Fantasy 101: Top 30 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers for 2010

As the NFL game has shifted its focus to the passing game, the importance of the wide receiver position in fantasy leagues has reached new heights. 

In 2009, 20 receivers had over 1,000 yards receiving.  Of those 20, eight had 1,200 or more yards.  20 receivers also had 70 or more passes.  Of those 20, seven caught 95 or more passes.   These stats show both the depth at the position and the value of having an elite receiver on your roster.  

Much like the quarterback position the development of an elite class of receivers has moved the top receivers up draft boards.  The depth at the position shows that like running back, the key is to take value whether you take one early or decide to wait.

One interesting subplot to pay attention to leading up to draft day, is the number of top receivers with question marks entering the season.   Be it age, injury, new quarterback or new team uncertainties abound at the top of this year's receiver class.

Tier I: In a Class by Himself

1. Andre Johnson, Houston: After back-to-back 100+ reception, 1,500+ yard seasons, Andre has solidified himself as the top fantasy receiver.  In addition to the great stats, he is in his prime at 29, plays in a passing offense with a quarterback on the rise and lacks the question marks of the other top receivers.  The only negative is the lack of touchdowns but an 8.3 TD average the past three years is more than enough (plus it gives him room to improve)

Tier II: The True No. 1s

2. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis: Wayne was a surprise selection as the No. 2 rated receiver but earns the nod due to his consistency.  He may lack the upside of some of those ranked below him but Wayne is as safe a choice as you will find for a 90 catch, 1,200 yard, eight+ TD season.

3. Randy Moss, New England: Moss has begun to show his age but he still remains one of the league's best deep threats and red zone targets.  A drop-off is possible but look for him to challenge for the league lead in touchdown receptions while catching 80 passes and 1,200 yards.  If Wes Welker returns ahead of schedule his stock gets a boost.

4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona: The loss of QB Kurt Warner and sidekick Anquan Boldin makes Fitzgerald's job considerably more difficult this season.  Despite three straight 95 catch, 10+ TD season's be sure to lower your expectations a notch this season.   Look for something in the realm of 90 catches, 1,100 yards and 10 TDs.  He could do better or he could do worse.

5. Calvin Johnson, Detroit: Megatron failed to live up to huge expectations in his third season due to a rookie quarterback and nagging injuries.  That said, he is just 24 years old and possesses rare physical tools for the position.  His inconsistency is a concern but if Matthew Stafford progresses (even slightly) and he stays healthy, a huge bounceback (1,200+, 10+ TDs) is not only possible but probable.  Remember just two years ago he went 78-1,331-12. 

6. Miles Austin, Dallas: Austin averaged 103 yards and 6.3 catches in twelve starts in his breakout season making him a candidate for No. 1 receiver honors this season.  On the negative side, a healthy ground game and the addition of Dez Bryant could cut down on his targets slightly.  His 12 game track record also makes him a mild risk.   Be comfortable taking him as your number one wideout just don't reach to get him.

7. Roddy White, Atlanta: The Falcons are not known for their dynamic passing game yet White has managed to 83+ catches and 1,150+ yards for three straight seasons.  In adding his first double digit touchdown season, White may be best receiver no one is talking about entering the season.  If Matt Ryan takes the next step, Roddy White could too.

8. Brandon Marshall, Miami: Marshall has caught 100+ passes and 1,100+ yards each of the past three seasons but is moving to a run first pro style offense in 2010.  He will still be the team's number one receiver and the offense will feature him but the style of play probably makes him more of an 80-90 catch guy rather than a 100+ one.  Also, his yards per catch has dropped each of the past three years (from 13.0 in 2007 to 11.1 in 2009). 

Tier III: On the Verge of a Breakout (and a few Top Notch Number Two Vets)

9. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia: Jackson is one of the game's best playmakers but relies heavily on big plays to get his numbers.  Breaking in a new quarterback Jackson's catches may rise but the yards per catch as the team throws fewer deep balls.  His lack of size makes his touchdowns hard to predict.  Overall, has tremendous upside but draft Jackson expecting 70-75 catches, 1,150 yards (plus 100 or so on the ground) and sixTDs.

10. Greg Jennings, Green Bay: As Aaron Rodgers progressed last season, the Packers spread the ball around much to the dismay of Jennings owners expecting him to build on his 1,292 yard 2008 season.  As Donald Driver ages, Jennings role may increase.  He's just 26 years old and a bouceback to 2008 levels or beyond is possible as his 2009 production (68-1,113-4)  is more likely his floor rather than his ceiling.  

11. Marques Colston, New Orleans: The Saints wide open passing attack, makes owning  their No. 1 receiver valuable but the way they spread the ball results in inconsistent production.  His yards per game and the number of 100 yard games has decreased for three straight seasons.  Ultimately, Colston is unlikely to be the PPR monster he was in 2007 but remains a borderline No. 1 receiver who could step it up a notch if he can stay healthy.

12. Sidney Rice, Minnesota: No Minnesota player benefited more from Brett Favre's return than Sidney Rice.  While his 2009 was impressive (83-1,312-8), it was his second half numbers (46-727-6) that could allow him to develop into a top 5 receiver this season.  At 6'4" he is a tremendous red zone target.  Ultimately, he is very similar to Miles Austin but will likely be drafted two rounds later. 

13. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore: Injury prone but possesses number one talent, Boldin is finally out from Larry Fitzgerald's shadow.  His numbers will be similar to previous year's as his increased role will be cancelled out by the Raven's run first mentality.  Overall, Boldin's value will be determined by how many games he plays.

14. Steve Smith, Carolina: Throughout his career Smith has fluctuated between a good and great fantasy receiver as his game is based on big plays and runs after the catch.   Last, there were concerns he could be slowing down but he teamed up with Matt Moore for 19 catches and 379 yards in the four late season starts to show he still has something left in the tank. His playmaking nature will lack consistency but Smith is capable two or more difference making performances each season.

15. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco: After the most ridiculous holdout in recent memory, Crabtree flashed the "it" factor you look for in top receivers in his 11 starts.  He only found the end zone twice last season but a breakout season is on the horizon as he hones his game in year two.  If only he had a better quarterback.

16. Steve Smith, NY Giants: Smith established himself as one of the league's best possession receivers last season with 107 catch season. Smith is a great route runner whose value is his catches not his touchdowns.  He may lose some catches to Hakeem Nicks and an  improved ground attack this season but he should still be good for a 90 catch and 1,000 yard season. 

17. Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville: A young receiver entering his prime, Sims-Walker burst onto the scene last year with 36 catches and 554 yards in the first eight games.  His play slowed as his knee problems flared up in the second half of the season.  He'd be more valuable if the Jaguars had a better passing game but he has the potential to be one of 2010's breakout receivers if he can stay healthy.

18. Percy Harvin, Minnesota: Harvin is more of a playmaker than a pure receiver.  Aside from migraines which made his roster status a gameday decision much of last season, he exceeded all expectations as a rookie.  With a year to polish his route running, Harvin will only be more dangerous this season.  Expect not only an increase in receptions this season but carries as well as he may get a couple of touches per game helping to fill the void left by Chester Taylor.

19. Chad Ocho Cinco, Cincinnati: The Ocho rebounded from a putrid 2008 with a 72-1,047-9 season last year but the consistency was lacking as he put up five game with 38 yards or less (six if you count hardly playing in week 17).  Even if Carson Palmer bounces back, expect Ocho to have another up and down season with similar results.   

Tier IV The Upside Plays (plus some aging vets)

20. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh: No receiver is likely to be overdrafted on potential more than Wallace.  He exceeded all expectations as a rookie gaining 756 yards and six TDs on just 39 catches and is slotted to replace Santonio Holmes. There is upside here based on his new role and youth but as Ole Miss fans remember Wallace is a great deep threat but has failed when asked to do more.  Also, Roethlisberger's absence will likely hurt Wallace more than security blanket Hines Ward.

21. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: Bowe was a major disappointment last season as he battled the coaches and was suspended for four games (both big red flags).   Those disappointments aside, the Chiefs run a receiver friendly offense and need someone to step up.  Taking Bowe is a boom or bust selection but the talent and opportunity are there.

22. Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants: Nicks is looking to build on a solid rookie season (47-790-6).  He has number one receiver ability but how big of a step forward he takes in 2010 is still to be determined.

23. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh: Ward drank from the fountain of youth last season achieving his first 90 catch season since 2003.  Ward is a gamer who knows how to get open allowing him to push for a 80 catch 1,000 yard season but Roethlisberger's suspension will keep him from repeating last season's numbers.

24. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis: Garcon took advantage of Anthony Gonzalez's knee injury and established himself as the Colts top  deep threat.  He has just scratched the surface at age 24 and will look to expand his role this season but a major jump is far from a certainty given the team's depth at the receiver position.

25. Vincent Jackson, San Diego: Jackson has increased his number of catches for five consecutive seasons and emerged as a borderline No. 1 in standard leagues (and strong No. 2 in PPR) but a three game suspension and threats of a holdout has limited his value this season.

26. Donald Driver, Green Bay: For three straight years people (myself included) have predicted Driver's demise yet each season he has put up 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards (but not much more).  He lacks upside but as long as his knees are healthy it is hard to say he won't at least get you 900 yards. 

27. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia: Another rookie receiver who exceeded expectations last year (56-773-4).  He proved he was more than just a speed receiver last season which is what makes him such a popular breakout candidate this season.  The team's depth at the receiver position may limit how big of a jump he can make this season.

28. TJ Houshmandzadeh, Seattle: A poor offensive line and shaky quarterback play doomed Houshmandzadeh to a forgettable 2009 season.  He remains one of the league's better possession receivers and should be a solid bet for 75 catches and 900 yards but little more.  The type of veteran you draft to balance out some riskier breakout candidates.

29. Robert Meachem, New Orleans: After 2.5 mostly disappointing seasons, Meachem emerged in the second half of last season with 426 yards and six TDs.  He will look to build on that success this season but needs to lock down a starting job first.  Like most Saint receivers expect a feast or famine results from week to week.

30. Dez Bryant, Dallas: Bryant displayed both elite talent and questionable work habits throughout his Oklahoma State career and lands in a good situation in Dallas.  A starting job is his for the taking but his 2010 upside is limited by the presence of Miles Austin and Jason Witten.  Bryant has tremendous potential in keeper leagues but expecting more than 800 yards and 6-8 TDs this season would be overly optimistic.  UPDATE: A high ankle sprain will likely cause Bryant to miss the bulk of training camp but he should be ready to begin his ascent up the depth chart by Week One.

Rankings 31-60        Rankings 61-90

Note: NFLDraft101 rankings are based on: one point per 25 yards passing, one point for per 10 yards rushing/receiving, six points per TD (passing, rushing or receiving), one point per reception and -2 per interception or lost fumble.

Rankings were done by using the averaging of our staff's individual rankings and were based on a single season not a dynasty league.

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com .  He can be reached at [e-mail] .  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101