Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

WIDE RECEIVER - STUDS

Jabar Gaffney (Denver Broncos) – In a very valiant comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gaffney had by far his best game of the season.  Sure he had more yards one game, but this was the biggest stamp that Gaffney has put on a game.  He had seven catches for 69 yards, but put up his points with the two touchdowns.  Due to lack of production, Gaffney was not listed in the weekly rankings for wide receivers for Week 16, but he was one of the higher scorers at the position with 18 points.

Hallam’s Take:  Gaffney isn’t a big time fantasy receiver and shouldn’t be played any higher than a WR3 the final week of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.  He is a second or third option for Kyle Orton and isn’t someone that can be counted on to be a reliable receiver on a weekly basis.  This was a nice game, but you can’t think that it will happen again.

Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) – I generally don’t like to put a quarterback and his receiver both on this list, but White is one of my favorite fantasy receivers, so when he has a game such as this I can’t let it slide.  White had eight catches for a very impressive 139 yards and two touchdowns.  Given the team’s struggles, and a tough match-up, it was very reasonable for him to be projected for just 10 points, but White was one of the higher scorers of the week with a 25 point effort.

Hallam’s Take:  White came into this season as an elite fantasy football receiver and for much of the season he performed that way.  Most of the Falcons offense struggled with the loss of Michael Turner and Matt Ryan, and when the whole team is intact they can be a pretty potent unit.  White will be a great low end WR1 or a top of the line WR2 in 2010 so don’t hold this season against him too much.

Muhammad Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns) – The Browns have had a nice resurgence of offense over the past few weeks, and being one of their few playmakers, Massaquoi was able to take advantage of a less than inspired Oakland Raiders defense.  He didn’t torch them all day long, but Massaquoi did have three catches for 61 yards and a score.  Given the fact that their quarterbacks aren’t very impressive, Massaquoi was not part of the weekly rankings this week.  He certainly made an impact on the game though, as he was able to score 12 points.

Hallam’s Take:  Put Massaquoi on the Indianapolis Colts and he is a top of the line receiver, but since he is on the Browns his fantasy football value is severely limited.  Massaquoi is a very talented receiver, but he will struggle with inconsistency until the Browns improve.  He is fast, he has decent size, and has great hands.  He will be a great flex option or perhaps a bye week replacement in 2010.

TIGHT END - STUDS

Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens) – Sure, Heap wasn’t a major part of the offensive gameplan for the Ravens against the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers, but he made the absolute most of the opportunities that he was given.  Heap had just two catches for just 37 yards, but they were both for touchdowns.  Heap had a prediction of just five points coming into the week, but he tripled that with a very impressive 15 point afternoon.

Hallam’s Take: Back to back two touchdown games will do wonders for your fantasy football value, but I warn you not to put too much stock in Heap’s little streak here.  He had just two touchdowns the whole season before this little run, and while he finally has been healthy this year, you can’t count on him on a regular basis.  Heap will finish against the Oakland Raiders, and while that is a good matchup, the Raiders defend the tight end well and there is a strong possibility I wouldn’t play him depending on who your other option is.

KICKER – STUDS

Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers) – Green Bay absolutely whitewashed the Seattle Seahawks, and Crosby was a major beneficiary of their offensive success.  Not only did he convert all six extra point attempts he was given, but Crosby also connected on field goals of 29 and 52 yards.  Crosby should have scored seven points, however, he was perfect on the day and was able to put up 14.

Hallam’s Take: The Packers have been one of the nicer surprises this year in the NFL and although the defense is a big reason for the turnaround, the offense took a nice step forward as well.  Crosby has been a fairly reliable kicker in the league for a few years now, and his value has gone up with the success of his team.  Even though he calls a cold, outdoor stadium home, he is still one of the five to seven best kickers in fantasy football.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS - STUDS

Carolina Panthers D/ST (2 Stars) – What has gotten into the Panthers over the past two weeks?  They went into Giants Stadium for what is the final regular season for New York and absolutely manhandled the G-Men.  Carolina allowed just nine points, intercepted Eli Manning twice, recovered two fumbles, and sacked the quarterback four times.  They were looked upon as just a two star option for Week 16, but with this kind of performance, it is safe to say that it was a four star effort.

Hallam’s Take:  Carolina is one of those proverbial teams getting hot at the right time if you are looking for a one week fantasy defense.  However, they draw one of the worst possible matchups to finish the season in the New Orleans Saints.  While the Saints have struggled, head coach Sean Payton claims he will play this game to win because he wants to be prepared for the playoffs.  Outside of Julius Peppers there aren’t many household names on the Panthers, but they haven’t given up more than 20 points in five weeks.  If they were playing a less potent offense in their finale I would be more excited, but I don’t think you can trust them against Drew Brees and company who will need to gain some momentum heading into their second season, the playoffs. 

Week 17 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF    (click to read)

Week 17 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM    (click to read)

Week 17 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE    (click to read)

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