Fantasy Football Profiles: R. Moss, C. Johnson, S. Smith, R. Wayne

Randy Moss
Perhaps nobody is as thankful for Tom Brady’s return than Randy Moss. In Brady's absence his receptions took a 30% hit, his yardage a 32.5% hit, and his TDs a 52% hit. 

It’s not like his 1008 yards and 11 TDs with Matt Cassel were bad, but it was a far cry from the 1493 and 23 he produced in 2007.  Though it seems like Moss has been in the league forever, he’s just 32 and still should have a few high level seasons in him…if he’s motivated. 

I’m sure he’s motivated this year as the Super Bowl loss and TB’s injury have left a bad taste in his mouth.

Despite the amazing 2007 season and being one of the best WRs of all time, I still have Moss ranked as the third best WR.  I just think Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson have a little less risk associated with them.  Of course, Moss is going a few picks after them so he is a slightly better value. 

I could see Moss putting up 1200+ yards and 12 TDs.  If Brady shows no lingering effects of his knee injury, those numbers could significantly increase.

Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson became a fantasy beast in his second year catching 78 passes for 1331 yards and 12 TDs.  He had at least 90 yards and/or a TD in 12 of the 16 games.  He should get better QB play this year with Daunte Culpepper in better shape and familiar with the team, and the addition of the first pick in last year’s NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford.

Megatron’s size, 6′5″ and 236 lbs., makes him a nightmare to cover.  Defensive Backs simply do not have the size and strength to matchup with him, and Linebackers don’t have the speed.

Look to Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris for a talented duo in the backfield to take pressure off of the passing game.  Two newcomers, free agent Bryant Johnson and Rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew will keep defenses from keying in too heavily on Calvin. 

The only problem I foresee is the fantasy playoff schedule.  The Lions face Baltimore, Arizona (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie), and San Francisco (Nate Clements).  That’s not enough to deter me from taking Megatron in the second round of fantasy drafts and projecting him for 85 receptions for 1400 yards and 12 TDs.

Steve Smith
Hopefully this preseason will be a little quieter for Steve Smith.  He doesn’t need to break any more of his teammates’ noses and he certainly doesn’t need to miss two regular season games, which I still think was a great move by Carolina to show that nobody is above the law. 

Despite missing those two games, Smith finished with 78 receptions for 1421 yards and 6 TDs despite playing in a run-first offense with a QB that had an unspectacular year.  Smith had eight 100+ yard games and had at least 90 yards and/or a TD in 10 of his 14 games.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 2351 yards and 28 TDs, and Muhsin Muhammad had 65 receptions for 923 yards and 5 TDs to keep defenses from ganging up on Smith.  With that running attack and Smith, it’s really a pick your poison scenario for defenses.

Despite the monster year Smith had, I caution taking him too early.  He averaged 1084 yards and 7.5 TDs in 2006 & 2007, which is good not great.  I wouldn’t take Smith until Fitz, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, and Greg Jennings were off the board. 

It’s a coin toss between Smith and Colston (injury history) & Roddy White (addition of Gonzo and landing big contract).  I’m projecting 80 receptions for 1250 yards and 7 TDs for Smith.

Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne had a “down year” with just 82 receptions for 1145 yards and 6 TDs.  After averaging 1271.3 yards and 9 TDs the past four years and 1410 yards and 9.5 TDs the past two years, the 2008 numbers were a bit of a letdown. 

I fully expect him to bounce back in a big way, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Wayne was the top scoring WR this year.  The Colts run a timing based offense, and with Manning missing so much time in the preseason it was like he and Wayne never got off on the right foot.

Knowing how intense and dedicated Peyton is, I am confident they will be on the same page from the jump.  The addition of Donald Brown in the running game should make Indy a more balanced attack on offense.  That’s when Manning and Wayne are the most dangerous.

The fear of the Colts running away with the division and sitting their key players in the fantasy playoffs no longer remains.  Tennessee should remain a contender despite Albert Hayneworth’s departure, Houston should continue to push towards a playoff spot, and Jacksonville should be improved. 

Wayne will get snatched up in the second round in most fantasy drafts.  He’s a perfect choice if you have a pick late in the first round to pair with Fitz or Andre Johnson, especially in PPR leagues.  I’m predicting 1400 yards and 10 TDs from Wayne, production you’ll have a hard time finding from a RB in the slot Wayne is going.

Articles originally published at LestersLegends.com.