Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

17. (Atlanta Falcons) @ San Francisco 49ers

Atlanta was the week one darling on defense, but struggled in their next 2 games and now ranks near the bottom in yards allowed per game (381.3). They are holding teams to 17.7 points per contest and have 6 turnovers and 5 sacks in 3 games. San Francisco’s offense hasn’t lit up the world though, only gaining 264 yards per game. If there is a matchup for Atlanta to try and get back on track defensively, this is it.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * *

18. (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Houston Texans

Now we get to defenses you may want to avoid if possible. Arizona has never been a defensive stalwart and has a matchup with an offensive that can be very explosive. Seeing what the Colts did to them before their bye week, you can expect more of the same from Houston. Arizona on the season has given up 360 yards and 22.7 points per game with 8 sacks and 5 turnovers. Don’t expect much from the Arizona defense in this game Sunday.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

19. (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Seattle Seahawks

Jacksonville’s defense will never be fantasy worthy this season, as the rank near the bottom in almost every category. They have given up 381 yards and 21.5 points per game but the low point is their 3 sacks in 4 games, the smallest amount in the NFL. The Jaguars may have 9 turnovers, but considering the low points elsewhere, it is tough to recommend them. The only reason they get ranked this high is due to the matchup against Seattle, who isn’t playing as well without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

20. (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Baltimore Ravens

Can the Bengals defense be trusted against the high flying Ravens offense? Sure their defense has scored a touchdown in each of their last 2 games, but they let the terrible Cleveland Browns come back on them to tie the game and send it into overtime. After seeing that, it is hard to say they can put a stop to Baltimore. On the season Cincinnati has given up 345.3 yards and 19 points per game. Their 12 sacks is phenomenal but since they only have created 1 turnover per contest, it is hard seeing them have success this week.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

21. (Houston Texans) @ Arizona Cardinals

As noted by the low ranking for the Cardinals defense, this matchup has offense written all over it. The Texans proved last week they can be put in for a spot start, but given how they still rank extremely low in yards allowed (368.8) and sacks (4), it’s hard seeing them putting up a fight against the Cardinals.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

22. (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis Colts

What happened to this top 5 defense of a year ago? They are terrible this season, as their run defense may be ok but their pass defense can’t stop anyone. What a way to continue that trend then by bringing in Peyton Manning and the high flying Colts. The Titans have given up 362 yards per game, but 282.3 of that comes from the air. Looks like a big day for Manning with Tennessee struggling early and often to stop him in the one.
Bruno Boys Stars: * *

23. (Detroit Lions) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Well there is some bad news for the Detroit defense, the Steelers running attack was able to get going last week against the Chargers. Considering 121.3 of the 361.5 yards per game are given up on the ground, this could be a long day for the Lions. To have any chance, their defense needs to create pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Since they only have 7 sacks in 4 games, it doesn’t seem that will be likely.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

24. (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Dallas Cowboys

Kansas City’s defense has struggled all over the field to start the year and it doesn’t look like it will get a turnaround this week. Dallas may have looked lost offensively against Denver but should rebound against the Chiefs. Kansas City has given up 379 yards and 28 points per game. They only have 5 sacks and 4 turnovers in their 4 games and will be tortured by many offenses throughout the season.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

25. (Cleveland Browns) @ Buffalo Bills

Buffalo has had some problems on offense to say the least. Their trying to incorporate a 2 back system with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and would like to get more balls thrown Terrell Owens’ way. If they needed a defense to try different things out on, the Browns are definitely it. Cleveland has given up the most yards in the NFL per game at 403.3 and the 2nd most points at 29.5. Although this may be a turnaround game for Cleveland considering Buffalo’s struggles on offense, you never want to start a defense putting up that bad of numbers no matter who their playing.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

26. (Oakland Raiders) @ New York Giants

What happened to the Oakland Raider defense that was stout in Week 1? Although they did limit Matt Schaub and the Texans, Steve Slaton was still able to get his game back on track. Even if Eli Manning misses this game (and he will probably play), the Raiders defense is tough to actually recommend in any format at this point. They have given up 356.8 yards and 21.5 points per game with 9 sacks and 7 turnovers. There may be defenses with worse numbers, but considering the matchup, they will sit near the bottom. 
Bruno Boys Stars: *

27. (St. Louis Rams) vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Rams defense could be somewhat surprising if it wasn’t for their offense giving away points and putting them in bad positions on the field. Their giving up 359.5 yards and 27 points per game, with the majority of the points coming from the offenses mishaps. Well now they get to take on the best runner in the world in Adrian Peterson and an offense led by the feeble Brett Favre. Considering how good the Vikings defense is, the Rams may be in for another long day Sunday. 
Bruno Boys Stars: *

28. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay is struggling in a lot of ways on defense, giving up 393.5 yards and 26.8 points per game. Although this is the first game back for Donovan McNabb since his injury, he and his teammates have rested over the bye week and are healthy and ready to go. The Eagles should have no problems exploiting all the problems the Buccaneers have on defense, which could mean a long day for Tampa Bay in Philly.
Bruno Boys Stars: *

WEEK 5 BYE WEEK DEFENSES

Chicago Bears - Despite losing the captain of their defense (linebacker Brian Urlacher) in Week 1, they have played surprisingly well. They have allowed 319.5 yards and 19.5 points per game. They have totaled the 3rd most sacks in the NFL at 13 and made 6 turnovers. Their best matchups ahead include Cleveland (Week 8), St. Louis (Week 13), and Detroit (Week 17).

Green Bay Packers - The Packers did a great job of stopping stud running back Adrian Peterson, but quarterback Brett Favre was determined to have a good night against his old team. On the year, Green Bay has allowed 335.3 yards and 23.3 points per game. They have added only 5 sacks but a whopping 10 turnovers. Their best matchups ahead include Detroit (Week 5 & 12), Cleveland (Week 6), and Tampa Bay (Week 9).

New Orleans Saints - The Saints defense has been a pleasant surprise so far this season, giving up 295.3 yards and 16.5 points. New Orleans has 10 sacks and an incredible 13 turnovers, 10 of which are interceptions. This defense is getting closer and closer to being a must start no matter the opponent. The best matchups ahead include St. Louis (Week 10), Tampa Bay (Week 11 & 16), and Carolina (Week 9 & 17).

San Diego Chargers - What a disappointment this defense has been this year. After being the top ranked defense 2 seasons ago, the Chargers have played absolutely terrible, allowing 365.8 yards (151 of those rushing) and 25.5 points per game. They have only been able to manage 6 sacks and 7 turnovers in their 4 games. The best matchups ahead include Kansas City (Week 7 & 12), Oakland (Week 8), and Cleveland (Week 13).

Week 5 Rankings:  QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D  (click to read)

Week 5 Start & Sit: START ‘EM  |  SIT ‘EM  (click to read)

Week 5 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE  (click to read)

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