Fantasy Football: Early 2011 Wide Receiver Rankings

Ryan LesterJun 3, 2018

The lockout appears to be drawing to a close. Here’s an early updated and expanded look at the 2011 wide receiver rankings.

1. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. Has averaged nearly 100 yards per game over his past 54 games.

2. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: Recovered nicely from a down 2009 season with 1,120 yards and 12 scores. Now if only Matthew Stafford can stay healthy.

3. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants: Exploded for 1,052 yards and 11 scores in 13 games. The scary thing is, there is still room for growth.

4. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones will take some of his production, but Roddy has been a force for the past four years. I expect the Falcons to throw even more in 2011, which will offset Jones’ arrival somewhat.

5. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs: Conditioning could be a concern, but in a contract year, I think he knows he has too much to lose.

6. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: The Cards were dysfunctional last year, but Fitz still managed 1,137 yards and six scores. I expect more stability out of the quarterback position.

7. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wallace broke out with 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing he’s more than a deep threat. Wallace is a solid WR1.

8. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne may on the downside of his career, but after his 1,355 yards and six touchdowns, he still has something left in the tank.

9. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers: Jennings is nice, but when Jermichael Finley is healthy, he doesn’t get as many looks. Still a solid WR1 though.

10. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers: Assuming he’s under contract or willing to play with the franchise tag, V-Jax should be nasty once again.

11. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles: Consistency can be an issue, but he can put your fantasy team on his back when he explodes.

12. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys: I initially had Bryant ahead of Austin, but Miles is more mature and one of Romo’s favorite targets.

13. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles: He’s not as explosive as DeSean, but he’s steadier.

14. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints: I originally had Colston off this list, but with four seasons of at least 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns in his five-year career, I wasn’t giving him enough credit. They will run more and Brees does spread the ball around, but Colston remains his favorite target.

15. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After 964 yards and 11 scores as a rookie, he is a regression risk. I think the yardage will be up, the touchdowns down and Williams to be a borderline WR1.

16. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys: His maturity concerns me, but the ability is there.

17. Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans: So far, Teflon Kenny has slid out of criminal charges. If he can avoid Goodell’s wrath, he should put up huge numbers.

18. Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins: Marshall only scored three touchdowns in 2010, but showed some signs at the end of the year averaging 101.7 yards over the past three games.

19. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings: The migraines appear to be under control. The Vikings are committed to being more creative to get Percy the ball in space. If he can stay healthy, he can be a dynamic threat.

20. Wes Welker, New England Patriots: What Welker did (848 yards, seven touchdowns) only a few months removed from a knee injury is staggering. Look for Brady to get him the ball early and often once again in 2011.

21. Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos: Last year, he came out of nowhere, and he has a run-first coach.

22. Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills: Also came out of nowhere, but he was a third-year receiver. I’m just not sure Buffalo’s offense will be as potent in 2011.

23. Sidney Rice, TBD: The Vikings would like to sign him, but I think he skates. He could put up huge numbers if he lands in the right situation and can stay healthy.

24. Santonio Holmes, New York Jets: The Jets will look to lock up Holmes. Has plenty to build on a solid Jets’ debut season.

25. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens: Disappointing first-year numbers with Baltimore. I expect more from Boldin this year.