Fantasy Football Brothers' WR Ranks

Bill ShermanJun 1, 2010

The Brotherhood is Back!

Wideouts are the topic of the day. As the Running Back position becomes more and more diluted, fantasy GMs would be wise to realize championship contenders are built around a solid receiving corps. Today, we release the top 25. Tomorrow is 26-50, and Sunday, 51-75.

Randy Moss and Reggie Wayne remain in the top ten, but their time atop this list is quickly coming to an end. Moss is entering a contract season and the Patriots most likely won’t re-sign him. His targets should increase while teammate Wes Welker recovers from a torn ACL. Taking Welker's place in the slot will be Julian Edelman, a converted college quarterback out of Kent State. Edelman did his best Welker impersonation last season and will need to contribute even more if the Patriots are to contend in the suddenly stacked AFC East.

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Wayne still retains value, but his targets may start to become compromised in what is a crowded Colts’ passing game. As if the current competition wasn’t deep enough, Anthony Gonzalez will make his return back into the Colts’ lineup. Playmaker saturation leads to target dilution. Wayne will remain atop the target list, but Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez will all be begging for Peyton Manning’s attention.

Both the Dolphins and Jets have made upgrades to the receiving units. Brandon Marshall has all the tools to be the best in the league. Chad Henne has shown promise. The Dolphins lacked the talent to line up traditionally versus opponents in 2009, forcing the team to the roll the dice, running the Wildcat formation. The 'Cat had success, but was only effective when Ronnie Brown was at the helm.

Brown has already hit the practice field and is ahead of schedule in his return from yet another injury, but his injury allowed the Dolphins' coaches to see what they had in Henne. Miami could surprise some people this season. The one who may benefit most is possession receiver Davone Bess. He showed the ability to rack up receptions, but needs to add on to his YPC to make more of a fantasy impact.

Meanwhile, Santonio Holmes' antics bought him a one-way plane ticket out of Pittsburgh. Lucky for him, he traveled from one contender to an even better one. Rex Ryan and the Jets have been busy this offseason. The Jets' ground game and defense were good enough to still push them to the AFC Championship game, but they want more this season.

Mark Sanchez showed poise down the stretch, but was an interception-throwing machine for most of the season. With another year under center for the Sanchise, the Jets’ potential is limitless. Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery have talent but belong on the undercard. Holmes has the talent to be the main event. This offense should be well-balanced and Santonio should see his fair share of single coverage. He’ll miss four games, but a fifth round draft pick is a small price to pay for one of the rising stars at the position.

1) Andre Johnson – HOU – WR
While Larry Fitzgerald graced the cover of every single fantasy magazine last season, the Brotherhood told you to go with Andre.

This year, there is no one challenging him for the top spot.

2) Calvin Johnson – DET – WR
Megatron may be the most naturally gifted player on this list, but injuries have kept him from reaching his potential. The Lions have worked hard to surround quarterback Matt Stafford with talent. The additions of Jahvid Best, Nate Burleson, and TE Tony Scheffler along with the maturation of second-year tight end Brandon Pettigrew, should relieve some of the over-reliance on Johnson.

If he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit.

3) Miles Austin – DAL – WR
The addition of Dez Bryant does not hurt Austin’s stock whatsoever. I know they say it every year, but this may FINALLY be the year the Cowboys put it all together.

4) Brandon Marshall – MIA – WR
Marshall seems like more of a Miami guy. He’s the ultimate hybrid of a possession monster and redzone beast. Watching him match up with Darrelle Revis twice a season will be interesting.

A hundred grabs and double digit TDs are once again in reach.

5) Larry Fitzgerald – ARI – WR
Fitz takes a hit with Warner leaving town. Opposing coordinators did well to keep him from hurting them deep. He’ll still produce solid numbers, but his time gracing the covers of draft guides may be over.

Simply Electric!

6) DeSean Jackson – PHI – WR
Jackson is simply unstoppable. Once thought to be too slight to make it in the NFL, D-Jax has proved his critics wrong. Jackson is a fan of Kevin Kolb and has been vocal about it. Look for Kolb to return the favor with plenty of deep targets.

In leagues that factor in return yardage, bump DeSean to the top of the board.

7) Roddy White – ATL – WR
Roddy White is in store for a big season. He still posted top ten caliber stats last season, despite the Falcons' prolonged offensive struggles.

With Matt Ryan and Michael Turner back in top form, look for White to post some serious stats in 2010.

8) Randy Moss – NEP – WR
Increased targets + contract year + Tom Brady in a contract year = PRODUCTION. Randy leaves New England on a high note.

9) Reggie Wayne – IND – WR
Wayne will continue to lead Indy in all receiving stats, but there are only so many targets to go around.

10) Greg Jennings – GRE – WR
Jennings is the best “buy low” candidate on the board. Aaron Rodgers is the future of the quarterback position.

After a subpar 09 campaign, look for Jennings to finally overtake Donald Driver as Rodgers' go-to-guy.

11) Vincent Jackson – SDC – WR
Will he be suspended? We will have to wait and see. He’s never caught more than 68 balls in one season, but at 6′5″, 230 lbs, he’s the biggest mismatch in the game.

12) Anquan Boldin – BAL – WR
Boldin gives the Ravens a premiere pass-catcher. He has the ability to put up top numbers, but his physical style of play has led to many injuries.

If he remains on the field, Joe Flacco will take the next step this season.

13) Steve Smith – NYG – WR
The “Other” is the other no longer. Steve Smith has turned into one of the best possession receivers in the league.

Many suspect that the emergence of second-year teammate Hakeem Nicks will cut into his production, but Eli Manning relies heavily on his slot receiver.

14) Marques Colston – NOR – WR
Colston remains Drew Brees’ best option in the redzone. New Orleans is another team that spreads the ball around too much to make any one receiver a truly elite option.

15) Steve Smith – CAR – WR

Smith’s quarterback situation will remain a question mark and Carolina will continue to be a run-first offense. The addition of Brandon LaFell should relieve some of the defensive attention, but a rookie can only do so much.

16) Dwayne Bowe - KAN - WR
The Chiefs are slowly on their way towards recovery. Many factors contributed to a down year in 2009.

2010 should be a different story. He’s shown up to camp in shape. He should bounce back.

17) Sidney Rice – MIN – WR
Rice could jump up a spot or two if Favre returns, or he could fall out of the top twenty if he doesn’t.

Migraines + Farvre Retirement = Risk

18) Percy Harvin – MIN – WR
All Vikings receivers will take a stock hit if Brett Favre decides to hang up his cleats, but Harvin will still retain top-end value. He’s extremely versatile, catching balls all over the field. If Favre does retire, look for the Vikes to get creative in how they use the second-year talent. We’re expecting the old-timer to give it one last shot. If #4 finally says goodbye, you can push Harvin down towards the No. 20 spot. His migraines continue to be a concern in the offseason.

19) Hines Ward – PIT – WR
Ward will miss not having Big Ben for 4 games and Santonio Holmes' departure could leave the veteran exposed opposite Mike Wallace.

Cincy will look to re-establish their air attack.

20) Chad Ochocinco – CIN – WR
The addition of Antonio Bryant and Jermaine Gresham shouldhelp Carson Palmer get back on track and boost Ochocinco's value.

21) Mike Sims-Walker – JAC – WR
Although his quarterback situation is scary, Sims-Walker is the #1 in Jacksonville. He disappeared towards the end of the season, but will put his best foot forward in a contract year.

22) Pierre Garcon – IND – WR
Garcon is entering his third year in the NFL. You know what they say about third year receivers…

He was inconsistent early in the season, but finished the fantasy playoffs strong. Anthony Gonzalez’s return will most affect Austin Collie’s slot role so don't expect a dip in Garcon's production this year.

23) Hakeem Nicks – NYG – WR
Nicks will become the Giants big-play receiver in 2010.

24) Devin Aromashodu – CHI – WR
From no-name to top 25 prospect, Aromashodu closed out 2009 with Miles Austin-like numbers. In his last 4 games, he pulled down 22 catches for 286 yards and 4 scores. The addition of Mike Martz bodes well for all Bears receivers. Upside!

25) Donald Driver – GRE – WR
Driver escapes the grips of Father Time for one last season, but you can expect James Jones' role to increase and cut into Driver's production.

Today marks day two of our wideout rankings. Nos. 26-50 consist of some aging vets, promising second-year men and two of the top rookies.

High on Hester: Martz looks to take his utility man to the next level.

Mike Martz's addition to Chicago is just what the doctor ordered for Jay Cutler and company. Devin Hester looks to benefit the most from his arrival. Hester has already begun lining up at all three receiver positions, but will most likely call the slot home for 2010. No linebacker or safety will have the speed to stay with the shifty utility man. Martz also wants to emphasize Hester’s playmaking ability on special teams.

In return formats, Hester could be a beast if he regains his explosion on kick returns. Remember, before Cribbs, there was Hester.

Drafting rookie receivers was once thought to be fantasy taboo, but as the NFL turns more to the air, teams are lining up in three wide receiver sets more often. Rookies are hitting the field earlier than ever and are making sizable fantasy contributions.

Dez Bryant sits atop this year's rookie class. Bryant comes with some character concerns and has been criticized for lacking elite speed, but his hands are as sure as any. As he slid down the board, Jerry Jones wasted no time trading up to grab their man. Bryant appeared disgruntled after falling so far.

This bodes well for production, as he will be striving to prove himself. Rookie pass catchers are better off being selected by a team that already has a headliner at the position. Miles Austin and Jason Witten will command enough attention to allow Bryant to ease his way into the pro game versus opposing teams' subpar cover men. Roy Williams will not compete with Bryant’s talent. Allowing the youngster to don Michael Irvin's No. 88 jersey shows just how much Dallas believes in Bryant. That is a big jersey to fill. Expect a strong rookie season.

Will Crabtree start playing as big as his ego?

Michael Crabtree showed glimpses in his rookie season, but failed to post relevant fantasy stats for most of the season. With no holdout, and the opportunity of an entire offseason to learn the offense, look for Crabtree to start making his way up the wideout ranks. But he’s not the only second year receiver who we’re expecting to make noise. Jeremy Maclin, Kenny Britt, and Mike Wallace should all have significant increases in productivity this year. Austin Collie would belong in this bunch, but the return of Anthony Gonzalez should cut into his production.

Julian Edelman could post serious stats if Welker misses more than half the season. Brady is heavily reliant on the slot receiver for quick hits. Edelman is no Welker, but the second-year convert could post serious reception numbers if his mentor remains sidelined.

26-50

26) Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR
27) Jeremy Maclin – PHI – WR
28) Santonio Holmes – NYJ – WR

29) Mike Wallace – PIT – WR
30) Julian Edelman – NEP – WR
31) Derrick Mason – BAL – WR

32) Dez Bryant – DAL – WR
33) Kenny Britt – TEN – WR
34) Devin Hester – CHI – WR
35) Steve Breaston – ARI – WR
36) Antonio Bryant – CIN – WR
37) Robert Meachem – NOR – WR
38) Davone Bess – MIA – WR
39) Santana Moss – WAS – WR
40) Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ – WR
41) Demaryius Thomas – DEN – WR
42) Anthony Gonzalez – IND – WR
43) Lee Evans – BUF – WR
44) Eddie Royal – DEN – WR
45) Mike Thomas – JAC – WR
46) Mohamed Massaquoi – CLE – WR
47) Bernard Berrian – MIN – WR
48) T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA – WR
49) Austin Collie – IND – WR
50) Dexter McCluster – KAN – WR

Day 3 marks the last day of our wide receiver rankings, as we scrape the bottom of the barrel for potential sleeper candidates.

51-75 could all rotate spots before the opening of the season. This group consists mainly of team’s deep WR2/WR3 prospects.

Benn enters directly into the WR1 spot in Tampa.

Rookies to climb ranks by season’s start? Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn will both hit the field immediately.

Tate is in the better situation, as he won’t enter as Seattle’s primary receiving option. This will ease some pressure off him and allow him to work against lesser coverage. Housh is aging and has struggled since signing in Seattle. The trade of Nate Burleson to Detroit opens up plenty of targets to go around. With a re-vamped running game and Matt Hasselbeck looking healthy, Tate could impress in his virgin season.

Benn instantly becomes Tampa’s go-to-guy. This bodes well for future fantasy success, but rooks who hop directly into the No. 1 spot often struggle as they acclimate to the pro game. Fellow rookie Mike Williams may also see starting time. Williams may make his way onto this list by preseason, as he may be in a better situation to make fantasy noise in 2010. Tampa is young at WR and QB. The foundation looks to be in place, but fantasy stats may struggle while the group experiences growing pains.

Will McNabb take Devin Thomas’ game to the next level? With Santana Moss possibly facing suspension for HGH use, Thomas would likely move into the WR1 spot. Rumors surfaced early in OTAs about McNabb campaigning for T.O. to come to town. If McNabb is asking for T.O., you know something is wrong.

Thomas has been an overall underachiever. He’s shown glimpses at times, but a good work ethic and consistency have been absent. The talent is there, but it has not translated to game play. He has ideal size at 6′2″ and 220 lbs. Coach Shanahan should be able to harness Thomas’ ability and keep him focused on football.

He’s had hamstring concerns throughout his career, but could take the next step with a true franchise quarterback under center.

Wide Open: The Rams' starting WR positions are up for grabs. Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson, Mardy Gilyard, and Keenan Burton will all compete for targets. Avery, Robinson, and Burton all suffered injuries last season. Gilyard has already been sidelined in OTAs. Avery should open the season as the primary receiver, but both Robinson and Burton played well in spot duty in 2009.

The offense will once again fall on Steven Jackson’s shoulders, but whomever emerges from this group could be a bargain buy come draft day… a WR1 is a WR1, even if they are a Ram.

James Jones will compete with Jordy Nelson for the attention of Aaron Rodgers.

Waiting for a chance: James Jones vs. Jordy Nelson. The Green Bay Packers are a young and talented team. Aaron Rodgers is the next true elite quarterback. He will be atop fantasy QB ranks for years to come. Ryan Grant is a good, but not great running back. He’ll ease just enough pressure off the passing game, but is not good enough to be the focus of the offense.

The Pack will win games on Rodgers’ arm. Donald Driver is one of the most well-respected vets in the game, but one can only escape the grasp of Father Time for so long. Who will be his successor?

Jordy Nelson and James Jones have both shown promise. Jones appears to be the more explosive playmaker, but struggled with hands consistency last season. He had only 29 catches on the season, but five of them went for scores. Nelson is more sure-handed and gets a bump in return-heavy formats.

Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley will be the primary receivers, but whomever slips into Donald Driver’s spot will find themselves starting for one of the best passing offenses in the NFL.

51) Johnny Knox – CHI – WR
52) Golden Tate – SEA – WR
53) Nate Burleson – DET – WR
54) Donnie Avery – STL – WR
55) Devin Thomas – WAS – WR
56) Chaz Schilens – OAK – WR
57) Early Doucet – ARI – WR
58) Chris Chambers – KAN – WR

59) Arrelious Benn – TAM – WR
60) Braylon Edwards – NYJ – WR
61) Devery Henderson – NOR – WR
62) Josh Morgan – SFO – WR