Fantasy Football Tier Rankings: Wide Receivers

In several mock drafts, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, and Andre Johnson have taken turns being the first receiver off the board. All three have found themselves drafted in the first round on at least a few occasions.

But those are easy calls.

It's difficult to assess talent and environment. After the first tier of receivers, there seems to be a huge drop-off.

That's where the casual fantasy player gets lost. The truth is that there is production all the way to the last guy on this list. The main problem is weeding out the "talents" that are the most likely to have a bad season, and knowing each player's status with their team.

Be sure to track position battles, injuries, and any trades that could affect that players you intend on drafting. And if you don't know where to draft them, just keep reading.

Tier One (Rounds 1-4)

1. Larry Fitzgerald—Arizona Cardinals

With Kurt Warner returning and an improved ground game, Fitzgerald should be able to pick-up where he left off in the Super Bowl. He has excellent size, hands, speed, and intangibles, making him the best all-around receiver in the game.

If that's not enough to entice you, just look at the guy's stats. He has recorded at least 1,400 yards and 10 scores in three of his last four seasons. No one else in the league has done that.

2. Randy Moss—New England Patriots

Moss put up good numbers with Matt Cassel behind center (1,000 yards and 11 scores). Just imagine what he'll be capable of with Tom Brady back at the helm.

He may not break his 23-touchdown record, but he could certainly come close.

3. Andre Johnson—Houston Texans

Johnson showed he belongs in conversations about the NFL's elite receivers last season as he topped 1,100 yards for the third time in his career.

Matt Schaub loves Johnson, and the chemistry is only going to get better. As long as both players stay healthy, you can expect Johnson to hover around his 2008 totals of 1,500 yards and eight touchdowns.

4. Calvin Johnson—Detroit Lions

The second year man put up over 1,300 yards and 12 scores for a team that didn't win a single game last season.

With his 6'5'' frame and excellent speed and ball skills, he'll only continue to get better. His numbers could be affected, depending on how is the starting quarterback, but if he can excel with Dan Orlovsky, you really don't have much to worry about.

5. Steve Smith—Carolina Panthers

Smith isn't a touchdown machine, but he is easily one of the best receivers in the league. He put up over 1,400 yards last season for the second time in his career while also scoring six touchdowns.

He's only topped eight scores once in his career, so he isn't very valuable in pure scoring leagues. But in performance leagues, he's a must-have.

6. Reggie Wayne—Indianapolis Colts

Wayne could normally be ahead of Smith and possibly even Calvin Johnson, based on his chemistry with Peyton Manning and consistent elite performances.

However, there is now cause for slight concern with Marvin Harrison gone, as well as the departures of Tony Dungy and Tom Moore.

You can still expect Wayne to crack 1,200 yards and close in on 10 scores, as he is now officially Manning's go-to guy.

7. Greg Jennings—Green Bay Packers

Jennings has improved in every year with Green Bay, and after signing a big new contract, he will be comfortable and care-free in his fourth season.

With his big-play ability and reliable hands, Jennings is a safe bet to match 2008's yardage total (1,292 yards), and could even get back to 2007's 12 touchdowns.

As his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers continues to improve, so does his stock as a fantasy receiver.

8. Roddy White—Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White ridded of the one-year wonder label in 2008, as he put up over 1,382 yards, notching over 1,200 for the second straight year.

The addition of Tony Gonzalez may take some targets away, but with Matt Ryan's comfort level increasing, his numbers are unlikely to dip.

9. Anquan Boldin—Arizona Cardinals

He wants to be traded, and then he doesn't. Then he does, and then you hear about contract negotiations again. Boldin's status with the team is enough to scare anyone away.

However, his production and toughness should wash away any worries.

Boldin may play second-fiddle to Larry Fitzgerald, but he's vastly underrated. He has put up over 1,000 yards in four out of six seasons, and topped 10 scores for the first time in his career last season.

While he may not be a touchdown king, Boldin is definitely a safe fantasy choice for so long as he's wearing red and white.

10. Brandon Marshall—Denver Broncos

Marshall—extremely productive and talented—is facing a season loaded with questions.

He lost his quarterback, is in a new system, is struggling with a hip injury, and reportedly wants to be traded.

Great. Where do you draft him?

With over 100 receptions, 1,000 yards, and at least six scores in back-to-back seasons, draft him like there isn't a care in the world. But don't draft him over any of the previous nine receivers.

11. Terrell Owens—Dallas Cowboys

Even at 36, Terrell Owens can still get behind the secondary, and he's still a match-up nightmare. He may have lost some consistency, but he can still be dominant.

The only problem is, he's in a new city, and he doesn't have the usual Pro Bowl-level quarterback that he's accustomed to.

The just is still out on Trent Edwards, but he should perform well enough to help Owens reach 1,000 yards and over 10 scores for the fourth straight year.

12. Wes Welker—New England Patriots

Welker may not be as explosive as the guys before him, and he's definitely not a touchdown machine.

Certainly, he is a reception king though.

Welker fell just one catch short of his 112 reception total from the glorious 2007 season, despite not having Tom Brady around.

Expect his receptions to stay the same (or even rise), while a return to his 2007 touchdown total—eight—is more likely than a repeat of his three from last season.

Tier Two (Rounds 5-7)

13. Marques Colston—New Orleans Saints

Don't get down on Colston because he was hurt last season. Before his untimely injury, Colston was shocking the NFL world by delivering two straight 1,000-yard seasons as well as two years with at least eight touchdowns.

All that as a seventh rounder out of Hofstra. Quite impressive.

And despite missing five games last year, he still put up nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns.

With Drew Brees and that offense, a healthy Colston could see a huge jump in production.

14. Dwayne Bowe—Kansas City Chiefs

One of the more underrated receivers in the league, Bowe can be had for a mid-round selection, and could end up out-producing your WR1.

Bowe has an inconsistent supporting cast and a new quarterback. But he is clearly a rising star. Nab him before he begins to fully shine.

15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh—Seattle Seahawks

Watch out for Houshmandzadeh. Seattle hasn't had great luck with receivers lately, and the 32-year-old newly signed free agent is a prime candidate to be a bust.

While his production in Cincy' the past few years, (five straight 900+ yard seasons) is more than solid, he has never been a true number one receiver. And he's walking into a new situation.

He's a fantastic possession receiver who can find the end-zone, but his lack of break-away speed could keep him from cracking 1,000 yards for the second straight year.

16. Lee Evans—Buffalo Bills

Will the presence of T.O. help or hurt Evans production? That's the real question.

We know Evans has the ability to be a stud, but consistency and supporting cast have been his main downfalls.

If Owens can come in and take attention off of Evans, we could see a return to his 2006 numbers. However, this line of thinking isn't just putting your faith in a less than trustworthy T.O. You're banking on Trent Edwards becoming a fantasy stud, as well.

17. Donald Driver—Green Bay Packers

While Driver ruffled some feathers with contract qualms earlier in the off-season, talk of demands and money have fizzled down. At least for now.

Greg Jennings new contract could certainly heat the pot back up.

Still, even with slight contract issues and his age (34), Driver is still a candidate for 1,000 yards and 5+ scores in an increasingly wide receiver-friendly Green Bay offense.

18. Vincent Jackson—San Diego Chargers

Jackson finally broke out of the "sleeper" label in 2008, as he cracked 1,000 yards for the first time while also dropping in seven touchdowns.

With excellent size and body control, Jackson can stretch the field and can get open in the end-zone. As long as Philip Rivers can stay close to his 2008 form, Jackson should be able to do so as well.

19. Santonio Holmes—Pittsburgh Steelers

While Holmes was the hero of last year's Super Bowl (or was it Ben Roethlisberger?), it's important to note that he hasn't quite lived up to the hype during the regular season.

At least, not in the fantasy realm.

Holmes has yet to crack 55 receptions or 1,000 yards in a season, and has only scored more than five touchdowns once.

He's an exceptional talent, but with Pittsburgh's system and with Hines Ward stealing looks, it's unlikely to see a dramatic change.

20. Antonio Bryant—Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bryant was an absolute stud last year as he put up over 1,200 yards and seven scores.

He was especially hot near the end of the season as he recorded over 100 yards receiving in three of his last four games—including a 200-yard, two-touchdown effort against Carolina in Week 14.

Without a quality quarterback to lean on, it will be difficult for Bryant to see that type of production again. However, as the go-to guy, he should still have a shot at 1,000 yards and five scores.

21. Hines Ward—Pittsburgh Steelers

Ward continues to live up to his "tough" label as he played through injuries in 2008, and recorded over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns.

He's 33 and probably losing speed as you read this, but he is still Ben Roethlisberger's favorite target—he caught almost 30 more balls than the ultra-hyped Santonio Holmes did last year.

Ward is still a solid fantasy option, albeit an inconsistent one. Draft him as a serviceable WR2 and an elite WR3.

22. Lance Moore—New Orleans Saints

Moore stepped up after injuries hit New Orleans and reaped the benefits. Ten scores, almost 1,000 yards later, and he's suddenly everyone's favorite Saints' receiver.

While he'll undoubtedly take the back-seat to Marques Colston, he's still guaranteed solid numbers in New Orleans' potent pass attack.

23. Eddie Royal—Denver Broncos

Royal has been rumored as being "the new Wes Welker" in Josh McDaniel's version of the Patriots offense.

It's hard to argue against that logic as Royal has solid hands and incredible quickness. He caught 91 balls for over 900 yards as rookie, showing his exceptional hands and also displaying solid play-making ability.

If the Brandon Marshall situation worsens (or especially if he's traded), Royal could see a huge rise in his stock.

24. Anthony Gonzalez—Indianapolis Colts

With the departure of future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez slides into No. 88's shoes, and will take his shot at being Indianapolis's No. 2 receiver.

Gonzalez has good speed and quickness as well as fairly reliable hands—all making the transition easier on him and the rest of the offense.

Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark's looks should see a jump over Gonzalez, but 1,000 yards and 5+ scores isn't unrealistic.

Tier Three (Rounds 8-12)

25. Torry Holt—Jacksonville Jaguars

Holt may be aging and declining a bit, but it was clear that the Rams offense was self-destructing, which could hardly put all the blame on one person, especially him.

He was struggling with no clear-cut help opposite from him at receiver as well as poor play for Marc Bulger and their offensive line.

Holt may be walking into another situation where the offensive line could make-or-break his team's season. But as the No. 1 option on a new team, he should put up solid enough numbers to warrant a mid-to-late round selection.

26. Braylon Edwards—Cleveland Browns

Which version of Edwards will we see? The one who took the league by storm in 2007 for 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns, or the one who drops everything thrown to him?

If Edwards can rebound, he could be a fantastic steal in the middle rounds. If he's on your radar, monitor the quarterback situation as well as the improvement of his supporting cast.

27. Roy Williams—Dallas Cowboys

Williams is "the guy" in Dallas, now that Terrell Owens is in Buffalo, so regardless of your opinion on him, he's likely to put up solid numbers.

If he can get back to the player he was becoming in Detroit (before Calvin Johnson arrived), Dallas could find exactly the receiver they traded for.

28. Chad Ochocinco—Cincinnati Bengals

It's easy to blame Ochocinco for his poor season last year, but a bad offensive line, a weak rushing game, and Ryan Fitzpatrick are much more responsible than No. 85.

Ochocinco looks to be back in top form with Carson Palmer returning to full health as well as some fresh additions to the offensive line. It may come as a shock to a lot of people, but the man formerly known as Chad Johnson is more likely to return to dominance than not.

Draft him low, but draft him with confidence.

29. Steve Breaston—Arizona Cardinals

Can Breaston put up 1,000 yards again? Probably not.

Arizona definitely has the talent and the system to duplicate all of last season's offensive success, but teams rarely end a season with three receivers over 1,000 yards. It's even more unlikely for it to happen two seasons in a row.

Regardless, Breaston is a gifted receiver, and should be in the mix for 65-75 receptions.

30. Jerricho Cotchery—New York Jets

Cotchery may not know who his quarterback is yet, but as long as he's the number one guy, that's all you need to be concerned with.

The Plaxico Burress talks have died down, so it's looking like Cotchery will be all by his lonesome when the season starts.

As return to 1,000 yards and six or more scores is very possible.

31. Santana Moss—Washington Redskins

Despite the offense struggling mightily in the second half of the season, Moss performed well, and ended the season with over 1,000 yards and six scores.

If Jason Campbell can keep progressing, Moss could emerge for the second straight year as a solid fantasy weapon. If not, he could be a bust just like he was in those two years prior.

32. Bernard Berrian—Minnesota Vikings

With the likely addition of Brett Favre, Berrian's numbers should only get better.

Even at 28, Berrian is still a bit raw, and is still perfecting the position.

He's an excellent deep threat though. With Favre on board, he should be able to crack 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

33. DeSean Jackson—Philadelphia Eagles

It's hard to gauge who exactly is the No. 1 in Philadelphia. But as far as speed, talent, and potential goes, it appears Jackson could be in line for the most looks and touches.

Jackson poured in over 900 receiving yards as a rookie, and even has over 400 pun return yards, including one for score.

With only two receiving touchdowns, Jackson's stock is still fairly low for his ability. Throw in the fact that Donovan McNabb loves to spread the ball around, and no Eagles receiver has the makings of  WR1 label.

34. Kevin Walter—Houston Texans

Walter keeps improving, and with a stud like Andre Johnson lined up on the other side of him, he will rarely have problems getting open.

This will help increase his looks and big-plays, which will only add to his medium-level production as the team's third option—behind Owen Daniels.

As stated with Andre Johnson, a healthy Matt Schaub for an entire season will pay huge dividends for Walter as well.

35. Kevin Curtis—Philadelphia Eagles

Curtis is reportedly 100 percent for the first time in over a year; however, the recent drafting of Jeremy Maclin is likely to cut into his numbers.

While Curtis still has the talent and speed to get back to his 2007 numbers (1,100 yards and six scores), he is no longer the clear-cut go-to guy, and his numbers could suffer.

36. Derrick Mason—Baltimore Ravens

You can gripe about Joe Flacco not being an elite passer, or the fact that Mason is 35. The fact is, he still gets the job done.

Mason played through an extremely painful shoulder injury for much of last season, yet still grabbed 80 balls for over 1,000 yards and five scores.

With Flacco improving, Mason should be able to repeat those numbers.

37. Laveraneus Coles—Cincinnati Bengals

Coles comes into a good situation, despite many experts being pessimistic about Cincinnati and it's offense.

Coles is faster and more athletic than the former number two receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and will have plenty of looks as the second overall option for a healthy Carson Palmer.

If he finds a niche early in the Bengals offense, Coles could prove to be a solid WR3.

Tier Four (Late Rounds)

38. Michael Crabtree—San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco has yet to decide who their starting quarterback will be, and the same goes for their receivers.

Crabtree is an early favorite to snag one of the starting jobs, but the quarterback situation (and the fact that he's a rookie) could be enough to scare the casual fantasy owner away.

While most rookie receivers take time to develop, it's important to note that Crabtree's game doesn't depend on speed, but more his reliable hands and ball skills.

He could be in for some rough patches, but still could easily be a decent WR3.

39. Deion Branch—Seattle Seahawks

Branch has yet to live up to his big contract with Seattle, but since they're paying him, he'll get every chance to keep one of the two starting gigs.

Branch has the speed and ability to be a solid fantasy weapon, but with no elite seasons under his belt, he's a scary selection.

40. Devin Hester—Chicago Bears

Hester is progressing slowly as a starter, but still put up over 50 catches and 665 yards, which are encouraging statistics, considering Chicago's lackluster pass attack as well as their commitment to the ground game.

Now that Jay Cutler is in town though, that all could change.

Hester may not be the perfect receiver yet, but his speed and play-making will be put to great use with a bonafide Pro Bowl quarterback throwing him passes.

41. Donnie Avery—St. Louis Rams

Avery is an intriguing fantasy talent simply because he's the starter for the Rams, and he put up over 600 yards receiving as a rookie.

However, the Rams are still the Rams, and Marc Bulger is still behind center.

Two things that should have you shaking your head no on anyone in St. Louis not named Steven Jackson.

42. Chris Chambers—San Diego Chargers

Chambers will be 31 in August, and is coming off of three straight seasons of 700 yards or less, and five touchdowns or less.

The saddest part? He scored all of his five touchdowns in the first five games last season, and topped 60 yards receiving just once the rest of the way.

Chambers is still talented and can grow into a bigger role, but it's clear that Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates get the looks ahead of him.

43. Michael Jenkins—Atlanta Falcons

While everyone was hyping up Roddy White (as they should), Jenkins was quietly having one of his better seasons in Atlanta as he grabbed 50 catches for 777 yards.

Jenkins should continues to be a big-play threat for Matt Ryan, and with his great size (6'4''), he could even begin to develop into a red-zone threat.

44. Ted Ginn Jr.—Miami Dolphins

Reports from Miami's camps say nothing but good things about Ginn, which lead many to believe that he's finally ready to take the next step toward becoming an elite receiver.

Ginn put up 56 catches for over 700 yards in his second season as the starter, and could improve on those numbers with another year with Chad Pennington. Ginn is a solid sleeper to break-out in 2009, and could be had late in your draft as a solid WR3.

45. Mark Clayton—Baltimore Ravens

Clayton has so much speed, athleticism, and big-play ability, that it's almost a crime to have him this low on the list.

But with only three touchdowns in the past two seasons, and less than 50 catches for two straight years, he's not exactly a threat to consistently dominate.

The more comfortable Joe Flacco gets, the more likely Clayton is to post better numbers. But considering Derrick Mason is the more polished receiver with better hands, it may be another year or two away from happening.

46. Miles Austin—Dallas Cowboys

Outside of Roy Williams, the slots for the Dallas receivers are wide open.

Another man to consider here is Patrick Crayton, but many reports have Austin as the guy who will eventually snag the number two receiver spot.

With his electric performance against Green Bay last year (115 yards, 1 TD), he displayed his big-play ability.

Crayton could easily be had right around the same spot, so like with any other situation where several players are battling for spots, you'll have to go with your gut.

47. Domenik Hixon—New York Giants

At least for right now, Hixon is the most reliable receiver on the Giants to draft.

He's not Plaxico Burress, but over 596 yards in his first try as a starter shows he at least has the potential to be a solid receiver in the NFL.

With three straight games of 60 yards or more to end the season, Hixon is a solid addition as a WR3 or first-in-line back-up.

48. Jeremy Maclin—Philadelphia Eagles

Maclin should look to make plays out of the slot in his first year, and depending on injuries or instant impact, he could see his role increase.

He has exceptional speed and has great fluidity in his movements. However, as stated before, all three of the Eagles receivers on this list don't look to end the season any better than a WR2, and are likely WR3 candidates.

49. Muhsin Muhammad—Carolina Panthers

Muhsin Muhammad picked up right where he left off in his first season back in Carolina.

He provided Jake Delhomme with a reliable second target, as he caught 65 passes for 923 yards and five scores.

He's obviously past his prime, but even at 36, he is still a solid receiver. If you think he can stick around 900 yards again, draft him as your WR3.

50. Devery Henderson—New Orleans Saints

Henderson is that insane kid with lightning speed. You know, the one that can run past the secondary, but can't run routes.

If he could develop consistent go-to moves when facing pres coverages, he would be a lot more effective. Then again, actually catching the ball would help, too.

Still, no one covers as much ground as Henderson does with the number of catches he receivers.

For his career, Henderson has averaged over 21 yards per catch, and has accumulated over 2,200 yards while never catching more than 32 passes in a season.

While he may not get many looks, it's arguable that he does more with his than any other player in the league.

The main problem with Henderson is that he can register two catches for 150 yards and a score one game, but then deliver four games in a row of two catches for 20 yards.