Fantasy WRs: Targets, Catches, and Guys You Shouldn't Drop the Ball On This Year

Sure, it’s easy to say that Larry Fitzgerald is a no-brainer first pick wide receiver because of his ability and rapport with Kurt Warner. But is that advice really going to help you win a fantasy football title? Probably not!

In fact, you could say that any of the top-15 fantasy wide receivers have the ability and rapport with their quarterback to produce on a regular basis. However, in my opinion there is one key ingredient that makes a receiver so important to a fantasy football owner. That ingredient is…consistency. 

It’s about which wideouts can provide you a steady amount of points on a weekly basis. When looking into being consistent you will notice that sometimes being consistent in a bad statistical category can translate into something good.

For example, Terrell Owens (10 drops) is well-known for dropping his fair share of passes. Braylon Edwards (16 drops), the same.  To round out the top 2008 drop leaders you will find some big names. Dwayne Bowe had 13 drops, Brandon Marshall 12 drops, Calvin Johnson nine drops, and Roddy White had nine drops.

What do all these wide receivers have in common?

They are all top 20 fantasy football wide receivers entering 2009. Which leads to the question: “Why are all these guys rated so highly if they “can’t catch?” The fact is, the more targets, the more drops (typically). 

As odd as it sounds, I would suggest drafting players that have more dropped passes because they see more passes which leads to more opportunity. Plus, we all know football is a game of numbers and the more chances you get to post statistics the better they are going to be.

Obviously, when I say this you have to make sure the receiver warrants draft consideration. I am not reccomending you draft a receiver who saw 60 targets, had 30 receptions and 15 dropped passes.

Enough with covering the top wide outs in the NFL, not it’s time to take a look at which wide receivers can give you the best bang for your buck during your 2009 fantasy football draft.

DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles): 121 targets, only 62 catches. If he can even have a similar season in terms of targets, then he can probably make good and catch 80 passes. Given his breakaway speed and improved offense, he could be the steal of many drafts.

Bruno Boys Jacob’s Projection: 80 catches, 1,092 yards, 11 TDs

Josh Morgan (San Francisco 49ers): If the 49ers are able to figure out their QB situation, Morgan could be a fantasy standout at the end of the season. At 6’0”, Morgan plays like a much bigger receiver, and will most likely be getting most of the passing looks in the red zone. With 319 yards and 3 TDs as a rookie, expect those numbers to at least double.

Bruno Boys Jacob’s Projection:  46 catches, 692 yards, 7 TD’s

Chris Henry (Cincinnati Bengals): Yeah, he has his share of problems, but don’t we all? OK, our problems aren’t exactly the same, but who are we to judge? Fact is, he is a talented receiver.

Remember 2006 when he put up nine TDs? Yeah, neither do I. I am not expecting a repeat effort, but as the No. 3 wideout in what will most likely be a passing attack, he should see his fair share of targets.

Bruno Boys Jacob’s Projection:  40 catches, 600 yards, 6 TDs (and 3 misdemeanors)

Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants): Eli Manning and his contract are going to love this big target with sure hands. Steve Smith will be used as the possession receiver in the passing attack for the Giants, and they will be forced to pass more with the loss of Derrick Ward (unless one of Bradshaw, Ware or Brown can pick up the load).

Expect Nicks to lead all rookies in targets and receptions.

Bruno Boys Jacob’s Projection:  48 catches, 576 yards, 5 TDs.

If all else fails when you’re searching for your WR3 or trying to add depth to your bench, go for the No. 1 or No. 2 receivers on bad defensive teams.

Common knowledge says that bad defenses give up a lot of points, meaning teams will be forced to go through the air to get back into the game. These are the types of players you want on your fantasy football squad...Play your waiver wire smart but aggressive throughout the season.

For example: If a player has a great week in which he catches 11 passes, and you have some extra space on your bench, pick him up. Chances are, he is building a relationship with the quarterback and he could be in line for a big finish to the season.

Even if he turns out to be a one week wonder and reverts back to his three reception self all you have to do is place him back on the open market.

*The above article was written by Bruno Boys Guest Columnist Jacob Lerman. Jacob is the owner of his own fantasy sports blog, Fantasy Free Stylin’ in which he covers all fantasy sports. For more fantasy football insight and advice, click the link below!*

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