Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

WIDE RECEIVERS – START ‘EM

Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Atlanta

It’s not so much that the numbers of Jeremy Maclin won’t improve as well with DeSean Jackson likely inactive, but that Avant has increasingly seen better overall statistics even with Jackson in the lineup. Avant’s last three games have provided fantasy football owners with 15 points in Week 10, eight points in Week 11, and nine points in Week 12. Taking on an Atlanta Falcons secondary that has allowed 36 receptions to opposing wide receivers over the last three weeks should be enough for Avant to keep that streak alive. Look for Avant to be on the receiving end of five to six Donovan McNabb passes and to make the most of his play-making ability (46 & 58 yard receptions in the past three weeks). If you are in a pinch for a WR3 with your playoff hopes on the line, take a gamble on Avant.

Kevin Walter (Houston Texans) @ Jacksonville

After such a promising 2008 campaign, Walter’s prospects were high; however, outside of a 15 fantasy point performance in Week 3 he has done nothing. Walter has only averaged 50 yards per game and has a single touchdown through nine games played. After reading this you are probably wondering why we suggest you play Walter as a plug-n-play option this week. It’s simple, he is fresh off a seven reception for 73 yards performance in Week 12 and takes on a below average Jacksonville Jaguars secondary. If you have watched the Jaguars in the past few weeks you would probably agree that Walter is due for a breakout game. Jacksonville allows over 173 yards per game to opposing wide receivers and without tight Owen Daniels, Walter has slowly worked his way into the No.3 pass-catching option behind stud wide out Andre Johnson (who should dominate this weekend) and running back Steve Slaton (who has been stealing Walter’s receiving TDs). Don’t be surprised if Walter hauls in 75 yards and a touchdown in Week 13.

Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Tampa Bay

To be blunt, Steve Smith’s must start status was non-existent ever since Jake Delhomme threw 4 Iinterceptions in Week 1. Unfortunately for Smith, his value is based directly on which team Delhomme is actually throwing to and judging by the 8 touchdown passes to 18 interceptions that Delhomme has produced this year, Smith hasn’t fared well this season. However, there is good news for Smith and his fantasy football owners. Delhomme suffered a broken finger in Week 12 and back-up quarterback Matt Moore is expected to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. By all means are we calling Moore the answer in Carolina but some fresh blood under center can only help a stagnant offense and their best play-maker on the outside. Tampa Bay has been awful on the road (0-5) this season and has allowed the 2nd most touchdowns to opposing wide outs (17 total). Considering there is no one else in the Panthers receiving corps that has the ability to make a play like Smith you can expect Moore to lean on him heavily in Week 13. Look for the veteran out of the University of Utah to make up for his previous meeting against Tampa Bay, when he had one reception for four yards.

TIGHT ENDS – START ‘EM

Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Philadelphia

Gonzalez’s Hall of Fame numbers just keep getting better, and without quarterback Matt Ryan some of his owners are wondering if he is a risky play in Week 13. This shouldn’t be the case as we expect Chris Redman to take a once again conservative approach that will rely on Gonzalez to make plays for him. Gonzalez had nine catches for 83 yards last weekend (all once Redman came in for Ryan), so we like Gonzalez’s chances of overachieving while Ryan is out. With an unknown running game for the Falcons, Gonzalez and Roddy White should be the focal points of the offense and it doesn’t hurt that the Eagles allow the most fantasy points to the tight end position in the NFL (10 per game). In fact, Philadelphia has allowed 10 or more fantasy football points to opposing TEs on six different occasions this year and we fully expect Gonzalez to add to that total.

KICKERS – START ‘EM

Rob Bironas (Tennessee Titans) @ Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts have allowed 26 field goal attempts through 11 games, which is the third most in 2009. Opposing kickers are averaging over eight fantasy points per contest against the Colts and the efficiency of the Tennessee Titans should lead to some kicking chances out of Bironas. The Titans offense is finally moving with Vince Young under center so don’t blame Bironas if he failed miserably at the beginning of the season. Over the last five weeks (all Titans victories) Bironas has averaged 9.8 fantasy football points per game and has knocked down four field goals of 50+ yards. In short, Bironas is a must start from here on out.

DEFENSES – START ‘EM

San Diego Chargers D/ST @ Cleveland

There are great D/ST match-ups for fantasy football owners all over the schedule weekend, but we will hone in on the San Diego Chargers defense against the Cleveland Browns. In standard scoring formats, the Browns have allowed 12.5 fantasy points per week to opposing defenses, and the Chargers have decided to start playing good overall team football since their bye week (6-1, 6 game win streak). With San Diego allowing under 14 points per game in those six victories, the Browns, who are averaging just 11.1 points per game and a league low 230 yards per game, will struggle to punch it in, especially with the news that starting running back Jamal Lewis is out for the season. 

Other favorable match-ups (Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit, New Orleans Saints @ Washington, Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay, Chicago Bears vs. St. Louis)

Week 13 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF    (click to read)

Week 13 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM    (click to read)

Week 13 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE    (click to read)

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