Compared to running backs, the top wide receivers usually enjoy greater staying power and longer careers. Nonetheless, we still have plenty of inconsistency as Braylon Edwards, Lee Evans, and Deion Branch are a couple of wide outs who have offered flashes of brilliance in recent years, but not enough to crack this list. You will find a couple of Cardinals, just one Colt, and even a Lion despite the team’s troubles last season.
Agree? Disagree with my rankings? No problem, voice your opinions in the comment section listed below and on Friday, I’ll respond and further make my case.
Here’s a look at the top 10 WRs for this upcoming fantasy football season:
1. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
The crème-de-la-crème of all fantasy wide receivers, Larry Fitzgerald mans the top spot of the wide receiver rankings thanks to his youth, recent success, and pass-happy offense in the desert. While the majority of top wide outs in recent years have been divas, Fitzgerald is a refreshing throwback who makes his noise on the field.
2. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots
Only two years removed from a record-breaking season, Randy Moss is expected to improve on last year’s statistics now that Tom Brady’s knee woes are expected to be behind him. While there are always risks involved with the volatile Moss, there is not a wide receiver in the NFL with greater potential.
3. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
The Texans seem to be instituting a pass-dominated offense and Andre Johnson is the main target. Johnson has put up tremendous statistics in recent years, but his touchdown figures are rather ordinary. If the Texans offense as a whole continues to improve with a healthy Matt Schaub at the helm, Johnson’s lone foible should be expunged.
4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
It’s amazing that such a great talent can be on such an awful NFL team. Last season, Johnson proved that even without a consistent quarterback, an elite wide receiver can still rack up big numbers. A former first pick overall, Johnson is entering his prime and with this year’s top draft pick Matthew Stafford likely to take over quarterbacking duties for the Lions by season’s end, Johnson should further improve his fantasy value.
5. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
While Steve Smith has been more peaceful this year in training camp, luck is not on his side, as a strained shoulder will keep him off the field for the next two weeks. Thanks in large part to quarterback Jake Delhomme’s struggles, Smith only scored six touchdowns last season. On the other hand, Smith did rack up 1421 receiving yards despite missing the first two games of the season due to suspension.
6. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
By signing its star wide receiver to a contract extension, the Atlanta Falcons proved that they are committed to the young tandem of Roddy White and second-year quarterback Matt Ryan. White, now 27 year old, has improved on his previous year’s statistics in each season of his NFL career. The former first round pick hopes to now surpass last year’s career high of seven touchdowns.
7. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
In his third season, Greg Jennings reached new heights with first-year starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Thanks to his blazing speed, Jennings is a touchdown magnet with 21 visits to the end zone over the past two seasons. At just 25 years old, Jennings enters the 2009 season in his prime.
8. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
With Marvin Harrison gone, Reggie Wayne is unquestionably the top target for Peyton Manning. Nonetheless, Wayne does carry some risk into the season as his numbers last season were down across the board. Personally, I think there are still plenty of touchdowns to come in Wayne’s career, but at 30 years old, there is some risk involved.
9. Terrell Owens, WR, Bills
A change of scenery is usually beneficial for Terrell Owens’ fantasy managers as he caters to the team’s interests and doesn’t openly revolt against the starting quarterback until year two. Owens is getting up there in age, but he’s in amazing shape and won’t disappoint his latest fan base.
10. Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals
Don’t let his balls-to-the-wall approach scare you, Anquan Boldin may miss the occasional game due to injury, but he makes up for it with gaudy statistics when healthy. While Fitzgerald may be the more consistent Arizona target, Boldin is still very much a fantasy star and should have no problems reaching double digits in touchdowns with more than 1200 receiving yards.