2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings: Andre Johnson Tops List

Look, I’m not going to brag, but I know Fantasy Football. I’ve been successful in almost all 135 teams I’ve played in over the last two seasons. Addicted eh? Well yes, addicted but my activity has allowed me to go through different set-ups and win several championships.

Anyways, back to you guys and the players.  Many leagues have now become PPR (Point Per Reception) but a regular ESPN standard league is not. So, for article purposes I am basing my rankings off a league that I ran last year. Point system is as follows:

Every 10 receiving yards (REY10)	1		Each reception (REC)	1
TD Reception (RETD)	6		40+ yard TD rec bonus (RETD40)	2
50+ yard TD rec bonus (RETD50)	3		2pt Receiving Conversion (2PRE)	2
100-199 yard receiving game (REY100)	2		200+ yard receiving game (REY200)	3

We got it? Alright, now here is your top 50 Fantasy Football WR Rankings in a PPR league.

1. Andre Johnson-Texans

2010 Stats- 86 catches, 1,216 yards, and 8 touchdowns.

While Andre didn’t crack double digits in touchdowns, his catches and receiving yards make him for sure a top five pick. So why is he #1? Well if we all remember correctly there was a running back taking over the Houston Texans and Fantasy football, Arian Foster. With a more balanced attack and two scary weapons, I see Johnson cracking the top of the list for wide receivers this year.

With Kevin Kolb In Town, Look For Larry Fitz To Rise To The Top Again.

2. Larry Fitzgerald-Cardinals

2010 Stats- 90 catches,  1,137 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Numbers are very similar to similar to those of Andre and yes, I’ve bought in. Whether the Cardinals get Kevin Kolb or a secondary option of Vince Young, Kyle Orton, or Matt Hasselbeck, “Fitz” will have a much better quarterback this year. A much better quarterback along with a hopeful legitimate running back system, Fitz could finally find himself at the top again.

3. Calvin Johnson-Lions

2010 Stats-77 catches, 1,120 yards, 12 touchdowns.

Catches and yards not the same but touchdowns the most among the top three so far. With a depleted quarterback system Calvin was still able to produce to the top of his game. With a healthy Matthew Stafford and rookie receiver Titus Young, Calvin Johnson could certainly be among the best this season. As long as Stafford can stay healthy.

4. Greg Jennings-Packers

2010 Stats-76 catches, 1,265 yards, 12 touchdowns.

Grrreeeggg Jennings, if it wasn’t for the Packers winning the Super Bowl he would be more famous for his YouTube Madden highlight and not his actual talent. Then again, it’s debatable that without Greg Jennings, Green Bay doesn’t win the Super Bowl. The relationship with Rodgers and Jennings is going to be a good one for as long as they are together, which could mean great signs for Jennings’ owners.

5. Hakeem Nicks-Giants

2010 Stats-79 catches,  1,052 yards, 11 touchdowns.

You were all waiting for the bombshell, and there it was. Or is it a bombshell? If you’ve noticed a trend in these top five, they all have similar numbers. Nicks is comparable to a Miles Austin like receiver and with Steve Smith’s return left up to free agency, Nicks may be Eli Manning’s new best friend.  The 6 foot, 215-pound receiver with hands like The Big Show,  may be headed for a breakout season.

6. Roddy White-Falcons

2010 Stats- 115 catches, 1,389 yards, 10 touchdowns

It might be crazy to see Roddy White not in my top five but I put in a great case for the other players.  Atlanta made a surprising move by trading multiple draft picks in order to reach ahead of all the other teams and draft rookie receiver, Julio Jones.  Jones is certainly a play maker which make hurt White’s value but there is no doubt he is and will remain among the elite Fantasy wide receivers.

7. Reggie Wayne-Colts

2010 Stats- 111 catches, 1,355 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Wayne will always  be among the top wide receivers for one reason: Peyton Manning. Need I say more?

8. Miles Austin- Cowboys

2010 Stats- 69 catches, 1,041 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Austin’s numbers don’t reflect his previous season. Why? Because Jon Kitna was throwing to him most of the time. When Tony Romo went down with injury nearly all Cowboys’ players were being avoided but now with Romo back and healthy Austin will certainly be back among the top 10. Dez Bryant obviously is going to need more plays to raise his stock but the Romo and the ‘Boys have a great 1-2 punch.

9. Mike Wallace- Steelers

2010 Stats- 60 catches, 1,257 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Mike Wallace is one of those speedy deep threats. You can tell from his numbers he won’t be among the elite receivers as far as receptions go but when you’re making touchdown plays from 25+ yards it’s to get the ball every single time. Wallace is the first “speed” receiver to cut the top 10.

10. DeSean Jackson-Eagles

2010 Stats-47 catches, 1,056 yards, 6 touchdowns.

The second and last speedy receiver to make the top 10 is, DeSean Jackson. With Michael Vick’s resurgence to the top of elite quarterbacks (in both the NFL and fantasy) some of this credit shall be due to Jackson. He’s certainly a guy who will find the end-zone and if your league credits return points, here’s your bread-winner.

11. Vincent Jackson-Chargers

2010 Stats- 14 catches, 248 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Vincent Jackson..this high? Yep, or is it to low? Well after all the suspension, holdout, and injuries Jackson was able to play in only four games. The reasoning for VJax being so high is the fact that he has Phillip Rivers who’s among the top quarterbacks in fantasy football.

12. Dwayne Bowe-Chiefs

2010 Stats- 72 catches, 1,162 yards,  15 touchdowns.

Bowe statistically had one of the best fantasy seasons we’ve ever seen. In the same hand, it was also the greatest season of Bowe’s career. I’m not completely sold on Bowe who has a questionable work ethic. The Chiefs drafted WR Jonathan Baldwin and signed Steve Breaston from Arizona but why they did, I have no idea.

13. Dez Bryant-Cowboys

2010 Stats- 45 catches, 561 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Dez the man! Yep, I’m one of the biggest Dez Bryant fans in the NFL Universe but it’s for a good reason. While his quarterback was injured Bryant was still making plays until he got hurt.

Showstopper Mike Williams Should Avoid A Sophomore Slump

14. Mike Williams- Tampa Bay

2010 Stats-65 catches,  964 yards, 11 touchdowns.

What a rookie season for this kid eh? Well, I’m a big believer in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I believe Freeman,  Blount, and Mike Williams will all have great second years in the NFL this season.

15. Jeremy Maclin- Eagles

2010 Stats- 70 catches, 964 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Jeremy Maclin is sick, literally. Despite this new mysterious illness that Maclin seems to have going on, with the resurgence of Mike Vick, look for Maclin to do some big things.

16. Santonio Holmes-Jets

2010 Stats- 52 catches,  746 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Super Bowl MVP to in my mind, one of the more underrated receivers in the game. There’s no doubting Holmes’ big play ability. After a shortened season due to suspension, he still put up big numbers and is due big thanks to helping Mark Sanchez’s rise and the Jets 2nd straight trip to the AFC Title game. Holmes will always remain a consistent factor in fantasy football.

17. Brandon Lloyd-Broncos

2010 Stats- 77 catches, 1,448 yards, 11 touchdowns.

From the top to the middle, at least he didn’t hit the bottom. I hate to say it but all I can call last season for Brandon Lloyd is a fluke, either him and Kyle Orton can read each other’s minds or they just found a way to make it work. Not saying he won’t be good, but he won’t be top 5 like last season.

18. Marques Colston-Saints

2010 Stats- 84 catches, 1,023 yards, 7 touchdowns

Kind of hard to be among the top WRs in the game when your quarterback throws to every single eligible receiver during the game. One of his best seasons since being the league so far, Colston still flies under the radar. If he can stay healthy and remain consistent, he may end in the top 15.

19. Wes Welker- Patriots

2010 Stats- 86 catches, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Wes Welker is usually a top target especially in a PPR league as he always seems to be Brady’s go to. With Chad Ochocinco now in town look for that to only help Welker’s production.

20.Brandon Marshall- Dolphins

2010 Stats- 86 catches, 1,014 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Not many top wide receivers can remain at the top of their game with a mediocre quarterback.  Despite injuries and Chad Henne throwing to him, Marshall was still able to put up his type of yards and catches. Now his second season in Miami

21. Percy Harvin-Vikings

2010 Stats-71 catches, 868 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Thank you Mr. McNabb! If it wasn’t for the Vikings trading for Donovan McNabb Percy would’ve fallen to the bottom of this list (see Braylon Edwards, Michael Crabtree). With Sidney Rice’s departure, Harvin becomes the #1 receiver (but he’s not a true #1) It’ll be interesting with Migraine Harvin.

22. Kenny Britt-Titans

2010 Stats- 42 catches, 775 yards, 9 touchdowns.

I wonder if this man’s contract goes all towards his bail money. Off the field Britt is as dumb as a box of rocks. On the field, Britt plays as solid as a box of rocks. Whether Jake Loacker or Matt Hasselbeck is throwing him the ball, Britt will still put up great numbers. As long as he’s not in jail.

Calm Down! Just Because He Plays For Buffalo Doesn't Mean Stevie Johnson Isn't Fantasy Gold

23. Steve Johnson-Bills

2010 Stats- 82 catches, 1,073 yards, 10 touchdowns.

Don’t worry! Stevie Johnson and God have figured out their differences! No more dropped passes on the man upstairs. So while Steve Johnson is asking “why so serious?” You ask your opponents, “why’d you let him fall to me?” This kid has A LOT of potential.

24. Anquan Boldin-Ravens

2010 Stats- 64 catches, 837 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Now most of the time bringing in more players at your position means your value could go down but not for Anquan Boldin. With rookie Torrey Smith and veteran Lee Evans now in B-More, it’s time that Boldin be exactly that, more.

25. Mario Manningham-Giants

2010 Stats- 60 catches, 944 yards, 9 touchdowns.

Manningham is good, but not great. Manningham has always put himself in a great position playing alongside Hakeem Nicks. With the Giants losing Steve Smith (Philly) and Kevin Boss (Raiders) we could see a lot more Mario in 2011.

26. Pierre Garcon-Colts

2010 Stats- 67 catches, 784 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Back to the entire Reggie Wayne description, one name: Peyton Manning.

27. Steve Smith- Panthers

2010 Stats-46 catches, 553 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Steve Smith although injury prone is still a legitimate wide receiver. For cam Newton’s value, Steve Smith certainly helps. He may not put up eye-popping numbers but he always will produce.

28. Julio Jones-Falcons

Rookie

Not much to plead the case on Julio Jones except he put up a great combine, with a broken foot. He’s got an elite quarterback in Matty Ice, and a stud wide receiver in Roddy White. The only negative about Jones is that he will take catches away from White but he will also come with rookie struggles.

29. Sidney Rice-Seahawks

2010 Stats-17 catches, 280 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Sidney Rice is coming off a season in which he battled injuries and recovering from hip surgery. Not THAT BAD with 400 (not 40, I meant 400) Brett Favre throwing to him but now Rice is in Seattle and Tavaris Jackson is throwing to him. Stay tuned.

30. Austin Collie-Colts

2010 Stats-58 catches, 649 yards, 8 touchdowns.

Reggie Wayne: Peyton Manning. Pierre Garcon: Peyton Manning. Austin Collie: Peyton Manning! Only other concern in Collie’s situation is remaining healthy.

31. Malcom Floyd-Chargers

2010 Stats- 37 catches, 717 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Floyd is coming back home and I’m very high on what he can do. Vincent Jackson will be in town all season (unless injured) and Floyd is a solid #2 (who could be a #1) so if the chemistry is there, Floyd’s numbers will be there.

32. Johnny Knox-Bears

2010 Stats-51 catches, 960 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Johnny Knox is #2 on the depth chart but higher than #1 on my list. His speed and play-making ability will make Johnny Knox a much more dangerous weapon in the Bears’ passing game than Roy Williams.

Ocho and Tom Brady Will Have Plenty To Thank Each Other For This Season

33. Chad Ochocinco-Patriots

2010 Stats-67 catches, 831 yards, 4 touchdowns.

I have plenty to say of Ochocinco: humorous, entertaining, distraction (at times). Now in New England with Tom Brady passing to him and a Super Bowl focused organization, Ocho will be underrated but put up great numbers.

34. Lance Moore-Saints

2010 Stats-66 catches, 763 yards, 8 touchdowns.

Just like Marques Colston having great numbers due to Drew Brees, Lance Moore also has numbers thanks to Brees. While Sean Payton is running the show and Brees is passing, Lance Moore will always have consistent fantasy value.

35. Jordy Nelson-Packers

2010 Stats- 45 catches, 582 yards, 2 touchdowns.

While Jennings has been catapulted into my top 5 thanks to Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson finds himself among the top 35.  We all understand Donald Driver is a great talent, but he’s getting old. I expect big things from Jordy Nelson this year.

36. Michael Crabtree-49ers

2010 Stats-55 catches, 741 yards, 6 touchdowns.

All I can say for the 49ers is that it really sucks to have Alex Smith throwing to you. It will really suck to throw rookie Colin Kapernick into the starting job (no chemistry) and it would EXTREMELY suck if the 49ers gave Daunte Culpepper a shot to compete at quarterback. Crabtree needs to remain healthy, get his quarterback situation figured out, and then he can become a top fantasy player.

37. AJ Green-Bengals

Rookie

I really hate to put any Bengals player on a top list, even if there’s a 50. I really hate to put AJ Green on here right now because either Bruce Gradkowski or Andy Dalton will be throwing to this talented rookie. That’s not saying much.

38.  Braylon Edwards-49ers

2010 Stats-53 catches, 904 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Really Braylon? Really? From Mark Sanchez to….Alex Smith?  At least Sanchez could get Edwards the ball! Not sure Braylon will have a great impact in San Francisco but, he did do work in Cleveland.

39. James Jones-Packers

2010 Stats-50 catches, 679 yards, 5 touchdowns.

As Peyton Manning made his wide receivers fantasy worthy, Aaron Rodgers has made James Jones just as valuable as Jordy Nelson. Hate to say but an injury is almost certain to happen to one of the wide receivers, and James Jones is a nice insurance policy.

40. Mike Thomas-Jaguars

2010 Stats- 66 catches, 820 yards, 4 touchdowns.

With Mike Sims-Walker leaving town, Mike Thomas became the #1 receiver for Jacksonville but that truly isn’t saying much. Not downgrading Mike Thomas’ talent cause he certainly has some but, look for Jaguars rookie Cecil Shorts to some point make a run at the #1 spot.

41. Plaxico Burress- Jets

Jail. (sad but true)

I don’t know what to say here, it’s hard to talk about a guy who’s been in jail for shooting himself. What I will say is that Plaxico is on a winning team, with a winning mindset. Sanchez worked with Holmes and Edwards, now its time for Holmes and Burress.

If He Can Remain Healthy, Jacoby Ford May Soar To New Heights In Silver & Black This Year

42. Jacoby Ford-Raiders

2010 Stats- 25 catches, 470 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Wake up on Jacoby Ford! He is the biggest sleeper in this year’s 2011 Fantasy Football season for wide receivers. He can make play after play and with another year of chemistry down with Jason Campbell, a lot of people are whispering Jacoby Ford’s name, sooner than later you’ll be yelling it cause he got you the win.

43. Mike Sims-Walker- Rams

2010 Stats- 43 catches, 562 yards, 7 touchdowns.

Mike Sims-Walker was a pretty big target for Jacksonville, when healthy. With Sam Bradford’s unlimited potential and a new offensive scheme, MSW might come back to fantasy relevance.

44. Mike Williams-Seahawks

2010 Stats- 65 catches, 751 yards, 2 touchdowns.

With Tavaris Jackson in town as the starting quarterback for Seattle, Mike Williams may not be as good as last year. It’s already taken Mike Williams long enough to reach his potential, now with a downgraded QB he’ll really have to prove his worth.

45. Steve Breaston-Chiefs

2010 Stats- 47 catches, 718 yards, 1 touchdown.

With Breaston bolting Arizona for Kansas City the Chiefs got a solid #2 receiver. If the Chiefs want Dwayne Bowe to continue from last season, they needed to get him more receivers to relieve pressure. While rookie Jonathan Baldwin will need time to develop, look for Breaston to put up numbers.

46. Davone Bess-Dolphins

2010 Stats- 79 catches, 820 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Truth be told, I wanted to put Bess higher. Bess is a perfect #2 next to Brandon Marshall but the only problem is the QB situation in Miami. While Brandon Marshall will be seeing lots of double teams, Bess will be seeing a lot of passes thrown his name. He usually catches them and that makes him PPR gold.

47. Robert Meachem-Saints

2010 Stats- 44 catches, 638 yards, 5 touchdowns.

Colston, Moore, and Meachem are the Saints “Big Three” but I wonder if Meachem can remain healthy and consistent. He makes a perfect fill in for a bye week player but that’s pretty much all his worth.

48. Roy Williams-Bears

2010 Stats- 37 catches, 530 yards, 5 touchdowns.

I’m not sold on Jay Cutler, I’m not sold on Mike Martz in Chicago but a #1 receiver SHOULD put up some sort of numbers. Although I like Knox to put up better numbers than Roy, I still think he’ll have fantasy value in Chicago.

49. Santana Moss-Redskins

2010 Stats-93 catches, 1,115 yards, 6 touchdowns.

Santana Moss, I’m sorry. I’ve never been to high on Moss to begin with, he’s just getting older. His talent is most certainly still there but, he has either Rex Grossman or John Beck throwing to him. Unless Beck has something we’ve never seen, then I don’t expect a big season out of Moss. Sorry Santana.

50. Emmanuel Sanders-Steelers

2010 Stats- 28 catches, 376 yards, 2 touchdowns.

The last and final player in this top 50. You might be thinking…who? you also might be thinking that I’m crazy cause there are a few names I left off this list (like Sanders’ teammate, Hines Ward) but, Sanders is right in the Jacoby Ford category. Didn’t see too much him of last season but word out of camp is he could become the next great target along side Wallace and Ward. If you can get him late in the 12-16 rounds, take him, then sit back, relax, and watch the kid produce.

Now here we are, at the end of this rankings list and if you think I’m crazy, you’re probably right.  I’m not Matthew Berry but then again I never claimed to be. Fantasy Football not only makes watching NFL games more enjoyable but it gives us the chance to be “experts”.  Obviously at the end of this season the list won’t be in this exact order due to benchings, trades, injuries and so on, but I like this pre-season prepared list.

Good luck to all the readers who have read this list and still not sent me hate mail. If you do plan to send me hate mail my e-mail is [e-mail]. If you’re to advanced for e-mail and want to Tweet me and tell me how stupid I am, make sure to follow me first: @MP2310.

Here’s to another great football season, best of luck to everyone playing fantasy football this year. The last piece of advice I will leave you with is to manage multiple teams, it makes watching NFL even more fun!

With all the signings, trades, and rookies ready to make an impact the 2011 season will certainly be exciting. Does anyone remember we had a lockout like a month ago? Ya, neither do I.

In honor of recently retired Randy Moss (who would’ve been on this list) I can sum up all 3100+ words into three: Straight Cash Homie!