Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Week 4, a quarter of the way through the fantasy football season is where we are sitting. Some are riding high, others not so much. That was the story pretty much in Week 3 for the NFL running backs! Willie Parker and Brian Westbrook both suffered injuries, with Parker already being noted as a no-go this Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. On the other hand you had LaDanian Tomlinson going for a pair of TD’s, Frank Gore continuing on his hot streak and Larry Johnson finally putting a solid game together. We do have some bye-weeks this week with Kevin Smith/Rudi Johnson, Joseph Addai, Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams, The New England Patriots crew, Brandon Jacobs and Julius Jones all having the week off. That takes away some pretty good players from the talent pool! With that being said let’s hope for a remarkable Week 4 for yourself, as well as Bruno Boys Nation. To make that happen, read through the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings.

Key Abbreviations: YPC (Yards Per Carry), YPG (Yards Per Game)

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1. LaDanian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) @ Oakland 

Still showing some signs of an ailing toe, LaDanian Tomlinson did rush 26 times for 67 yards and 2 TD’s while adding another 20 yards receiving in week 3. This week he takes on a Oakland Raiders rush defense that has allowed 104 YPG but even more alarming has given up 5 rushing TD’s already this season. Everything is aligned  for at least similar production to Monday Night's effort.
Point Projection: 24 points
 
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2. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) @ St. Louis 

In Week 3 Marshawn Lynch went for 114 combined yards and 2 TD’s against the Oakland Raiders. This week things actually get easier for him as he faces the St. Louis Rams who have coughed up a 5.1 YPC average and 6 rushing TD’s on the season. Expect Lynch to once again make many owners proud!
Point Projection: 23 points

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3. Reggie Bush (New Orleans) vs. San Francisco

In Week 3 against a Denver Broncos defense, Reggie Bush was able to put up 73 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards and 2 TD’s. This week he takes on a weak San Francisco rush defense that has allowed 4.2 YPC and 3 rushing TD’s on the year. Expect another big week from Bush as his QB Drew Brees just lost another passing target in Jeremy Shockey for the next handful of weeks due to a sports hernia.
Point Projection: 23 points

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4. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) @ New Orleans

Frank Gore has a rushing TD in each of his first three weeks and has already surpassed the 400 combined yards plateau for 2008. His week 4 opponent, the New Orleans Saints have given up an average of 5.3 YPC, 133.3 YPG and 3 TD’s to rushers. This spells for another excellent week and one that should keep propelling Gore up the RB charts!
Point Projection: 22 points

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It is no secret that as Adrian Peterson goes, so do the Minnesota Vikings. This week is no different as they face a formidable Tennessee Titans defense that has allowed rushers only 3.7 YPC as well as 2 TD’s on the season. Peterson is still feeling pain from his hammy injury, but if he's able to touch the ball 20+ times he should be able to do something special to make him a viable RB1 option in Week 4!
Point Projection: 20 points

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6. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Houston 

Maurice Jones-Drew has had a rough start to the year as his offensive line is in disarray. There are a few things going for him though. The first is that he has had a TD in each of the last two weeks. Secondly, he had a total of 166 combined yards against the Indianapolis Colts. Thirdly, he takes on the weaker Houston Texans rush defense that has allowed 4.5 YPC and despite already having a bye-week has allowed 5 rushing TD’s. Jones-Drew should excel in Week 4.
Point Projection: 20 points

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Marion Barber is a TD machine, and this year he has been no different, reaching pay dirt four times already in three games. Things should be a little bit more difficult to come by in Week 4 as he faces a Washington Redskins rush defense that has allowed only 2 rushing TD’s this year. Even with a tougher matchup this week, I wouldn’t want to be the man betting against Barber!
Point Projection: 18 points

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8. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Carolina

What can you say about LT2’s former backup? He has had 2 very excellent weeks and one very forgettable week in 2008. Needless to say, his two excellent weeks came against both, the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, the worst rush defenses in the league! Don’t come to expect a few more TD’s this week as the Carolina Panthers have given up only 1 his season, but I still like Turner’s chances as the Carolina Panthers have given up 113 rushing YPG this year.
Point Projection: 16 points

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9. Chris Perry (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Cleveland

No, we are not smoking some dope! Let us throw this out at ya! Chris Perry hasn’t been the greatest this year, but he has had a TD in each of the last two weeks, has rushed the ball over 20 times the past two weeks and is facing a Cleveland Browns rush defense that has allowed 145 YPG as well as 6 TD’s on the season. Week 4 sleeper pick if you ask me!
Point Projection: 16 points

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10. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Chicago

Brian Westbrook was enjoying a fine 2008 season until he had to leave last weeks game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with an ankle injury. He is listed as day-to-day which is nothing surprising nor new to former Westbrook owners. He is usually on the injury list yet finds ways to show up and play every week. Week 4 is no different as he should be donning the pads on Sunday at the Chicago Bears. He does have his hands full though as Chicago has been pretty stingy, giving up an excellent 3.4 YPC as well as surrendering just 2 rushing TD’s. Something tells me though that he will see some play through the air!
Point Projection: 16 points

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11. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) @ Cincinnati

What a horrible year so far for these two Ohio teams. Both were expected to be high powered, yet both have struggled mightily. That should change for Jamal Lewis in Week 4 as he faces a Cincinnati Bengals rush defense that has allowed 4.7 YPC, 174.3 rushing YPG as well as 4 visits to pay dirt-land on the season. Look for Lewis to get his 2008 year on track this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

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12. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Denver

This is a high-risk, high-reward play this week as Larry Johnson has struggled this year so far, yet was able to finally put together a 121 rushing yard and 1 TD performance in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Denver Broncos rush defense has been pretty putrid so far on the season, giving up 4.4 YPC and 3 rushing TD’s. The thing that can really hurt LJ this week is if the Chiefs get so far behind the Broncos that they have to pass, pass, pass. Ironically, keeping the Broncos offense off the field is what could also produce a very solid week for LJ as well.
Point Projection: 16 points

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13. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Buffalo 

Steven Jackson has had a lousy 2008 season so far! Right? Well, maybe not! Last week he had 128 total combined yards, the week before he had 90 combined yards and he has 15 receptions on the season. Those numbers are not what you would expect from a RB with this much talent, but he hasn’t pulled a Larry Johnson either by any means! Now that the St. Louis Rams have made a change at the QB position, going with Trent Green over Marc Bulger, I can see a bigger focus being put on both Jackson and Holt as they are trying to right a quickly sinking ship!
Point Projection: 15 points

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Clinton Portis has yet to break the 100 combined yards barrier in 2008 but he does have 3 TD’s. He does take on a rush defense in the Dallas Cowboys that have allowed 4.1 YPC as well as 3 rushing TD’s on the year. Look for a solid week as the Washington Redskins try to keep the high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense off of the field. 
Point Projection: 15 points

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15. Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Green Bay

Some rush defenses have struggled this year! The Green Bay Packers are not normally mentioned, but look at these numbers… 5.7 YPC, 151 YPG, 3 rushing TD’s. Those are not good numbers, and even though Earnest Graham puts his hands on the ball around anywhere from 12-16 times so far per game in 2008, something tells me that this could be the week that he is fed the rock, time and time again as his 6.0 YPC average is sick as well!
Point Projection: 15 points

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16. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) @ Tampa Bay

What a horrible start to the season that Ryan Grant has had. But, you can really chalk that up to a hamstring injury! This week he takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are very solid at defending the run. We are picking Grant as a nice RB2 option though because I have a feeling that the Green Bay Packers are going to have to run the ball down the Buc’s throats if they want a chance at getting the W this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

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With the bye-week being here, it is starting to get a little thin at solid RB options as you can see. One RB that I would have confidence in though this week is Darren McFadden who should be relied on heavily against the San Diego Chargers! The Chargers have given up 5.0 YPC this year and we think that the Oakland Raiders game plan this week will be to run, run, run!
Point Projection: 14 points

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18. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Minnesota

Even on a down week yardage wise, Chris Johnson still had a combined 79 yards. That should change some as the Tennessee Titans will try to get this young, talented back more involved in the game this week. He has been used 18-21 times a week on the season and even though his touches should remain consistent, his involvement in the pass attack should rise some against this formidable rush defense.
Point Projection: 14 points

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19. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) vs. Arizona

Thomas Jones had a disappointing Week 3, but when you are multiple TD’s behind all game, the chances of a pure RB seeing the ball usually declines. This week he takes on a Arizona Cardinals rushing defense that has allowed 4.2 YPC and 3 TD’s on the year. The Jets shouldn't be out of this one as early as in week 3, so look for Jones to get more work.
Point Projection: 13 points

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20. Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) @ New York Jets

For a RB that was written off as used up before the season by many experts, Edgerrin James has had 2 very solid weeks to start the season. Unfortunately for him he runs into a New York Jets rush defense that has allowed only 3.1 YPC on the year.
Point Projections: 12 points

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Out of the two Tennessee back, White will have the harder go of it against the stout Vikings rush defense as he's more of a pure runner, while Johnson has the benefit of being a pass catching back. But, with 4 TDs in 3 games, White has a solid chance to salvage his day against Minny with a quick six, something that's happened to the Vikings 3 times in 3 weeks.
Point Projection: 11 points

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22. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. Philadelphia

Matt Forte has had an excellent start to his career, having compiled over 400 combined yards as well as reaching pay dirt twice. This week is different though as he is facing a Philadelphia Eagles rush defense that have given up only 2.4 YPC and given up only 1 TD. Forte is the Chicago Bears whole offense so he very well could have a solid week, but I am guessing if there were a week that he would struggle some, this would be it!
Point Projection: 11 points

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It is hard to get a good read on Steve Slaton this year. He has played in only two games because of the hurricane forced bye-week. He had a pretty poor Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers (tough to get a read against them), but he did have an excellent Week 3 against a very good Tennessee Titans defense, rushing for 116 yards and 1 TD. This will be the week in which we will see what type of back that we will see more of. He does have a good chance at being successful though as the Jacksonville Jaguars have given up 4.2 YPC and 4 rushing TD’s this year.
Point Projection: 11 points

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24. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Washington

The Dallas Cowboys want to get Felix Jones more involved in the offense, which is good news for fantasy football fans as he has run well in the limited opportunities that he has had and has still posted 2 rushing TD’s and 1 special team TD. If he gets more opportunities, even better stats could follow!
Point Projection: 11 points

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25. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) vs. San Francisco

Pierre Thomas carries the ball an average of 7 times per week, averages only 25 rushing yards per week and has not done much in the passing game so to speak. So why is he ranked this high? He is facing a weaker San Francisco 49ers rush defense that has allowed 4.2 YPC and 3 rushing TD’s, but also because in limited play Thomas also has 3 TD’s. The 49ers are a team that Thomas could have an excellent week against, such as he did against the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
Point Projection: 11 points

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26. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Houston

The two headed monster finally came out to play in week 3, as Taylor joined Maurice Jones-Drew over the century mark in the Jags defeat of the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor and Jones-Drew give the Jags their best chance at the W, so look for both to get their touches once again in week 4.
Point Projection: 10 points

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27. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. Atlanta

The Carolina Panthers have two very solid running backs, but it is becoming more clear by the week that Jonathan Stewart is the unnamed RB1 for them. In limited RB play, he has 3 TD’s as well as almost a 5.0 YPC average. Against the Atlanta Falcons he should see his carries at least jump to the 15 mark, which could provide his best week yet!
Point Projection: 10 points

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Do I believe that Rashard Mendenhall will have a great week this week? Heck no! A solid week? Probably not. But facts are facts! Willie Parker will be missing Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, giving Mendenhall a chance to carry the ball many, many times, considering that Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is hurting. This can either be a very good or a very bad week for Mendenhall. I am going to go with the law of averages and say he is a solid, but unspectacular play. And hey, don’t blame me because the NFL wants to sit a ton of talent in Week 4.
Point Projection: 9 points

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29. Le’Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens) @ Pittsburgh

Le’Ron McClain has started out the 2008 season very fashionably! He is averaging 90 combined yards per game on almost 20 touches and has pushed in 2 TD’s. Things won’t come easy for him in Week 4 as he takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers rush defense that has allowed only 2.8 YPC and 1 measly TD.
Point Projection: 9 points

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30. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings) @ Tennessee

Chester Taylor is a little banged up this week, but he is in much better shape than Adrian Peterson who seems to be having a hard time getting healthy. This week they take on a Tennessee Titans defense that is going to force the Minnesota Vikings to use their backs at a high rate. Taylor should benefit from this!
Point Projection: 8 points

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31. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) @ Pittsburgh

Willis McGahee returned in fashion from injury in Week 3, rushing 15 times for 64 yards and 1 TD. This week he takes on a very strong rush defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will definitely have a much bigger challenge against the Steelers instead of last week’s opponent, the Cleveland Browns.
Point Projection: 7 points

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32. Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Chicago

When Brian Westbrook went down in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buckhalter came on and put up 87 combined yards on 16 touches. If Westbrook is not ready to go this week, move Buckhalter up significantly on this ranking list!
Point Projection: 7 points

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33. Selvin Young (Denver Broncos) @ Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs rush defense has been horrible this year, which usually would mean for a possible huge week from any team, unless they are playing the Denver Broncos. When it comes to RBBC, the Broncos take the cake! Selvin Young has done fine in limited play, but the only way he racks up the points this week is if he breaks a long one and runs it to the house!
Point Projection: 7 points

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34. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) @ Oakland

This is a matchup where if LT2 is feeling sore from his Week 3 workload and the San Diego Chargers are blowing out the Oakland Raiders, Darren Sproles could see a solid amount of rushing opportunities. Just don’t count on all of that going Sproles’ way.
Point Projection: 6 points

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35. Timothy Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) @ New York

Timothy Hightower would not normally be a very solid option to play, but in this weakened RB group for Week 4 due to bye-weeks and injuries, his 40 plus combined yards and possible TD could be looking real good at the flex position.
Point Projection: 6 points

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36. Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) @ Carolina

Jerious Norwood has flown way below the radar this year thanks to Michael Turner's huge season so far. Did you know though that on 31 carries he is averaging 6.0 YPC and he has another 4 receptions for an average of 11.0 yards as well? He even has a TD. You can do much worse than Norwood from week to week. The only reason I have Norwood rated #35 this week is that I expect the Panthers to get a lead on them and the Atlanta Falcons will have to go more to their passing game.
Point Projection: 6 points

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37. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Green Bay

I expect this to be a game in which it is won or lost on the ground. Dunn should have enough opportunity to be able to at least post some yardage and grab at least a few points for your team.
Point Projection: 6 points

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38. Michael Pittman (Denver Broncos) @ Kansas City

Michael Pittman is a rare breed this year. He is a RB that has very minimal yardage, yet has punched the rock in 4 times this year! He has a shot at it again as he plays the dismal Kansas City Chiefs rush defense.
Point Projection: 6 points

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39. Andre Hall (Denver Broncos) @ Kansas City

Like the other Denver Broncos backs, Andre Hall hasn’t done much this year, but they all have talent and they are facing a horrible Kansas City Chiefs defense.
Point Projection: 5 points

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40. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) @ St. Louis

Fred Jackson has been solid in his limited play this year. He has a shot at punching in a TD in week 4 as the St. Louis Rams rush defense has allowed 6 rushing TD’s so far on the year.
Point Projection: 4 points

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41. Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers) @ Tampa Bay 

Brandon Jackson has talent, and if Ryan Grant can’t get going this week I would not be surprised to see the Green Bay Packers go to Jackson in hopes of pulling out a W in Tampa.
Point Projection: 3 points

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42. Michael Bush (Oakland Raiders) vs. San Diego 
 
The Oakland Raiders are going to try and pound the rock all day if the score permits. If it does, Michael Bush could benefit.
Point Projection: 3 points

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WEEK 4 BYE WEEK RUNNINGBACKS

Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) – BYE

Kevin Smith is on the decline, seeing his playing time drop every week, to the tune of just 3 carries last week in favor of teammate Rudi Johnson.

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Rudi Johnson (Detroit Lions) – BYE

The Detroit Lions look to be heading in a different direction at the RB position, and it definitely helped Rudi Johnson’s cause by accumulating 131 total yards and 1 TD in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers.

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Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) – BYE

It has not been the best of starts for Joseph Addai, with his best game being in Week 3 where he did put up 88 yards and 2 TD’s. He has 3 TD’s on the year, but his lack of yardage has dropped his value some. He is a prime candidate for a RB that you should focus on acquiring from owners that have started slow and can’t afford having Addai on their bench in hopes of grabbing their first or second W.

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Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) – BYE

After having started the season in a limited roll as he is recovering from injury, Ronnie Brown had 18 touches last week against the New England Patriots, grabbing a handful of TD’s. As long as he is healthy, look for Brown’s role to continue to increase.

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Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) – BYE

Ronnie Brown is getting all the hype after last weeks victory over the New England Patriots, but Williams touched the ball 18 times for 119 total yards. Even though he is the RB2 for the Miami Dolphins, there will be games that he will be able to produce solid starter stats. They just will be unpredictable. And the possibility of Brown going down with injury is always there.

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The New England Patriots Running Backs (New England Patriots) – BYE

It is starting to look more and more that Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Lamont Jordan will all continue to be used in an inconsistent manner. Of the three, Maroney has the best chance to gain an increased roll, but with teams being able to focus on the Patriots running game now that Tom Brady is out, the outlook on all three are not that good.

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Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) – BYE

There is no doubt in New York that Jacobs is the Giants main guy! Even though Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw will see their reps, it is Jacobs who is the only fantasy football factor. He should continue to have a solid season.

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Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) – BYE

Ever since Maurice Morris has been injured, Julius Jones has turned it on. Evident by a 133 YPG, 1 TD average performance. Once Morris is back, Jones’ value should come back closer to earth. But, he will remain the man for the Seattle Seahawks.

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WEEK 4 RANKINGS (click to view)

Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense

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Also, check our the Week 4 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Article (click to view)

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Current Waiver Wire Articles (click to view)

Waiver Wire - Week 3 Edition

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