Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

WEEK 5 RANKINGS  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF

Week 4 was an exciting time to be an NFL fan, as several games went right down to the wire. In many of those high anxiety games, wide receivers were big contributors to the excitement. Brian Hartline went off against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4 to lead all receivers in fantasy points accrued and Andre Roberts nearly went step for step with him, producing a monster game of his own. The NFL has clearly become a passing league and more of these big performances from wide receivers are likely to become increasingly common in the future. Who will be the flavor of the week wide receiver this week? Which receiver will take the next step towards elite status?

Who will be among the top scoring wide receivers this week? Read our fantasy football Week 5 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings below to gain an advantage over your friends and competitors alike.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 4 2012::

1. A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Miami Dolphins

Somebody stop this man! In a nice victory for the Cincinnati Bengals over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Green couldn’t be contained. He ended up catching six passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. His highlight reel catch in the end zone was the dagger through the heart of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Look for Green to continue to tear it up against a Miami Dolphins’ team that has allowed an average of 24.8 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position. The Miami Dolphins have also been smoked by the likes of Santonio Holmes and Larry Fitzgerald in back to back games. Expect A.J. to continue his rise towards elite receiver status. 
Point Projection: 18 points

2. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) vs. Cleveland

Let’s dance! Continuing to prove that last year was no fluke, Cruz caught nine passes for 109 yards and scored his second touchdown of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4. In Hakeem Nick’s absence Cruz excelled and seemingly had his way with the Philadelphia Eagles defensive backfield all night long. He also led the team in targets (13) by a large margin. Cruz should have no problem torching a Cleveland Browns’ team that has allowed the third most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (30.5). Look for Cruz to be giving dance lessons to Cleveland Browns’ defensive backs on Sunday.Point Projection: 17 points

3. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) @ Washington

Rowdy Roddy is back! White had eight receptions for 169 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. The Carolina Panthers simply had no answer for White, who led the team in targets (12) and helped set up the Atlanta Falcon’s game winning field goal with a terrific catch. Look for White to continue his rampage this week against a Washington Redskins’ team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game (36.3) to the wide receiver position this season. Look for White to be one of the top receivers this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

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4. Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears) @ Jacksonville

It’s Marshall Law again! In a nice Chicago Bears victory over the Dallas Cowboys, Marshall caught seven passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. It was a positive bounce back performance for Marshall who was quiet in Weeks 2 and 3. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a solid pass defense allowing 18.0 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position. However, Marshall was dominant against a Dallas Cowboys’ team that up until last week allowed the least fantasy points to the wide receiver position. As long as Jay Cutler has time to throw, Marshall has a chance to have a standout performance. The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled getting pressure on the quarterback this season, so bet on another strong performance for Marshall this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

5. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) @ Indianapolis
Nelson had his best game of the season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, catching eight passes for 93 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season. Greg Jennings leaving the game early because of aggravating a previous groin injury meant Jordy Nelson was the go to guy for quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Nelson clearly made the most out of the 12 targets he received. The Indianapolis Colts have allowed the sixth most fantasy points (25.3) to the wide receiver position this season, so Nelson has a great shot at his second nice game in a row this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Washington Redskins) @ St. Louis

What was all that nonsense about Kevin Kolb not being able to get the ball to Fitz about? Fitzgerald hauled in eight passes for 64 yards and scored a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. Over the past two games with Kevin Kolb under center, Fitzgerald has 17 receptions for 178 yards and has scored two touchdowns. Fitzgerald wasn’t all too successful against the St. Louis Rams last season (seven receptions, 98 yards and a touchdown in two games). However, Fitzgerald is too dynamic of a receiver to be held down and will likely continue to see the heavy targets needed to be successful this week. Bet on another nice game for Fitzgerald, even if Cortland Finnegan is marking him.
Point Projection: 15 points

7. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Baltimore

Bowe was one of the few bright spots in a bad loss for the Kansas City Chiefs as he caught seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Bowe has been on a role over the Kansas City Chiefs last three games catching 22 passes for 289 yards and three touchdowns. The Baltimore Ravens have allowed an average of 21.8 fantasy points per game to opponents, so Bowe certainly has a chance to be productive this week. Expect Bowe to be a target monster and continue his productive streak, especially if the Kansas City Chiefs are down big early in this game, which seems likely. 
Point Projection: 15 points

8. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos) @ New England

Peyton Manning is enjoying his new toy isn’t he? Thomas caught five passes for 103 yards against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4. The performance could have been even sweeter had Thomas not committed a terrible fumble in the second quarter that took a sure fire touchdown away. Thomas received less targets than Eric Decker in the contest, but there is no need for fantasy owners to worry. There is plenty of room on a Peyton Manning led team for more than one receiver to thrive. Thomas should have no problem exposing a New England Patriots’ team that has allowed 493 yards and four touchdowns to the wide receiver position over the past two games.
Point Projection: 15 points

9. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) @ Washington

Jones caught only one pass for 30 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. It was a meager output for Jones, who had torched the Carolina Panthers in the past. However, it’s unknown how much of a factor Jones’ injured hand was in his performance. However, with more time for healing it seems unlikely to affect him this week against the Washington Redskins. The Washington Redskins simply haven’t been able to contain wide receivers this season, allowing six touchdowns to the position. Look for the ultra talented Jones to get his grove back this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

10. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) vs. Denver

So where has all the gossip gone about Welker’s role diminishing this season? Welker caught nine passes for 129 yards against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. It was the third straight week Welker received double digit targets and is averaging 7.3 catches and 122 yards per game over the New England Patriots last three games. Welker had only four receptions for 41 yards against the Denver Broncos last season, but the New England Patriots’ offense has been on a role as of late scoring 82 points in their last two games. Look for Welker to have another solid game against a Denver Broncos’ team that has allowed a touchdown per game to the wide receiver position this season.
Point Projection: 14 points

11. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) @ New York Jets

No monster game for Andre. Johnson caught three passes for 56 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. The Houston Texans dominating defensive performance along with a balanced offensive were the main factors in Johnson’s meager fantasy point total. The New York Jets have been solid defending against the wide receiver position, but they have been roughed up against the run. The Houston Texans have had one of the best running offenses in the NFL this season and will likely use the run to setup the pass this week. It’s possible the dynamic Johnson could catch the New York Jets off guard and catch a long pass play this week. Make sure Johnson is in your lineup.
Point Projection: 14 points

12. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Philadelphia

Despite a holdout that caused him to miss the preseason, Wallace has clearly shown no ill effects or consequences. Wallace has 17 receptions for 234 yards and has scored three touchdowns in three games this season. The Philadelphia Eagles have a stingy secondary, but Victor Cruz and Larry Fitzgerald have both burned them in their last two games. Wallace, who is an incredibly difficult matchup for any defense, can run up the fantasy points no matter who he is facing. Wallace is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

13. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) vs. San Diego

Welcome back to fantasy relevance Mr. Colston! Colston caught nine passes for 153 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. It was a really impressive performance for Colston, especially because he has been hampered with a case of planter facitus this season. Colston is no stranger to the injury bug and has been known to play well being banged up in the past. Based off his Week 4 performance, this season appears no different. The San Diego Chargers have allowed 17.5 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position, but have allowed some big performances to big play receivers this season (Dwayne Bowe, Roddy White, etc…). Look for Colston to have another productive game this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens) @ Kansas City

Smith caught six passes for 97 yards and his third touchdown of the season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Over the past two games, Smith has 12 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns. He has clearly seized the No. 1 receiver role on the team, receiving 20 targets over the past two games. Look for Smith to take advantage of a Kansas City Chiefs’ team that has allowed five touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season and have given up some big performances to playmaking wide receivers this season (Steve Johnson, Julio Jones, etc…). Smith is a solid WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Tennessee

It was a terrific victory for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 and it started right from the get go with Harvin taking it to the house for a 105-yard touchdown. It was a terrific return, but the rest of the game for Harvin didn’t go so smoothly, as he was only able to rack up three receptions for 22 yards. The running game was working for the Minnesota Vikings so Christian Ponder only attempted 16 passes and six were in Harvin’s direction. The Tennessee Titans have allowed 66 fantasy points over their last three games. Expect a more productive game for Harvin this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

16. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Green Bay

Coming off the bye, Wayne is off to a nice start this season catching 23 balls for 294 yards and a touchdown through three games. Andrew Luck has been especially fond of Wayne targeting him 40 times this season. The Green Bay Packers defense was roughed up by the New Orleans Saints’ offense last week, but has been fairly solid this season against average offensive teams. Wayne will continue to receive the targets to be productive and be an absolute PPR beast, but a monster game this week seems unlikely.
Point Projection: 13 points

17. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Seattle

Smith caught three passes for 52 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. It was a down game for Smith, who received seven targets. The Seattle Seahawks have allowed an average of 17.0 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season. Smith doesn’t quite have the speed he used to, but is still capable of making a big play when needed. However, this week is not looking like it will be particularly productive game for the veteran receiver.
Point Projection: 12 points

18. Brandon Lloyd (New England Patriots) vs. Denver

Lloyd caught three passes for 50 yards and scored his first touchdown in a New England Patriots’ uniform against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. Tom Brady’s favorite new target, Lloyd is putting together a nice season for himself so far, catching 25 passes for 287 yards and a touchdown. The Denver Broncos pass defense has been Jekyll and Hyde this season and Lloyd has produced against some solid defenses already this season (Baltimore, Arizona, etc…). Make sure Lloyd is in your lineup this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

19. Eric Decker (Denver Broncos) @ New England

Maybe all those comparisons to Wes Welker were valid. For the second week in a row Decker was a PPR monster, catching eight passes for 79 yards and scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4. Over the last two games, Decker has 15 catches for 215 yards and a touchdown and he has also led the Denver Broncos wide receiving core in targets (22) in that span. The New England Patriots have allowed an average of 23.8 fantasy points per game and six touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. This scenario could translate into an opportunity for Decker to excel in. Make sure Decker is in your lineup this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

20. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Pittsburgh

Following a disappointing Week 3, Action Jackson returned in Week 4, catching six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants. It has been a nice bounce back season for Jackson so far, catching 20 passes for 333 yards and scoring a touchdown through four games. The Pittsburgh Steelers scarcely allow big plays, but the Oakland Raiders mediocre receiving core was able to score two touchdowns against them in Week 3. Look for Jackson to continue to see heavy targets and be productive this week against a Pittsburgh Steelers’ team that has allowed an average of 20.0 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season.
Point Projection: 11 points

21. Brian Hartline (Miami Dolphins) @ Cincinnati

The top scoring wide receiver of last week is…Brian Hartline? Hartline exploded in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, catching 12 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown. He has clearly been Ryan Tannehill’s No. 1 receiver, receiving 40 targets over the past three games and catching a whopping 22 passes for 405 yards and a touchdown in that span. The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t been bad against the wide receiver position this season allowing an average of 16.5 fantasy points per game, but Hartline will likely continue to receive heavy targets and rack up catches and yardage. Hartline is a decent WR3 selection this week.
Point Projection: 11 points

22. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Philadelphia

What can Brown do for you? The answer is providing a consistent source for fantasy points. In three games this season, Brown has remained the same consistent presence he was last year in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, averaging a rock solid, six receptions and 80 yards this season. The Philadelphia Eagles have a challenging secondary for most receivers, but Brown has produced against tough defenses so far this season (New York Jets, Denver Broncos, etc…). Look for Brown to keep receiving a heavy volume of targets and have his fourth straight productive game.
Point Projection: 10 points

23. Danny Amendola (St. Louis Rams) vs. Arizona

Amendola caught six passes for 55 yards and a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. He continues to be a PPR darling recording 31 catches through four games. The Arizona Cardinals have only allowed one touchdown to the wide receiver position, but have allowed heavy yardage (864) to the position. Look for Amendola to continue to receive near double-digit targets and be productive against the Arizona Cardinals this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) @ San Francisco

What happened Stevie? Johnson caught only two passes for 23 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 4. He was targeted 10 times, but appeared to be out of sync with Buffalo Bills quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, he should be given a mulligan for that performance, considering that he has been such a consistent fantasy performer this season. Look for Johnson to bounce back against the San Francisco 49ers this week. He will continue to receive heavy targets, especially if the Buffalo Bills dig themselves in an early hole in this game and have to play catch up, which seems likely. Johnson is a solid WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

25. Malcom Floyd (San Diego Chargers) @ New Orleans

The San Diego Chargers had a rejuvenating week of offense in Week 4, putting up 37 points on Kansas City Chiefs, but for the second straight week Floyd wasn’t involved much in the offense. Floyd had only two catches for 23 yards in Week 4. He has scored only seven fantasy points over the San Diego Chargers last two games. The New Orleans Saints have struggled against wide receivers this season, allowing 779 yards and six touchdowns to the position this season. Look for Floyd to bounce back and capitalize on this opportunity.
Point Projection: 9 points