2011 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings

Ryan LesterJul 27, 2011

Here’s an updated and expanded look at the 2011 wide receiver rankings before the transactions shake everything up:

1. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

He had 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. Has averaged nearly 100 yards per game over his past 54 games.

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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, 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 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. (Editor's Note: Rice has signed with the Seahawks.)

24. Santonio Holmes, TBD

The Jets will look to lock up Holmes. Has plenty to build on a solid Jets’ debut. (Editor's Note: Holmes has re-signed with the Jets.)

25. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens

Disappointing year one numbers with Baltimore. I expect more from Boldin this year.

26. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts

Garcon did not take advantage of Austin Collie’s absence like you would have expected. Peyton is comfortable with him so he should remain a solid threat.

27. Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts

Health is the primary concern for Collie. Concussions are no joke. When he’s on the field, he’s one of Peyton’s favorite targets.

28. Braylon Edwards, TBD

His value will depend on where he goes, but he has the tools to be a nice WR3.

29. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

Crabtree is going to have to show a lot more determination to become a top flight wide receiver. The talent is there, but he’ll have to put in the work.

30. Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green’s arrival put a damper on Simpson’s value, but the rookie will take some time to pick up the offense without the luxury of the OTAs.

31. Big Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks

I’m interested to see what kind of shape BMW is in.

32. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

He could bounce back if he gets anything remotely resembling a quarterback in 2011. Could be traded.

33. Mario Manningham, New York Giants

Even if Steve Smith returns, he’ll likely be limited early following his microfracture surgery.

34. Deion Branch, New England Patriots

Branch is a nice WR3 if the Patriots don’t bring in a veteran receiver to challenge for the starting gig.

35. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

He’s a physical specimen. It’s a matter of how quickly he and Andy Dalton can pick up the offense.