Fantasy Football Rankings 2011: Top 10 Players at Every Position

Fantasy football almost seemed like an afterthought this summer. But not now. With the NFL lockout officially over and free agency under way, now is the perfect time to start looking at who the best pickups for your 2011 fantasy football team will be.

Of course, the landscape of the NFL is changing slightly every day as we learn about which players are signing where. How is a person supposed to pick their team under so much uncertainty?

By playing the smart bets. Buy or draft the guys who are steady every year. Your Tom Bradys and Andre Johnsons aren't going to get worse based on what moves their respective teams make.

This isn't the year to bet on a quarterback with an uncertain offensive line or receiver situation (sorry Jay Cutler), at least not in the early rounds.

Save your Kevin Kolbs and Kyle Ortons for much later in the draft, after you have filled your key positions. Your meat and potatoes should be very similar to the guys you drafted high last year.

Quarterbacks

Having two solid quarterbacks has been the backbone of my fantasy football teams for the last five years. Some Yahoo! and ESPN leagues even allow you to play two quarterbacks each week.

You may be tempted to grab Kevin Kolb or Kyle Orton, hoping to surprise your friends and win the title of "smartest guy in the league." Don't do it. In 2011 you will need to target proven commodities who you can rely on each week.

Stay away from guys who are either working in new offensive linemen or new receivers. And this one goes without saying, but young quarterbacks in new offensive systems are major no-nos (Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, all rookies).

1. Tom Brady, New England

Brady is the safe bet for your league. If you have a top-five pick, you can rest easy using the pick on Brady. He's reliable and seems to be getting better as he ages. If you are in a league that favors quarterbacks, Brady may be your first overall pick.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

Coming off a Super Bowl in in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense are loaded for the 2011 season. The only reason to not pick Rodgers before Brady is due to the run game question marks and an iffy offensive line.

Rodgers may take too many sacks, which will hurt him in some leagues. If your league allows for QB rushing points, take Rodgers before Brady.

3. Michael Vick, Philadelphia

If your league allows rushing yards and touchdowns for quarterbacks, consider taking Vick in the late first round. He's that good. With a loaded group of wide receivers and rushing ability that will give you extra points each week, Vick is a legitimate franchise quarterback.

If your league allows QB rushing, and most do these days, I would consider Vick a top-three pick over Brady and maybe over Rodgers.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans

The big question mark here is which Drew Brees shows up? If you get the 2009 version, you are in for a solid season. If it's the 2010 model Brees, you might need to consider picking up a solid No. 2. Our advice: Draft Brees in Round 2 and pick up a solid backup in a middle round.

5. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

Manning has been hurt this offseason, but you have to believe he'll be ready to go once the season rolls around. Manning, if healthy, is still a top-five quarterback. He's still a top-tier fantasy quarterback.

6. Philip Rivers, San Diego

One of the best up-and-coming quarterbacks in the NFL, Philip Rivers is a solid play as a late first round pick as your starting quarterback. His stock could go up with Vincent Jackson on the field all season.

7. Tony Romo, Dallas

If Tony Romo is healthy, he could produce a monster season in Dallas. Miles Austin and Dez Bryant will benefit from Romo's return, as will Jason Witten. All four are worthy selections for your team.

8. Matt Schaub, Houston

Our pick for the fantasy steal of the year, Matt Schaub is primed for a huge season in Houston. A questionable defense will have the Texans throwing the ball early and often.

9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta

The top young quarterback in the NFL, watch out for Matt Ryan and the Falcons as major fantasy players in 2011.

10. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh

Known more for wins than producing top statistics, Ben Roethlisberger is still a good play if you have invested heavily in running backs to support him.

Fantasy Sleeper: Matthew Stafford, Detroit

Running Backs

In most leagues, you can depend on a top running back to win games for you each week. For those of us lucky enough to have the No. 1 overall pick, Adrian Peterson should be the easy pick in that spot.

If you're like the other 90 percent and are stuck with pick No. 2 or later, here is a list of guys to consider.

Remember, in most leagues you need two starting running backs. Use the list below to find your No. 1 guy and then supplement him with a personal favorite or sleeper pick.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota

Peterson had his best overall season in 2010. Expect him to be even better if the Vikings find consistency at quarterback. Peterson should be the No. 1 pick in your league.

2. Arian Foster, Houston

Foster led the NFL in rushing in 2010, something he could do again in 2011. Foster is the perfect big back to consider in a run-heavy league. He is worth a top-five pick.

3. Chris Johnson, Tennessee

Johnson will be the first pick in many leagues, but beware of the quarterback situation in Tennessee. Without an established passing game, defenses will load the box to stop Johnson.

4. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City

Charles should get more touches in 2011, which could be a good or bad thing. Charles is as explosive as they come. If you get extra points for long runs and/or yards per carry, Charles is a safe bet in Round 1.

5. Ray Rice, Baltimore

A top-notch dual threat out of the backfield, Ray Rice can be considered a worthy No. 1 running back, especially in a two-back league.

6. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia

Another dual-threat player, McCoy will benefit from an all-star cast of skill players around him. He might be the best second-tier running back on the market.

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville

A solid fantasy stud for the last two years, I've cooled on MJD due to the lack of an answer at quarterback in Jacksonville. The Jags will rely more on MJD, but defenses may load up against him too.

8. Darren McFadden, Oakland

A guy I'm targeting for my own fantasy team (don't tell my friends), McFadden had a breakout season in 2010 and will be even better under Hue Jackson in Oakland.

9. Michael Turner, Atlanta

You worry if Atlanta has put too many miles on Turner over the last three years, but he's still a top producer as a runner. He may not give much in receptions, though.

10. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh scores just enough for you to consider Mendenhall as your No. 2 running back. If you wait until Round 3 (RB-QB-RB), Mendenhall is a quality second back. However, if your league has a Steelers fan in it, he'll go before this.

Fantasy Sleeper: Matt Forte, Chicago

Wide Receivers

A good wide receiver can steal points for your team each week, but it may not be enough to carry your team against opponents holding a Tom Brady or Adrian Peterson.

Using your picks at wide receiver smartly and timing when to pull the trigger on receivers can be the difference between a playoff berth or not in your fantasy league.

1. Andre Johnson, Houston

Not only is Johnson the best wide receiver in the NFL, he's one hell of a fantasy option too. Johnson is the only receiver worthy of consideration in Round 1.

2. Calvin Johnson, Detroit

There is a gamble here because Johnson could really do some damage if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. If Johnson is left with Shaun Hill again, he might be better toward the middle of this list.

3. Roddy White, Atlanta

Don't worry about Julio Jones stealing catches from Roddy White, who should be your second or third choice at receiver. Pull the trigger on White late in Round 2 if your league rewards touchdown catches.

4. Greg Jennings, Green Bay

Aaron Rodgers does a great job spreading the ball around, but Jennings is his best and most reliable option. He'll give you solid numbers as a No. 1 receiver; just supplement him with a very strong running game.

5. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

Fitzgerald's fantasy status has taken a hit since Kurt Warner retired, but he may be on the rebound in 2011 as the Cardinals make moves to bring consistency at quarterback.

6. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

As much as I don't like Eli Manning as a fantasy quarterback, Nicks is a bona fide fantasy stud at receiver. He might be a player you can sneak in on leaguemates who aren't as football savvy.

7. Miles Austin, Dallas

A healthy Tony Romo means the return of the Miles Austin who stole fantasy hearts in 2009. Put him on your watch list and pull the trigger as a surprise pick in Round 5 or 6.

8. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis

As long as Peyton Manning is the quarterback in Indianapolis, Reggie Wayne will be a damn solid pick at receiver. He's no longer an anchor, but he's among the best No. 2 receivers available.

9. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia

If you get points for returns and rushing yards from your receivers, Jackson is a great pickup as a utility-style player. He won't do enough to be your No. 1 in most leagues, but he's a great No. 2.

10. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh

When Ben Roethlisberger wants to air it out, he turns to Mike Wallace. His yards per catch and touchdown numbers could carry you as a second option.

Fantasy Sleeper: Dez Bryant, Dallas

Tight Ends

If you really want to steal fantasy points, grabbing a productive tight end is a great way to do it. In most fantasy drafts you have the expert, the casual players and the guys who want an excuse to drink beer for a night.

Be the expert. Knowing that a great tight end can add 20 points each week, and knowing what round to pull the trigger, will guarantee you a championship.

1. Antonio Gates, San Diego

The best option at tight end, especially for leagues that reward touchdowns heavily. Gates is as dependable as they come. He'll be the first tight end drafted in most leagues.

2. Vernon Davis, San Francisco

Drafting Davis requires a belief that Jim Harbaugh will turn things around in San Francisco. Alex Smith likes getting the ball to Davis, and his re-signing with the 49ers is good news for fantasy owners.

3. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis

As reliable as they come. Use Dallas Clark as your starting tight end if you have a team heavy at running back to steal 15 points each week. He's a great pick if you neglected the receiver position in favor of your backfield.

4. Jason Witten, Dallas

Witten could be the No. 1 producer of all fantasy tight ends if Tony Romo returns to form and the offensive line takes care of business. Jason Garrett loves tight ends.

5. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay

Finley missed the 2010 season with injury, but he's expected to come back in full force in 2011. He was considered a fantasy must-have in 2010. Keep him on your list for 2011 and squeeze him in during the middle rounds.

6. Zach Miller, Oakland

If Jason Campbell gets comfortable in Oakland, Miller could be the Raiders' No. 1 target in the passing game. He's a big, strong red-zone threat that should be good for 10 touchdowns.

7. Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville

Lewis may not be able to duplicate a strong 2010 season, especially if the Jaguars play Blaine Gabbert early. Lewis is bound to be overdrafted based on his 2010 stats.

8. Owen Daniels, Houston

The Houston offense will be very good, and a healthy Daniels will benefit from red-zone touches while teams double Andre Johnson and load up to stop Arian Foster.

9. Rob Gronkowski, New England

Aaron Hernandez may steal catches from him, so feel free to draft them both. Either New England tight end would be a smart addition if you have drafted RB-QB-RB-WR-WR.

10. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit

Again, hoping for a healthy Matthew Stafford here. Pettigrew is poised to break out if the Lions can keep their quarterback healthy.

Fantasy Sleeper: Greg Olsen, Chicago

Team Defense

Finding the right defense, and remembering to draft one early enough to actually get a good one, is a big part of my fantasy strategy each year.

If you are in a league that uses team defenses as opposed to position players, as is more traditional, you're in luck this year.

With a lockout-shortened season, expect offenses to be playing catch-up in trying to get in sync with each other. This could mean big points for defenses forcing turnovers.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are great at sacking the quarterback and forcing fumbles. You might find better options in team interceptions if your league rewards this.

2. Green Bay Packers

The Packers will give you more interceptions than Pittsburgh, but not as many sacks. If your league ties in special teams (return) points with team defense, Green Bay is the better play.

3. New York Jets

New York doesn't get many individual sacks, so don't load up on Jets in a league that lets you pick individual players. They are solid all-around and will give you sacks, interceptions and return yards.

4. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens remain one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. They are also one the best special teams options.

5. Chicago Bears

The Bears do it all well. They are a safe, solid bet if you forget to draft a defense and realize after the Steelers and Packers go off the board.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia is making a lot of changes on defense by adding new players. This could pay off with more sacks, more interceptions and better overall play. You have to worry about so many moving parts, though.

7. New York Giants

In a league that rewards sacks, pick the Giants early. Their pass defense will not produce many interceptions, but the sack numbers make up for it.

8. San Diego Chargers

If you are getting special teams points in with defense, San Diego is a solid choice if you've waited to grab a team defense in lieu of drafting backup players.

9. New England Patriots

New England is always solid on defense, but its statistics do not always reflect that. If New England signs a marquee outside linebacker, move it up this list.

10. Detroit Lions

With a defensive line this good, the Lions are bound to produce sacks and turnovers. Make them your No. 2 defense.

Fantasy Sleeper: Atlanta Falcons

Kickers/Punters

The forgotten positions when it comes to my fantasy draft every year, kickers and punters can be a great find.

There are two options here, and both have worked for me in the past:

1. Draft a proven kicker in Round 12-14 and ride him out for the entire season.

2. Use your last pick on a kicker and then play the waiver wire, riding the hot hand.

Both strategies work, and work well. Pick one and let it ride.

1. Stephen Gostkowski, New England

The Patriots are always a legitimate contender to lead the NFL in points. Gostkowski gets a ton of field goal attempts too.

2. Nate Kaeding, San Diego

An underrated kicker, which seems redundant, Kaeding is a player you might be able to sneak by in Round 20.

3. Mason Crosby, Green Bay

Drafting a kicker from a team that scores a lot, on both sides of the ball, is a safe and smart pick. That's Mason Crosby for you. Once you see Gostkowski drafted, pick Crosby with your next pick.

4. Matt Bryant, Atlanta

If you favor kickers who work indoors, a solid approach, Matt Bryant is a great alternative to the players mentioned above.

5. Josh Brown, St. Louis

Another indoor kicker, the Rams have the potential to score by the bunches in 2011. They could also struggle, which might mean more field goals.

6. David Akers, Philadelphia

Another high-scoring kicker who works outdoors. Akers is a great pickup if there is a run on kickers and you miss out on the top five.

7. Neil Rackers, Houston

Houston players were outlined in every skill position ranking here. They're going to score. A lot. They also play indoors and in a warm-weather division.

8. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland

If only kickoff averages awarded points, Janikowski might be No. 1 overall.

9. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans

An indoor kicker in a high-scoring, warm-weather division. Almost can't miss.

10. Nick Folk, New York Jets

The weather worries me, but Folk's Jets should score in bunches.

Fantasy Sleeper: Billy Cundiff, Baltimore