2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
Receivers, like running backs, are in a state of flux this season. As the best offenses in the NFL continue to spread the ball around, finding consistent options at WR isn’t easy. Beyond the top 15 to 20 receivers, it’s a bit of a crapshoot. There’s a healthy mix of safe veterans and high-upside players who’ve played three seasons or less.
When drafting receivers, there are two concerns. One, if it’s a PPR league, get them early. Two, if it isn’t a PPR league, seek out value. Inevitably guys are going to be undervalued and slip in the draft. For example, Anquan Boldin of the Baltimore Ravens is slipping in drafts.
As a bit of strategy for 2010, tight ends start to fly off the board in round 5. As teams shift their focus away from receivers, one is bound to fall in your lap. Don’t follow the crowd here. Instead, grab a receiver like the 49ers WR Michael Crabtree or Jags WR Mike Sims-Walker. Both these guys are solid WR2s and even better flex options. Focus on how far a guy has slid and where you are in the draft rather than worrying about filling your roster positions.
(Note: Catch up on previous Fantasy Football positions here: Quarterbacks, Running Backs)
Rankings
Tier 1 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson – Tennessee Titans (Bye: 7)
2. Randy Moss – New England Patriots (Bye: 5)
I was tempted to have Johnson alone in this tier but if I were that critical, I’d end up with 20 tiers. Johnson is the best receiver in the game hands down. As evidenced by his average draft position ranging from No. 5 to No. 10. Johnson is a lock to finish amongst the top five receivers in fantasy football this season, barring injury. Moss belongs here because of his touchdown production. Since coming to New England, he’s averaged 16 touchdowns per season. Nobody else in the league can touch that number. Johnson and Moss can both win games for you single-handedly, that’s why they’re Tier 1.
Tier 2 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
3. Reggie Wayne – Indianapolis Colts (Bye: 7)
4. Brandon Marshall – Miami Dolphins (Bye: 5)
5. Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals (Bye: 6)
Tier 2 and Tier 3 are highly debatable. There are about ten guys that are all tightly packed together. It’s all personal preference.
Wayne is still the clear No. 1 WR on one of the best offenses in the NFL. Marshall, I feel, could be the No. 1 WR this season. The Dolphins have no one to throw to and Marshall has the ability to take over games. Fitzgerald was the No. 2 ranked fantasy receiver heading into the offseason, but with the realization that Matt Leinart was his QB and now Derek Anderson will be his QB, he’s been steadily slipping down draft boards.
Tier 3 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
6. Miles Austin – Dallas Cowboys (Bye: 4)
7. Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions (Bye: 7)
8. Roddy White – Atlanta Falcons (Bye: 8 )
9. Greg Jennings – Green Bay Packers (Bye: 10)
10. DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles (Bye: 8 )
If the Cowboys can get him more possession catches, rather than relying on him to make big plays only, Austin could explode.
Calvin Johnson is the most risky selection here simply because there’s no telling what the Lions will be able to do for him. Chemistry may improve between he and Stafford but we still need to see it.
White continues to be under the radar despite being eerily consistent the last three seasons (averaging 86 receptions, 1225 yards, 8 TDs). He’s coming into his prime and seems to improve every season.
Jennings has emerged in Green Bay as a stud despite an underachieving 2009 season. He can only improve upon those numbers, especially with Aaron Rodgers slinging 30+ touchdowns every year.
The unknown factor for Jackson is how well or how poorly Kevin Kolb ends up. Jackson is a game-breaker, but he had more than six receptions in only two games last year. I prefer guys who score 12 points per game every game rather than a guy who scores two one week and 30 the next.
Tier 4 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
11. Marques Colston – New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)
12. Anquan Boldin – Baltimore Ravens (Bye: 8 )
13. Steve Smith – New York Giants (Bye: 8 )
14. Chad Ochocinco – Cincinnati Bengals (Bye: 10)
15. Steve Smith – Carolina Panthers (Bye: 6)
If the Saints weren’t so good across the board, Colston could be a top 3 WR. He only had 106 targets in 2009, good for 25th in the league. Thankfully, he catches almost everything and is a red zone target.
Projecting Boldin this high assumes one thing. He’s the man in Baltimore. This isn’t a foregone conclusion because Derrick Mason has been getting it done in the NFL for a very long time. But Boldin is the No. 1 guy and I feel he’ll get 200+ targets.
The new Steve Smith (New York’s version) is a possession guy. He’s not a home-run threat. He probably won’t score more than a half dozen touchdowns. But he’ll get a ton of receptions and yards, book it. Ochocinco enjoyed a bounce-back year. I think this is a very kind ranking, perhaps too kind. Cincinnati has developed into a run-first team with Cedric Benson and Ochocinco doesn’t go deep like he used to.
Carolina’s Smith will finish in the top 20 WRs, you just have to hope new quarterback Matt Moore can continually feed him the ball. The Panthers run it and run it some more, so it remains to be seen how many passes will be left for Smith.
Tier 5 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
16. Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers (Bye: 6)
17. Wes Welker – New England Patriots (Bye: 8 )
18. Mike Sims-Walker – Jacksonville Jaguars (Bye: 5)
19. Hines Ward – Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye: 6)
San Francisco’s offense began to flourish once Alex Smith was named quarterback. Tight end Vernon Davis benefitted most greatly, but Crabtree is certainly a potential sophomore sleeper. Welker tore ligaments in his knee and it was believed he would not play the opening weeks of the 2010 season. After an incredible recovery, Welker will play in Week 1. Being one of two players in the NFL to have 100+ receptions in the last season seasons (Brandon Marshall being the other), Welker is a great PPR option.
MSW has injury concerns and plays for a lackluster offense but has high potential. When healthy, he played great but as the season wore on, he slowed down.
Ward isn’t a sexy pick, but he’s a safe one. He set some career highs last year and is the most reliable receiver on the roster. He won’t win you your fantasy league, but he’ll certainly won’t lose it for you either.
Tier 6 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
20. Percy Harvin – Minnesota Vikings (Bye: 9)
21. Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants (Bye: 7)
22. Dwayne Bowe – Kansas City Chiefs (Bye: 4)
23. Malcolm Floyd – San Diego Chargers (Bye: 7)
24. Donald Driver – Miami Dolphins (Bye: 5)
25. Pierre Garcon – Indianapolis Colts (Bye: 5)
At this point in the draft for receivers, we separate the men from the boys. Identifying potential and skipping the hype is the name of the game.
With Sidney Rice out the first two months of the season, Harvin should see a lot more playing time. People still may not be believers, but Harvin is more dangerous in open space than any other player in the NFL. Don’t believe me? You haven’t seen enough of him then.
What Steve Smith provides as a possession receiver, Nicks brings the same to the table after the catch. I would describe him as an angry runner who can break tackles and find daylight. Expect a breakout year from him. Bowe is a bit of a knucklehead but he’s slimmed down and I’d compare him to Brandon Marshall in talent. Can he put it all together this season? We’ll find out but the talent is there.
I’m higher on Floyd than most anyone but that’s because I have faith in Philip Rivers and the offensive system in place under Norv Turner. Floyd fits the mold of Chargers receivers in that he’s tall, a great jumper and a red-zone target. Unless you think Rivers is going to fall off the map, he’s got to get his production somewhere and Antonio Gates isn’t about to score 20 TDs, is he? Therefore, Floyd will pick up the slack, no problem.
Driver and Garcon are two guys on two opposite ends of their career in similar positions on their teams. Both are No. 2 receivers. Both are a part of great offenses with a lot of playmakers on offense. But would you rather have the aging veteran or the young upstart? There are no wrong answers in the preseason. But I’d say take Garcon. Driver had a career year while Garcon’s role is still improving in Indy.
Tier 7 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
26. Mike Wallace – Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye: 5)
27. Santana Moss – Washington Redskins (Bye: 9)
28. Jeremy Maclin – Philadelphia Eagles (Bye: 8 )
29. Terrell Owens – Cincinnati Bengals (Bye: 6)
30. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Seattle Seahawks (Bye: 5)
31. Robert Meachem – New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)
32. Braylon Edwards – New York Jets (Bye: 7)
33. Bernard Berrian – Minnesota Vikings (Bye: 7)
The mix of young players and veterans gets thicker.
Wallace has a ton of potential, but you’re putting a lot of faith into the Steelers’ passing offense. Sure, it seems odd that Pittsburgh would so easily walk away from Santonio Holmes, maybe they really like Wallace? He’s the future of the team at his position once Ward walks away, he’ll have to prove it to me before I draft him.
Moss peaked many years ago but it could be a final hurrah with Donovan McNabb in town. Moss is still the only established receiver on the Skins so it seems logical that McNabb could make him his No. 1 target.
Maclin is a DeSean Jackson clone and I think this works against the Eagles in some ways as both guys are good at the same sorts of things. Maclin does run better routes so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on more underneath routes, which could get him more receptions than Jackson but fewer yards.
Owens and Housh both need a big year to validate themselves late in their career. Owens has the better opportunity since he’s WR2 in Cincinnati which gives him the luxury of lining up against team’s No. 2 corner instead of No. 1. Housh was never fast and seems to have lost a step so I’m not sure what to expect. The Seahawks can’t possibly have a great offense, could they?
Edwards is a risky pick. The Jets aren’t much of a passing team and Edwards isn’t much of a catching guy. Struggles with drops, focus and consistency have dogged his career and made him a bit of a joke. Let someone else take this risk.
Berrian could see the biggest jump of any receiver in the draft over the next week. With Rice out, as previously stated, Berrian is likely the new WR1 in Minnesota. He needs to step up big and he could potentially put up at top 15 performance.
Tier 8 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
34. Vincent Jackson – San Diego Chargers (Bye: 10)
35. Santonio Holmes – New York Jets (Bye: 7)
34. Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings (Bye: 7)
35. Johnny Knox – Chicago Bears (Bye: 8 )
36. Kenny Britt – Tennessee Titans (Bye: 9)
37. Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys (Bye: 4)
38. Steve Breaston – Arizona Cardinals (Bye: 4)
39. Lee Evans – Buffalo Bills (Bye: 7)
Jackson, Holmes, and Rice are all beasts but unfortunately, they’re all going to be out for at least a few games. Jackson is suspended for three games and could hold out longer. Holmes will miss four games and I expect him to still be the leading receiver on the Jets. Rice is out two months but he’s so good that he’ll be a huge pick-up once he is back.
Knox is the safest bet of all the receivers in Chicago. He’s quick, reliable and should be the guy in Mike Martz’s offense.
Britt is a burner and the only other big-play option in Tennessee. He showed flashes last year but needs to contribute more consistently. So for now, he’s a low WR3 or high WR4.
The Cowboys need Bryant to prove he can play this year but so far, it doesn’t sound too promising. I’d expect Bryant to get going in the second half of the season.
Breaston would a top-25 guy if Kurt Warner were still in town, but with Derek Anderson leading the way, I can’t trust him. As for Lee Evans, I feel bad for the guy. He’s so good but his team is just so bad.
Tier 9 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
40. Derrick Mason – Baltimore Ravens (Bye: 10)
41. Devin Aromashodu – Chicago Bears (Bye: 8 )
42. Chaz Schilens – Oakland Raiders (Bye: 7)
43. Chris Chambers – Kansas City Chiefs (Bye: 4)
44. Mohamed Massaquoi – Cleveland Browns (Bye: 8 )
45. Devery Henderson – New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)
46. Julian Edelman – New England Patriots (Bye: 5)
Mason deserves better than this ranking but he’s a player where you know exactly what you’re going to get (70 receptions, 1000 yards, 5 touchdowns). His stats won’t wow you at all and his numbers could drop due to the presence of Boldin.
Aromashodu’s stock as a sleeper this season hasn’t caught fire. The thing is, somebody on the Bears is going to blow up and from what I’ve seen, he’s the most dynamic receiver they’ve got. Now, does the Bears coaching staff agree? Will they feed him the ball? It hasn’t played that way yet but he has the talent if given the opportunity.
Schilens, Chambers and Massaquoi all have the potential to outperform this ranking. It boils down to how successful will they be on offense. Oakland, Kansas City and Cleveland are all underachieving the last few years and while these guys can succeed, it’s a big gamble.
Henderson is still competing for the WR2 role on the Saints, but Meachem is the favorite. Since the Saints are so successful on offense, they rarely need to go deep (Henderson’s specialty) and take big chances to ignite a spark on offense.
Edelman had more value when it appeared Welker could miss part of the season but for now, he’s a good possession guy and considering the age of Moss and Welker, he would be a great fill-in if either of those guys go down.
Tier 10 2010 Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
47. Jabar Gaffney – Denver Broncos (Bye: 9)
48. Jacoby Jones – Houston Texans (Bye: 7)
49. Eddie Royal – Denver Broncos (Bye: 9)
50. Mike Williams – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bye: 5)
Gaffney has been the No. 1 WR for Denver this offseason, but he’s done nothing in the preseason to validate that position. He’s an average receiver on a team with no established talent.
Jones has a ton of upside, but he’s competing for WR2 spot alongside Andre Johnson. Considering how much the Texans love to pass the ball, he could be a great deep sleeper and someone to keep your eye on this season.
Royal was a huge let-down in 2009 and a perfect of example of what can happen to a young player or a player under a new coaching staff. He’s good, he’s great in the open field but the Broncos don’t appear interested in using him to the best of his abilities.
Williams has surpassed his rookie teammate Arrelious Benn as the Bucs top receiver. But with quarterback Josh Freeman having a broken thumb, it doesn’t really matter. Williams has excellent raw talent, but until his offense improves, it won’t matter what he can do if he can’t produce consistently.
2010 Fantasy Football Positional Preview: Quarterbacks
The latest trends in the NFL favor teams that are successful passing the ball. Look no further than Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints versus the Indianapolis Colts. The two teams combined for nearly 10,000 passing yards and 68 passing touchdowns during the regular season. Name the two best quarterbacks in the NFL? Most people would probably say Drew Brees and Peyton Manning.
In 2008, five teams passed for more than 4,000 yards. In 2009, that number exploded to 12. It may not last, but of those 12 passing teams, nine of them were playoff teams. So all we can really extract from this is that passing the ball appears to translate to more success.
In fantasy football, quarterbacks run deep. If you’re playing in a 10-team league, you can end up with a Brett Favre or Jay Cutler as late as round 9 or 10. It all depends on what you want: the safe bet (Brees, Manning, Aaron Rodgers) or the late upside (Joe Flacco, Kevin Kolb).
(Note: Catch up on previous Fantasy Football positions here: Running Backs, Wide Receivers )
Rankings
Tier 1
1. Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints (Bye: 10)
2. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers (Bye: 10)
3. Peyton Manning – Indianapolis Colts (Bye: 7)
Whether you select Brees or Rodgers, there is no wrong answer as to who is best on paper. Rodgers is coming into his own and Brees has strung together terrific years consecutively. Manning, despite his tremendous reputation, has fallen off a tiny bit. His status will get him drafted this high, but it’s possible he continues to slip to Tier 2 this year.
Tier 2
4. Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys (Bye: 4)
5. Tom Brady – New England Patriots (Bye: 5)
6. Matt Schaub – Houston Texans (Bye: 7)
7. Philip Rivers – San Diego Chargers (Bye: 10)
Romo had a big year in 2009 and despite all the Cowboys haters out there; the Cowboys have a ton of playmakers on offense which gives him the advantage in this tier. Brady had a solid year after returning from injury and I feel he’ll improve. But if you think Brady will return to his 2007 form where he threw for 50 TDs, you’re mistaken. Schaub and the Houston Texans pass the ball a lot, I mean a lot. There is some slight concern as Schaub has had a history of injury but you’ve got to go with him because he still has upside to replace Manning in Tier 1. Rivers gets a slight downgrade for me with the loss of WR Vincent Jackson for most of the season, plus he might be traded. Rivers is still one of the more underrated QBs in the league but I foresee the Chargers relying a little more on their run game.
Tier 3
8. Brett Favre – Minnesota Vikings (Bye: 4)
9. Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens (Bye: 8 )
Favre actually finished 2009 as a top 5 QB. Flacco is coming into his prime and the Ravens added dynamic playmaker WR Anquan Boldin. Favre is the safest choice. But Flacco is a sleeper pick who is dropping in drafts due to Favre coming back.
Tier 4
10. Kevin Kolb – Philadelphia Eagles (Bye: 8 )
11. Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears (Bye: 8 )
12. Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons (Bye: 8 )
13. Eli Manning – New York Giants (Bye: 8 )
14. Carson Palmer – Cincinnati Bengals (Bye: 6)
This tier is where things get complicated. Kolb is finally getting his shot in Philly, and you have to think there is a reason the Eagles want him to play now. Chicago has added Mike Martz as offensive coordinator so Cutler will be passing the ball in true gunslinger mode. “Lil” Manning has a trio of good receivers in Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham and a very inconsistent run game. Those two things together equal a more pass-reliant team. Lastly, the Bengals added Terrell Owens alongside Chad Ochocinco and no matter what you think of these guys, both were No. 1 WRs last season and one of them is going to be covered by No. 2 cornerbacks all season long. That’s called a mismatch. There is an argument for all these guys to have improved years but the Bengals, Giants and Falcons are all teams that like to establish a run game. Kolb has little experience and Cutler and the Bears looked awful last year. There is lots of risk but between these guys, but someone will blow up for a big year.
Tier 5
15. Donovan McNabb – Washington Redskins (Bye: 9)
16. Chad Henne – Miami Dolphins (Bye: 5)
17. Alex Smith – San Francisco 49ers (Bye: 9)
Here we have upside versus a career fading away. McNabb has a lot to prove this season, but he’s hasn’t put together a great fantasy season anytime recently. I’d pass on him. The Redskins receivers simply aren’t as good as the Eagles. Expectations for Henne and Smith are rising. Both are sleeper picks all across the web. Henne has Brandon Marshall to lean on and the 49ers are a consensus pick to win the NFC West.
Tier 6
18. Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye: 5)
19. Mark Sanchez – New York Jets (Bye: 7)
20. Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions (Bye: 7)
21. Matt Leinart – Arizona Cardinals (Bye: 6)
22. Matt Cassel – Kansas City Chiefs (Bye: 4)
Roethlisberger is the perfect backup QB this year if your starting QB doesn’t have his bye until after Week 6. Roethlisberger is suspended for six games and it might drop down to five. Sanchez has the least to prove of the remaining four. After all, he led his team to the AFC Championship game in his rookie year. He’s not a great fantasy QB, but he’s going to improve. As for Stafford, Leinart and Cassel, all three have big question marks. The Lions and Chiefs have struggling passing attacks with underachieving star receivers. Leinart has to fill the shoes of a Hall of Famer and it remains to be seen whether he can get it done. Your best bet is to point and pray if you’re picking amongst these guys for a backup. None of them are sure things but I like the way Sanchez and Stafford lead their teams.
Tier 7
23. David Garrard – Jacksonville Jaguars (Bye: 9)
24. Matt Hasselbeck – Seattle Seahawks (Bye: 5)
25. Jason Campbell – Oakland Raiders (Bye: 10)
26. Vince Young – Tennessee Titans (Bye: 9)
27. Kyle Orton – Denver Broncos (Bye: 9)
Ideally, you don’t want these guys unless the matchup is perfect. Garrard and Hasselbeck can be solid but they are simply game-managers. They make the easy throws and minimize mistakes. That isn’t a winning fantasy formula. Campbell, Young and Orton are all big question marks. Campbell went from bad to worse in his move from Washington to Oakland. Young lacks ideal pass accuracy but can create enough with his feet to make you sometimes forget that he’s not a great passer. Add to the fact that the Titans are going to run Chris Johnson into the ground with upwards of over 300 carries and it’s difficult to imagine Young ever having a big passing year. Orton looked good to start 2009, but with the loss of Brandon Marshall, there’s little reason to be exciting about Denver’s passing game.
Tier 8
28. Matt Moore – Carolina Panthers (Bye: 6)
29. Josh Freeman – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bye: 4)
30. Sam Bradford – St. Louis Rams (Bye: 9)
31. Jake Delhomme – Cleveland Browns (Bye: 8 )
32. Trent Edwards – Buffalo Bills (Bye: 6)
Gluttons for punishment need only apply. These guys are awful. Moore did finish the 2009 season looking pretty good but most of his opponents had closed down shop with their place in the playoffs already set. Freeman is vital to the Bucs’ success but their offense is atrocious. He also recently suffered a thumb injury to his throwing hand, which is never good. Bradford should only be selected in keeper leagues but the Rams need so much work done on their offense that it may be a few years before he is fantasy viable. Delhomme and Edwards are only for those with a death wish, I have nothing positive to say about either. Avoid these final five guys as best you can.
Premature 2010 Fantasy Player Rankings: Top 10 Quarterbacks
Quarterback rankings are based on PPR leagues (point per reception) that reward 1 pt. per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 pts. per TD rushing/receiving, 4 pts per 25 yards passing, and -2 pts. per INT or fumble lost
Check out our other early rankings: Top 10 Running Backs / Top 10 Wide Receivers
1. Pe
yton Manning
The best in the business, and probably ever, he’s a winner no matter who is around him. Lock him in for 4,000 yards and around 30 TDs every year. He has a laser rocket arm, he’s always healthy, he’s unbelievably consistent, and he has weapons aplenty. Aside from the usual suspects, Clark, Wayne, and Addai, newcomers Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Donald Brown are finding their stride. Add a healthy Anthony Gonzalez in 2010 and Peyton and the Colts just keep rolling.
2. Dr
ew Brees
Brees is one of the best in the game. Last year he threw for 5,000 yards, this year his team is 13-1 and he’s thrown a league leading 33 TDs. He has a rifle of an arm, he’s deadly accurate, and he’s in complete control of the game. It’s merely a preference when it comes to choosing between him and Manning as he can put up 30 points in any given week. With talents like Colston, Shockey, Meachem, Thomas, and Bush around, the Saints offense will continue to be one of the most explosive for years.
3. Aar
on Rodgers
Rodgers is leading your league in scoring right now, and it’s not surprising. He’s the total package. He can air it out with the best of ‘em and he leads all QBs in rushing yards and rushing TDs. He’s blossoming into one of the best young QB’s in the game. He’s consistent, he has quality receivers around him, and he’s only just getting started. It’d be hard to reach for him over Manning and Brees, or even Brady for some, but if you live in Wisconsin, or you favor youth, go ahead and grab him.
4. Tom
Brady
Brady has had his ups and downs this season, but he’s still one of the best in the game. The numbers haven’t come as easily this year, but overall he’s still managed to stay in the top 10. With a full healthy season under his belt, and Moss and Welker at his disposal, Brady could easily improve on his ‘09 season. 50 touchdowns isn’t realistic, but no one would be surprised if he finished as the best fantasy QB, or the NFL MVP, or the SuperBowl MVP, or in a GQ spread.
5. Ma
tt Schaub
Schaub finally broke through as the fantasy star we imagined he’d be if he stayed healthy. His big arm and accuracy have made him one of the most consistent fantasy performers in the league. If you’re playing against Schaub, your always on edge. If you have Schaub, you’re likely playing in your superbowl. Schaub’s arsenal starts with the best receiver in football in Andre Johnson. Add star TE Owen Daniels back in the mix next year, and another healthy season, and your looking at a top 5 QB.
6. P
hillip Rivers
Rivers grabbed this struggling 2-3 chargers team, threw them on his back and hasn’t looked back. The short arm throwing style is awkward to watch, but he’s very accurate and excellent in the clutch. He has weapons all around him in Gates, Jackson, and LT, and he’s just entering his prime years. Rivers won’t explode with huge games, but he is consistent as they come. With only one game under double digit scoring in ‘09, he’s as safe a pick as there is after the big names are off the board.
7. To
ny Romo
Much was made early in ‘09 about Romo’s struggles, but he’s calmed his critics over the course of the season and put up great numbers. Romo is a playmaker and he’s found an explosive compliment in Miles Austin. He’s been excellent at taking care of the ball, and he seems to have a renewed focus. He should finish ‘09 with about 4,000 yards and just over 25 TDs. With solid weapons in Witten, Roy Williams, and the three talented running backs, Romo will put up similar numbers in 2010.
8. Be
n Roethlisberger
Big Ben has always had the tools to put up big numbers, but his team has always focused on the run. Not anymore. This Steelers team airs the ball out. With a number of 300 yard games, two with 400 and 500 in another, Ben is certainly utilizing his weapons. Hines, Santonio, and the new deep threat Mike Wallace have all had plenty of work, and it shouldn’t change next year. Ben is talented enough to carry this team, and he’ll have the Steelers back in the mix in 2010.
9. 
Eli Manning
Eli looked like an MVP through the first five games, but tailed off against a tougher schedule. He’s gotten it back together and put up solid numbers along the way. His 26 TDs are good for 5th in the league, and he’s kept the mistakes to a minimum. He should finish year around the top 10 in points and next year should be similar. Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham have all become legitimate weapons in this offense. Eli could be a top 5 name if he was more consistent.
10. 
Donovan McNabb
McNabb has been excellent this season and he has his Eagles heading to the playoffs again. Sure, he seems like he’s getting old, but he’s still playing like the same old McNabb, and he’s really just the same age as Peyton. With the most explosive player in football in DeSean Jackson at his disposal, and up and coming stars in Maclin and McCoy, McNabb will have more veteran weapons than ever in 2010. When he stays healthy, he’s always consistent. A solid pick in the middle rounds.
JUST MISSED, AND WHY
Brett Favre – He’s been great and his weapons are abundant, but 41 is ancient in the NFL. If he comes back he could potentially finish in the top 10. He’s never missed a game but there are more youthful options to anchor your team.
Vince Young – Vince could very well crack the top 1o. His playmaking ability as a runner/improviser is excellent, but his passing yards are always lacking. He’s looked like a winner in 8 games this season, but he still has plenty to prove as a reliable QB1..
Carson Palmer – Carson looked poised for a big 2009, but the Bengals have favored the running game. He’s still a great player in this league and if Cincinnati decides to open up the offense, he has the ability to lead your team.
Matt Ryan – As solid as Ryan has been, he has yet to showcase the big passing numbers.
Kurt Warner – Warner has two of the best WRs in the game, but his age and his health keep him just outside the top 10.
Jay Cutler – Get him some weapons and anything is possible.
Premature 2010 Fantasy Player Rankings: Top 10 Wide Receivers
Wide Receiver rankings are based on PPR leagues (point per reception) that reward 1 pt. per 10 yards rushing/receiving and 6 pts. per TD rushing/receiving.
Don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Running Backs for next season.
1. An
dre Johnson
Andre is a fantasy monster. He’s a physical freak with vacuum-like hands and great speed. He’s such an explosive player that if your losing by 38 and you only have him left on Monday Night, you still have a chance. He’s plays as a possession receiver and a deep threat. He’ll run someone over after a catch, and he’s the go to guy in the red zone. His ability is seemingly unlimited, and with one of the best young QBs throwing him the ball, he’s as good as it gets. All of this and no ones ever heard him talk.
2. La
rry Fitzgerald
Larry gets the media hype and rightfully so. He’s arguably the best player in football and he may as well have the best hands. His massive frame and leaping ability make him the top red zone threat in football. If he didn’t line up opposite Boldin and there weren’t questions about his aging quarterback each year, he probably be interchangeable with Andre. And he still might be. No one would fault you for making him the first receiver off the board, and if your league awards points for catching random falling objects in an office, even better.
3. 
Brandon Marshall
B-Marsh is phenomenal. Off the field issues aside, he’s a quarterbacks dream. Hes big, he’s a great route runner, he’s fast, and runs well after the catch. Marshall will get his points no matter who is throwing him the ball, and now that he’s been paid, his heads in the right place. He hauled in 18 passes in a single game in ‘08 and 21 in one in ‘09. He can single-handedly win you a game, and he’s only getting better.
4. Re
ggie Wayne
No wants wants to play against Reggie. As the number 1 target of the best quarterback in the game, he makes for a miserable match up. He’s big, he’s physical, and has great hands. Peyton loves to find him deep, but he’ll also rack up receptions underneath. He’s as safe a receiver as there is and he’s one of the few elite choices. He and Peyton only seem to get better with age, and who knows if they’ll ever lose another game.
5. R
andy Moss
Moss and Brady have shown glimpses of their ‘07 selves this year, but overall it’s been a work in progress. Regardless, Randy still remains one of the best deep threats in the game. At any point in time, Randy can go off for 3 TDs and 150 yards. That can’t be said for many others. His athleticism is second to none, even in his 30’s. It’s only his attitude that anyone questions, but he has the right people around him to keep him focused. He’ll bounce back this year and be right back in the fold as a top receiver again next year.
6. De
Sean Jackson
Probably the most electric player in the NFL. He has soft hands, he’s incredibly shifty, and he can fly. If he has the ball in space, he’s probably going to score. If your playing against him, you just have to hope he freaks out at the goal line and spikes the ball too early. DeSean is just entering his prime and the Eagles will continue to get him the ball on punts, kick-offs, runs, passes, punt passes, run-kicks, pass-offs, you name it. With 8 TDs over 50 yards, you can’t call him a fluke, he really is that explosive.
7. We
s Welker
The blue collar “backyard football player”, says a Carolina DB. I can see that. Welker is a PPR monster. He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s sure handed, and he’s not afraid to get hit. Brady has become so reliant on him over the middle, 1o receptions a game is like clockwork. The touchdowns haven’t been there with Welker as he’s strictly a possession guy, but you’d be hard pressed to find a more consistent pass catcher. He’s had at least 9 receptions in 8 different games this year. The stingy Patriots will be back at it in 2010, and Welker will again be a major factor.
8. Ro
ddy White
Roddy has flown a bit under the radar this year, but he’s actually just second to Andre in overall targets. He has great hands and he can fly. His 8 TDs lead his team and he’s putting solid up numbers even with Chris Redman at the helm. With a healthy and smoothly shaved Matt Ryan back in the fold in 2010, White should be primed for another top 10 season.
9. C
alvin Johnson
Calvin has been a disappointment in ‘09, but it’s difficult to develop a rapport with a rookie QB that can’t avoid the injury bug. The Lions offense has looked decent at times, and with a year under Stafford’s belt, and a summer to train with CJ, things will get better. Calvin is still just 24 and he’s widely considered the best physical specimen at the WR position. He’s the total package and his quarterback should figure that out by 2010. If the Lions make any progress it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Calvin finished in the top 5.
10. 
Marques Colston
Colston is the premier option on the most potent passing offense in football. His enormous hands and ideal frame make him Brees’ favorite Red Zone target, and his 9 TDs would agree. His reception numbers are down a bit this season as Brees has been spreading it around, but Colston has still been adequate. In years past, Marques has made a living racking up big catches late in games, but with an undefeated record, the Saints are rarely playing catchup in the 4th quarter. And not that New Orleans will lose many games next year, but Colston should bounce back with more opportunities and better numbers in 2010.
The Next 5
11. Miles Austin - Knack for the big play could put him in the top 10.
12.Vincent Jackson – Big WR who’s emerged as one of Rivers go to guys.
13. Sidney Rice - If Favre sticks around, Rice should hover in the top 15.
14. Hakeem Nicks – Nicks takes the next step and becomes Eli’s new Plax. Top 10 potential.
15. Hines Ward - Continues to get it done year after year. Still healthy, will be Ben’s top option again in ‘10
Just Missed, and Why
Dwayne Bowe – Has tools to be great, needs to get on the same page with Cassel.
Steve Smith (NYG) – Poor man’s Wes Welker, receptions are there, TDs are rare.
Steve Smith (CAR) – Great player, but lacks a QB who can get him the ball.
Anquan Boldin – Nagging injuries and Larry Fitz keep him from being a top guy.
Greg Jennings – Rodgers spreads the ball everywhere this year. Jennings numbers are suffering.
Chad Ochocinco – The Bengals seem committed to running the ball.
Santonio Holmes – TDs are down. Hines gets more red zone looks.
