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Top Five Fantasy Picks Pt. 6—AFC Wide Receivers

Raymond Mullan by Correspondent Written on July 02, 2009
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IRVING, TX - OCTOBER 05:  Wide receiver Terrell Owens #81 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a touchdown pass reception against the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at Texas Stadium on October 5, 2008 in Irving, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Im
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The American Football Conference has an addition to their strong list of receivers this year. The arrival of Terrell Owens, pictured, promises to alter the balance of power.

Another move in the conference that fantasy owners should be mindful of is Jay Cutler's departure from Denver. The Broncos are weakened at the quarterback position and it is very likely Brandon Marshall's numbers will reflect it.

In Cincinnati, the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh could result in more opportunities for Chad OchoCinco dependent upon how the chemistry develops between Carson Palmer and Laveranues Coles.

These are a few of the tidbits to keep in mind while putting together your draft board. Now on to the good stuff, here are the top five receivers in the AFC, in terms of fantasy football, for 2009.

5. Chad OchoCinco

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 23:  Chad Johnson #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball after a reception during the NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium December 23, 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, had the worst season of his career in 2008, outside of his rookie campaign. Paltry numbers will not be put up by the Bengal in back-to-back years.

OchoCinco had more than 1,100 yards receiving yards in each of the previous six seasons before the debacle that was 2008.

In 2008, OchoCinco had 540 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

4. Terrell Owens

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 28:  Terrell Owens #81 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 28, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The 1,052 receiving yards Terrell Owens had in 2008 were his second lowest since 2000.

There is no need to fret. Owens does well in his first season with a new team. In 2004, his first year with the Eagles, T.O. had 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns and in his first year with the Cowboys his numbers were 1,180 and 13.

Expect another solid outing in 2009.

3. Reggie Wayne

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 13:  Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after he made a reception for a first down on a 4th and 2 play in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff game at the RCA Dome on Ja

As Peyton Manning's favorite target, anticipate an improvement by Reggie Wayne on his 2008 numbers: 1,145 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Peyton did not have a Peyton-esque season and consequently Wayne's numbers dipped. They are both too talented and work too well together for a repeat performance.

2. Randy Moss

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 05: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots celebrates against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game on October 5, 2008 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Randy Moss was off his record setting pace of 2007, last season, yet he still had over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Tom Brady is back and the fantasy numbers for Moss will be too.

1.Andre Johnson

HOUSTON - DECEMBER 10: Andre Johnson #80of the Houston Texans carries the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 10, 2006 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Titans won 26-20 in overtime. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Andre Johnson led the league in receiving yards in 2008 with 1,578 and had eight touchdowns to go with it.

Johnson and Matt Schaub are on the same page and will light up fantasy scoreboards all season long. Many fantasy owners will pick a bigger name in front of Andre and regret it all season long.

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