NFL Week 9 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top WR Studs

With Calvin Johnson and Steve Smith—two of the heavy hitters at the receiver position—on their bye weeks in Week 9, the following eight receivers top off our fantasy football rankings.

1. Greg Jennings, Packers

It's time for Jennings to start getting his due near the top of the fantasy receiver rankings. He's been one of the most consistent at the position in 2011, as Jennings has recorded just one game without either 100 yards or a receiving touchdown.

Coming off his best output of the 2011 season (147 yards, 1 TD), Jennings will look to top it against a Chargers secondary that has given up big points to receivers in each of the last two weeks. 

2. Roddy White, Falcons

It's easy to forget about White after a rocky start to his fantasy season, but it could get back on track in a big way this week when the Falcons visit Indianapolis.

Few teams have been as bad against opposing receivers as the Colts this season. One of their many weaknesses has been their inability to contain big, physical receivers such as Marques Colston (7 catches, 98 yards, 2 TDs vs. Colts) and Dwayne Bowe (7, 128, 2). Look for White to continue that misery for Indianapolis.   

3. Wes Welker, Patriots

I'm not ready to write Welker off just yet. The past two weeks are a bit concerning (12 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD), but Welker is Tom Brady's favorite target and will always get the opportunities to put up the kind of monster days we've seen from him this season.

It should also help that he's not facing the Steelers defense on Sunday. The Giants aren't a cakewalk, but the numbers should jump back up for Welker. 

4. Vincent Jackson, Chargers

Jackson has really only had two big receiving days this season, and they both came against weak pass defenses in New England (172 yards, 2 TDs) and Miami (108, 1).

The Packers have better personnel than each of those two teams but have been gashed by the big play in 2011. San Diego needs a big day from their best downfield threat to upend the undefeated Packers.

5. Marques Colston, Saints

Colston was obviously hurt by Drew Brees' hiccup in Week 8, as he caught only three passes for 50 yards after scoring the most fantasy points by a receiver over the previous two games.

The Saints now get another crack at the Buccaneers, who surrendered 118 yards and a score to Colston just three weeks ago. Expect a rebound here from Colston and the Saints offense.  

6. Brandon Lloyd, Rams

Is anyone happier to be out of Denver right now than Brandon Lloyd? As Tim Tebow struggled in his first two starts in Denver, Lloyd has 12 catches and a score since being traded to St. Louis two weeks ago.

Now that Sam Bradford (ankle) is likely back for the Rams, Lloyd's numbers should see a spike. The Cardinals' 30th-ranked fantasy defense against receivers should help this week. 

7. Mike Wallace, Steelers

Any list of top fantasy receivers has to include Wallace regardless of the matchup he's facing.

This week he gets Baltimore, who's 11th against fantasy receivers in 2011. Still, Wallace went over 100 yards in their Week 1 matchup, when Ben Roethlisberger played one of the worst games of his career.

Now that Big Ben is playing some of his best football, expect Wallace to again post solid numbers.   

8. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs

Bowe has cooled a touch since returning from the bye, but it's an encouraging sign that the Chiefs passing offense is still playing at a top level.

Bowe gets the Dolphins defense this week, and they are fresh off getting gashed by the Giants (19 catches, 229 yards, 2 TDs for New York receivers). I like Bowe to get back over 100 yards in Week 9.

Check out B/R's NFL week 9 picks for every game here.