Fantasy Football 2010: Eight Guys to Watch in PPR Leagues

Not all fantasy football leagues are created equal. Your scoring leagues may vary from league to league, and these variations could make a huge impact on your decision-making process when it comes time to decide between players.

One of the most popular variations among fantasy football leagues is the Points Per Reception (PPR) league. In this kind of league, fantasy owners are rewarded with points each time a player makes a reception.

This one setting can completely alter the fantasy landscape and turn fantasy rankings upside down.

Fear not, however, as this slideshow will provide you with a couple of guys to look out for at each position in PPR leagues so you can continue to dominate the competition.

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots reacts during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

What better person to begin with than Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker?

Welker has led the NFL in receptions the past two years. In fact, he has averaged 7.8 receptions per game since 2008. This equates to huge points in PPR leagues.

The only concern with Welker is his health due to the injury he suffered late last year. However, all indications have pointed to him being ready roll Week 1 versus Cincinnati, so don't be afraid to pick him up.

In the event that Welker does go down with injury, keep an eye on wide receiver Julian Edelman. He has proved over the last few months that he is more than capable of filling the void left by Welker in the slot and could put up big numbers in a PPR league given the chance.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE , WA - JANUARY 03: T.J. Houshmandzadeh #84 of the Seattle Seahawks runs after making a catch against Rod Hood #37 of the Tennessee Titans at Qwest Field on January 3, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

In normal leagues, T.J. Houshmandzadeh is often relegated to a bench player. In a PPR league, however, he is a valuable starter.

Houshmandzadeh is not going to put up huge yardage, but he is your prototypical possession receiver. In fact, only five receivers have had more receptions per game (5.8) over the past two years.

He should see fewer double teams this season with the emergence of wide receiver Mike Williams and tight end John Carlson, as well as the addition of wide receiver Golden Tate through the draft. Expect to see a rebound year for Houshmandzadeh because of this improved roster.

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers smiles after catching a pass in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham

At age 34, Hines Ward may no longer be as explosive as he used to be, but he still provides a reliable fantasy option in PPR leagues.

Despite his age, Ward's value may actually increase this season because of the departure of wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Second-year receiver Mike Wallace will assume the role of the primary deep threat in the offense, but Ward will still be relied on as the guy who can make the important catches.

Over the last two years, Ward is ranked eighth in receptions per game with 5.5. So, although he is ranked in the 20s in most leagues, he should be a top-10 wide receiver in PPR leagues.

Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 07: Tight end Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after scoring a touchdown in second quarter action against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field October 7, 2007 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Im

As an NFL player, Chris Cooley is known primarily for his versatility. Being that he is used as more of an H-back than a traditional tight end, Cooley is often overlooked in traditional fantasy leagues. However, his value should not be underestimated when it comes to PPR leagues.

Over the past two seasons, Cooley is ranked fourth among all tight ends with just over five receptions per game. This is a number that will likely escalate in 2010 because of the addition of quarterback Donovan McNabb. Also, the Redskins' wide receiver corps is shaky at best, so expect Cooley to be the beneficiary of most of McNabb's passes.

In traditional leagues, Cooley is usually somewhere around the 10th tight end off the board. In a PPR league, he should easily go in the top five.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 13: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons against the New Orleans Saints at Georgia Dome on December 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tony Gonzalez is another player on the list who is getting up there in years but still provides a reliable option in PPR leagues.

Over the last two seasons, Gonzalez has averaged 5.6 receptions per game, and no tight end has had more catches than him during that time span. He probably won't eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark this season, but he should be good for at least 80 receptions.

In most leagues, Gonzalez is usually the seventh guy off the board, but in a PPR league he can easily be a top-three tight end.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

When it comes to PPR leagues, there is no bigger steal than Saints running back Reggie Bush. What Bush lacks in his ability to run the ball, he makes up for in his receiving prowess.

Bush has averaged 4.1 receptions per game over the past two seasons, making him tops among NFL running backs. There is no reason to believe that he won't continue this production heading into 2010, as he is a key cog in the most prolific passing offense in the NFL.

In traditional leagues, Bush is often undrafted or relegated to a bench role, but in a PPR league he becomes an invaluable starter. The only real concern with Bush is his health. He has a history of injuries and is a bit fragile for an NFL running back. If he stays healthy, however, he will put up impressive numbers.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Matt Forte, a second round pick in 2008, has been a disappointment thus far as a ball carrier for the Chicago Bears. In fact, last season he averaged a pedestrian 3.4 yards per carry and accounted for six fumbles.

Yet when it comes to catching the ball, very few running backs can top Forte's production. In fact, no running back has more receptions over the past two season than Forte's 120.

Expect more of the same from Forte receiving-wise, as he is the No. 1 running back on Chicago's depth chart entering the regular season. If he can finally get his game together when it comes to running the ball, it will only be icing on the cake for PPR owners.

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 16: Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lucas Oli Stadium on January 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Okay, okay. I know what you're thinking here.

You're thinking that Ray Rice is already one of the top running backs in fantasy football, so why is he on this list of guys to watch for in PPR leagues?

Well, he is on this list because if he isn't the top pick in a PPR league, then the owner who passed on him should have his general manager privileges revoked.

Rice is not only one of the top running backs in the NFL, he is also one of the best pass catchers. In fact, over the past two seasons, Reggie Bush is the only running back who has averaged more receptions per game.

Expect more of the same from Rice in the upcoming season, as the addition of Anquan Boldin in the receiving corps should take a lot of the attention off him coming out of the backfield. Eighty-plus catches is a distinct possibility for the third-year running back from Rutgers.