Fantasy Wide Receivers

Top 50 Wide Receivers

1. Calvin Johnson – This was the easiest choice on these rankings (it gets murkier from here on out). He is a TD machine with a great QB throwing to him. He will rack up catches, yards, and scores. He is not that big of an injury risk either.

2. Larry Fitzgerald – He has remained consistent despite a major problem at quarterback recently. If Kevin Kolb (or anyone) can become reliable, he could really flourish. Michael Floyd should take some pressure off him also.

3. Andre Johnson – Last year, it was this guy who was the first WR off the board come fantasy drafts. Now, third in the rankings is high for most. But if he remains healthy, there is no reason he can’t produce like he’s capable of and he has in the past.

4. Brandon Marshall – In Denver he was electric. In Miami without a quarterback, he still produced. Now reunited with Jay Cutler puts him back in the elite category. I expect over 100 catches, so pick him up fast, especially if playing in a PPR league.

5. Roddy White – If it weren’t for his teammate Julio, this man could be right behind CJ. But he will lose some targets to his second year comrade. He is a sure thing in PPR leagues, but his TD production is up and down.

6. Wes Welker – The best security blanket for one of the best passing games in the NFL. He is a sure thing for 100+ catches, and he had a great year for TD’s in 2011. He once again will be a WR1 in fantasy no matter what type of league you are in.

7. Greg Jennings – The number one receiver on the mighty Packers. With Rodgers throwing him the ball, he is a great option every season. He tore it up a year ago and one should expect the same type of production.

8. A.J. Green – In his rookie season, Green showed how potent he could be in fantasy. With his development and that of his quarterback (coupled with the loss of Simpson), Green will get loads of targets and become an even bigger star.

9. Hakeem Nicks – For starters, pay attention to his injury status. If he is iffy towards the start of the season, he should slide or even switch spots with his teammate Victor Cruz. If healthy though, he is a top-notch player.

10. Victor Cruz – Last year, this guy was a top 5 WR along with his cohort above. But there is some question whether he will continue that production or be considered a one-year wonder. Also, will his QB Eli continue to produce on that high of a level?

11. Mike Wallace – He is a big play receiver, which means two things: he will score plenty of touchdowns, but he won’t rack up tons of catches on a consistent basis. With other young receivers developing for the Steelers, he isn’t the option he could be, but he is still worth drafting high.

12. Steve Smith – This aging veteran showed in 2011 that he still has plenty in the tank. He remains the top option for Cam Newton which means good things if you own him in fantasy.

13. Dez Bryant – With Laurent Robinson now gone from Dallas, Dez will be redzone target of choice for Romo. That’s the thing that sets him apart over fellow wide-out Miles Austin.

14. Demaryius Thomas – He broke out late in 2011 with Tebow at quarterback. Now, with Peyton Manning throwing him the ball, he will dominate without question. Look for more games out of him like we saw vs. the Steelers in the playoffs.

15. Marques Colston – He has been the top option in NO for a while now. With Meachem gone now, he will be an even bigger target for Drew Brees. He also should be fully healthy after struggling with injuries a season ago.

16. Miles Austin – He was off and on with injuries in 2011, but he has always been a favorite of Tony Romo. There are even more targets up for grabs this season with Laurent Robinson out of town.

17. Julio Jones – Another second option player, but another one that’s worth a high pick. As a rookie last year, he was targeted more and more as the season progressed. That trend should continue this season, particularly around the endzone.

18. Jordy Nelson – He is a second option, but a great one! If he does what he did last year, this ranking should be cut in half. But can he really be that good again?

19. Dwayne Bowe – Known for his big TD games, Bowe could improve a little week to week. Draft him knowing you’ll get massive games, but you can expect some duds as well.

20. Brandon Lloyd – The jury is still out on what to expect from Lloyd this year. There are a lot of mouths to feed in NE and he is the newest addition. He could put up numbers similar to Randy Moss, or more like Chad Ochocinco after they joined.

21. Kenny Britt – You remember his production last year before his season ending injury? I do, and it was dominant! If he is healthy all year and his QB’s are consistent, this is another guy that should end up much higher than this ranking.

22. Jeremy Maclin – An emerging first option for an explosive passing offense. It would help even more if Vick can stay healthy all year while throwing him the ball.

23. Stevie Johnson – Most know him more for his touchdown dances or how he dropped that game-winner against the Steelers a couple years back. This season, he’ll show everyone his worth producing big numbers.

24. Sidney Rice – He is a year removed from his injury and has a capable passer in Flynn. I hope (and somewhat expect) similar numbers from when he played with Favre a few seasons ago.

25. Vincent Jackson – We’ve gotten used to Jackson putting him big numbers, but it’s been with a different quarterback. In Tampa Bay, he’s got a young quarterback who hasn’t produced well in fantasy. So how can we fully trust Jackson?

26. Percy Harvin – This wide receiver has struggled staying on the field for medical reasons, has struggled to produce consistently, and recently said he wanted out of Minnesota. But he still has tons of talent...

27. Eric Decker – If you are in a PPR league, I think this guy could be great. He will rack up catches playing with Manning and be used similar to Wes Welker. He'll be pretty good in normal leagues too.

28. Antonio Brown – An emerging talent in an offense than has thrown a lot in recent seasons. In fact, some believe he will take more and more targets away from star Mike Wallace.

29. DeSean Jackson – Always a big play threat, but always playing with an attitude. With his contract dispute finally behind him, Jackson should get back to playing real football again this season. I think he is a real sleeper this year in terms of a potential top 10 WR.

30. Torrey Smith – Although last year he was an unknown, he could easily be the top option in Baltimore. He’s got to prove he is more than just a deep threat. If he does, then he could be a real breakout hero in fantasy football.

31. Pierre Garcon – Somebody will emerge in Washington as the top receiver, so why not the new guy? Garcon has always produced, even last year without a legit quarterback. If nothing else, add him for depth this season.

32. Santonio Holmes – The Jets run first and run often. But when they do pass this season, most of the targets will be to this guy. His TD's could increase with Burress now gone.

33. Reggie Wayne – He chose to stay in Indy, which is good news for Andrew Luck. He will remain the top option there, but it won’t be the same as the Manning days.

34. Darrius Heyward-Bey – Last year, he finally showed that he isn’t a bust. Add in better chemistry with Palmer, and he should take another step forward this year.

35. Robert Meachem – Usually a constant target of Brees, he now plays for Brees’ old team in San Diego. In fact, he could find himself as the number one option there. Rivers will spread it around though so don’t expect epic numbers.

36. Justin Blackmon – He is the top rookie receiver this year, but in a terrible situation in Jacksonville. If by some miracle they get decent play at quarterback, he could be productive.

37. Denarius Moore – Right there with Heyward-Bey as the top option in Oakland. Many believe he already is the top dog, but I think he’ll just be slightly less productive than his teammate.

38. Michael Crabtree – There are a lot of options now in SF, but he is in place to receive the most targets in their passing game. Carefully monitor this situation though as there are a lot of mouths to feed.

39. Anquan Boldin – The most proven receiver in Baltimore could be very useful again this season. But another word for proven is aging. He has a lot of mileage on his legs and body, and it could very well catch up with him in 2012.

40. Greg Little – The Browns were not a great passing team last season. If they improve at all, Little will be the main beneficiary. He is oozing with talent, and is a great pick late, particularly in keeper leagues.

41. Lance Moore – Behind Colston, Moore should be the next best WR for the Saints. He will also benefit from Meachem being gone. He has struggled with staying healthy though, but he’s worth a spot on your bench without question.

42. Malcolm Floyd – With Vincent Jackson gone, Floyd is the best returning WR for SD. They did bring in some other weapons, but Floyd will remain an important target.

43. Santana Moss – If Garcon doesn’t lead the way from the WR position, it will be this veteran doing it. This guy is a nice pick that will add depth to your fantasy team.

44. Randy Moss – Rumors out of SF say that Moss could be top dog this season. That’s hard to believe after watching him the year before he retired. But he has produced before, and stranger things have happened.

45. Laurent Robinson – He emerged as an impact player a year ago, but that was with the Cowboys, a far cry from where he is now. His talent remains, but his situation in Jacksonville isn’t pretty.

46. Brian Quick – A great pick in keeper leagues, and it could turn out well in 2012 also. Sam Bradford has to throw to somebody, and Quick has all the tools to be a successful receiver.

47. Alshon Jeffery – I expect him to play a lot opposite Marshall, in a offense that should be good this season. He could even become the best redzone option in Chicago.

48. Michael Floyd – One of the most talented players drafted in 2012, but he may lack the work ethic to become elite immediately. Playing across from Fitzgerald will help, but the uncertain nature of their QB situation scares me.

49. Kendall Wright – Another rookie who has a bright future ahead of him. It’s Britt’s team (in terms of receiving), but after that anyone has a chance to emerge as the second guy. Consistent QB play is a question mark however.

50. Davone Bess – Always a decent PPR player, this year he could produce more now that Marshall has moved on. After all, he is their number one receiver now for QB’s Tannehill and Moore.

Andrew