Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Fantasy WR Ranks

We've already covered the quarterback and running back positions, but now we turn our attention to wide receivers. I think this position is very important this year. As we discussed with QB's, that position is deep so you can wait and still nab a good one. As we will discuss in our next fantasy blog, tight end is also a position to wait on, unless you grab Jimmy Graham early. What that means, is that you need to load up on RB's and WR's early and often.

WR is a volatile position, as you don't always find consistent production even from the top guys from week to week. They could go for 150 yards and 2 TD's one week (on 9 catches), and then flop the next week for 2 catches for 20 yards. That's why you need depth and a plethora of good pass catchers. The good news for you is that the position is fairly deep. Today we'll give you the top 50 (in our opinion), based on a PPR league.

Top 50 Fantasy WR's

1. Calvin Johnson - Detroit Lions

Is there any question? He caught over 120 balls and gained nearly 2,000 yards last season. His TD's were low, which is scary, seeing as it won't be possible to keep him from the endzone like that this year.

2. AJ Green - Cincinnati Bengals

He was another no brainer. He is a tremendous target inside the 20, and his freak athleticism and number of targets will always equal great numbers.

3. Brandon Marshall - Chicago Bears

Speaking of targets, Marshall gets all of them in Chicago from Jay Cutler. He's a lock to catch at least 100 passes again.

4. Dez Bryant - Dallas Cowboys

Last season, he finally came of age and blossomed into a star. This year, he is primed to take a massive leap forward and join the elite. He has the tools to be the best in the business.

5. Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons

He keeps rising up the WR ranks, and his teammate Roddy White keeps falling. As Matt Ryan gets more chemistry with Jones, that will continue to be the case.

6. Demaryius Thomas - Denver Broncos

In his first season with Peyton Manning, this guy was a star. Even with Wes Welker on the team, Thomas will continue to be the lead target on the outside. His size makes him a great target for touchdowns also.

7. Victor Cruz - New York Giants

Fresh off his new deal, Cruz will be salsa dancing a lot more this year. His production was slowed last year by a slumping Eli Manning, but I say the passing game bounces back in NY in a big way. Cruz could easily catch over 100 balls this year due to all his underneath routes.

8. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals

Fitz has had the tools, but hasn't been in a good situation recently in the desert. In fact, he's been a fantasy disappointment. But with Carson Palmer now running the show, Fitz can bounce back and put up numbers similar to when he played with Warner.

9. Andre Johnson - Houston Texans

Rumors state that Johnson is slowing down... but if that means catching 112 catches for 1,600 yards like he did last year, then I wish my favorite players would slow down too.

10. Randall Cobb - Green Bay Packers

Cobb was a break out star last year and I think he continues the trend. Greg Jennings is gone which makes Cobb the man now (along with Jordy). Cobb will get the most targets and catch the most balls. Jordy may have him in touchdowns, but I'd rather have the consistent production week to week.

11. Roddy White - Atlanta Falcons

Roddy is clearly on the downside of his career, but he still has great chemistry with Matt Ryan. Because of that and the fact they are a pass friendly team, his production will still remain high.

12. Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jackson is one of those guys that finds a way to produce no matter what. He is a threat to score on any play, and he knows how to churn out yards. He may not catch a ton of balls, but he will pile up yards and scores.

13. Danny Amendola - New England Patriots

Amendola has risen hard up my draft board in PPR leagues. It may take him a little time to find that chemistry with Tom Brady, but he'll eventually step right into the Wes Welker role. He's a threat to league the league in catches, but that's only if he can stay healthy, which he has struggled with in his career.

14. Wes Welker - Denver Broncos

Speaking of Welker, he goes from Brady to Manning, a fairly equal switch. The difference is that he won't be the main target in Denver. But he'll still be good.

15. Marques Colston - New Orleans Saints

Annually, Colston is one of the more overlooked players in football. Yet he is still the number one option for Drew Brees and the pass friendly Saints.

16. Reggie Wayne - Indianapolis Colts

Just when we thought Wayne was no longer a great player, he busts out last year (thanks to Andrew Luck) and dominated like he used to. He'll once again catch a lot of passes and be Luck's top target.

17. Torrey Smith - Baltimore Ravens

With Bolden gone and Pitta out for the year, Flacco will only have Smith as a consistent pass catcher. That means Smith is bound to set career highs across the board.

18. Dwayne Bowe - Kansas City Chiefs

Bowe used to be a star in fantasy football, but he has been quiet in recent years due to terrible quarterback play. But with Alex Smith now throwing him the ball, and Andy Reid in charge in KC, I expect a bounceback year.

19. Hakeem Nicks - New York Giants

If he only stays healthy... the same is true this year. He has the tools, but can he stay on the field?

20. Jordy Nelson - Green Bay Packers

I mentioned this last earlier with Cobb, Jordy will benefit from the absence of Greg Jennings. He'll still play second fiddle, but will likely lead the team in touchdowns. Helps when Aaron Rodgers is throwing you the ball.

21. Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers

Similar to Jordy above, Brown will benefit from the departure of Mike Wallace. Brown will now be the #1 and will thrive in that role.

22. Pierre Garcon - Washington Redskins

See Hakeem Nicks.

23. Mike Wallace - Miami Dolphins

Though Wallace remains a #1 receiver on his new team, he's downgrading offenses and quarterbacks (Big Ben to Tannehill). That means his production will be lower this season.

24. Eric Decker - Denver Broncos

The WR most affected in Denver by the arrival of Wes Welker is this guy. He'll still be productive, thanks to Peyton Manning at quarterback, but not like last year.

25. Steve Smith - Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton has revitalized his career and I think he has another great season in him. He'll get the most targets for Carolina and still has the speed to capitalize on them.

26. Anquan Boldin - San Francisco 49ers

With Crabtree likely out for the year, Boldin will become the #1 instantly on his new team. He may be old, but he knows how to run routes and get open. Kaepernick is more than capable on delivering too.

27. Tavon Austin - St. Louis Rams

The first rookie on the board, and the first Rams player. Sam Bradford is an emerging quarterback and he has to throw it to someone right? He reminds me of a young Percy Harvin, which means he could become a great fantasy player.

28. Greg Jennings - Minnesota Vikings

He went from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder. Don't you think that will hurt his fantasy value? I do. The good news is that Percy Harvin put up good numbers when healthy last year in Minny. But Percy is more talented than Jennings... and in his prime.

29. Steve Johnson - Buffalo Bills

He's now a regular 1,000 yards a season man, but reports are that his injury status may keep him out for a game or two. They are hoping he'll be ready for the season, but that hurts his value.

30. Mike Williams - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Vincent Jackson on the team, a lot of folks forgot about Williams last year. He gained about 1,000 yards though with 9 TD's. Look for more of the same.

31. Cecil Shorts III - Jacksonville Jaguars

A gem off the waiver wire last year, but should be drafted in all leagues now. With Blackmon out for four games due to suspension, Shorts will establish himself as a #1 during that span.

32. DeSean Jackson - Philadelphia Eagles

A few good things going for him: 1. He got his money. 2. Maclin is out for the year meaning he's the guy now. 3. Chip Kelly's offense will be great for him.

33. Danario Alexander - San Diego Chargers

Was another breakout guy last year and remains River's best target.

34. TY Hilton - Indianpolis Colts

Don't know if there was a more exciting rookie than Hilton last year. He was magic with the ball in his hands. He and Luck got better as the season wore on so don't forget him this year on draft day.

35. James Jones - Green Bay Packers

Flies under the radar from time to time but he did catch 14 TD's last year. He surely won't match that, but he's still a great threat playing with Rodgers.

36. Miles Austin - Dallas Cowboys

Health was always a risk but he played 16 games last year. He is also the second best option in Dallas behind Dez Bryant, so he'll be able to produce.

37. Aaron Dobson - New England Patriots

Amendola will dominate underneath, but the Patriots always have a threat on the outside. My guess is that it becomes Dobson, a rookie out of Marshall. He catches everything and will have Brady throwing perfect darts to him.

38. Sidney Rice - Seattle Seahawks

With Percy injured, Rice will become the top target again. Russell Wilson ended the year strong, so his better QB play should equal better numbers.

39. Josh Gordon - Cleveland Browns

This is a guy on the rise. In his second year, he should be even better, particularly if the quarterback play in Cleveland improves.

40. Justin Blackmon - Jacksonville Jaguars

Will miss four games, but should jump right in when eligible. Struggled with Gabbert, but produced when Henne played. I expect Henne to play more again this season.

41. Lance Moore - New Orleans Saints

Moore is a versatile WR that plays all over the field. Drew Brees trusts him and he'll continue to be a lead playmaker for the team.

42. Kenny Britt - Tennessee Titans

He isn't short on talent, but struggles to stay on the field. Whether it's injury or off the field issues, Britt has seemingly wasted his talent at this point. Could this be the year he breaks out fully?

43. Alshon Jeffery - Chicago Bears

Jeffery is in line for a big second season. The offense should be better with better line play and a new coach, and Jeffery will get a lot of single coverage due to Marshall on the other side. He is a great Redzone target.

44. Michael Floyd - Arizona Cardinals

See Alshon Jeffery (except Fitz instead of Marshall).

45. Denarius Moore - Oakland Raiders

He is the top option in Oakland, but they stink.

46. Jacoby Jones - Baltimore Ravens

With question marks across the field now in Baltimore, Jones will have the chance to step into the starting spot opposite Torrey Smith. If he produces like he did in the playoffs, then he'll be great.

47. Brian Hartline - Miami Dolphins

Rumors from Miami's camp state that Hartline is showing great chemistry with Tannehill. In fact, many think he could be more productive than Mike Wallace. I doubt that, but it warrants him a spot here.

48. Robert Woods - Buffalo Bills

This rookie was incredible in college at USC and has the tools to be great in the NFL too. If Steve Johnson continues to be hurt, or if he takes a step back in his level of play, Woods could turn into the star in Buffalo sooner rather than later.

49. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Indianapolis Colts

Struggled with consistency in Oakland, but who wouldn't? Now with the Colts and playing with Andrew Luck, DHB could finally blossom into the player many thought he'd become after being drafted in the first round.

50. Percy Harvin - Seattle Seahawks

Weird having him this low but he just had surgery that requires months of rehab. He could join the team late in the year, in time for fantasy playoffs. But that's a risk you'll have to take if you draft him.

By: The Sports Guys

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