver Larry Fitzgerald to walk all over them in Week 3. Nicks, who has played well dealing with nagging past injuries, has a chance to have a nice game this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

13. Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers) vs. New Orleans

Jennings caught six passes for 58 yards against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Averaging 5.8 yards per reception, Jennings struggled to gain yardage after the catch, often being swarmed by the physical Seattle Seahawks secondary. He nearly scored a touchdown, but he stepped out of bounds right before the ball broke the plane. Jennings has a nice chance to score his first touchdown of the season going against a New Orleans Saints’ team that has allowed an average of 21.3 points per game to the wide receiver position this season. Look for Jennings, who looked fairly healthy in Week 3, to have his best performance of the season this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears) @ Dallas

Not the big game previously predicted (guilty), but a solid game nonetheless. Marshall caught five passes for 71 yards against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3. The Chicago Bears philosophy was clearly clock control, so the running game was in full force. Marshall did most of his damage on a 34 yard reception, but was unable to produce much after the catch in the game. The Dallas Cowboys have done a terrific job against wide receivers this year, holding the position to an average of 7.3 fantasy points per game. It’s difficult to expect a highly productive game from Marshall this week, especially considering how his quarterback, Jay Cutler has been under siege the past two games.
Point Projection: 12 points

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

Bowe had seven receptions for 79 yards against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. It was an overall solid performance for Bowe, who received team high 16 targets. Bet on a strong performance this week for Bowe against a San Diego Chargers’ team that gave up eight receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown against him in two games last season. Bowe is a solid WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

**2012 BRUNO BOYS FANDUEL WEEK 4 CHAMPIONSHIP —$5 TO PLAY (111 ENTRIES MAX)—$8,000 IN PRIZE MONEY** 

We’ve partnered with FanDuel.com to provide our fans an opportunity to play WEEKLY salary cap fantasy football against the Bruno Boys Staff.  In Week 4, we are offering a $500 worth of cash prizes and a the winner gets a seat in our Week 11 Bruno Boys Championship Make sure to sign-up now for a chance to win $8,000 in prize money and take on the Bruno Boys… IT’S JUST $5!!

Please use this link to enter for JUST $5 in Week 4:  $500 IN PAYOUTS/ SEAT IN BBFC  (click to register)

16. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Chicago

Austin had five receptions for 107 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. He continued to shine even though Tony Romo didn’t play particularly well and now has scored 10 fantasy points or more in each of the last three games. Bet on Austin to continue his strong play, at home against the Chicago Bears. Austin, who has received 19 targets over the past two games , will continue to be the Dallas Cowboys stalwart receiver.
Point Projection: 12 points

17. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) vs. New England

Continuing to impress, Johnson caught seven passes for 61 yards and scored a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. Mr. Consistency, Johnson, has now scored a touchdown and at least 11 fantasy points in every game this season. The productive streak doesn’t seem likely to stop against a New England Patriots’ team he smoked last season to the tune of 12 catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson is a terrific WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

18. Brandon Lloyd (New England Patriots) @ Buffalo

Lloyd caught nine passes for 108 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. He once again led the team in targets (12) and was very effective in slant routes along the sidelines. Lloyd should have no trouble exploiting a Buffalo Bills’ team that has allowed 29.3 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. Bet on another nice week for Lloyd.
Point Projection: 12 points

19. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) @ Atlanta

Smith caught four passes for 86 yards against the New York Giants in Week 3. It’s a testament to Smith’s consistency that he still had a productive game, even though Cam Newton had a rancid one. Smith was terrific against the Atlanta Falcons last season, catching 11 passes for 191 yards in two games. However the Atlanta Falcons have played terrific defense so far this season allowing only 48 points to their opponents in three games. The Atlanta Falcons have also only surrendered an average of 14.5 fantasy points this season. Bet on a good game for Smith, but not a spectacular one.
Point Projection: 11 points

20. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) vs. New Orleans

Nelson caught two passes for 19 yards against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. He struggled to get open most of the game because of the physical coverage employed by the Seattle Seahawks defensive backs. He only received three targets in the game and has yet to score a touchdown this season after scoring 15 touchdowns last season. The New Orleans Saints have allowed 552 receiving yards and two touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. This week could very well be the week that Nelson breaks out of his slump.
Point Projection: 11 points

21. Malcom Floyd (San Diego Chargers) @ Kansas City

Floyd had three receptions for 52 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Phillip Rivers had an awful game completing only 21 passes and throwing two interceptions. That was the primary reason Floyd wasn’t nearly as effective as he was during the first two games of this season. The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled against the pass this season allowing an average of 22.3 fantasy points to the wide receiver position. Bet on a stronger gamer from Floyd, who had seven receptions for 135 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in two games last season, this week.
Point Projection: 11 points

22. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) @ Green Bay

Colston had three receptions for 40 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. A combination of nagging injuries, coaching and under performing from the New Orleans Saints’ offense have all aided in Colston’s slow start to the season. Colston had six receptions for 81 yards against the Green Bay Packers last season, but he has seen only eight targets the past two games. He will likely need to receive more targets this week in order to have an effective game, but his health may discourage that option. Bank on a solid game for Colston, but not a tremendous one.
Point Projection: 10 points

23. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Chicago

He’s going to take the next step…any minute now. Bryant had six receptions for 62 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. Tony Romo was fairly ineffective in the contest and had to settle for several checkdowns, so Bryant’s decent, but unspectacular numbers are warranted. Bryant is too talented to not have a breakout performance at some point this season. However, this week probably isn’t the time. The Chicago Bears have held receivers to the ninth least fantasy points per game this season (17.0). If Tony Romo could get going, Bryant could have a nice game, but it doesn’t seem likely to happen this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Lance Moore (New Orleans Saints) @ Green Bay

We want Moore! Moore caught four passes for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. He has now scored touchdowns in two of three games this season and has become an effective WR3 in the process. The Green Bay Packers have been surprisingly strong against the pass through three games, but Moore and Drew Brees have terrific chemistry that overcomes difficult situations. Moore also has excelled in his role in the New Orleans’ Saints offense. Bet on another solid game for Moore this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

25. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. New York Giants

Not much action for Jackson in Week 3. Jackson had three catches for 43 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. Patrick Peterson did an excellent job of containing Jackson and didn’t allow him the space to make a big play. Jackson should have an easier time this week against a banged up New York Giants secondary that has allowed an average of 26.7 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season. Look for Jackson, who had eight receptions for 118 yards in two games against the New York Giants last season, to have a better game this week.
Point Projection: 10 points