Fantasy Football Rankings Week 4: Wes Welker and 5 WRs Who Won't Let You Down

When it comes to wide receivers and fantasy football, there are no sure things.

Well, except for Wes Welker. Through three games, it's looking like he's going to be putting up video game numbers all season long.

But beyond Welker, there are no sure things. Even the best wide receivers in the league are liable to fall flat on any given Sunday, and your fantasy team could suffer as a result.

This horrid reality is going to afflict some wide receivers in Week 4, but not all of them. Below is a list of five wide receivers who you can count on to rack up big points for your fantasy team.

5. Santonio Holmes, New York Jets

Admittedly, Santonio Holmes is off to a rough start this year, as he has just 10 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown. He's making fantasy owners everywhere grow restless.

But fear not, Holmes owners. He and the Jets are facing the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, and that's a better thing than you may realize.

For all their defensive prowess, wide receivers have done well against the Ravens this year, racking up 600 yards on 50 receptions. Moreover, you have to think that Mark Sanchez is going to look to get Holmes involved, as he just hasn't paid him much attention in the last two weeks.

Projection: Seven catches, 120 yards.

4. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Contrary to Holmes, Mike Wallace has been pretty darn good in the early goings this season, catching 21 passes for 377 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

That good fortune should continue this weekend against the Houston Texans. Their pass defense is much-improved, but opposing wide receivers have enjoyed some success against the Texans so far this season.

It's not so much the 37 receptions for 503 yards they've give up as it is the four touchdown catches they've given up. Only a handful of teams in the league have given up more.

Projection: Six catches, 110 yards, one TD.

3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Just like he was last year, Fitzgerald has been hit or miss early on this season, and more miss than hit.

Nevertheless, he and Kevin Kolb should be in for a field day when they take on the New York Giants this weekend. The Giants have had a very hard time limiting wide receivers this season. And because their secondary is not going to get any healthier in the next couple days, that trend should continue on Sunday.

Projection: Eight catches, 120 yards, one TD. 

2. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson has had one brilliant game, and two unimpressive games so far this year. The phrase "feast or famine" comes to mind.

On Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, I'm thinking Jackson is going to be feasting. Thanks in large part to Tom Brady, Miami has dreadful numbers against the pass this year. It may be unfair to judge them because of that, but I think it goes to show that the Dolphins can be beaten by a good quarterback.

At last check, Philip Rivers is a good quarterback. He'll find Jackson. Also of note, it won't be September anymore on Sunday, which is a good thing for the Chargers.

Projection: Nine catches, 130 yards, one TD.

1. Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Surprised to find our friend Wes Welker at the top of this list?

You shouldn't be. Like I said, he's the only sure thing the NFL's crop of wide receivers has to offer, and he has an ideal matchup on his hands this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders are pretty easy to beat through the air. It's a simple matter of running quick-developing plays designed to neutralize Oakland's defensive line while simultaneously taking advantage of their bad secondary.

Unless I'm missing something, this is a strategy that plays right into Welker's and Brady's hands. The two of them should be in for a huge day.

Projection: 11 catches, 150 yards, two TDs.