Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

17. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cleveland

In his first week back from suspension, Marshawn Lynch touched the ball more than his counterpart Fred Jackson as Lynch went for 47 yards on 13 carries against a stout Miami Dolphins rush defense. This week, we all will be able to see a bit more of what the real story is for the Buffalo Bills as they face the Cleveland Browns; a rush defense that is giving up 28.3 fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. As it was last week, error on the side of caution and don’t expect much out of either Bills back until their roles have been properly set. I expect solid things this week, but he is still a touch on the risky side.
Point Projection: 12 points

18. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Detroit

The emergence of Rashard Mendenhall in fantasy football talks around the water cooler happened last week as he went off for 191 total yards and 2 touchdowns against a solid, but unspectacular San Diego Chargers defense. Keep your eye on this situation carefully as his ranking is based on two things - 1) He is the lead back for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, and 2) Willie Parker is still banged up enough to where Mendenhall will see most of the carries regardless of whether Parker plays or not. If those two things happen, Mendenhall will be a very nice play against the Detroit Lions. If not, look at him as more of a mid-level flex-option in deeper leagues.
Point Projection: 12 points

19. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) vs. New York Jets

Ronnie Brown continued on his nice season by going for 115 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills this past week. Things get much tougher though in Week 5 as the Miami Dolphins face the New York Jets; a rush defense that is one of the better ones in the game, though Pierre Thomas did burn them for 86 yards and a TD on the ground in week 4. While the Dolphins will try to rely on the run, don’t look for Brown to match his week 4 output. Play him no higher than a RB2.
Point Projection: 12 points

20. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) @ Miami

Thomas Jones did well against the 8th ranked rush defense of the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, going for 10 fantasy points. Unfortunately, this week he faces a stout Miami Dolphins defense in which you will have to worry some. While Jones is always good for a nice handful of points, he will most likely be kept from the end zone this week. If he does make it though, that is just a nice little gift to what should be a solid week none-the-less.
Point Projection: 10 points

21. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee

As weeks go by, Joseph Addai remains the best Indianapolis Colts running back to play. This past week Addai touched the ball a total of 19 times, 12 on the ground and 7 through the air for a total of 96 yards and a touchdown. The Tennessee Titans headed into last week as one of the best rush defenses in the game but stumbled some against the Jacksonville Jaguars, by allowing Maurice Jones-Drew to score a touchdown. As it lays, look for Addai to be a solid, low-end RB2 in deeper leagues.
Point Projection: 10 points

22.  Tashard Choice (Dallas Cowboys) @ Kansas City

This ranking for Tashard Choice is based on Felix Jones not being able to go for Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Choice touched the ball 19 times last week against the Denver Broncos for 80 total yards. While there is no doubt a healthy Marion Barber and Jones are the Dallas Cowboys main options, Choice is a serviceable back that produces when given the chance. If Jones is out this week, look for Choice to be a low-end RB2 option in deeper leagues. If Jones does play though, sit Choice.
Point Projection: 10 points

23. Jerome Harrison (Cleveland Browns) @ Buffalo

Starting in place of the injured Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison ran for 121 yards on the ground and added another 31 through the air. While Harrison won’t be valued this high if Lewis does see action this week, we still like his chances against the Buffalo Bills defense who have allowed 150.5 rushing yards and over a touchdown a game. Lower Harrison’s ranking some if Lewis suits up, otherwise he is a solid RB2 in deeper leagues.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Dallas

Yes, Larry Johnson has not done well this year, but you have to appreciate the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs have no choice but to keep feeding him the rock. You have to appreciate the fact even more that the Dallas Cowboys are not that good on defense, allowing 118.0 rush yards per game. The Chiefs will do everything in their power to make sure the Cowboys do not get on the field much offensively; therefore, Johnson will once again see a great amount of work. One of these weeks he is bound to punch one in. I am confident that this is the week.
Point Projection: 10 points

25. Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee

Donald Brown had minimal yardage against the Seattle Seahawks last week but did punch in a touchdown making him a solid 10 point play. This week, though, Brown faces a tough Tennessee Titans defense. Brown’s points as of late have come off of touchdowns, so he is somewhat a risky play; however, with double digit fantasy points in three straight weeks, he’s worth plugging in as a low-end RB2 or high-end flex play.
Point Projection: 9 points

26.  Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cleveland

When the week has come and gone, it is very possible that Fred Jackson will be the better Buffalo Bills running back. But, that is why I am cautioning you beforehand. Be wary of both backs as they had almost equal splits in the first week of Marshawn Lynch’s return. The Cleveland Browns are not a threatening rush defense, so both should be worthy of at least a flex play.
Point Projection: 9 points

27. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Baltimore

Cedric Benson’s touchdown streak came to an end in week 4, but he still threw up 84 all-purpose yards against the Cleveland Browns. While not mightily impressive, if a bad game from him can still turn into 8 fantasy points, Benson belongs in your lineup. This week he faces the Baltimore Ravens, who are very good against the rush, no matter how bad they have been as a total defensively. The Bengals have been scrappy this season, and it should continue this week. Look for Benson to get solid yardage and if he does happen to grab a touchdown that should be considered just icing on the cake. Benson is a solid flex-player in deeper leagues.
Point Projection: 8 points

28. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Oakland

As I have stated before, Ahmad Bradshaw is the perfect complement to Brandon Jacobs and a solid flex option depending on the size of your league. Last week he went for 64 yards on only 12 carries, good for an average of more than 5. While that was against the Kansas City Chiefs, it still shows his talent level. Look for him to once again produce solid flex-option points against the Oakland Raiders who are far from average (not a good thing) when it comes to defending the run.
Point Projection: 8 points

29. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Cincinnati

It was fun while it lasted. Now that the streak is gone, you no longer have to worry about going against it. Against the New England Patriots, Willis McGahee looked very human. He did have 8 points as he scored yet another touchdown on a 13 yard reception, but without it he would have been good for only 1 point. McGahee is not one to be relied on in the passing game, so you have to take an even broader look. The Cincinnati Bengals are solid against the run, which should result in the majority of McGahee’s points coming from the touchdown. Look for some yardage and another touchdown this week, but nothing more as Ray Rice should continue his travels on becoming the main back for the Ravens.
Point Projection: 8 points

30. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. New York Jets

I am starting to think that I am not giving Ricky Williams enough credit as he just went for another 85 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills; but will his 16 carries be there every week? I really don’t think so, especially if the Miami Dolphins can get any sort of passing game going. However, since that looks to be a bit away, look for Williams to remain a solid flex option even in a tough match-up with the Jets.
Point Projection: 7 points

31.  LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Tampa Bay

While the coaching staff has said that LeSean McCoy will see an equal amount of opportunities, I believe that that is more of a ploy to keep opposing defenses off guard than anything else. McCoy has talent, don’t get me wrong. But to make the playoffs in their tough division, the Eagles are going to need to rely on their veterans more than a lot of teams would have to. He has gotten off to a decent start to his career, so anything is possible, but my guess is more of a 60/40 to 70/30 split in favor of Brian Westbrook when the game is too close to comfort. This week McCoy has a shot at respectable numbers, so if you’re facing bye week issues use him as a flex-type play.
Point Projection: 7 points

32. Carnell Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Philadelphia

While Carnell Williams did not score a touchdown, he still put up 99 yards against the Washington Redskins in an continuation of his attempt as a solid candidate for comeback player of the year. He does have a much tougher match up this week though as the Philadelphia Eagles look to take the swagger from Williams’ swing. But, there is enough fight in Cadillac to post enough fantasy points to be a nice flex-option play in deeper leagues.
Point Projection: 7 points