Fantasy Football 2010: Can 2009's Top Receivers Duplicate Their Success?

While many receivers make names for themselves with a great single season, any receiver would tell you that consistency is the true measure of greatness. Just ask Jerry Rice, who was reeling in over 1,000 yards into his 40's.

A lot of factors play into repeat success for receivers, with schedule, supporting cast, and offensive scheme among the most important.

Here's my take on whether last season's top fantasy receivers can repeat their success in 2010.

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Most of the great receivers in the game are known for their consistency more than any single statistical season they had. Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice broke several records, but he was reeling in 1,000-plus yards into his 40's.

That's the type of greatness everyone can agree upon.

Here's my opinion on whether 2009's top fantasy receivers will be able to replicate their success from last season in 2010.

10. Vincent Jackson

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers reacts after a play against the New York Jets during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dun

Last year's stats: 68 receptions, 1,167 yards, 9 touchdowns, 172 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

Vincent Jackson is suspended for the first three games of the season, so his upside isn't as great as the rest on this list. Things may get worse before they get better; the Chargers and Jackson are currently at an impasse in contract negotiations, and Jackson may hold out the first ten games of the season.

Jackson has really come on strong over the past few years, but it will be really tough to replicate that success with enough time off the field.

9. Brandon Marshall

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 20: Brandon Marshall #15 of the Denver Broncos points out a disturbance in the crowd to a police officer in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High on December 20, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders

Last year's stats: 101 receptions, 1,120 yards, 11 touchdowns, 176 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

Brandon Marshall doesn't know how good he had it in Denver. Josh McDaniels likes to air it out more than most coaches do—especially Tony Sparano, whose Dolphins ran the ball 509 times in 2009 (third-most in the league).

Chad Henne is developing into a solid option at quarterback, but Marshall also plays four combined games against the Patriots and the Jets every year, and a daunting 12 of his 16 games are against teams in the top half of the league in pass defense.

8. Sidney Rice

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - JANUARY 17: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings congratulates wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 on his 45 yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Hubert H. Humphr

Last year's stats: 83 receptions, 1,312 yards, 8 touchdowns, 179 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

Guessing how anyone on the Vikings' offense will perform in 2010 is kind of like guessing whether Brett Favre will return to action—maybe because the issues are one in the same.

Even if the old gunslinger returns for a 20th season, the Vikings face nine of  pass defenses in 2010 that were in the top half of the league in 2009. Furthermore, with many other viable options in the passing game, what's to say Favre (or whoever is throwing the ball for Minnesota) will look in Rice's direction as often in '10 as he did in '09?

7. Roddy White

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 29: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons and his son walk to the locker room after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-27 at Georgia Dome on November 29, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 85 receptions, 1,153 yards, 11 touchdowns, 182 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: Yes

Roddy White has been incredibly consistent over the past three years, raking in over 1,100 yards each year and more touchdowns with each passing season. He and Matt Ryan have really developed a great level of rapport and will look to build on that success in 2010.

The road ahead isn't easy, as the Falcons play half of their games against teams in the top half of the league in pass defense, but White's marks of consistency these past three years prove he has what it takes to do it again.

6. Reggie Wayne

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a touchdown pass during the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 100 receptions, 1,264 yards, 10 touchdowns, 184 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: Yes

Peyton Manning. Nuff said.

All sarcasm aside. even though the Colts have a tough schedule, do you think that will stop them from putting up points in bunches? Talk about consistency—Reggie Wayne hasn't dipped lower than 1,000 yards since 2004. Anyone wearing white and blue is usually a good bet in fantasy leagues.

5. Larry Fitzgerald

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 16: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the sideline with his head down against the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Louisana Superdome on January 16, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. T

Last year's stats: 97 receptions, 1,092 yards, 13 touchdowns, 187 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

It's hard to expect the same level of success from a receiver when his future Hall-of-Fame quarterback just called it a career. This becomes especially true when citing the example of the 2006 season, in which Fitzgerald's stats took a dip across the board; sure, he was injured for three games, but he was on pace for career lows with Matt Leinart at the helm.

Of course, Derek Anderson may be the quarterback of choice for Ken Whisenhunt, but the huge question mark of life after Warner leaves Fitzgerald's 2010 output in question. At least he has a soft schedule to look forward to, with 10 games against bottom-half pass defenses.

4. DeSean Jackson

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 20: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles lines up against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 20, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 63 receptions, 1,163 yards, 9 touchdowns, 190 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

Philadelphia Eagles' fans are currently split in two: They are either supremely confident in Kevin Kolb replacing Donovan McNabb, or they are worried sick.

DeSean Jackson is among the confident, but he'll have his work cut out for him. The Eagles play nine games against the league's top-half pass defenses. Kolb will have to eliminate the interceptions and get the ball into Jackson's hands instead of into the defensive backs'.

3. Miles Austin

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys is seen on the field during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Oleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 81 receptions, 1,320 yards, 11 touchdowns, 198 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: No

Is there a new sheriff in town at wide receiver? Could Dez Bryant, injury and all, snare the No. 1 job from under Austin's nose? Jerry Jones is as giddy as a schoolgirl with his new plaything in Bryant and most likely wants to see Bryant utilized early and often.

The Cowboys have a soft schedule, playing only seven teams in the top half of the league in pass defense. However, Austin may not have the same number of opportunities with so much other star power at receiever.

Last year's stats: 81 receptions, 1,320 yards, 11 touchdowns

Will he replicate?: No

Is there a new sherriff in town at wide receiver? Dez Bryant is already walking around like he runs the place, but will he snare the No. 1 job from under Austin's nose? Jerry Jones is as giddy as a schoolgirl with his new plaything in Bryant, and most likely wants to see him utilized early and often.

The Cowboys have a soft schedule of only seven teams in the top half of the league in pass defense. Austin may not have the same number of opportunities with so much other star power lining up with a star on their helmet.

2. Randy Moss

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 13: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots warms up against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 83 receptions, 1,264 yards, 13 touchdowns, 204 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: Yes

With both Tom Brady and Randy Moss in contract years, the duo is poised to make a lot of noise with another explosive season. They may never duplicate the success of their historical 2007 campaign, but if ever there was a time for them to come close, this is the year.

The Patriots have a notably difficult schedule this year, playing a total of 12 games against teams in the top half of the league in pass defense. But Randy Moss is still an elite receiver, and he always has a chance to make an impact, even against top-tier cornerbacks.

Last year's stats: 83 receptions, 1,264 yards, 13 touchdowns, 204 fantasy points

Will he replicate?: Yes

With both Tom Brady and Randy Moss in contract years, the duo is poised to make a lot of noise with another explosive season. They may never duplicate the success of their historical 2007 campaign, but if ever there was a time for them to come close, this is the year.

The Patriots have a notably difficult schedule this year, playing a total of 12 games against teams in the top half of the league in pass defense. But Randy Moss is still an elite receiver, and always has a chance to make an impact, even against top-tier cornerbacks.

1. Andre Johnson

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans scores on a 17 yard pass reception against the Seattle Seahawks at Reliant Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Last year's stats: 101 receptions, 1,569 yards, 9 touchdowns, 212 fantasy points
Will he replicate?: Yes

Johnson plays in an offense that heavily favors passing. My guess is that he won't be unmotivated in any way even though he received a contract extension just a short time ago.

He has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league since 2006, only breaking pace for a quick spell when he was injured in 2007. He only plays six games against defenses that ranked in the lower-half of the league in total yards allowed, but he's proven he can dominate tougher competition in the past, and he can surely do it again.

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