Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

13. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers — Some might think Williams at No.13 is high, but I’m convinced he gets the job done next season. He does share the backfield with Jonathan Stewart but Panthers ran the ball 53-percent of the time in ‘09. With a lackluster passing attack you can expect Carolina to emphasize the run game and this should lead to Williams getting between 17-20 touches per game. Expect over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and for his touchdown totals to get back into double-digits.

14. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers —  Mendy started the season in head coach Mike Tomlin’s doghouse and was projected to be Willie Parker’s backup. He ended the season with over 1,100 rushing yards, eight total touchdowns and 165 fantasy football points (14th overall at RB). With Parker’s days numbered in Pittsburgh, Mendenhall will carry the load on the ground. Moving forward, look for Mendy to continue his production while seeing additional touches.

15. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs — I debated ranking Charles ahead of Rashard Mendenhall but Mendenhall plays in the better overall offense. However, I can’t discount the year Charles put together in 2009. Charles didn’t take over the starting job in Kansas City until Week 10 but he played like a RB1 the rest of the way. Over the Chiefs final eight games he surpassed the 10 point total in all but one and ranked 12th overall at the running back position despite averaging just 14 touches per game. Charles will do enough to flirt with RB1 status in 2010, but don’t expect him to compile fantasy points at the rate he did a season ago.

16. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals —

17. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts - Wayne might not be the flashiest wide receiver in the business but he’s one of the best. Some might value big play options like DeSean Jackson and Randy Moss over Wayne, but I’m not one of them. No wide out can rival his production over the last six seasons and like Peyton Manning, Wayne is getting better with age.

18. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals —

19. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles —

20. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos —

21. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots — Some might say Moss disappointed last season but he was second in fantasy football points while ranking first in touchdown receptions. With Wes Welker (ACL) expected to be placed on the PUP list to start next season Moss will see more double teams but that shouldn’t hinder his production. The veteran has shown no signs of slowing down and should be targeted as a top five fantasy wide out.

22. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions — Drafted as a top tier wide receiver, Johnson totaled 124 fantasy points and found paydirt just five times in 14 games. However, you can’t blame “Megatron” for his fantasy struggles in ‘09. Prior to getting injured, quarterback Matthew Stafford played like the inexperienced rookie he was and his replacement’s weren’t any better. Look for Detriot to spend the off-season figuring out ways to get the football in the hands of their playmaker.  Megatron’s ability to take over a football game makes him worth a high selection..

23. Miles Austin, WR, Dallas Cowboys — What a year it was for the little known wide receiver out of Monmouth. In a matter of months Austin went from being a little know fourth wide out in Dallas to one of the most explosive weapons in the NFL. His 197 fantasy points trailed only Andre Johnson and Moss at the position. I debated ranking him ahead Calvin Johnson:; however, Austin won’t be catching opposing defenses by surprises this year.

24. Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals — With Kurt Warner retiring, and Tim Hightower still in the mix, some might think taking Wells at the back-end of Round 2 is a bit risky. However,as a rookie, Wells showed flashes of brilliance and with Arizona expected to run more in 2010 he should have the opportunity to build on his 936 total yards and seven touchdowns from a year ago. Take the chance on Wells because drafting him will come with a big reward.

25. Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints — A preseason MCL injury forced Thomas to miss the Saints first two games and set the tone for an inconsistent ‘09 season. On the season, Thomas finished with 148 fantasy points and ranked 19th at the position but his stellar play during New Orleans’ Super Bowl XLIV run has Thomas on the rise. Look for head coach Sean Payton to feature his talented 25-year-old as the lead back next year.

Just Missed the Cut: Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons, Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos, Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints, Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans, Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers, Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets, Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins, Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers