Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

WEEK 8 RANKINGS  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  |  DEF

We are now officially halfway through the season and it has been a crazy year already regarding the wide receiver position. Who would ever have thought that, A.J. Green would be fantasy’s most dominant wide receiver this year? Who would have thought that Calvin Johnson would only have one touchdown this season and it’s not even being on the receiving end of Matthew Stafford?  Who would have thought Victor Cruz would remain just as dominant as he was last season? Which wide receiver will help carry fantasy owners in the second half remains to be seen. For now, let’s just enjoy the fact that the games are being refereed properly.
Who will be among the top scoring wide receivers this week? Read our fantasy football Week 8 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings below to gain an advantage over your friends and competitors alike.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 26, 2012::

1. Victor Cruz (New York Giants) @ Dallas

The Salsa dance that seemingly never ends. Cruz caught seven passes for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 7. The touchdown that Cruz caught was 77-yard bomb from Eli Manning that ended up being the game winner. Cruz has been every bit as good of a receiver as he was last season. He has three 100 yard plus receiving games and has scored seven touchdowns already this season. The Dallas Cowboys held Cruz to six receptions for 58 yards in Week 1, but the New York Giants offense appeared shaky in that game and Cruz dropped some easy passes. Now the New York Giants offense is on a roll over their last four games and Eli Manning and Cruz appear completely in sync. More Salsa dancing for Cruz maybe on the way this week.
Point Projection: 18 points

2. Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears) vs. Carolina
Marshall caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He has been one of the best receivers in football recently, catching 25 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns over the Chicago Bears last three games. The Carolina Panthers have been hemorrhaging fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season allowing 84 fantasy points total over their last three games. Look for Marshall to continue to be one of the best receivers in fantasy this week.
Point Projection: 18 points

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3. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) @ St. Louis Rams

Tom Brady’s slot machine had six receptions for 66 yards against the New York Jets in Week 7. The performance broke a streak of four 100 plus yard receiving games in a row for Welker. Welker has a tough matchup against a St. Louis Rams’ team that has allowed an average of 18.9 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position. However, the St. Louis Rams have struggled against the wide receiver position of late allowing 354 yards and four touchdowns to the position over their past two games. It wouldn’t be surprising if Welker starts a new 100 plus receiving yards streak this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

4.  Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Tampa Bay
If he’s this good now just imagine what he will be in a few years. Harvin caught three passes for 37 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. The Minnesota Vikings successfully ran the ball down the Arizona Cardinals’ throats, so Harvin wasn’t needed much in the game. Harvin has been terrific over the Minnesota Vikings’ last three games, catching 23 passes for 278 yards and scoring three total touchdowns. Harvin has a nice chance at a superb game this week against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ team that was lit up by the New Orleans Saints last week. Look for the Minnesota Vikings to throw the ball more this week and for Harvin to strengthen his WR1 status.
Point Projection: 16 points

5. Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Washington

Wallace caught eight passes for 52 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The Pittsburgh Speedster had more opportunities to do damage, but he had a case of the drops, dropping four passes. Wallace should be given a mulligan for that performance however, considering he has had four games where he has scored 10 fantasy points or more this season. The Washington Redskins have allowed 10 touchdowns to the wide receiver position and have been burned by some big plays this season, which is Wallace’s niche. A big game may be on the horizon for Wallace this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

6. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) @ Denver

Is there any receiver hotter than Colston at this point? Colston caught seven passes for 73 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. Over the New Orleans Saints last three games, Colston has 25 receptions for 357 yards and has scored five touchdowns. Colston will likely be covered by Champ Bailey this week, which will be a tough challenge to overcome. However, the New Orleans Saints offense has been playing great and Colston keeps receiving double digit targets. It won’t be easy, but Colston should still be fairly productive this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

7. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) @ Philadelphia

I guess White isn’t ready to give up the throne to Julio Jones yet. White has been really impressive through seven games this season, catching 37 passes for 553 yards and scoring four touchdowns. The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the stronger pass defenses in the league, but White has been great against some tough pass defenses already this season (Denver, Carolina, etc…). Look for White to have a nice game this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

8. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos) vs. New Orleans

There’s nothing like the help of a terrific Veteran quarterback to help the growth of a talented receiver. With Peyton Manning at the helm Thomas has been a big time contributor to the Denver Broncos offense this season. Thomas has three 100 yard plus receiving games and has scored three touchdowns through seven games. The New Orleans Saints have allowed the second most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season (29.7) and allowed prime time, wide receiver Vincent Jackson to score two touchdowns on them last week. Look for Thomas to have a big game this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

9. Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta

It has been injury plagued season for Maclin in the early going. A hip injury has limited his production some weeks and the injury caused him to miss Week 3. However, Maclin looked much healthier in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, catching six passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Now coming off the bye week, Maclin is likely near 100% healthy and will take on an Atlanta Falcons’ team that has allowed 442 yards and three touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last three games. Look for Maclin, who has been targeted 18 times over the past two Philadelphia Eagles games, to have a nice game this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

10. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee

Wayne caught six passes for 73 yards against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns. He led the team in targets (11) and catches (7) and had a solid performance in PPR leagues. Look for Wayne to have a bigger game this week against a Tennessee Titans’ team that has allowed 469 yards and four touchdowns over the last three games. Wayne is a solid WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

11. Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Minnesota

Who knew that Jackson could actually be consistent? Jackson caught seven passes for 216 yards and scored a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. Josh Freeman playing terrific football of late has reflected in VJax’s numbers. Over the last three games Jackson has 17 receptions for 382 yards and four touchdowns. The Minnesota Vikings have allowed the fourth least fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season and held Larry Fitzgerald to only 29 receiving yards last week. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has clicking lately and Jackson certainly has the talent to be productive in any game he’s apart of.
Point Projection: 14 points

12. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Madden curse strikes again. Johnson had only three receptions for 34 yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 7. He was targeted 12 times, but couldn’t get anything going being defended by Charles Tillman. It likely won’t be easy for Megatron this week either, going against a Seattle Seahawks team that has allowed the third least fantasy points to the wide receiver position this year (15.4). However, Calvin has the talent to go off in any game and has three one yard plus receiving games this season. Look for Johnson to have a nice game this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

13. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) vs. San Francisco

The Minnesota Vikings secondary got the better of Larry Fitzgerald in Week 7, as Fitzgerald had only four receptions for 29 yards. Fitzgerald was bracket covered virtually all game long and as a result he only received seven targets. The performance snapped a four game streak where Fitzgerald has scored nine plus fantasy points per game. It seems unlikely that Fitzgerald will have a big return game against a San Francisco 49ers team that has allowed the fourth least fantasy points per game this season. However, last season Fitzgerald had a big game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13 last year, hauling in seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown. It isn’t likely that Fitzgerald will come close to that type of performance this week, but he has shown chemistry and has been productive with Jon Skelton as his signal caller in the past.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Eric Decker (Denver Broncos) vs. New Orleans

An impressive rookie campaign, followed by solid sophomore campaign up until this point, Decker has proven that he was worth all the hype he received at the beginning of the season so far. Decker has been very productive this season, especially over the last three Denver Broncos games where he has 17 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns over the last Denver Broncos’ games. Decker has a solid chance to hit pay dirt for the fourth consecutive time against a New Orleans Saints’ team that has allowed 10 touchdowns to the wide receiver position this season. Decker is a nice WR2 choice this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) vs. New York Giants

Austin caught five passes for 97 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. It was a nice bounce back performance for Austin after a forgettable Week 6 (two receptions for 31 yards). Austin led the team with nine targets as Dez Bryant was struggling with a groin injury. Austin put together a nice game against the New York Giants in Week 1 (four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown) and he has been the Dallas Cowboys most consistent receiver this season, which makes him a nice looking start this week. Austin is locked in as a WR2 this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

**2012 BRUNO BOYS FANDUEL WEEK 8 CHAMPIONSHIP —$5 TO PLAY—$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 8, 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 8:  $500 IN PAYOUTS/ SEAT IN BBFC  (click to register)

16. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) @ Philadelphia

It hasn’t been as dynamic of a season for Jones as many thought, but he still has been pretty good. Jones is averaging 4.2 catches and 62.6 yards per game this season and has scored four touchdowns. The Philadelphia Eagles have been pretty good against the pass this season, but Jones is capable of going off even against the best pass defense. With Roddy White likely drawing Nnamdi Asomugha’s attention, Jones has an opportunity to capitalize this week. Look for Jones to have a strong game this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

17. Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Jacksonville  **GAME-TIME DECISION - CHECK STATUS ON SUNDAY**

Following a monster Week 6, Nelson caught eight passes for 122 yards and scored a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in Week 7. Nelson has been fabulous over the Green Bay Packers last two games, catching 17 Passes for 243 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Look for Nelson to have his third nice game in a row against a Jacksonville Jaguars’ team that has allowed 100 total fantasy points to the wide receiver position over their last four games.  Nelson is a solid WR1 this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

18. Kenny Britt (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis

What’s the matter Kenny? You weren’t arrested on the field this week, although your production would indicate otherwise. Britt caught four passes for 30 yards against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. It was a pedestrian performance for Britt, who received only six targets. Jake Locker is returning this week, which could mean the Tennessee Titans may open up the playbook more and introduce a more dynamic passing game, which is good news for the ultra-talented Britt. The Indianapolis Colts have also allowed the fifth most fantasy points (26.2) to the wide receiver position this season. Britt’s breakout game of the season could be as soon as this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

19. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) @ Dallas

Nicks caught five passes for 53 yards against the Washington Redskins in Week 7. He still isn’t quite 100% from the knee injury that kept him Weeks 3-5, but he’s getting closer. Nicks wasn’t able to produce much against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 (four receptions for 38 yards). However, Nicks has played well in the past with injuries and he will likely continue to be targeted heavily by Eli Manning. It wouldn’t be all too surprising if Nicks has his best game since Week 2. Make sure Nicks is in your lineup this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

20. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Oakland

It has been a decent season for Bowe through six games this season. He has 34 receptions for 427 yards and three touchdowns so far this season and is looking to add on to his totals against the Oakland Raiders. The Oakland Raiders have allowed an average of 20.7 fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season and Bowe had 12 receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown in two games against them last season. Even with Brady Quinn starting, Bowe will likely see double digit targets and have a productive game this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

21. Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Washington

Brown had seven receptions for 96 yards against the Cincinatti Bengals in Week 7. It has been a nice season for Brown who is averaging 5.6 catches and 73.6 yards per game. The Washington Redskins have allowed the most fantasy points to the wide receiver position this season and the second most receptions (110). Look for Brown to take advantage of a poor Washington Redskins secondary this week.
Point Projection: 11 points

22. Randall Cobb (Green Bay Packers) vs. Jacksonville

How talented is this guy? Cobb caught eight passes for 89 yards and scored two touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams in Week 7. Ever since Greg Jennings has been out of the lineup, Cobb has been a beast on the field. Over the Green Bay Packers last four games Cobb has 19 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Cobb is looking like a solid WR3 this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed an average of 25.0 fantasy points per game over their last four games.
Point Projection: 11 points

23. Denarious Moore (Oakland Raiders) @ Kansas City

We want Moore, but we could settle for 10 fantasy points. Moore caught four passes for 36 yards and a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7. He was targeted on some deep pass plays early, but couldn’t connect wit Carson Palmer. The Kansas City Chiefs pass defense is reeling after giving up 247 yards and three touchdowns to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving core in Week 6 including giving up big pass plays to both Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson, which is a good sign for Moore. Also, the last time Moore played the Kansas City Chiefs he had four receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Moore is an exciting WR3 candidate this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Josh Gordon (Cleveland Browns) vs. San Diego

Is it too early for Flash Gordon references? In a tough loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Gordon was a bright spot, catching two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. Gordon has been fantastic over the Cleveland Browns last four games, catching seven passes for 240 yards and four touchdowns in that span. The only complaint about Gordon too this point is that he is averaging only two receptions per game this season, but then again he has been incredibly efficient and has a knack for creating dynamic plays. The San Diego Chargers have a shaky pass defense this season to say the least, allowing 481 yards and seven touchdowns to the wide receiver position over their last two games. Gordon has a chance to have a nice game and is a viable WR3 this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

25. Lance Moore (New Orleans Saints) @ Denver

Moore had nine catches for 121 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. It has been a solid season for Moore through eight games this season. He has had four games of 60 plus yards receiving and has scored two touchdowns. The Denver Broncos have been decent against the wide receiver position this season, but Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints offense has been rolling as of late scoring blank points in their past two games. Moore is a lower tier WR3 this week.
Point Projection: 10 points