Week 7 was a solid one for wide receivers as 19 wide outs cracked the 10 point barrier. Some of those getting the job done were Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss, both proving that even with a back-up throwing them the ball, their talent still allows them to succeed. Meanwhile, Andre Johnson and Lee Evans once again showed their maturity as wide receivers with both of them putting up their third straight 10+ point fantasy efforts. Then, there were the surprises. Josh Morgan and Donnie Avery, two solid rookies, showed us what we have to look forward too, while Chad Johnson and Javon Walker proved that it might not quite be time to leave them in the past. So, what will week 8 bring us? Only time will truly tell, but as always, the Bruno Boys feel they have a pretty solid grasp on the week ahead, so enjoy the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 8 Wide Receiver Rankings.
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1. Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) vs. Arizona
What's not to like about Smith? The wide out produces at a consistently high level, evidenced by the fact that he has put 4 straight games together with at least 6 receptions and 96 receiving yards. He makes the most of his opportunities, averaging a staggering 17.7 yards per catch, and this week he matches up with a Cardinals' defense that ranks 20th against the pass and has allowed the most passing TDs (12) on the year.
Point Projection: 19 points
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2. Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills) @ Miami
The knock on Lee Evans has been that the wideout lacked consistency. Sure, he'd put up monstrous games, but at other times, he'd completely disappear. But, like the Bills as a whole, it appears something's clicked for Evans, helping him to shed that inconsistency. In the Bills' last 3 games, Evans has gone for 16, 18, and 14 fantasy points. He should make it 4 double digit days in a row this week against the Dolphins, who gave up 2 scores to the wide out in their last meeting.
Point Projection: 18 points
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3. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) @ Carolina
There's no denying that the Carolina Panthers are good at stopping the pass. After all, they do rank 2nd in the league in pass defense and just held Drew Brees to his lowest fantasy output on the season. But, they've also never faced a tandem like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, who should be back and ready to go in week 8. Fitz currently ranks 4th in receiving yards and tied for first in receiving TDs. He's the quintessential must start.
Point Projections: 16 points
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4. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) vs. Cincinnati
Yes, the Bengals are holding opposing pass offenses to under 200 yards, but they have also given up 10 TDs through the air and just allowed Big Ben to throw two on them and Byron Leftwich to throw one in week 7. The Texans are rolling and Johnson has three straight games of 130+ receiving yards. No way you could consider leaving that potential on your bench.
Point Projection: 16 points
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5. Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) @ Detroit
After a combined two points in weeks 5 and 6, Moss's owners were left wondering if the wideout they grew to love in the first 4 weeks of the season would ever return. Well, return he did. This past Sunday, Moss caught 4 balls for 75 yards and a score, earning his fourth double digit performance on the year. Moss's onwers won't have to wait long for number five as Moss should do just fine against the Lions and their 30th ranked pass defense this week.
Point Projection: 16 points
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6. Randy Moss (New England Patriots) vs. St. Louis
The New England Patriots looked a lot like the team that went 16-0 during last year's regular season this past Monday Night, handing the Broncos a solid 41 to 7 beatdown. Moss didn't catch any of his patented deep balls, but he did still manage 18 fantasy points on 5 receptions for 69 yards and 2 TDs, which is even better news for his owners, because it shows that the Patriots and Moss have adjusted their game to fit Matt Cassel. Moss should continue to get better as he and the young QB develop their rapport.
Point Projection: 15 points
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7. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) @ Philadelphia
Rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan, has found something he likes in Roddy White and it's translated into more and more catches for the wideout. White has increased his number of receptions every game this season from 2 to 4 to 5 to 7 to 8 to 9 in week 6. He's now a must start wide out, and while he more than likely won't increase his receptions this week as Atlanta faces a solid Philadelphia pass defense, he should still receive plenty of Ryan's love and put up a solid fantasy day.
Point Projection: 14 points
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8. Anquan Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) @ Carolina **QUESTIONABLE**
Despite missing the Cardinals last two games, Anquan Boldin still holds a share of the lead when it comes to receiving TDs with 5. That's how good the wideout was playing before being injured week 4 against the Jets. QB Kurt Warner was devastated by the injury Boldin suffered, nearly retiring from the game of football. Luckily, he stayed under center and will be throwing to Boldin this Sunday. And, we think, he shows Boldin a little extra love after nearly getting the wide out killed in week 4.
Point Projection: 14 points
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9. Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Tampa Bay
The countdown to a T.O. meltdown has begun. With just 6 receptions and 67 receiving yards in Dallas' last two games, you know T.O.'s frustrated. A T.O. meltdown is the last thing the team can afford at this crucial juncture of their season, so look for offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, try to get the ball to T.O. as much as possible this weekend.
Point Projection: 12 points
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10. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Washington
The bad news from week 7 is that Megatron was targeted just 4 times and had just 2 receptions. With Roy E. Williams gone, it's going to be a lot harder for the Lions' quarterbacks to get Johnson the ball. But, the good news is that Johnson showed this past Sunday that he can do enough with his limited opportunities to still warrant himself as a solid fantasy play as he did put up 154 yards and a score against the Texans.
Point Projection: 12 points
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11. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee
For just the second time this season, Wayne was held under the 10 point plateau in week 7, going for just 2 fantasy points on 24 receiving yards. There's a chance the third time could occur this weekend against a Titans pass defense that ranks 5th in the league and that has allowed just one passing TD on the year; however, that all depends on what Peyton Manning shows up, the one that torched the Ravens or the one that got burned by the Packers. Wayne's worth the risk.
Point Projection: 11 points
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12. TJ Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Houston
QB Ryan FItzpatrick is targeting Housh often, looking the wide receivers way 24 times in 3 games and Housh is hauling the majority of those passes in, tallying 21 receptions in Fitzpatrick's three games as a starter. Unfortunately, the yardage those 21 receptions have yielded amounts to just 157 yards, just 7.47 yards per catch. Still, you have to believe that Housh will eventually capitalize on all the throws coming his way. Week 8 is as good of week as any for that to happen as Housh matches up with a pass defense in the Houston Texans that has given up 9 passing TDs on the year.
Point Projection: 11 points
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13. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns) @ Jacksonville
It wasn't quite what his owners expected after his 23 point outing in week 6, but Edwards still put together a solid week 7 with 7 fantasy points against a tough Redskins' defense. That's now 3 weeks in a row with 7+ fantasy points. That trend will continue this week as Edwards gets set to face a Jags pass defense that has allowed multiple passing TDs in each of their last 3 games.
Point Projection: 11 points
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14. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Giants
Is there anyone who loves to play the game more than Hines Ward? Every time the camera flashes to the Steelers' wide receiver he's sporting a smile. Maybe that's because he's having such a solid year. Ward caught his 5th TD of the season last week against the Bengals, meaning he's right in reach of his 7 TDs from last year through just 6 games this year. Ward is becoming a prime target for Big Ben in the redzone, filling the role TE Heath Miller occupied last season and is an every week play.
Point Projection: 11 points
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15. Isaac Bruce (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Seattle
Though there's been change in San Francisco, it won't drastically effect the Niners' offensive weapons as the offense remains Mike Martz's baby. Isaac Bruce has struggled of late amassing just 6 fantasy points in his last two games, a drop off from the 11 and 16 he had in weeks 4 and 5. Bruce's dip is mostly a result of the backward progress of QB JT O'Sullivan. But, a match-up against the Seahawks could be the perfect thing to get O'Sullivan back on track. O'Sullivan had his best game of the season against Seattle, totaling over 300 passing yards and a score, a performance that led to 15 fantasy points for Bruce. A repeat of those lofty numbers may not be in store, but a solid 11 point outing for Bruce is well within reach.
Point Projection: 11 points
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16. Plaxico Burress (New York Giants) @ Pittsburgh
Luckily team chemistry doesn't matter in fantasy football as Burress, who has already been suspended by the Giants' this season, got in a shouting match with head coach, Tom Coughlin, this past week. That news doesn't matter to you though. All that matters is Burress' final stat line. And, while the wide out managed just 24 yards in week 7, he did salvage the day with a TD. His week 8 match-up looks pretty dismal on paper as the Giants will battle the top rated Steelers' defense, but expect Burress to be motivated against his old team.
Point Projection: 11 points
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17. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) vs. St. Louis
It took a while, but Welker finally got his first score on the year in week 7 against the Denver Broncos. He has a good chance at getting number 2 in week 8 against a Rams defense that has allowed 9 pass TDs on the year.
Point Projection: 11 points
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18. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta
With all the success of the rookie running backs this year, it's easy to overlook Jackson, but the Eagles' wideout is putting together one of the better fantasy seasons for a rookie wide out in recent years. Through 6 games, Jackson has 433 receiving yards, a number that puts him well on pace to break the 1,000 yard mark for the season. He should add to that total a good deal this week as he faces a Falcons defense that ranks 26th against the pass and is giving up more than 230 pass yards per game.
Point Projection: 10 points
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19. Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers) @ New Orleans
Even if Chris Chambers returns this week, don't be surprised to see another solid performance out of Vincent Jackson. Yes, Chambers was getting the TDs when active, but Jackson was still getting the majority of looks from Rivers. And with the two games Jackson has put up in Chambers' absence, there's even more reason for Rivers to look his way. This one should be an aerial assault as both teams sport stellar pass offenses and pass defenses ranked below the top 20.
Point Projection: 10 points
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20. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) vs. San Diego
Colston has gone on record to say that he was out of sync during his return in week 7. Could he ask for a better cure than a match-up with the San Diego Chargers, a team giving up 254.6 passing yards per game and 11 pass TDs on the season? With one more week of practice under his belt and a solid match-up, we find it hard to sit Colston, even with his week 7 goose egg.
Point Projection: 9 points
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21. Laveranues Coles (New York Jets) vs. Kansas City
A wide receiver is only as good as his quarterback and right now, unfortunately for Coles, Brett Favre is not looking like his Hall of Fame self. The QB has thrown just one TD and has just 386 passing yards in the Jets' last two games. Those are numbers Favre used to put up in a single outing. You still have to roll with Coles as a WR2, especially against a Chiefs team that looks abysmal in all aspects, but he won't be able to reach his max potential unless Favre rights things.
Point Projection: 9 points
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22. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) @ New York Jets
You have to give credit, where credit is due. And, in having just one fantasy effort under 8 points, despite the joke that is the Kansas City quarterback position, Bowe deserves credit. The QB situation will prevent him from reaching his true potential, but his fantasy owners have to be please with his consistency. Another 8-10 points is in the mix for week 8.
Point Projection: 9 points
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23. Chad Ocho Cinco (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Houston
It took 7 weeks, but Ocho Cinco finally got his first double digit performance, putting up 11 against the Steelers as Fitzpatrick targeted the wide out 13 times. Is the wide out turning the corner or are these 11 points, one of those "big games" he has every year? He'll have to do it again against Houston to really convince us, but at least he's back in the top 25.
Point Projection: 9 points
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24. Jerricho Cotchery (New York Jets) vs. Kansas City **Game-Time Decision**
After catching 22 passes in the Jets previous three games, Cotchery managed just one reception this past Sunday. Though while it was a bad game, don't get overly worried if you own Cotchery as the wide out was targeted 7 times. He's still going to play a large part in the Jets passing game. What should be of concern is whether Favre can bounce back to being Favre.
Point Projection: 8 points
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25. Malcolm Floyd (San Diego Chargers) @ New Orleans
While Vincent Jackson will be fine whether Chris Chambers returns or not, Floyd's ranking is solely based on Chambers missing Sunday's match-up with the Saints. If that's the case, Floyd will once again start opposite Vincent Jackson, a spot that's treated Floyd well these past two weeks as the wideout has put up 13 and 12 fantasy points.
Point Projection: 8 points
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26. Donnie Avery (St. Louis Rams) @ New England
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the Rams' top fantasy wide receiver through 6 games...Mr. Donnie Avery. Strange to think that the rookie has outperformed perennial stud, Torry Holt, but that's exactly what's happened up to this point of the season. And, it could continue to happen the rest of the year as Marc Bulger looks to avoid the relentless double teams that opponents are throwing Holts' way. The Patriots were an inspired team on Monday Night, and if that same team shows up Sunday, it's bad news for the Rams, though we could see Avery having a solid day in that scenario too, thanks to garbage time points.
Point Projection: 8 points
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27. Antwaan Randle El (Washington Redskins) @ Detroit
Randle El has not yet reached the 10 fantasy point mark in any game this season, however, he has ended up in the 5-9 range a total of 5 times out of 7. A match-up with the Lions' 31st ranked pass defense could give Randle El that precious double digit effort, but at the very least, he'll be in that 5-9 range yet again.
Point Projection: 7 points
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28. Muhsin Muhammad (Carolina Panthers) vs. Arizona
Muhammad's value has been limited lately, not by opposing team's, but rather by the Panthers' defense. In weeks 6 and 7, the Panthers shut down their opponents, thereby, taking the ball out of Jake Delhomme's hands as the Panthers turned to their running game to quicken the clock. We don't expect the Panthers to have as much success in week 8 against the Cardinals, which means their passing game will have more of an opportunity to put up numbers. That's good news for Muhammad.
Point Projection: 7 points
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29. Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Dallas
Perhaps Bryant realized that Joey Galloway is near to being back on the field this past Sunday Night as the wideout exploded for 115 receiving yards and a TD. If Galloway does indeed return, Bryant will become the Bucs' number two wide out. That could be good and bad. Garcia may look Bryant's way a bit less, but so will the opposing defense. He's a solid play against the Cowboys, who are giving up over 200 passing yards per game and have yielded 9 passing TDs on the year.
Point Projection: 7 points
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30. Kevin Walter (Houston Texans) vs. Cincinnati
Walter's been the definition of a hit or miss play, taking his owners for a roller coaster ride. From 10 to 1 to 19 to 3 to 9 to 2, Walter's owners must be getting a bit nauseous. If the trend continues Walter should be in for a good day this week. The Bengals do have a highly rated pass defense, but it showed some holes last week against Pittsburgh. The Texans and their 6th ranked pass offense should be able to exploit those holes in week 8.
Point Projection: 7 points
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31. Devery Henderson (New Orleans Saints) vs. San Diego
Even with Marques Colston returning, Henderson still had fantasy relevance in week 7. In fact, the wideout outperformed all the other Saints, including Drew Brees and Reggie Bush, in their match-up with the Panthers. Henderson has become more consistent this season and has a fine match-up against the Chargers porous pass defense.
Point Projection: 7 points
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32. Nate Washington (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Giants
A lot of people are unaware of what Nate Washington has done the last two games the Steelers have played, putting up 15 and 11 fantasy points, and that's just the way Washington likes it. While teams continue to focus their attention on shutting down Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, Washington has snuck into the open parts of the field and made plays. With Holmes being suspended this week it will lead to extra attention on Washington, but he still should make for a solid yardage play.
Point Projection: 6 points
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33. Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee
Harrison's beginning to turn into one of those, "I got to have him in my line-up because of his potential" plays. Unfortunately, that often leads to owners getting burned as evidenced by his 2 catch 11 yard week 7 performance. If your match-up dictates that you need to take a risk, by all means plug Marvelous Marvin in there, but against the Titans' 5th ranked pass defense, which has allowed just 1 passing TD, we see more of the potential for disaster than big things.
Point Projection: 6 points
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34. Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams) @ New England
Holt had his third best fantasy output of the year in week 7...with just 51 receiving yards. Until opposing teams feel threatened by the Rams' other pass catchers, life is going to be difficult for Holt and his fantasy owners. Perhaps the recent emergence of Donnie Avery will begin to speed up the process.
Point Projection: 6 points
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35. Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Oakland
Mason put up his second double digit effort of the season in week 7 against the Dolphins, but remember, it was also only the second time that Mason topped the 5 point mark. The Raiders stepped up nicely against the Jets passing game in week 7, and Brett Favre is a bit better than Joe Flacco. Look for Mason to be back in the 4 to 6 point fantasy range.
Point Projection: 6 points
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36. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts) @ Tennessee
Gonzalez had the best performance out of the three Colts' wide receivers in week 7. Granted, with Wayne racking up 2 points and Harrison netting just one, the competition wasn't the stiffest, but Gonzalez does deserve credit for the 7 fantasy points he racked up. He won't have the value he had last year unless Harrison or Wayne misses time, but he is a wide out that can get you 5 - 7 points.
Point Projection: 6 points
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37. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals) @ Carolina
With Anquan Boldin back, Breaston's value takes a hit. Still, he'll still make for a solid play for most of the stretch run; however, week 8 doesn't look too promising as the return of Boldin coincides with a difficult match-up with the 2nd ranked pass defense of the Cardinals.
Point Projection: 6 points
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38. Greg Camarillo (Miami Dolphins) vs. Buffalo
It's obvious that Camarillo is Chad Pennington's go to wide receiver as the wide out has 4 or more receptions in each of the Dolphins games but one. However, Pennington's noodle arm is preventing the wide out from hurting team's down field.
Point Projection: 6 points
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39. Bobby Engram (Seattle Seahawks) @ San Francisco
Do you think that Engram would have delayed his come back had he
known that Matt Hasselbeck was going to miss the time he's missed. With
one catch for 8 yards in the Seahawks' two games without Hasselbeck,
maybe the time off would have benefitted Engram and the Seahawks more.
Hasselbeck is going to miss another game in Week 8 against the Niners and their 18th
ranked pass defense, so you can only use the wide out as a boarder line WR3 play.
Point Projection: 5 points
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40. Josh Morgan (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Seattle
While Morgan was named as a starter for the Niners-Seahawks game this weekend, that endorsement came from ex-head coach Mike Nolan; however, we expect it will hold true as SIngletary looks to inject some life into the team, something Morgan's exciting play does.
Point Projection: 5 points
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41. Patrick Crayton (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Tampa Bay
Crayton has been coming on of late, but it will be interesting to see how the young wide out handles the team's acquisition of Roy E. Williams in the coming weeks. Williams is still learning the playbook, so Crayton should still find himself on the field for a good deal of time in this one, but going against the Bucs defense with Brad Johnson under center is not a good recipe for success.
Point Projection: 5 points
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42. Hank Baskett (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta
If Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis can't go, Baskett will once again get a start for the Eagles. As the Falcons rank 26th against the pass, that's a good place to be; however, even as the number two wide out, Baskett will have a hard time getting a whole lot of looks as McNabb does enjoy his new toy in DeSean Jackson.
Point Projection: 5 points
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43. Matt Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Cleveland
A suspension is looming for Jones, so you can bet the wideout will want to do as much as he possibly can on the field right now. Sadly, the Browns have done surprisingly well against the pass this year, so look for the Jags to focus on running the ball, which will hurt Jones' chances for a big day.
Point Projection: 5 points
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44. Justin Gage (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis **Questionable**
It's the same old story with Gage heading into week 8. If he plays, he makes for a decent WR4 start as Kerry Collins did enjoy looking his way when the two both were on the field, but a questionable tag has us worried that Gage will once again be on the sidelines.
Point Projection: 5 points
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45. Mike Furrey (Detroit Lions) vs. Washington
With the departure of Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, it was Furrey who stepped up as the WR2 alongside Calvin Johnson. He finished Week 7 with six receptions for 89 receiving yards and showed signs of his stellar 2006 season all over again. The Redskins are stubborn against the pass, allowing just 192 receiving yards, but Furrey should be good for 45-55 receiving yards. Also, take a deep look at him in PPR leagues.
Point Projection: 5 points
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46. Amani Toomer (New York Giants) @ Pittsburgh
After teasing his owner with double digit points in Week 2, Toomer has lost targets to the likes of Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon. He has just seven receptions for 95 receiving yards of the last three games and facing the leagues top ranked pass defense won't help his cause.
Point Projection: 4 points
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47. Chris Henry (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Houston
It's a record, Chris Henry has gone three full weeks without getting suspended. This will be the best matchup for the Bengals offense since Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken over at quarterback so we could see a spike in statistics, but don't expect anything outside of 35-45 receiving yards from the man he loves wearing jail clothes.
Point Projection: 4 points
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48. Javon Walker (Oakland Raiders) @ Baltimore
Holy Cow is what Raider fans thought when Javon Walkers scored his first touchdown in Silver & Black last week. Not only did he score, he hauled in five receptions for 75 receiving yards as the Raiders upset the New York Jets. Unfortunately, the Raiders head to Baltimore and have to face arguably the best pass defense in the NFL this week.
Point Projection: 4 points
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49. Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets) vs. Kansas City
Stuckey hasn't found the end zone since Week 3, but his 48 receiving yards in Week 7 was a career high. The Chiefs allow 27.5 points per game, but have only given up five passing touchdowns, so we don't like his chances of finding paydirt in Week 8.
Point Projection: 4 points
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50. Roy E. Williams (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Tampa Bay
In his Dallas Cowboys debut Williams was held without a catch. Granted his play was limited due to not knowing the playbook, but with the Cowboys recent struggles just what can you expect from Williams. Talent wise, Williams is in the upper echelon, but with Tony Romo expected to miss Week 8, don't expect much from Williams.
Point Projection: 4 points
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51. Steve Smith (New York Giants) @ Pittsburgh
After a big game in Week 6 (94 receiving yards), Smith was back to reality in Week 7, as he finished with just 38 receiving yards. Still, you can't overlook the fact that he has 22 receptions over the past four games and it looks as if he has turned into Eli Manning's favorite check down target and emergency blanket. However, with the Steelers ranking first in the league against the pass you can't expect much from Smith.
Point Projection: 3 points
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52. Michael Jenkins (Atlanta Falcons) @ Philadelphia
With the Falcons being a run first team Jenkins will never post consistent numbers, but as Matt Ryan continues to mature it helps his value in deep leagues. In Week 6 against Chicago he has 58 receiving yards and with the Eagles likely to double team Roddy White it should lead to Jenkins seeing plenty of man coverage.
Point Projection: 3 points
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53. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Tampa Bay
For just the second time in five week Miles failed to score a touchdown, but his 43 receiving yards led all Cowboys wide receivers. With the Buccaneers allowing just two passing touchdowns over the last 3 games you can't expect Austin to do much. Especially with Brad Johnson once again taking center for the Cowboys.
Point Projection: 3 points
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54. Greg Lewis (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta
A large part of this ranking has to do with the status of Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis. If either one of those wide outs play you can eliminate Lewis from any fantasy consideration. Keep an eye on the injury report for both Brown and Curtis before you think about plugging in Lewis.
Point Projection: 3 points
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55. Ike Hilliard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Dallas **Questionable**
Hilliard suffered a concussion during Tampa Bay's Week 7 win and his status for this week is uncertain. Still, if he plays he has an ideal matchup against a banged up Cowboys secondary which has allowed 9 passing TD's through six games. We will keep you posted on his status.
Point Projection: 3 points
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56. Josh Reed (Buffalo Bills) @ Miami
Reed is on pace to set a career high in receptions and receiving yards but he has yet to scoure a touchdown through six games. In fact, it's been 23 games since the wide out last found the end zone, so don't get your hopes up.
Point Projection: 3 points
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57. Michael Clayton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Dallas
Looking for a consistent two point fantasy option? If so, pluck Clayton off your waiver wire. Clayton has two fantasy points in three out of the last four games and with Joey Galloway potentially back from an injury, don't expect a spike in his production.
Point Projection: 2 points
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58. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins) vs. Buffalo
Ginn Jr. went over 40 receiving yard for the third time in a month, but the speedy wide receiver has no touchdowns to show for it. He will continue to be just that, a possession receiver with little red zone impact.
Point Projection: 2 points
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59. Arnaz Battle (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Seattle
Battle is averaging 41.7 receiving yards per game but with the emergence of Josh Morgan in Week 7, you can't expect him to exceed his weekly average on most weeks. If you're digging this deep at the wide receiver position, you must have had some bad luck.
Point Projection: 2 points
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OTHER NOTABLE WIDE RECEIVERS
Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Giants - Holmes was charged with possession of marijuana on Thursday and has been suspended by the Steelers for their Week 8 game.
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Reggie Brown (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta - While Reggie Brown's groin looks like it will allow Brown to go on Sunday, whether the coaches decide to enter him right back into the starting line-up is another question.
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Kevin Curtis (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Atlanta - He nearly played in week 6, which means with the week 7 bye he should be good to go in week 8. If he does indeed play you might want to give him one week to get his feet wet before you rely on him as a boarderline WR2.
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Chris Chambers (San Diego Chargers) @ New Orleans - Will be able to enjoy jolly ol' England, or will his ankle keep him out one more week?
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Joey Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Dallas - Even if he returns, it doesn't appear that Galloway will be the team's number one wide out as HC Jon Gruden has gone on record, stating that Antonio Bryant will keep his split end job.
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WEEK 8 BYE WEEK WIDE RECEIVERS
Devin Hester (Chicago Bears) - BYE
He may not be returning kicks like he did last year, but he has secured some extra job security with his emergence as a legitimate wide receiver. Bye week comes at the perfect time as Hester will be able to rest injured quad.
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Brandon Lloyd (Chicago Bears) - BYE
Lloyd was emerging as a solid number one wide out for the Bears before the injury bug struck. He should be able to go after the bye week, but can he pick up where he left off?
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Rashied Davis (Chicago Bears) - BYE
Never thought Rashied Davis would find himself on this list this season, but his recent play makes him a wide out to watch, especially if he can hold onto the 3rd wide receiver spot in the surprisingly effective Bears' passing game.
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Marty Booker (Chicago Bears) - BYE
His 13 point effort in week 7 adds just a little more confusion as to what the Bears wide receiver corps will look like upon Lloyd's return.
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Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos) - BYE
After three stellar games to start the season, Marshall has slowed down a bit, tallying just 16 points in the team's last 3 outings. That's less than he had in week 2 and week 3 of the season.
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Eddie Royal (Denver Broncos) - BYE
Jay Cutler would be wise to start looking Royal's way a bit more. The rookie has been pretty quiet since his NFL debut, but utilizing Royal more will open things up for Cutler's favorite target, Brandon Marshall.
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Brandon Stokley (Denver Broncos) - BYE
Keep your eye on Stokley. The original "slot machine," Stokley, had put up 3 straight outings of 8+ fantasy points before missing the Broncos' week 7 match-up with the Patriots due to a concussion.
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Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers) - BYE
Five double digit performances in 7 weeks of football. Ya, we'd say Jennings is doing just fine with Aaron Rodgers under center.
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Donald Driver (Green Bay Packers) - BYE
The writing was on the wall after last season, but Driver is now officially the Packers' number two option in the passing game.
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Bernard Berrian (Minnesota Vikings) - BYE
Could you imagine how Berrian would have felt if he left Chicago, Kyle Orton progressed as he has done this season, and Berrian was still stuck with Tarvaris Jackson throwing him the ball? Luckily, Gus Frerotte stopped all that from happening. The veteran QB and Berrian have a good thing going right now. Continue to ride the hot hand when he's back in week 9.
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Sindey Rice (Minnesota Vikings) - BYE
If you held onto Rice throughout all the missed games, than you my friend have no committment issues. However, you may want to free up that bench space.
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Bobby Wade (Minnesota Vikings) - BYE
With Rice out, opportunity knocked and Wade answered. He's not going to get you that monster game, but he will be a steady 6-7 fantasy points if you want to play it safe.
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WEEK 8 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Also read: Fantasy Football Week 8 Start & Sit Advice (click to view)
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Advice (click to view)
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