Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

The NFL is an ever changing landscape, from year to year, week to week, and even day to day. Hence, the Bruno Boys bring to you our Championship Round Edition of the Fantasy Risers and Fallers. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept behind the article, it’s rather simple. Risers and Fallers highlights those players who have seen their fantasy football value for the weekend’s upcoming games either rise (increase) or fall (decrease).

CHAMPIONSHIP RISERS

RBs Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, & Mike Bell (New Orleans Saints) - Minnesota Vikings’ DT Kevin Williams was able to practice Friday for the first time all week. His participation, though, was limited, and he is questionable for this weekend’s match-up with the New Orleans Saints. While the other “Brother Williams,” Pat Williams, will still be on the field to slow the Saints’ running game, the absence of Kevin Williams does make things just a tad bit easier for the Saints’ trio of backs.

WR Bernard Berrian (Minnesota Vikings) - Sure, Berrian is nursing an ankle injury, but the Vikings’ wide receiver was able to practice throughout the week (a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday and a full participant on Friday) and is sporting only a probable tag. Meanwhile, Percy Harvin is once again dealing with migraines, meaning that Berrian could see an expanded role this weekend.

WR Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints) - It is never good news when a player is sporting a protective boot as Meachem was doing earlier in the week, but the wide out has partook in practices this week. While his participation was on a limited basis, Meachem has made it clear that due to the importance of this week’s contest, he is pulling out all the stops and willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field. A stance that has led him to a probable listing. Meachem is still a risky play, but fantasy owner’s can take solace in the probable tag.

TE Dallas Clark (Indianapolis Colts) - While tight end Dallas Clark was limited some during practice this week due to an illness, the matter is not said to be serious. Clark should indeed be good to go on Sunday against the New York Jets, and with Darrelle Revis blanketing Reggie Wayne, you can bet Peyton Manning turns to his tight end often.

TE Jeremy Shockey (New Orleans Saints) - Shockey was held out of Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report due to a knee and toe injury. Nonetheless, it is believed that Shockey’s absence was for precautionary reasons. Shockey provided the Saints with a spark in last weekend’s Divisional Round meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, so the Saints want to ensure that the tight end gets on the field again this Sunday, which is more than likely why they played it safe on Friday.

CHAMPIONSHIP FALLERS

WR Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) - Opposing defenses may have had difficulties in shutting down wide receiver Percy Harvin this year as the wide out from Florida captured Rookie of the Year honors. Migraines, however, were a different story as the wide out was stopped in his tracks by the headaches more than once this regular season. It looks like migraines may also keep him out of Sunday’s contest with the Saints as Harvin missed both Thursday and Friday’s practices as a result of painful migraines. This is a situation you will want to monitor up until game time as Harvin is a game-time decision.

Championship Round Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF  (click to read)

Championship Round Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM  (click to read)

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