1. Andre Johnson, HOU
The Texans’ offense is so dynamic, you want to get your hands on anybody in it. Luckily for you, the offense runs through AJ. Don’t buy into that Arian Foster theory. This is still Johnson’s team. If he plays 16 games, he will be the best fantasy receiver. He’s reliable from week to week and with a first round pick, that’s all you really want. Somebody safe who will perform at an elite level.
2. Roddy White, ATL
He’s just…ridiculous. You could easily make a case for White to be the top receiver taken. He will be near the top in every category. He’s as reliable as they come in a great offense that targets him with a very good quarterback on the way to superstardom. If you invest in White, unless there’s an injury, you don’t have a surer bet.
3. Calvin Johnson, DET
MEGATRON. (Sorry, just felt like I need to put it in all caps.) If Matthew Stafford can ever, ever stay healthy, he and Johnson will put up some ridiculous numbers. As it is, the man they call Megatron has to deal with the likes of Shaun Hill (hey, it could be worse) or Drew Stanton. If he can put up 1,120 yards and 12 TDs with those guys, imagine what a full year of Matty Staff will do.
4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
Maybe the best true receiver in the NFL, Fitz is only fourth on this list because of the quarterback throwing to him. I’m not so sure Kevin Kolb is an answer. Fitz was great last year (90-1,137-6) with no Q, so Kolb will at least be an improvement. But if he’s not much of an improvement, 90-1,200-8 isn’t worthy of such a high draft pick.
5. Greg Jennings, GB
A true stud through and through. Aaron Rodgers is on top of the world right now and Jennings is in a perfect spot as his No. 1 target. Another year of 1,000+ yards and double digit scores is all but a guarantee.
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG
Nicks was a beast in his second year in the NFL. He quickly supplanted Manningham and Smith as Eli’s favorite target and heading into his third year, Nicks should be right back at it once again. He will probably even take a step up. With his massive hands, the third-year pro is already a bonafide stud and his arrow is pointing up. Way up.
7. Reggie Wayne, IND
Still a “Peyton Pet.” If Peyton Manning loves you, you’re doing something right. He didn’t score much last year (just six times), but his 111 catches for 1,300 yards should be duplicated once again. This time with hopefully more tuddies.
8. Miles Austin, DAL
He’ll benefit so much from getting Tony Romo back and ditching that golddigger Kim Kardashian for a whole season (sorry Kris! Still love you and thanks for helping me win a fantasy basketball ‘ship!). Think 2009 numbers again (81-1,320-11).
9. DeSean Jackson, PHI
A better, more established Mike Wallace. Jackson also has the added bonus of adding a punt return touchdown here or there.
10. Vincent Jackson, SD
Philip Rivers was ridiculous last year with a motley crew of pass-catchers. Imagine a full year of these two back together. Fantasy gold. For both.
11. Mike Wallace, PIT
The big-play threat that can score on literally any play any time. It’s encouraging to know that he may only have one catch for 10 yards with a minute left in the game, but he could catch an 80-yard TD bomb and wind up with two catches for 90 yards and a score. If there’s time on the clock, Wallace is a fantasy force. He does have his off weeks, but heading into his third year (traditionally a huge year for receivers), Wallace will have Big Ben (whoops, I shouldn’t call him that anymore!) all year and will somehow find a way to top 2010’s numbers.
12. Brandon Marshall, MIA
A PPR beast, Marshall is one of those receivers who can make or break a fantasy week. On the weeks he turns it on, he can have 20 catches for 200 yards and 3 scores. On his off weeks, try one catch for four yards. He has more good weeks than bad, but still, he’s a bit inconsistent. Makes for a heck of a No. 2 receiver though.
13. Wes Welker, NE
He’s Tom Brady’s dude and last year’s numbers (86-848-7) are great considering his return from the ACL injury. Imagine what he does fully healthy now. Expect another year of 110 catches for over 1,000 yards. He’s a Top 5 receiver in PPR leagues.
14. Dwayne Bowe, KC
Alright, his 15 TDs will not keep up. I can all but assure you of that. That is an unsustainable number year in and year out, unless you are Jerry Rice. And Dwayne Bowe is not Rice. Nor is Cassel Joe Montana or Steve Young. But, he should be a very good No. 1, top-tier No. 2 receiver. He’ll be targeted again in the red zone and could push 10 scores again easy. If nothing else, 70+ catches for 1,100 yards is a gimme.
15. Mike Williams, TB
What a rookie season for the young chap! As a receiver, he should only learn more going into Year 2. Learn the system, learn the league, build things better with Josh Freeman. He should easily cross 1,000 yards this year and will probably near 75 catches. I’m not so sure the 11 TDs is sustainable, but not a far possibility, of course.
16. Santonio Holmes, NYJ
Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith are gone and they’ve replaced them with Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. Not exactly the most spry dudes. Holmes doesn’t have a suspension to deal with this year (fingers crossed!) and should be able to be out on the field quite a bit more. Expect him to build an even better relationship with Sanchez and approach double digit TDs and 1,000 yards.
17. Dez Bryant, DAL
Tony Romo is back, Roy Williams is not. Bryant steps up into the No. 2 role behind Miles Austin and makes for a much better Williams. Most every ball the underachieving Williams caught will be directed towards Bryant. That’s 37 catches, 500 yards and 5 scores. Which would bump Bryant up to 70+ catches, 1,000 yards and 10 TDs roughly. It’s his second year in the system and in the league and he should be in for a big season.
18. Kenny Britt, TEN
The dude’s dynamic. He’s a force on the field, as evidenced by his huge gains and ridiculous games last year. But, he’s also got some attitude issues and has the consistent, but very boring, Matt Hasselbeck as starter right now. If his off-field issues don’t get in the way
19. Marques Colston, NO
Still Drew Brees’ favorite target (I think?). But, Colston is rapidly falling down on this list, probably even as we speak. He used to be a solid No. 1 guy, but Sean Payton is an equal opportunity employer and spreads the ball around like no other. Plus, he had offseason surgery on his knee. The arrow is definitely pointing down on Colston, but it’s not all bad yet. Makes a pretty good No. 2 receiver.
20. Sidney Rice, SEA
Maybe not as well established as we would like as a surefire No. 2 receiver, but you could do worse. Rice was a beast before a hip injury derailed him last year. It looks like Tarvaris is the man in Seattle (maybe?), and if so, he has a rapport with Rice. That means he’d be looking Rice’s way early and often. Sidney isn’t a No. 1 option, but he’s got the perfect size and is immensely talented, so there’s a lot of upside here.
21. Anquan Boldin, BAL
Eh, maybe a bit of a stretch here, I’ll admit. But Boldin is a very good receiver with an up-and-coming quarterback. And those annoying veterans Todd Heap and Derrick Mason are out of the way now. So more throws to Boldin. Plus, do you remember his Week 3 last year (8 catches, 142 yards, 3 tuddies)? That is the kind of potential he has. He’s only 30, so don’t consider him burnt out yet.
22. Chad Ochocinco, NE
“If anybody can resurrect the career of a wide receiver, it’s Tom Brady.” I’ve heard that maybe 20 times this offseason. And annoying as it may be, it’s true. Brady is upper-echelon. Say what you will about the dude’s hair or dance moves or any other public appearances. He’s one hell of a quarterback and I find it hard to believe Ochocinco doesn’t have anything left after a down ’10 season. He was very good in ’09 and Brady will bring him to the cusp of the fantasy elite.
23. Jeremy Maclin, PHI
He’s cleared and ready to go! After a crazy health scare that spanned like the entire offseason, Maclin is supposed to be cleared for everything. They didn’t ever find out what was wrong with him fully, though. Maybe he should go see Dr. House. Either way, the potential health issues are a scare, but Maclin is the possession guy in Philly and should be targeted quite often whenever he’s on the field (which is hopefully a lot).
24. Steve Johnson, BUF
Stevieeeeeeeeee! What grown man goes by “Stevie”? It’s very odd. Oh well, whatever you call him, Johnson burst onto the fantasy scene last year with 1,000 yards and 10 tuddies. I’d like to see him do it again before I move him up the ranks to the cusp of the elite, but I think he very well could. Ryan Fitzpatrick is honestly not a terrible QB and once again, Buffalo will be throwing a lot. Lee Evans is gone, so Johnson is the man in Buffalo.
25. Mario Manningham, NYG
Manningham is a bonafide stud in a pretty good passing offense. He’s improved leaps and bounds in each of his three years in the league and has clearly earned Eli Manning’s trust. In his fourth year and with Steve Smith (the other Steve Smith) gone, Manningham should break the 1,000 yard mark and flirt with 10 scores.
26. Percy Harvin, MIN
Harvin allegedly hasn’t had a migraine in a few months. Since early in the year, I’ve heard. Which is good because with a shaky Minnesota passing game, his only value will come on the sheer quantity of snaps he’s out on the field for. Harvin is awfully dynamic and could score on an end-around any time, but Donovan McNabb is on his last leg career-wise and Visanthe Shiancoe should vulture a lot of the redzone scores. Plus, there’s that Adrian Peterson guy in Minnesota. I hear he’s pretty good.
27. Steve Smith, CAR
Sucks about his QB situation, doesn’t it? I hate to say it cause I love the guy, but this is probably the last year Smith is even fantasy relevant. Carolina will run, run, run. But, they will also be down a lot and forced to pass a lot. And in the passing game, Smith gets the first, second and third looks. So, even if it’s a 14-year-old girl at quarterback, he should at least approach 1,000 yards and a few scores.
28. Michael Crabtree, SF
Crabtree has shown flashes of his potential. Yes, Braylon Edwards did sign in the offseason, but come on. Edwards wasn’t even good when he was the clear-cut No. 1 in his career. He’s been on some very good New York teams the past two years, but clearly didn’t perform like it. No, this is Crabtree’s team.
29. Santana Moss, WAS
I mean, Rex Grossman or John Beck will be his quarterback. That’s like asking somebody whether they would rather be stabbed to death or drowned. Either way, you’re dead. Moss would be a very good No. 2 fantasy receiver if the “QB”s (and I used that term loosely) can ever find him.
30. Austin Collie, IND
Collie is a “Peyton Pet.” Peyton Manning loves him. And if Peyton Manning loves you, you’re in good. If Collie can get over his concussion issues, he should have a very solid fantasy year.
31. A.J. Green, CIN—Physical freak and clear No. 1 but comes with QB worries
32. Jacoby Ford, OAK—Dude is fast. Should take step to become best OAK receiver
33. Pierre Garcon, IND—Another Peyton Pet. Instantly makes him fantasy viable
34. Brandon Lloyd, DEN—Won’t be anywhere near as good as last year, be cautious
35. Mike Sims-Walker, STL—Could he find consistency with Bradford in the STL?
36. Lance Moore, NO—Could wind up being Saints most productive receiver
37. Julio Jones, ATL—D’s will be keyed on stopping White, Gonzalez, leaving lanes open
38. Mike Thomas, JAC—He’s the clear No. 1, even if it’s on a bad team with a bad O
39. Malcom Floyd, SD—Expected more from him last year, maybe he will breakout this year
40. Braylon Edwards, SF—If his attitude is straight, numbers will be there
41. Plaxico Burress, NYJ—Will two-year layoff and age catch up to him?
42. Jordy Nelson, GB—Rumor has it he’ll overtake Driver as the No. 2 target of Rodgers
43. Davone Bess, MIA—Much better in PPR leagues, but still a decent option
44. Hines Ward, PIT—Arrow is pointing down, age is catching up to him
45. Emmanuel Sanders, PIT—Could take over Ward’s spot in the passing game
46. Robert Meachem, NO—Can’t really rule out any Saints receiver from being fantasy viable
47. Johnny Knox, CHI—He’ll get his time and thus, the stats. Take it from a Chicagoan
48. Devin Hester, CHI—The team’s “No. 1” receiver, Hester needs to actually perform
49. James Jones, GB—Has had some good games and there’s good potential here
50. Torrey Smith, BAL—Looking more and more like Boldin’s counterpart in starting lineup
51. Danny Amendola, STL—Wes Welker lite—really, really lite—but good in PPR leagues
52. Anthony Armstrong, WAS—Came on strong last year, maybe some value here
53. Jerome Simpson, CIN—Would be a lot higher if there weren’t so many QB issues
54. Jordan Shipley, CIN—Samsies as Simpson. Green will likely get most targets and stats
55. Greg Little, CLE—I really like this kid a lot and could be the biggest sleeper in whole group
56. Nate Burleson, DET—Starter, but not for long with some guy on his heels named…
57. Titus Young, DET—The aforementioned guy on Burleson’s heels…
58. Eddie Royal, DEN—Has value if it’s Orton Q’ing, but how long will they stick with Orton?
59. Eric Decker, DEN—Like Royal, value directly tied to the passer
60. Lee Evans, BAL—Has been absent last couple years, maybe change of scenery will help
61. Kevin Walter, HOU—Schaub is one heck of a good passer
62. Jacoby Jones, HOU—Established part of a great passing game
63. Jonathon Baldwin, KC—Rookie with good size could be good redzone target
64. Steve Breaston, KC—Could have an impact, but I’m not a big Cassel fan
65. Arrelious Benn, TB—Hardly had any value last season, could take big steps in Year 2
66. Earl Bennett, CHI—Cutler loves him, unfortunately depth chart doesn’t feel the same way
67. Roy Williams, CHI—Let’s see him correct attitude issues before taking a gamble
68. Golden Tate, SEA—Dude’s got the coolest name in NFL, too bad that’s all he’s good for
69. Ben Obomanu, SEA—Had some good names, but passing game loses Hasselbeck
70. Andre Roberts, ARI—Heading into second season, should benefit from better QB
71. Deion Branch, NE—Any Pats WR has at least some value
72. Donald Driver, GB—On the way out, but still could produce a bit
73. Derrick Mason, NYJ—Dunno how an old, slow-footed guy fits in at slot…
74. Louis Murphy, OAK—Had some value last year, but just a brutal sitch for him
75. Steve Smith, PHI—Injury issues and blocked by Jackson, Maclin
76. Jerricho Cotchery, PIT—Good possession guy, but stuck at No. 4 WR
77. Danario Alexander, STL—Made some exciting plays last year, but not worth much yet
78. Michael Jenkins, MIN—Will he start? Does it really matter?
79. Devery Henderson, NO—That whole N’Awlins thing I said above…
80. Leonard Hankerson, WAS—John Beck impressed with him. Like that’s saying something.
81. Jason Hill, JAC—Looks like he may start. A deep, deep reserver
82. Mike Williams, SEA—I was never high on him, think Tate, Obamanu will overtake him
83. Brian Hartline, MIA—Henne doesn’t do much for receivers, plus that Marshall dude is there
84. Kevin Ogletree, DAL—Some potential as Romo’s slot guy
85. Brandon Tate, NE—Fast and has flash, may become a true part of Brady’s bunch
86. Early Doucet, ARI—Was heralded as next Boldin in ARI, maybe this year?
87. David Nelson, BUF—Shoot, don’t draft but keep an eye on playing time
88. Nate Washington, TEN—Value contingent on Britt’s status
89. Justin Gage, TEN—Probably not worth much, but if Britt misses time, will likely start
90. Tiquan Underwood, JAC—Dunno how good a Jags’ No. 3 WR would be in fantasy
91. Donnie Avery, STL—Coming off bad knee injury, may take some time to get all back
92. Mardy Gilyard, STL—Was supposed to be an impact rookie, what happened?
93. Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE—Eh, Little should quickly become the hands-down Mccoy fav
94. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK—Nothing but speed and rocks for hands
95. Randy Moss/Terrell Owens, FA—Could have value if signed
96. Jason Avant, PHI—Production would only come if injuries hit Philly WRs
97. Bernard Berrian, MIN—Falling out of favor in Minny faster than a slinky down the stairs…
98. Brandon LaFell, CAR—Somebody else has to catch Cam’s passes!
99. Dexter McCluster, KC—Dynamic as all hell, just needs to get a chance
100. Blair White, IND—Just like last year, could have impact thanks to injuries
