Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

21. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) @ Minnesota

Even going against the Minnesota Vikings who have the fourth ranked rush defense in the league, Ahmad Bradshaw has some increased value this week. Brandon Jacobs hurt his knee in the Week 16 loss to the Carolina Panthers and is questionable for the season finale. It appears Jacobs may miss this game and even if he plays he will likely be limited. Bradshaw should see increased touches this week and he has played well of late gaining more then 45 rushing yards in each of his last four games and he has three touchdowns during that span. In a week you may be scrambling for a starting option, Bradshaw should make a nice low-end No. 2 fantasy football option this week.
Point Projection: 10 points

22. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) @ Arizona  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

Green Bay clinched a playoff birth with a win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. Ryan Grant was a big part of the victory with 16 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He has five touchdowns over his last three games and he is quietly having a nice season with 1,202 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. With the Packers already clinching a playoff birth there is some concern about Brandon Jackson and Ahman Green seeing more touches this week as they did last week as the game got out of hand. Grant should start again this week, but even though Green Bay has said they are going to play to win this week it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Grant on the sidelines by the end of the first half. Keep your expectations a little lower then you would have if this wasn’t Week 17, but don’t be surprised if Grant does enough in his limited opportunity to find pay dirt and put together a a decent afternoon.
Point Projection: 10 points

23. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Washington  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

The San Diego Chargers won their 10th consecutive game with a Christmas Day victory over the Tennessee Titans. LaDainian Tomlinson proved once again that despite lower rushing totals, he is a good fantasy point provider. For the second game in a row he finished with 16 carries for 59 yards, but this time he added two touchdowns. He has nine touchdowns during the Chargers last seven games. San Diego also received three total touchdowns from Tomlinson’s backup Darren Sproles. Tomlinson could get additional rest this week as the team has already clinched a first round bye in the playoffs but at the rate he’s been finding the end zone you can’t rule out his chances of scoring a short yardage touchdown.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Larry Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals) @ New York Jets

This is a very big game this week, well for the New York Jets at least. After the Indianapolis Colts essentially handed them a win last week, they are in a win and they are in the playoffs situation. The Bengals on the other hand have already clinched the AFC North division title and a playoff birth. Without much to play for other then being a spoiler for the Jets, Cincinnati will likely rest some of their starters this week in preparation for the playoffs. With workhorse running back Cedric Benson logging 301 carries in 13 games he will very likely get some rest this week. He still may start the game, but he will likely be limited. We project Larry Johnson to receive the bulk of the workload in place of Benson. Look for Johnson to touch the ball a minimum of 12-15 times and he can be used as a low-end No. 2 or flex option with your season on the line.
Point Projection: 9 points

Others to Watch - Brian Leonard has caught 30 passes this season for 217 yards and if Benson is limited this week, Leonard could play a bigger role as the backup to Larry Johnson. Don’t expect too much, but he could see five-eight touches in this game.

25. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina  **CHECK INJURY STATUS**

There is cause for concern with Pierre Thomas this week on two fronts. First is the fact that after gaining 60-yards and a touchdown before leaving last week’s game in the first half. The injury was reported as bruised ribs and he did not return to the game. This will leave him questionable for Week 17. Which brings us to our second concern, will the Saints rest any of their starters this week? Head coach Sean Payton claims they will play to win and their studs will be on the field but with Thomas’ being banged up they are probably better off resting him for the postseason. If Thomas is healthy enough to play and play extensively, he should be used as a RB2. The problem is there is no guarantee at this point whether will play or even how long if he suits up. Keep an eye on his status throughout the week.
Point Projection: 8 points

26. Chris “Beanie” Wells (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Green Bay  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

Both the Cardinals and Packers have secured a playoff spot and there is a possibility of these two teams facing off in the first round of the playoffs. Green Bay has given up a league low 1,285 yards rushing in 16 games and poses a tough match-up for Beanie Wells. With 68 rushing yards on 17 carries, Wells led Arizona in rushing last week and he scored a touchdown late in the game. Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt has stated that it will be a game-time decision whether or not to rest some of his starters. Reason being if Minnesota wins the early game the Cardinals have nothing to play for, but if the Vikings lose the Cardinals have an outside chance of being the No.2 seed in the NFC. This does impact the fantasy value of Wells this week. Expect him to play early, but may be in the game often this week and he should only be used as a flex option at this point.
Point Projection: 7 points

Others to Watch - Jason Wright and LaRod Stephens-Howlings to get some touches in this game. Expect maybe 5-8 touches apiece while allowing Wells and Hightower time to rest. Neither of these back has much fantasy appeal against the stingy Packers rush defense.

27. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Dallas  **CHECK INJURY STATUS**

It wasn’t expected that Brian Westbrook would carry the full load at running back for the Eagles last week in his first game back after missing seven of his last eight with multiple concussions, but it was good to see the former Pro-Bowl running back on the field again. He finished the game with nine carries for 32 yards, while sharing time with both LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver. The Eagles have a huge game this week and if they can beat the division rival Dallas Cowboys they can earn a first round bye in the playoffs. Westbrook’s role could increase some this week, but you should expect Philadelphia to continue to use all three running backs. With each player stealing fantasy football points from each other, none should be used as more than a flex option.
Point Projection: 7 points

28. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) vs. Washington

If you took a chance and used Darren Sproles in your starting lineup last week received a nice Christmas present. With just seven touches on the offensive side of the ball Sproles scored three touchdowns during the Chargers 10th consecutive victory. On the surface it does not appear that Sproles has had a very good season, but he has 822 combined yards with seven total touchdowns and he fits his role in San Diego. The problem with Sproles is his scoring comes in bunches, as he scored double digit fantasy football points just five times this season. He could see an increase in production this week as San Diego has clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, which means they may rest some of their starters as the game wears on; including LaDainian Tomlinson.
Point Projection: 7 points

Others to Watch - Mike Tolbert is the Chargers No. 3 running back and he had 11 carries for 60 yards in the teams blowout of Tennessee last week. It was the most carries Tolbert has had in one game this season, but if San Diego rests their starters in this game he could once again see double digit touches, giving him some fantasy appeal. Fourth string back Jacob Hester could also see some additional action this week, but nothing to get excited about.

29. Quinton Ganther (Washington Redskins) @ San Diego

After scoring three touchdowns over the past two weeks, Quinton Ganther managed just seven carries for 13 yards and one reception for 16 yards in the Redskins loss in Week 16 to the Dallas Cowboys. The entire Washington team was shut down by the Cowboys defense in the game. Ganther is expected to get the starting nod once again this week, but he will likely share time with Rock Cartwright and Marcus Mason once again. Ganther has some fantasy value this week against a San Diego Chargers defense that has already earned a first round playoff bye and could rest some starters.
Point Projection: 7 points

30. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) vs. New England

Will the real Arian Foster please stand up? After gaining 34 yards on 13 carries and four receptions for 54 yards in Week 14, Foster had just three touches for 20 total yards with a fumble in Week 15. To confuse matters even more for fantasy owners he went out and had 19 carries for 97 yards with a touchdown last week. So who is the real Arian Foster? He is a rookie out of the University of Tennessee who has opened some eyes, but he is too inconsistent to be used as anything more than a mid-level flex option in a very tough match-up against the New England Patriots this week.
Point Projection: 7 points

31. Maurice Morris (Detroit Lions) vs. Chicago

When Kevin Smith went on the injured reserve list two weeks ago it assured Maurice Morris some fantasy value, but after last week’s 18 carries for 37 yards it doesn’t appear to be very much value. He did play a tough San Francisco 49ers run defense on the road, but fantasy football owners expected more after he had 17 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown just a week ago against Arizona. Morris will continue to see most of the carries for Detroit this week and is worth using as a flex option if needed.
Point Projection: 7 points

32. Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers) @ Arizona

These two teams both want to win this game and Arizona has a slim chance at a playoff bye, but neither team is likely to risk an injury to a starter to win this game. Both teams have clinched a playoff birth and there is a good chance of them meeting in the first round. It is expected both clubs will rest some of their starters for the playoffs. This is good news for Brandon Jackson and he is likely a hot waiver wire pick-up this week. He had five carries for 20 yards with two touchdowns and a 13-yard catch for another touchdown. Don’t expect another three touchdown game, but he should see at least 10-12 touches in this game.
Point Projection: 7 points

33. Mike Bell (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina  **CHECK INJURY STATUS OF P.THOMAS**

Mike Bell went from virtually unknown heading into the season, to a hot waiver wire pickup while Pierre Thomas was out with an injury. His value in New Orleans offense has diminished quite a bit as of late, as he has been slowed by injuries. After scoring 19 fantasy football points in Week 11 against Tampa Bay, he has totaled just 16 fantasy points over his next four games played. He had seven carries for 20 yards last week and most of that came when Thomas left the game with an injury. If Thomas is out Bell could see some increased action this week, but he will still likely share time with Reggie Bush. Bell should not be used as more than a flex option this week against a surging Carolina Panthers defense.
Point Projection: 7 points

34. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) @ New York Jets  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

Congratulations to Bruno Boys Cory for not only winning the Bruno Boys Staff league this week, but his Cincinnati Bengals also beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16 and clinched a playoff birth. Cedric Benson has been a big part of their success this season and that continued against the Chiefs with 29 carries for 133 yards, the only thing missing was a touchdown. With 1,251 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season, Benson has a shot at comeback player of the year. He won’t likely get much of a chance to pad his stats this week, as there is a good chance that he will only play on a limited basis since Cincinnati has nothing left to play for. Look for Larry Johnson to get more than the three-to-five carries a game he has been getting and finally have some fantasy value this week; likely more than Benson. Don’t use Benson as anything more than a low-end flex option this week and hope for a touchdown
Point Projection: 6 points

35. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Philadelphia

Felix Jones has had at least 10 carries in each of his last three games and has gained more than 50 yards in each contest. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 12 and has just two on the season. Many owners were looking for more production out of this speedster this season, after he put up some solid stats in just a few games in 2008. From a fantasy standpoint Jones has been disappointing, but from a football standpoint the Cowboys have a nice compliment to Marion Barber who should continue to get better with time. Jones appears healthy now after suffering from nagging injuries most of the season. Look for him to get 10-12 touches in this game, giving him value as a flex option.
Point Projection: 6 points

36. Sammy Morris (New England Patriots) @ Houston  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

The New England Patriots may not have coined the phrase “running back by committee”, but they sure have perfected the use of it. Heading into Week 16 Laurence Maroney appeared to be the teams clear-cut leader at the running back position, but a fumble on the first drive of the game opened the door for Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor to get some additional carries, as did Kevin Faulk. Morris took advantage of the additional work more than the others, as he had 12 carries for 95 yards with a touchdown. It is unclear who will be the starter for New England this week, but Morris definitely earned a good portion of the work load. Look for about 10-15 touches for Morris this week, making him a worthwhile flex option.
Point Projection: 6 points

37. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) @ Oakland

The Baltimore Ravens are one of what seems to be many AFC teams that are awaiting their playoff fate. The good thing for the Ravens is that they do control their own destiny; if they win they are in. This means that Baltimore will not be resting anyone this week and their best players will play. This also means no rest for starting running back Ray Rice, which will leave limited opportunity for backup Willis McGahee. McGahee has been very productive in limited duty this season as he has scored 11 total touchdowns, but over his last two games he has just six total carries for 26 yards without a touchdown. A match-up against the Oakland Raiders is a good one for a running back, but Rice will likely to see most of the action in this very important game for the Ravens and McGahee should be considered a risky flex play this week.
Point Projection: 6 points

38. Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) @ Tampa Bay  **CHECK INJURY STATUS OF M. TURNER**

With Michael Turner inactive once again in Week 16, Jerious Norwood once again played backup to Jason Snelling at running back for Atlanta. He finished the game with 13 carries for 52 yards and he added one catch for nine yards. Turner will likely miss this week’s game against Tampa Bay, who have one of the worst run defenses in the league. Norwood could have a solid day as the No. 2 ball carrier for the Falcons this week.
Point Projection: 6 points

39. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina  **CHECK INJURY STATUS**

Even with Pierre Thomas being sidelined a good majority of the game with an injury, Reggie Bush still managed just two carries for 16 yards. He did add six receptions for 37 yards in the game as well. Nagging injuries and a crowded backfield have limited Bush’s production this season, but he is still a dynamic back capable of making a big play every time he touches the ball. With Thomas questionable for this week’s game, Bush could see more touches against the Carolina Panthers. He has some fantasy value, but he has been way too inconsistent to use him as anything more than a flex player against a Carolina team that is seemingly playing their best football of the season.
Point Projection: 6 points

40. Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Green Bay  **CHECK ON PROJECTED PLAYING TIME**

The days of Tim Hightower as the top running option for the Cardinals didn’t even last an entire season. He was once again the secondary option to Beanie Wells last week and he had 10 carries for 32 yards, but he did add his second touchdown in two weeks. Wells has had more carries for four straight games and has out rushed Hightower in three consecutive weeks. Arizona has clinched a division title and playoff birth and could rest some of their starters this week and that could include both Hightower and Wells. Neither of these backs should be considered more then a flex option this week.
Point Projection: 6 points