Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

WIDE RECEIVERS – START ‘EM

Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit

Crabtree’s first season has undoubtedly had some ups and downs. It does seem as though the 49ers have a true playmaker on their hands, though, and this could be the first game he really gets to prove his worth as a fantasy wide receiver. With a dedicated Alex Smith, who is positioning himself for the starting gig in SF in 2010, Smith should demonstrate that Crabtree is a huge part of the offense’s future. Crabtree has been a solid yet unspectacular WR this season (from a fantasy perspective), but going against a Detroit Lions’ defense solves most problems for wide outs. The Lions give up over 24 points per game to the WR, and Crabtree should see at least 12 points come his way during your (possible) fantasy championship weekend.

Greg Jennings/Donald Driver (Green Bay Packers) vs. Seattle

The Packers passing game has rolled on all cylinders this season with Aaron Rodgers under center (yes, the best fantasy quarterback in 2009). Both wide receivers have proven that they can both thrive in this offense, and this weekend should prove to be no exception against the 29th-ranked Seattle Seahawks’ pass defense. The Seahawks have given up nearly 24 fantasy points per game to WRs, thus Jennings and Driver should bring home 60+ yards and a touchdown each.

Mike Sims-Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ New England

The New England Patriots have been excellent at home (7-0), but they have had trouble stopping the opposition’s top wide receiver no matter where they play. The Pats rank as the 6th worst in the league when it comes to guarding the WR, allowing over 20 fantasy points per game to the position. Sims-Walker is the only real threat on the Jags from a week-to-week basis, so MSW should thrive this weekend. With the Pats looking to stop Maurice Jones-Drew, David Garrard to MSW could happen on a regular basis, especially in an important game for both teams.

TIGHT ENDS – START ‘EM

Greg Olsen (Chicago Bears) vs. Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings have constantly allowed the tight end position to accrue points on a consistent basis. They rank as the third worst defense when it comes to defending the TE, allowing over 8 fantasy points per game. The Carolina Panthers’ TEs posted 7 fantasy points on the Vikings in week 15, and that is without a legitimate threat. Olsen has probably burned fantasy owners more than once this season, so we understand if you are hesitant, but a solid 7-9 point performance should be expected. (TE Vernon Davis also has a great match-up against a Detroit Lions defense that has given up 10 touchdowns to the TE position.)

KICKERS – START ‘EM

Ricky Schmitt (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit

The theme is and has always been, start your offensive players going against the Detroit Lions. Ricky Schmitt may be making his debut for the 49ers in Joe Nedney’s absence, which may cause some fantasy owners to shy away, but that would be a mistake. Schmitt will be kicking for an offense that isn’t able to punch it in on a consistent basis, but can get into field goal range regularly. In addition, weather in San Francisco is much more reliable than on the East Coast through this December storm. Arizona’s K Mike Nugent posted 7 points against the Lions in week 15, which is the least you can expect from Schmitt during this match-up.

DEFENSES – START ‘EM

Arizona Cardinals D/ST vs. St. Louis

The Cardinals were somewhat miserable against the Detroit Lions’ offense last weekend, but the Lions are definitely a more talented offensive team than these St. Louis Rams. The Rams only real threat is running back Steven Jackson, who has yet to hit his seasonal injury-bug in 2009 (we’re not trying to jinx him). The Cardinals should get pressure on quarterback Keith Null, force a few turnovers and limit the Rams to their usual 11.4 points per game.

Week 16 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF    (click to read)

Week 16 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM    (click to read)

Week 16 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE    (click to read)

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