Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

17. (San Diego Chargers) at Pittsburgh Steelers

Every week in the rankings, the Chargers disappointing defense is talked about. Now, they may play this game without linebacker Shawne Merriman, who let’s be honest hasn’t impressed at all this season. San Diego’s biggest weakness is their run defense (142.3 rushing yards per game), an area where Pittsburgh has not excelled (81 yards per game). This could be a great spot start or it could lead to a disaster. The Steelers found part of their running game against Cincinnati, and this may be the game they turn to it even more and finally get their rushing attack established.
Bruno Boys Stars: **

18. (Green Bay Packers) at Minnesota Vikings

The Packers get their low ranking due to their putrid run defense, as they have allowed 128.7 yards on the ground. Oh yeah, the Vikings have that guy who can really run the ball, ah ah, Adrian Peterson. Fans may want to see Brett Favre sling it all over the field on his old team, but there will be no need for that with Peterson running wild. The Packers secondary is their strength, with 7 interceptions and Favre having the most interceptions in NFL history. If Peterson gets going, though, the Packers defensive backs won’t get a chance to make a big time play. 
Bruno Boys Stars: **

19. (Seattle Seahawks) at Indianapolis Colts

Seattle’s defense has been a pleasant surprise considering all the injuries they have suffered already in only 3 weeks. They have allowed 314.7 yards per game, but only 16 points per game and have racked up 9 sacks. With that being said, they get to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, a team who is averaging 408.7 yards and 24 points per game. Although Seattle could surprise me, you have to side with Peyton Manning on this one.
Bruno Boys Stars: **

20. (Houston Texans) vs. Oakland Raiders

The worst defense in the NFL (436.3 yards and 28.7 points per game) takes on the 2nd worst offense in the NFL (223 yards and 12 points per game). Give the slight edge to the defense in this one, only because Oakland is one dimensional with JaMarcus Russell playing like crap. Neither Houston’s defense or Oakland’s offense (aside from Darren McFadden) are worth owning in fantasy football and with that being said, it is tough to project the Texans defense this week. Although the match-up looks enticing, don’t bite on it unless you absolutely have to.
Bruno Boys Stars: **

21. (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Tennessee Titans

Another defense out of the AFC South who has struggled to maintain success is Jacksonville. They have allowed 381.7 yards and 23 points per contest. Their lack of pressure (3 sacks in 3 games) shows the struggles they have had up front this season. Expect Tennessee to give them a heavy dose of Chris Johnson, which may lead to a long day for the Jags.
Bruno Boys Stars: **

22. (St. Louis Rams) at San Francisco 49ers

Considering how bad the Rams offense is and how long the defense has to stay on the field, the numbers they are giving up could be worse. The 49ers will be without their best player on offense (Frank Gore) and will rely on rookie Glen Coffee and incumbent starting quarterback Shaun Hill to lead their team to victory. The Rams defense has a chance to be somewhat productive, but not enough to warrant any kind of start in fantasy football.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

23. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) at Washington Redskins

Tampa Bay is another defense who stays on the field rather long due to their offensive deficiencies. They have a decent match-up against Washington who couldn’t get things going in Detroit. The Redskins have a mess of problems on offense and have their star player, Clinton Portis, injured. Even with the inconsistencies on offense for Washington, it is tough to justify Tampa Bay as a good defense this week. Their 432.3 yards and 30.3 points per game averages are enough to scare off any fantasy owner.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

24. (Detroit Lions) at Chicago Bears

Ok, Detroit got a win. Their defense did a great job and now has 5 sacks and 5 turnovers on the season. They go to Chicago to face a team trying to find its identity on offense as running back Matt Forte has really struggled. But, do you really want to insert the Detroit Lions as your fantasy defense? Maybe they have performed good enough to be ranked a little higher, but until they put together a few good games, this is about as good as it’s going to get for Detroit’s D.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

25. (Miami Dolphins) vs. Buffalo Bills

Miami hasn’t been terrible on defense, giving up 330.7 yards and 23 points per contest, but they haven’t been great either. They do have 5 sacks, but the scary thing is the lack of turnovers. The Dolphins have yet to make an interception and have only gotten one fumble recovery. Add to that their offense starting a new quarterback who may put them in bad situations, and they slide a bit this week. Plus, they will play a Buffalo offense that has Marshawn Lynch returning to the squad. It’s time to see what the Dolphins can do before ever recommending them.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

26. (Oakland Raiders) at Houston Texans

What happened to the defense on Monday Night Football in Week 1 that shut down a San Diego Chargers team for much of the game? The Raiders are back to their old selves and have struggled in so many ways the last 2 weeks. Now, they welcome in the high powered Houston Texans who will look to light up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree. No way can this defense be played in any kind of fantasy format this week.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

27. (Cleveland Browns) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

It’s hard to say you can make a case for any Cleveland Brown player being worthy of a fantasy spot, much less their defense. The only good thing you can say for them is they have 5 sacks through 3 weeks, but they are another team who has yet to make an interception and have only recorded 2 fumble recoveries. This one has Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson, and company having a field day written all over it.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

28. (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. New York Giants

The Chiefs defensive deficiencies have more to do with their offense keeping them on the field and putting them in bad spots more than anything else. This defense doesn’t have a lot of playmakers, which is evident by their 3 sacks and 2 turnovers in 3 games. Not only will the Giants defense have a field day, but so will every one of its offensive players. 
Bruno Boys Stars: *

WEEK 4 BYE WEEK DEFENSES

Philadelphia Eagles - So far, the Eagles defense has been top notch as expected, giving up 262 yards and 24 points (mostly from the New Orleans game) per contest. They are tied for the league lead in sacks at 10 and have made 6 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. If you own them, you are likely searching for a replacement this week, but feel free to deploy the Eagles defense no matter the match-up for the rest of the season.

Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons defense was a big surprise in Week 1, but has since leveled off. They have now given up 381.3 yards and 17.7 points per game. They have recorded 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 4 fumble recoveries in 3 games this season. While Atlanta’s defense may not be worth owning in fantasy leagues, they could make for a nice spot start if need be and the match-up is right.

Arizona Cardinals - Arizona had does exactly what you could expect, middle of the road numbers and not much else. They have given up 360 yards and 22.7 points per game, while adding 8 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. You may be able to throw the Cardinals defense into your lineup on certain weeks (they do play the Rams twice), but they are more likely to continue to be a waiver wire defense.

Carolina Panthers - There isn’t a team out there that needed this bye week more than the Panthers, who really need to regroup after starting 0-3. Their defense (which is owned in an absurd 58% of ESPN leagues) has given up 326.3 yards and 29 points per game thus far. Carolina has added 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. Until they plan Tampa Bay twice, their defense can’t be trusted to give you many fantasy points.

Week 4 Rankings:  QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF  (click to read)

Week 4 Start & Sit: START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM  (click to read)

Week 4 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE  (click to read)

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