2011 NFL Predictions: Projections for Desean Jackson and Top NFC East Receivers

With the likes of Desean Jackson, Hakeem Nicks, and Miles Austin, this years NFC East is loaded at the wide receiver position.

All three should be pro-bowl receivers, and it will be interesting to see who has the better year between them.

In this article, I'll predict the stats for the top two receivers on each NFC East franchise.  

Desean Jackson

2010 Stats:

Rec	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
47	1,056	6	22.5	14

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
79	1,418	13	17.9	15

Jackson actually saw his production go down after the 2009 campaign. This season, Jackson will face more double teams than at any point in his career with most teams trying to take his home run threat out of the game.

Vick's running ability will give Jackson a number of opportunities to make the big play, and he will have to capitalize on all of those opportunities. Look for Jackson to have another big year regardless. 

Jeremy Maclin

2010 Stats: 

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
70	964	10	13.8	16

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
76	1,079	10	14.1	15

Unlike his teammate Desean Jackson, Maclin saw an increase in his numbers from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

I expect an increase in receptions and yards for the former Missouri Tiger, with the same amount of touchdown. Look for Maclin to be a fantasy contributer once again this season.  

Hakeem Nicks

2010 Stats: 

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
79	1,052	11	13.3	13

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
88	1,257	15	14.28	15

Nicks had a break out season for the Giants in 2010, and looks to add onto his impressive numbers. 

Hakeem will once again be Eli Manning's favorite target, but staying healthy seems to be the major concern for the Giants. Look for Nicks to miss a game or two due to injury this season, but also expect a solid fantasy year. 

Mario Manningham

2010 Stats:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
60	944	10	15.7	16

2011 Prediction: 

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
73	1,107	11	15.2	16

Manningham had a spectacular year after filling in for the injured Steve Smith. The Giants wide-out should be a lock for 1,000 yards this season, and will be another big play threat for Eli Manning. 

The combination of Manning to Manningham should be a viable fantasy option as well this season. 

Miles Austin

2010 Stats:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
69	1,041	7	15.1	16

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
88	1,236	11	14.0	16

Having Tony Romo back for an entire season will most certainly help Austin get back to his pro-bowl numbers from two seasons ago.

Austin might be the best overall receiver out of this group, and its exciting to see what 2011 will bring for the Cowboys as a whole.  

Dez Bryant

2010 Stats:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
45	561	6	12.5	12

2011 Prediction: 

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
63	1,015	8	16.1	14

Dez Bryant was as about exciting as a rookie wide receiver can possibly be during the 2010 season. Bryant is not only a solid receiver, but he is one of the most dangerous return men in the game.

Bryant only played in 12 games last season, and the injury bug maybe lurking again. Expect Bryant to miss at least one game this season due to injury, but expect his first 1,000 yard season will be a special one.   

Santana Moss

2010 Stats:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
93	1,115	6	12.0	16

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
65	975	6	15.0	16

 Moss had a career high 93 grabs last season, but the quarterback problems in Washington will certainly cause those numbers to decrease. 

Look for Moss to be the main contributor through the air this season, but avoid Washington receivers for fantasy football as best you can. 

Anthony Armstrong

2010 Stats:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
44	871	3	19.8	15

2011 Prediction:

REC	YDS	TD	AVG	GP
67	940	6	14.0	16

Armstrong had a break through season for the Redskins last season, and was always a threat for big plays. Look for Armstrong's receptions to go up with his receiving yards, but the yards won't go up to much.

Armstrong's numbers depend on how effectively Ryan Torain and Tim Hightower can carry the football to set up the pass.