Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

WEEK 6 RANKINGS  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF

Week 5 was a big week for the wide receiver position, as six wide receivers crossed the 20-point barrier. There were some impressive performances by some familiar faces like Marcus Colston and Brandon Marshall, but there was a surprising performance from youngster Josh Gordon, who scored 20 points against the New York Giants. It’s those “from left field” performances that make the wide receiver position difficult to forecast. However, there are factors like targets, playing time, opponent and past history that makes it easier to project. Who will be among the top wide receivers this week?

Who will be among the top scoring wide receivers this week? Read our fantasy football Week 6 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings below to gain an advantage over your friends and competitors alike.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 11 2012::

1. A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Cleveland

It wasn’t exactly the monster game envisioned, but it will do. Green caught nine passes for 65 yards and scored a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. The performance marked Green’s fourth straight game with a touchdown and he has now scored 11 fantasy points or more in each of the Cincinnati Bengals last four games. Green has a terrific shot of continuing his touchdown streak against a Cleveland Browns team that has allowed the second most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (10) and allowed three touchdowns to Victor Cruz in Week 5. However, Cleveland Browns top corner Joe Haden will be back this week and will likely challenge Green. Even with Joe Haden’s return, Green is always a handful for even the best corners in the league. Look for Green, who had seven receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, to pass this challenge.
Point Projection: 16 points

2. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) @ Philadelphia

Is there anything scarier than Megatron coming off of a bye? A combination of Matthew Stafford struggling and double/triple coverage has weighed down Johnson’s production so far this season. However, fantasy owners can’t really be that upset because he still has 29 catches for 423 yards and a touchdown in four games. Johnson has a tough matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles’ team that held the Pittsburgh Steelers good receiving core to 132 yards and zero touchdowns in Week 5. However, Johnson is fresh off the bye and will continue to see a high volume of targets regardless of the defense. Expect a productive game for Johnson this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

3. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) @ San Francisco

We are now in Cruz control. Cruz caught five passes for 50 yards and scored three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. The Cleveland Browns did a good job not allowing huge chunks of yardage to Cruz, but they lost him in the red zone and that’s where Cruz did most of his damage. Cruz has proved that last season was no fluke and has now scored five touchdowns in five games this season. The San Francisco 49ers’ defense is tough on wideouts and seldom allows big plays. However, in the NFC Championship game last season, Cruz came up big against the San Francisco 49ers, catching 10 passes for 142 yards. Cruz will not likely have that big of a game this time around, but he’s a stud and will still find a way to be productive.
Point Projection: 15 points

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4. Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) @ Washington

Harvin caught eight passes for 108 yards and scored two touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. The Minnesota Vikings Swiss army knife collected his second touchdown on at eight-yard rush play. Harvin is on his way to a career season catching 38 passes for 407 yards and scoring two touchdowns through five games. The Washington Redskins have allowed the most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this year (33.8), so Harvin has a chance at fourth eight plus fantasy point performance this season. Fantasy owners need to make sure that Harvin is in their lineups this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

5. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Oakland

White caught four passes for 68 yards against the Washington Redskins in Week 5. It was the Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez show in Washington, leaving White in the cold. White has a nice shot at a bounce back game going against an Oakland Raiders’ team that has been torched by wide receivers over their past two games, allowing an average of 29.0 fantasy points per game to the position in that span. Normally it’s White or Julio Jones inverting big performances week to week, but both receivers have a shot at having big games in this matchup.
Point Projection: 15 points

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Buffalo

A good Fitz performance, but not a great Fitz performance. In an Arizona Cardinals debilitating loss to the St. Louis Rams in Week 5, Fitzgerald had eight catches for 92 yards. Over the Arizona Cardinals last three games, Fitzgerald has been terrific with 25 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns scored. He has also scored no less than nine fantasy points in each of the Arizona Cardinals last three games. A favorable matchup against a Buffalo Bills’ team that has allowed the fourth most fantasy points (29.2) to the wide receiver position this season won’t likely stop the productive run Fitzgerald is on. Expect another nice performance for Fitzgerald this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

7. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) @ Seattle

Welker caught 13 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 5. It was the third straight 100-yard performance for Welker. Pretty good for someone that supposedly wasn’t going to be involved in the New England Patriots offensive game plan anymore. The Seattle Seahawks’ secondary has been one of the best in the NFL this season, but Welker has already roughed up some strong defenses this season (Baltimore, Arizona , Denver, etc…), so this week doesn’t seem likely to be any different. Look for Welker to continue to be a target monster and assert his WR1 status.
Point Projection: 14 points

8. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Tennessee Titans

Week 5 was a let down for Wallace owners. The Pittsburgh speedster had only two receptions for 17 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. It was a disappointing performance by Wallace who has been one of the most consistent fantasy receivers this season. A strong bounce back game for Wallace seems like a likely scenario going against a Tennessee Titans’ team he demolished last season, catching six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. The Tennessee Titans were also burned by the Minnesota Vikings less than stellar wide receiving core allowing 28 fantasy points to them in Week 5. Expect a strong game from Wallace this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

9. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Oakland

Jones caught 10 passes for 94 yards and scored a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 5. It was a nice performance for Jones, who led the team in targets (15). Jones has been up and down this season, but he has still impressively scored four touchdowns in five games. The Oakland Raiders have allowed an average of 22.5 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position this season, so Jones has a nice chance of having back to back strong performances. Jones is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

10. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos) @ San Diego

Thomas caught nine passes for 188 yards in a tough Denver Broncos loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5. Peyton Manning’s new favorite toy has been impressive in the Denver Broncos last two games, catching 14 passes for a whopping 291 yards. The San Diego Chargers have been roughed up by the wide receiver position this season allowing an average of 24.6 fantasy points to the position. They also allowed the New Orleans Saints receivers to score four touchdowns against them in Week 5. Fumbling issues or not, Thomas seems destined for another big game this week.Point Projection: 14 points

11. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) @ New York Jets

Is getting open at will against the Green Bay Packers this easy or does Reggie Wayne make it look easy? The latter seems to be an appropriate answer to the question. Wayne had a career day against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 catching 13 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. Wayne has completely resurrected his career after many thought he was on his way to riding off into the sunset last season. He is averaging nine catches and 126.5 yards per game over a four game span. The New York Jets don’t have an easy pass defense, but Wayne has come out smelling like a rose against some tough defenses already this season (Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay, etc…). Look for Wayne to continue to see a high volume of targets (60 so far this season) and have another nice game this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

12. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) vs. Green Bay

Say it aint so Andre? Johnson caught only one pass for 15 yards against the New York Jets in Week 5. Stellar New York Jets corner, Antonio Cromarte, kept Johnson wrapped up and he was only targeted five times on Monday night. Over the past two games, Johnson hasn’t been very much involved in the Houston Texans offense. He has caught only four passes for 71 yards and has received 12 targets in that span. The Green Bay Packers have been hemorrhaging fantasy points to the wide receiver position over their last three games, allowing an average of 31.6 fantasy points per game in that span. Look for Andre to bounce back this week and have a nice return game.
Point Projection: 12 points

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13. Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Kansas City

Bi-Weekly Jackson is following an eerily similar pattern to last season, which seems to be producing every other week. In Weeks 1 and 3 Jackson produced four fantasy points or less in each of those games. In Week 2 and 4 however, he has scored 16 fantasy points or more in each of those games. Since this is now an even number week Jackson is destined to have a big game this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, if you believe the theory that is. Jackson struggled to produce against the Kansas City Chiefs as a San Diego Charger last season, catching eight passes for 112 yards in two games. Jackson has terrific skills and is capable of having a big game this week, but with Kansas City Chiefs defense improving of late, it won’t come easy.
Point Projection: 12 points

14. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Tampa Bay
In a game dominated by defense and bad quarterback play, Bowe caught six passes for 60 yards, Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. The middling performance snapped a streak of Bowe scoring seven fantasy points or more in each of the Kansas City Chiefs’ last three games. Bowe has an easier matchup this week against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ team that has allowed the third (31.3) most fantasy points to the wide receiver positon this season. However, it will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry Brady Quinn and Bowe will have if Quinn has to start this week, but it seems unlikely that it will affect Bowe’s target total much, especially if the Kansas City Chiefs get behind early. Expect a nice bounce back performance for Bowe this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Eric Decker (Denver Broncos) @ San Diego

Decker caught four passes for 21 yards and scored a touchdown against the New England Patriots in Week 5. He still received eight targets, but played Robin to Demaryius Thomas’ Batman in Week 5. However, Decker has been a pretty consistent fantasy option this season and has scored touchdowns in back to back games. The San Diego Chargers have allowed eight touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season, so Decker may have a shot at hitting pay dirt this week. Decker, who had three receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers the last time he saw them last season, is a high end WR2 this week.
Point Projection:  12 points

16. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) @ Baltimore

All curses have been apparently lifted from Austin as he is having a resurgent 2012 after a forgettable 2011. Austin has 18 receptions for 300 yards and has scored three touchdowns this season. The Baltimore Ravens have allowed only two touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season, which doesn’t bode well for Austin. However, Austin is one of the biggest threats in the red zone that the Dallas Cowboys have, so he is completely capable of scoring his fourth touchdown of the season this week. Austin is a solid WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

17. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Tennessee Titans

Brown caught seven passes for 86 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. Receiving more targets than anyone on the team (10) in Week 5, Brown has now received double-digit targets in the last three Pittsburgh Steelers games. He has also scored seven points or more in every Pittsburgh Steelers game this season. Brown didn’t do so well against the Tennessee Titans last season, hauling in two receptions for 23 yards. However, Brown has had an increased role in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense this season and has excelled. Look for Brown to continue his progression towards elite status this week.
Point Projection: 11 points

18. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) @ Houston

Nelson caught two passes for 29 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. It was a disappointing effort for Nelson in a terrific matchup. However, with Greg Jennings out this week, Nelson will continue to be Aaron Rodgers’ first look in the Green Bay Packers offense. The Houston Texans have allowed the second least fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (13.8), so Nelson’s chances of having a terrific game don’t seem very good. Look for Nelson to receive more than five targets this week and be somewhat productive, but the chances of a big game seem slim. Point Projection: 11 points

19. Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills) @ Arizona

Johnson caught five passes for 39 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. Stopped dead in his tracks, Johnson was unable to produce after the catch (6.5 yards per reception) against a defensively sound San Francisco 49ers’ team. Even though he has received 20 targets over the past two games, Johnson has only eight catches for 62 yards to show for it. The Arizona Cardinals pass defense present a challenge for Johnson, considering we will likely be covered by budding cornerback star, Patrick Peterson in Week 6. However, the Arizona Cardinals have allowed an average of 30.2 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position over their past two games. It wouldn’t be too surprising if Johnson, who has had success against some strong corners in the past (Darrele Revis, Asante Samuel, etc…) will get back to being a fantasy darling this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

20. Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Dallas

Smith caught three passes for 38 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. He received only four targets as Joe Flacco was wild completing only 13 passes in the game. Look for Smith to bounce back this week against the Dallas Cowboys who have allowed some big pass plays this season. However, Smith doesn’t seem likely to score against a Dallas Cowboys’ team that has allowed only two touchdowns to the wide receiver position. Expect a productive game for Smith this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

21. Brandon Lloyd (New England Patriots) @ Seattle

Lloyd caught three passes for 34 yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 5. He received only five targets primarily because he was smothered by Champ Bailey most of the afternoon. To his credit, Lloyd nearly scored a touchdown, but was only inches short. The Seattle Seahawks have only allowed an average of 15.4 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season and three touchdowns. Lloyd still plays in one of the best offenses in the league, but there are a lot of targets to go around with Aaron Hernandez potentially being back this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

22. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Detroit

In a game dominated by defense, Jackson only managed four receptions for 58 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.  He was tied for the team lead in targets, but didn’t have many opportunities to rack up the yardage where Michael Vick was only able to accrue 175 passing yards. The Detroit Lions present a more favorable matchup for Jackson, but have allowed only two receiving touchdowns this season. Expect a bounce back game for Jackson, who is a solid WR3 this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

23. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys) @ Baltimore

The Dez Bryant rules haven’t been paying big dividends so far for Bryant thus far. The Dallas Cowboys talented, head-case receiver has been disappointing this season with only 21 catches for 269 yards through five games. The Baltimore Ravens have only allowed 22 fantasy points to the wide receiver position over their past two games, so it doesn’t seem like a likely scenario for the inconsistent Bryant to have success in. Unless Bryant and Tony Romo could get back on the same page this week, it doesn’t seem like a promising scenario for Dez this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

24. Malcom Floyd (San Diego Chargers) vs. Denver

That a boy, pretty boy Floyd. In a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints, Floyd had five catches for 108 yards. It was a nice comeback performance for Floyd, who struggled in Weeks 3 and 4. Even with his inconsistency issues Floyd is sill averaging a solid four catches and 71 yards receiving this season.  The Denver Broncos have allowed an average of 21.0 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season, which bodes well for Floyd’s chances this week. It also doesn’t hurt that Floyd had three receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Denver Broncos last season. Look for Floyd to show some measure of consistency and have another good game this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

25. Andre Roberts (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Buffalo

Okay, so maybe he’s not nickname ready yet. Roberts caught five passes for 39 yards against the St. Louis Rams in Week 5. He was targeted 10 times and nearly had a touchdown had Kevin Kolb not overthrown him. Larry Fitzgerald being double covered most of the time has created one on one matchups for Roberts and he has received a ton of targets this season for that reason. Roberts should see plenty of targets this week against a Buffalo Bills’ team that has allowed 10 touchdowns this season to the wide receiver position. Roberts who has been no stranger to the end zone this season (four touchdowns scored) is looking like a strong start this week, especially for fantasy teams who have a need at the wide receiver position.
Point Projection: 9 points