Thursday, August 17, 2006
Fantasy WR Rankings ( back from vacation)
Fantasy WR’s
1. Chad Johnson- Johnson’s season could start off slow if QB Carson Palmer is not ready to start on opening day. Backup QB Anthony Wright is not someone you can depend on.
Johnson benefits from playing with one of the NFL’s top #2 WR in T.J. Houshmanzadeh. Expect 1,400-1,600 yards with around 10 Td’s. Keep an eye on Palmer’s health.
2. Larry Fitzgerald- Fitzgerald proved he was a big time WR in the league last year as he ranked 2nd among fantasy WR’s. Fitzgerald might see the ball slightly less with the addition of RB Edgerrin James. If QB Kurt Warner can stay healthy and the Cardinals’ offensive line can step up, this could be a very dangerous offensive team. WR Anquan Boldin helps shield double coverage away from Fitzgerald. Expect 1,400-1,600 yards and 10 Td’s.
3. Randy Moss- Randy Moss is still the deadliest WR threat in the game when healthy. The two questions for him lie in his health and the Raiders QB situation. Aarron Brooks takes over the QB spot in Oakland. He has a cannon of an arm, which should help Moss fantasy wise. If Brooks can straighten out, Moss could have a monstrous, Viking-like, season. He is a high risk-reward pick at 3. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards and 12+ Td’s.
4. Steve Smith- Smith became the #1 fantasy WR last season and had some huge games. He has had some injury problems this preseason. The only other reason he is ranked at 4 is because of the addition of WR Keyshawn Johnson. While some will say this will open things up for Smith, it will also decrease the amount of balls thrown Smith’s way since he was the only true receiving threat for the Panthers last season. The Panthers got the ball to him in any possible way they could, and while they will still try to do this some, they will be able to balance out their offense more, or so they hope. His # of catches and total yards could be down, but his average yards per catch and Td’s should go up a little. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards and 10+ Td’s.
5. Torry Holt- Holt is the best receiver that no one talks about. Even after 6 straight great seasons, he seems to be underrated. The health of QB Marc Bulger is an important part for Holt. Mike Martz has left and the offense might be focused more on running the ball with RB Steven Jackson. But expect yet another good season for Holt. He put up 100 catches, 1,300 yards, and 9 Td’s while missing two games, and playing half the season with a backup/3rd string QB. Expect 1,100-1,300 yards and around 10 Td’s.
6. Chris Chambers- Chris Chambers is being recognized more and more among the leagues top WR’s, but still doesn’t get enough hype in my opinion. If you look at the QB’s Chambers has been playing with it is amazing that he has even put up the numbers he has. Now with QB Daunte Culpepper’s arrival, Chambers could reach that elite level of wide receivers. Chambers, who is only 5’11, plays much bigger on the field.
His 40+ inch vertical allows him to go up for jump balls much better than most WR’s. This could be the start to a QB/WR relationship that was like Culpepper’s one with Randy Moss in Minnesota, but without the drama. My major breakout player. Expect 1,100-1,300 yards and around 10 Td’s.
7. Terrell Owens- Owens’ relationship with coach Bill Parcells will be key. We know Owens is extremely outspoken and that Parcellls isn’t exactly a quiet coach himself. Parcells likes running the ball and isn’t an open offense type of coach. This could hurt Owens but expect him to still standout. QB Drew Bledsoe still has a cannon and will need to make sure he gets rid of the ball. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and around 10 Td’s
8. Reggie Wayne- Should supercede Harrison this year. But still splits receiving with Harrison, Stokley, and TE Dallas Clark. QB Peyton Manning is the best decision maker in the game. The Colts did lose RB Edgerrin James which should allow teams to focus more on the passing game. Even so, the passing attack will be very good. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and around 10 Td’s.
9. Anquan Boldin- Boldin had another good year last year, proving the 40 yard dash at the combine means even less. Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin make up the best young WR tandem in the league. Boldin should have another good year, especially if QB Kurt Warner can stay healthy and return to some sort of his previous form. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and 8 Td’s.
10. Marvin Harrison- Harrison is soon to be 34 but still one of the most productive WR’s in the league. His numbers have to slow sometime, and with the emergence of Reggie Wayne, and the departure of RB Edgerrin James look for that to actually start this year. He should still put up decent numbers with the best QB in the game throwing to him. Expect around 1,000 yards and 8 Td’s.
11. Santana Moss- Brandon Lloyd and Randle El should open things up more for Moss, but at the same time take some catches away from him. Should have a good year but probably not as many catches. A great #2 WR in fantasy, an ok #1.
12. Hines Ward- No more Randle El, but should be solid. Look for an increase on last year, but still shouldn’t be your #1 WR in fantasy.
13. Andre Johnson- Consistency a question mark, as is Carr’s pass protection. But look for Johnson’s numbers to jump a great deal with the addition of veteran WR Eric Moulds.
14. Plaxico Burress- Needs to sure up hands, Manning needs a whole good year.
15. Roy Williams- Could surprise a lot of people in the fantasy world with his introduction into Martz offense. Needs Jon Kitna to be solid. Could be the 2nd biggest breakout player at WR behind Chambers
16. Javon Walker- Walker needs to show up big after his injury to prove he wasn’t just a one year wonder. With Ashely Lelie’s demands for a trade, Walker will definitely be the go to guy in Denver. QB Jake Plummer will most likely be looking for Walker a lot. Walker could easily end up as a top 10 WR but his injury last season makes him slightly risky.
17. Joe Horn- Needs to show that he still has it, is recovered from injury and needs Drew Brees to come back healthy.
18. Derrick Mason- Mason is getting older, but could benefit greatly from QB Steve McNair’s presence. But Baltimore will still be a run first team. Also, look for Mark Clayton’s role to increase in the passing game.
19. Darrell Jackson- Injured much of last year. Has a very good QB in Hasselbeck.
20. Donald Driver- Showed he was still a very good receiver last year, needs to continue play. He will most likely decrease statistically from last year.
21. Lavernanues Coles- Needs Chad Pennington to be healthy and in old form.
22. Deion Branch- Holdout has hurt him. Also, the fact that the Patriots spread the ball around so much makes it hard to depend on Patriots WR in the fantasy world.
23. Reggie Brown- He is the only wide receiver in Philly, so he could put up some decent numbers.
24. Keenan McCardell- His age has to start catching up to him.
25. Antonio Bryant- It looks like he is the #1 in San Francisco, but remember he has Alex Smith as a QB.
26. Braylon Edwards- Young and talented, but hasn’t proved anything. He also has Charlie Frye throwing to him.
27. Eddie Kennison- He seems to be the only WR in Kansas City.
28. Mark Clayton- Look for a breakout year.
29. T.J. Houshmanzadeh- Maybe the best #2 WR in the league.
30. Marty Booker- The Daunte Culpepper effect.
31. Lee Evans- Has skills. Doesn’t have a QB.
32. Rod Smith- Isn't he like 900 years old?
33. Donte Stallworth- Had his best year as a pro last year.
34. Muhsin Muhammad- QB Rex Grossman needs to stay healthy. Muhammad is slowing.
35. Keyshawn Johnson- Paired with Steve Smith.
6 Deep Sleepers
Nate Burleson- Look for him to take over the #2 spot in Seattle.
Mark Bradley- I just like how he plays.
Vincent Jackson- 6’5, 240lbs and fast. Look for him to breakout in San Diego.
Ronald Curry- Jerry Porter wants a trade. Curry had a real good year 2 years ago as a #3. He is just finally completely adjusted to WR after playing QB in college. He plays along with Randy Moss. All things that I like.
Sinorice Moss- Will return some most likely and has a chance to play at WR.
Greg Jennings- Has looked good at Packers camp.
Fantasy WR’s
1. Chad Johnson- Johnson’s season could start off slow if QB Carson Palmer is not ready to start on opening day. Backup QB Anthony Wright is not someone you can depend on.
Johnson benefits from playing with one of the NFL’s top #2 WR in T.J. Houshmanzadeh. Expect 1,400-1,600 yards with around 10 Td’s. Keep an eye on Palmer’s health.2. Larry Fitzgerald- Fitzgerald proved he was a big time WR in the league last year as he ranked 2nd among fantasy WR’s. Fitzgerald might see the ball slightly less with the addition of RB Edgerrin James. If QB Kurt Warner can stay healthy and the Cardinals’ offensive line can step up, this could be a very dangerous offensive team. WR Anquan Boldin helps shield double coverage away from Fitzgerald. Expect 1,400-1,600 yards and 10 Td’s.
3. Randy Moss- Randy Moss is still the deadliest WR threat in the game when healthy. The two questions for him lie in his health and the Raiders QB situation. Aarron Brooks takes over the QB spot in Oakland. He has a cannon of an arm, which should help Moss fantasy wise. If Brooks can straighten out, Moss could have a monstrous, Viking-like, season. He is a high risk-reward pick at 3. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards and 12+ Td’s.
4. Steve Smith- Smith became the #1 fantasy WR last season and had some huge games. He has had some injury problems this preseason. The only other reason he is ranked at 4 is because of the addition of WR Keyshawn Johnson. While some will say this will open things up for Smith, it will also decrease the amount of balls thrown Smith’s way since he was the only true receiving threat for the Panthers last season. The Panthers got the ball to him in any possible way they could, and while they will still try to do this some, they will be able to balance out their offense more, or so they hope. His # of catches and total yards could be down, but his average yards per catch and Td’s should go up a little. Expect 1,200-1,400 yards and 10+ Td’s.
5. Torry Holt- Holt is the best receiver that no one talks about. Even after 6 straight great seasons, he seems to be underrated. The health of QB Marc Bulger is an important part for Holt. Mike Martz has left and the offense might be focused more on running the ball with RB Steven Jackson. But expect yet another good season for Holt. He put up 100 catches, 1,300 yards, and 9 Td’s while missing two games, and playing half the season with a backup/3rd string QB. Expect 1,100-1,300 yards and around 10 Td’s.
6. Chris Chambers- Chris Chambers is being recognized more and more among the leagues top WR’s, but still doesn’t get enough hype in my opinion. If you look at the QB’s Chambers has been playing with it is amazing that he has even put up the numbers he has. Now with QB Daunte Culpepper’s arrival, Chambers could reach that elite level of wide receivers. Chambers, who is only 5’11, plays much bigger on the field.

His 40+ inch vertical allows him to go up for jump balls much better than most WR’s. This could be the start to a QB/WR relationship that was like Culpepper’s one with Randy Moss in Minnesota, but without the drama. My major breakout player. Expect 1,100-1,300 yards and around 10 Td’s.
7. Terrell Owens- Owens’ relationship with coach Bill Parcells will be key. We know Owens is extremely outspoken and that Parcellls isn’t exactly a quiet coach himself. Parcells likes running the ball and isn’t an open offense type of coach. This could hurt Owens but expect him to still standout. QB Drew Bledsoe still has a cannon and will need to make sure he gets rid of the ball. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and around 10 Td’s
8. Reggie Wayne- Should supercede Harrison this year. But still splits receiving with Harrison, Stokley, and TE Dallas Clark. QB Peyton Manning is the best decision maker in the game. The Colts did lose RB Edgerrin James which should allow teams to focus more on the passing game. Even so, the passing attack will be very good. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and around 10 Td’s.
9. Anquan Boldin- Boldin had another good year last year, proving the 40 yard dash at the combine means even less. Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin make up the best young WR tandem in the league. Boldin should have another good year, especially if QB Kurt Warner can stay healthy and return to some sort of his previous form. Expect 1,000-1,200 yards and 8 Td’s.
10. Marvin Harrison- Harrison is soon to be 34 but still one of the most productive WR’s in the league. His numbers have to slow sometime, and with the emergence of Reggie Wayne, and the departure of RB Edgerrin James look for that to actually start this year. He should still put up decent numbers with the best QB in the game throwing to him. Expect around 1,000 yards and 8 Td’s.
11. Santana Moss- Brandon Lloyd and Randle El should open things up more for Moss, but at the same time take some catches away from him. Should have a good year but probably not as many catches. A great #2 WR in fantasy, an ok #1.
12. Hines Ward- No more Randle El, but should be solid. Look for an increase on last year, but still shouldn’t be your #1 WR in fantasy.
13. Andre Johnson- Consistency a question mark, as is Carr’s pass protection. But look for Johnson’s numbers to jump a great deal with the addition of veteran WR Eric Moulds.
14. Plaxico Burress- Needs to sure up hands, Manning needs a whole good year.
15. Roy Williams- Could surprise a lot of people in the fantasy world with his introduction into Martz offense. Needs Jon Kitna to be solid. Could be the 2nd biggest breakout player at WR behind Chambers
16. Javon Walker- Walker needs to show up big after his injury to prove he wasn’t just a one year wonder. With Ashely Lelie’s demands for a trade, Walker will definitely be the go to guy in Denver. QB Jake Plummer will most likely be looking for Walker a lot. Walker could easily end up as a top 10 WR but his injury last season makes him slightly risky.
17. Joe Horn- Needs to show that he still has it, is recovered from injury and needs Drew Brees to come back healthy.
18. Derrick Mason- Mason is getting older, but could benefit greatly from QB Steve McNair’s presence. But Baltimore will still be a run first team. Also, look for Mark Clayton’s role to increase in the passing game.
19. Darrell Jackson- Injured much of last year. Has a very good QB in Hasselbeck.
20. Donald Driver- Showed he was still a very good receiver last year, needs to continue play. He will most likely decrease statistically from last year.
21. Lavernanues Coles- Needs Chad Pennington to be healthy and in old form.
22. Deion Branch- Holdout has hurt him. Also, the fact that the Patriots spread the ball around so much makes it hard to depend on Patriots WR in the fantasy world.
23. Reggie Brown- He is the only wide receiver in Philly, so he could put up some decent numbers.
24. Keenan McCardell- His age has to start catching up to him.
25. Antonio Bryant- It looks like he is the #1 in San Francisco, but remember he has Alex Smith as a QB.
26. Braylon Edwards- Young and talented, but hasn’t proved anything. He also has Charlie Frye throwing to him.
27. Eddie Kennison- He seems to be the only WR in Kansas City.
28. Mark Clayton- Look for a breakout year.
29. T.J. Houshmanzadeh- Maybe the best #2 WR in the league.
30. Marty Booker- The Daunte Culpepper effect.
31. Lee Evans- Has skills. Doesn’t have a QB.
32. Rod Smith- Isn't he like 900 years old?
33. Donte Stallworth- Had his best year as a pro last year.
34. Muhsin Muhammad- QB Rex Grossman needs to stay healthy. Muhammad is slowing.
35. Keyshawn Johnson- Paired with Steve Smith.
6 Deep Sleepers
Nate Burleson- Look for him to take over the #2 spot in Seattle.
Mark Bradley- I just like how he plays.
Vincent Jackson- 6’5, 240lbs and fast. Look for him to breakout in San Diego.
Ronald Curry- Jerry Porter wants a trade. Curry had a real good year 2 years ago as a #3. He is just finally completely adjusted to WR after playing QB in college. He plays along with Randy Moss. All things that I like.
Sinorice Moss- Will return some most likely and has a chance to play at WR.
Greg Jennings- Has looked good at Packers camp.