Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

17. (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia Eagles 

If it weren’t for the touchdown the Giants defense recorded against the Dallas Cowboys, their fantasy point total would have been once again below average. In their last seven games, New York has allowed at least 21 points a game, including 2 40 point games. In those seven games, the Giants have combined for just 15 total fantasy points in standard leagues. One of those games was against the Philadelphia Eagles, where they allowed 40 points and scored a lone fantasy football point on the week. With all that being said, we are not a bit optimistic for this defense to have a big game this week. The inconsistencies of the New York defense combined with a talented Eagles offense does not give you the potential for a lot of success. On the year the Giants have allowed 301.6 yards and 23.8 points per game while adding 25 sacks and 20 turnovers. Sit New York on the bench if you can and go with someone ranked above this unit in Week 14. 
Bruno Boys Stars: * * *

18. (Cincinnati Bengals) at Minnesota Vikings

Has the Minnesota Vikings offense been exposed? After showing no signs of being stopped, outside of a late touchdown drive the Minnesota struggled in every facet on Sunday night against the Arizona Cardinals. The key this week will be to establish Adrian Peterson, which the Vikings will look to do early on in this football game. Cincinnati has had a fine season overall, giving up 293.3 yards and 15.6 points per game with 29 sacks and 20 turnovers. While the Bengals have been very good to fantasy owners, the cupcake stretch is over and they will play the best offense they have seen all year. The Bengals defense should record a positive fantasy day, but you are better off finding a unit that can come up large in postseason play.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * *

19. (Denver Broncos) at Indianapolis Colts 

The second best defense in all of fantasy football is looking like the unit that started the season with five double digit games in its first six games. In rattling off two big weeks, the Broncos have supplied an ample amount of pressure while forcing turnovers in keeping their opponents to a low score. While Denver should give the Indianapolis Colts a tough game, it’s hard recommending anyone taking on the Colts right now. Quarterback Peyton Manning has played phenomenal and his young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have really stepped up alongside Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. Even though the Broncos have the personnel to match up well with the Colts (their secondary is one of the better units in football), Indianapolis simply has too many weapons for Manning to look to. Who knows, we may be surprised, but Denver is looking like a lower class average play this week. On the year the Broncos have allowed 288.9 yards and 16.8 points per game with 34 sacks and 20 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

20. (Chicago Bears) vs. Green Bay Packers 

In their first meeting back in Week 1, the Bears defense had an average game but did not force one single turnover in giving up 21 points. Considering how much the Green Bay Packers offense (and in particular their offensive line) has improved since that time, we believe it only spells trouble for Chicago’s defense. In 2009 ,the Bears have given up 330.9 yards and 22.5 points per game while totaling 25 sacks and 21 turnovers. Chicago’s defense is not getting the field position they desire or stopping opposing offenses in key situations. That will be evident once again this week, as Green Bay will have their foot on the pedal looking to seal this one up early. While it should be another good game between these two division rivals, the Bears defense will be lucky to give their fantasy football owners a couple points at best. Stay away from this unit if you can.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

21. (Houston Texans) vs. Seattle Seahawks 

No matter how up and down the Seattle Seahawks offense can be, the Texans defense is not one you want to trust in unless the match up is absolutely perfect (like the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, etc.). The one way you can attack the Seahawks offense is by having a successful pass rush and this season, Houston’s defense doesn’t have it. They have the third lowest sack total in the NFL at 19, which is why their turnovers aren’t extremely high at 21 total. The Texans are giving up 333.3 yards and 22.2 points per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack. But given the time to throw, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck should be able to pick apart a defense that isn’t forcing him to make quick decisions. Seattle can put up points when given the opportunity and they will do so in a shootout type game this week.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

22. (Dallas Cowboys) vs. San Diego Chargers 

One team that is smoking hot right now is the San Diego Chargers and that is in large part due to their offense. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has seemed to have found his legs of old in pushing for extra yards, especially in the red zone. The Dallas defense was playing better of late in scoring above average fantasy points but were a big let down against the New York Giants in Week 13. This year the Cowboys defense has allowed 328.4 yards and 17.8 points per game while adding 29 sacks and 15 turnovers. Against a big time offense, Dallas needs to force turnovers and as you see by the numbers, they have had very little success in 2009. The threat of San Diego scoring in bunches plus the Cowboys poor performance in Week 13 should be more than enough to keep them sidelined this week.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

23. (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Miami Dolphins

In their last three games, the Jacksonville defense has woken up a bit, holding opponents to 20 points or less while having two very good fantasy football days. Does this mean it is time to recommend them? Obviously not. Until the Jaguars can add to their NFL low 12 sacks and force more turnovers then the 19 total they have now, there is no reason to start Jacksonville no matter who they are playing. Even with the Jaguars improving their numbers, the defense still gives up 345.5 yards and 22.8 points per game. The Miami Dolphins will find ways to create enough offense to be effective and get points on the scoreboard. Plus, with not many sacks or turnovers, how else can the Jaguars defense really provide a big fantasy football day? Leave them on the waiver wire and don’t waste your time trying to figure it out.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

24. (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Buffalo Bills

Even with a struggling Buffalo Bills offense coming to town, the Kansas City Chiefs are not a defense you want to give a chance to at this time of the year. The last two weeks, Kansas City has allowed a combined 87 points and combined for minus three fantasy points (standard scoring leagues). Even if quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick throws multiple interceptions and the duo of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson don’t run for more than 50 yards, there is still enough talent on the Bills team to make it a game. No need to throw all your eggs into a basket that has been terrible for most of the season. Especially a defense that can’t get much pressure on the quarterback and has no playmakers worthy of being talked about extensively. On the year Kansas City has allowed 394.6 yards and 27.2 points per game with 17 sacks and 18 turnovers. Those numbers should tell you no matter who they play, the Chiefs defense needs to stay on the waiver wire.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

25. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. New York Jets 

Considering how poorly rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has played in recent weeks, you may be inclined to think the Buccaneers defense may be worth a spot start. However, Sanchez will miss this weeks game with a knee injury and the Jets will turn to Kellen Clemens.  Tampa Bay has played better on defense in recent weeks, with average or above games in four of their past five contests. This season the Buccaneers have allowed 365.8 yards and 27.5 points per game while adding 24 sacks and 19 turnovers. While Tampa Bay could surprise some folks and have a good game, it’s tough justifying it will be anything more than average. With that being the upside, and the Buccaneers defense yet to have made appearances in fantasy lineups, there is no need to take a chance like this at such an important time of the season.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

26. (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Arizona Cardinals 

In their Week 1 meeting, the 49ers defense was a big surprise, with two interceptions while holding a powerful Arizona Cardinals offense to only 16 points. In that game the 49ers defense scored eight fantasy points (standard leagues). While San Francisco has been very good the last four weeks, combining for 39 fantasy points, they haven’t played an offense that is nearly as good as Arizona. The Cardinals are playing a lot better then when these two teams met 13 weeks ago, as it seems they are starting to find their groove. Even though the 49ers have played well on defense, this is not a unit you want to trust in against a superior offense. On the year San Francisco has given up 346.4 yards and 19.4 points per game while totaling 30 sacks and 18 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

27. (Seattle Seahawks) at Houston Texans

As we said above when we explained the low ranking for the Texans defense, this could be a shootout type of game. Quarterback Matt Schaub has had a terrific year behind center and should have no problem picking apart the Seattle Seahawks secondary. Even the Houston running game should play a factor in this game, with the Seahawks struggling with any team that can mix up the run and pass. While Seattle has been trustworthy to start against bad competition, they have shown they cannot stop a solid offense, putting up negative points to the likes of the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys. While Houston may not be quite at that level, they are comparable to the other teams offensively. In 2009 Seattle has allowed 349.4 yards and 22.3 points per game with 27 sacks and 18 turnovers. Keep the Seahawks benched this week and leave them there until another good match-up arises.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

28. (Carolina Panthers) at New England Patriots 

After two straight double digit games, don’t be fooled into thinking the Carolina Panthers defense has returned to fantasy stardom. Those two excellent games came against the likes of two rookie quarterbacks with so-so offenses in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. Their game this week against the New England Patriots should knock them back down to normal. The Panthers are going to have a miserable of a time trying to stop quarterback Tom Brady and company. Carolina simply doesn’t have the playmakers that can keep up with all the weapons the Patriots will send out on the field. Don’t think Carolina has turned a corner and will be continuing to have big weeks, because the joke will be on you after this week. On the season the Panthers have given up 325.8 yards and 21.8 points per game with 23 sacks and 25 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

29. (St. Louis Rams) at Tennessee Titans

This one is pretty plain and simple. The worst defense in all of fantasy football is about to get smoked by the best running back in the NFL, Chris Johnson. Quarterback Vince Young won’t have to do much with Johnson running all over the field making the offense click for Tennessee. Even when Young throws, the Rams do not have a defense that can shut down any receivers and get after the quarterback. There is no way the St. Louis defense keeps up with the quickness the Titans deploy on offense. On the season the Rams have given up 363.7 yards and 26.2 points per game while adding 20 sacks and 15 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

30. (Detroit Lions) at Baltimore Ravens 

Here is a surprising number for you. Despite being one of the worst defenses in fantasy football, the Detroit Lions have only had two negative fantasy games all season long. Although their upside isn’t very good (they have yet to reach double digits in standard scoring formats), they continually put up a couple positive points. With that being said this is a game the Baltimore Ravens absolutely need to have and will be sure to open up the offense and allow quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to get back on track. It will be interesting to see how the Lions try to eliminate Rice from the Baltimore game plan, but they more than likely will not have success in doing so. On the year Detroit has given up 388.2 yards and 29.8 points per game while totaling 21 sacks and 18 turnovers. Keep the Lions defense on the waiver wire for the rest of 2009.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

31. (Cleveland Browns) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 

The last time these two teams met the Cleveland Browns had their best game of the year fantasy wise on defense. They scored 16 total fantasy points (in standard scoring leagues) with 4 turnovers and a touchdown on special teams. Obviously we don’t think that will happen again on Thursday night. The Browns are now without their big man in the middle, Shaun Rogers, and have only scored five fantasy points total since Week 7. Even with the Steelers in a bit of a funk, the season is on the line and cannot lose to another terrible team. Pittsburgh plays up for this game and comes out firing on all cylinders, with the running game doing extremely well and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger making all the big throws. Whatever you do, continue to stay away from the Browns defense at all costs. In 2009 Cleveland has allowed a league worst 400.3 yards and 25.8 points per game with 24 sacks and 14 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

32. (Atlanta Falcons) vs. New Orleans Saints 

The Falcons defense is really worse than that of the Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, and Detroit Lions among others? Well no, but this ranking goes to show that you simply cannot play any defense taking on the New Orleans Saints. Their offense has way too much firepower, athleticism, speed, strength, really anything you can think of. It also helps that the man behind center Drew Brees is dead accurate with all of his throws he makes and hardly makes any mistakes. The last time these teams met on Monday night football, Atlanta may have had the best game yet against New Orleans, scoring nine fantasy points. That was in large past due to a touchdown from their unit and we can’t predict that will happen again. What we do expect is for the Saints to lay at least another 35 points on the board, just like they did in Week 8. This season the Falcons have given up 374.4 yards and 23.3 points per game while adding 23 sacks and 20 turnovers.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

Week 14 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF    (click to read)

Week 14 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM    (click to read)

Week 14 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE    (click to read)

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