Dynasty Ranks: Wide Receivers
A frontline receiver in his prime is mandatory for a competitive Dynasty team because they're so reliable from season to season at a position that has dramatic turnover beyond the Top 10-15 each year. For example, this offseason's startup drafts should see both Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson off the board in the first six or seven picks, with Calvin Johnson not far behind.
As is almost always the case with these wide receiver rankings, I feel very comfortable with the order right up until about No. 30 or so, when roster situation, scoring specifics, and personal favorites take over as the determining factors. Remember that one of the cardinal rules of Dynasty leagues is to know your own team inside and out as well as the context of your league's personality. On to the rankings.
*Note: ages are factored on a 12-month scale as of September, 2010.
[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
Tier One
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals | Age: 27.0 – The best receiver in football has been a lock for double digit touchdowns and 95+ receptions every season. Make no mistake, a Kurt Warner retirement would hurt Fitz's 2010 value – but perhaps not as much as one would think.
Fitz averaged 82.4 yards and 5.7 receptions in the seven games he and Matt Leinart played together during Leinart's rookie season. He's averaged 84.2 yards and 6.3 receptions in the 59 games Warner has started the past five seasons. As long as he can continue to get into the end zone at least 10 times per season, Fitzgerald will remain a fantasy difference maker.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans | Age: 29.2 – Everything you want in a Dynasty receiver except double digit touchdowns. A man amongst boys, physically dominating opposing corners, Johnson gets open down field even against double coverage. Though he's listed ever so slightly behind Fitzgerald here, it would be hard to find fault with a No. 1 ranking.
3. Calvin Johnson, Lions | Age: 25.0 – How many receivers can say they were triple covered this season? Calvin is the number one Dynasty buy of the offseason, and the savvy fantasy leaguer will throw out an offer ASAP with the knee injury and the production-draining performances of Drew Stanton and Daunte Culpepper fresh in his owner's mind.
Tier Two
4. Reggie Wayne, Colts | Age: 31.10 – Peyton Manning's number one receiver has finished in the Top-6 in fantasy points in three of the past four seasons. The dynamic duo should be a lock for similar production over the next three-to-four years until both players begin to fade.
5. Vincent Jackson, Chargers | Age: 27.8 - The leap has been made. Already unstoppable on deep balls and in the red-zone heading into the season, V-Jax flashed signs that he can take over as a possession receiver as well. He's simply too big and too fast for even the best cover corners to contain.
6. Miles Austin, Cowboys | Age: 26.2 – Boasting a career rate of one touchdown for every seven times he catches the ball, Austin rivals DeSean Jackson as the best after-the-catch receiver in the NFL. Only Andre Johnson scored more points once Austin hit the starting lineup, and Tony Romo's No. 1 receiver has potential to be a double-digit TD scorer for the next five-to-six seasons. He's a monster.
7. Roddy White, Falcons | Age: 28.10 – In becoming the first player in franchise history to record 80 catches and 1,100 yards in three consecutive seasons, White also finished as a Top-7 fantasy receiver for the second straight year and Top-15 for the third straight. White has emerged as one of the best route runners in the NFL, and he's terrific after the catch with his double moves.
8. DeSean Jackson, Eagles | Age: 23.9 - The best open-field wide receiver in the NFL? Giving Chris Johnson a run for his money as the most electrifying player in the league, Jackson has to be considered a Top-10 Dynasty receiver due to his unique talent. The bottom line is he's always open and corners can't handle his speed.
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Tier Three
9. Marques Colston, Saints | Age: 27.3 – The hulking Colston has an obscene catch radius, and Drew Brees trusts him implicitly to come down with the ball in heavy traffic. One minor concern: Robert Meachem's second-half emergence led to a decrease in Colston's consistency, as he caught more than five passes just twice in the second half of the season with Brees spreading the wealth.
10. Greg Jennings, Packers | Age: 27.0 – There's no question that his early-season numbers were adversely affected by the O-Line woes, forcing Aaron Rodgers to get rid of the ball before Jennings could streak down field. Jennings may not be quite as ridiculously talented as several receivers listed below, but Aaron Rodgers provides ideal stability. Buy low this offseason.
11. Sidney Rice, Vikings | Age: 24.0 – Ranked with the who's who of elite receivers in fantasy points throughout 2009. Rice unquestionably has the talent to merit a higher ranking, but quarterback uncertainties keep him out of the higher tier.
12. Randy Moss, Patriots | Age: 33.7 – Pushing his mid-30s and doesn't appear to be the dominant talent he once was. Moss can still take over a game, but he just disappears too often to keep elite value as he ages.
13. Steve Smith, Panthers | Age: 31.4 – The only time 89 is not "establishing the rules" is when he has one of the most odious quarterbacks in the league throwing to him. If you throw out games started by Chris Weinke, a 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde pulled off his couch, and Jake Delhomme's 2009 implosion, Smiff has produced at the same rate since his career year in 2005. Matt Moore's late-season progress bodes well for Smiff's return to his familiar 100 yards/game territory.
14. Santonio Holmes, Steelers | Age: 26.6 - Would you believe he finished just 16 yards away from tying Reggie Wayne and Randy Moss for No. 5 in receiving yards? As Hines Ward begins to decline, Holmes' touchdown totals should rise.
15. Percy Harvin, Vikings | Age: 22.3 - Already one of the best slot receivers in the game, Harvin displayed better than expected strength and toughness to go with his impressive after-the-catch ability. Before his late-season migraine episodes, the Rookie of the Year was on pace for 64 receptions, 1,059 yards from scrimmage, and 11 total touchdowns.
16. Michael Crabtree, 49ers | Age: 23.0 - Part of San Fran's suddenly promising young offensive nucleus, Crabtree has already shown the total package as a No. 1 receiver.
17. Hakeem Nicks, Giants | Age: 22.8 – Nicks had an inconsistent rookie campaign, but the important thing is that he succeeded in pushing Mario Manningham out of the starting role before the season ended. His size and homerun hitting ability make him a threat for double digit touchdowns as soon as next season.
18. Brandon Marshall, Broncos | Age: 26.6 – Pure 100 percent unadulterated knucklehead. If you're fine with the ongoing soap opera as your No. 1 receiver, feel free to move him up your personal rankings. I just don't value his species highly, and I don't believe he can be counted on as a nucleus player.
Tier Four
19. Steve Smith, Giants | Age: 25.4 - Made the leap to true No. 1 receiver for the Giants in 2009, but Hakeem Nicks offers more fantasy upside.
20. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs | Age: 26.0 - His work ethic was questioned throughout the Herman Edwards era, he spent the offseason in Todd Haley's doghouse, and then he was dealt a four-game suspension. There's at least a hint of knucklehead potential here, isn't there?
21. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals | Age: 29.11 – One can never count on Boldin to play a full 16-game season. Is the explosion still there? It's tough to tell if he can't stay healthy enough to open it up. After Early Doucet's postseason performance, it's finally time for Arizona to part ways with Boldin. His next address will go a long way in determining his Dynansty value.
22. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles | Age: 22.4 - We knew he could get deep, but he also made tough catches over the middle and against the sidelines.
23. Kenny Britt, Titans | Age: 22.0 - Undeniably the Titans' best receiver, Britt is a prototype No. 1 emerging as a deep threat as well as a go-to clutch option. He's already a fine WR3, and he could graduate to consensus Top-20 by next season.
24. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals | Age: 32.8 – Ocho had a fine comeback season, but he's hitting the downslope just as his quarterback loses his magic touch. Can "85" be counted on as a WR2 if Carson Palmer is still battling injuries or mechanical issues next season?
25. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars | Age: 25.10 - Whether the MSW owners like it or not, the checkered injury history adversely affects his Dynasty value. After his mid-season hot streak, he finished as just the No. 67 fantasy receiver over the final five weeks.
26. Robert Meachem, Saints | Age: 26.0 – Meachem has the pedigree, size, talent, and nose for the end zone to eventually emerge as a Top-15 Dynasty option. . The former first-rounder has earned the starting job opposite Marques Colston going forward, and he finished as a Top-20 fantasy receiver over the second half of the season.
27. Braylon Edwards, Jets | Age: 27.7 - The Jets aren't expected to rush into a long-term deal with Edwards this offseason, which is no surprise considering he still can't catch the ball.
28. Wes Welker, Patriots | Age: 29.4 – Welker is a tricky to player to rank after tearing his ACL and MCL. He's not likely to be back to full health until the middle of next season, and we're left to wonder how the reconstructive surgery will limit his main strengths of cutting, shiftiness, and elusiveness in the long-term.
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Tier Five
29. Pierre Garcon, Colts | Age: 24.1 - Garcon is making Anthony Gonzalez look like an afterthought. President Bill Polian, who hyped Garcon all offseason, has already called him "a run-after-the-catch threat that we've never had here." I just can't picture Gonzalez getting his job back in 2010.
30. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets | Age: 28.3 – Cotchery is too pedestrian to be considered more than a low-end WR2, and the Braylon Edwards trade was an indictment of Cotchery as a No. 1 receiver from the Jets point of view.
31. Lee Evans, Bills | Age: 29.6 - Held hostage once again in Buffalo, this time by the offensive line as well as the rotten quarterback play. I'd buy low if I had any confidence in the Bills dramatically upgrading their trouble spots.
32. Mike Wallace, Steelers | Age: 24.1 – Often referred to as nothing more than a Nate Washington-like situational deep threat, Wallace proved that he's more than just a speedster, hauling in clutch catches throughout the season. Already a borderline WR3, Wallace will see a value spike as Hines Ward declines over the next two seasons.
33. Austin Collie, Colts | Age: 24.10 – The first-team all-rookie receiver earned Peyton Manning's confidence from the start by being in the right place and catching everything thrown his way. Already a complete receiver with a dynamite work ethic, Collie is the logical successor to Wes Welker as the league's prototypical slot receiver.
34. Hines Ward, Steelers | Age: 34.6 – It's hard to ignore his production in the Steelers' new pass-first offense. Ward still had enough spring in his step to finish No. 16 among fantasy receivers despite the late-season hamstring woes.
35. Santana Moss, Redskins | Age: 31.3 – This poor man's Steve Smith makes for the perfect trade throw-in as a bounce-back candidate in Mike Shanahan's offense.
36. Steve Breaston, Cardinals | Age: 27.1 – Who benefits more from an Anquan Boldin trade: Breaston or Early Doucet?
37. Jacoby Jones, Texans | Age: 26.2 - The perfect roster stash. Jones makes at least one eye-opening play every week, and opposing teams couldn't keep him out of the end zone even in limited touches. Now becoming more of a receiver as opposed to just a returner, the playmaker is a threat to Kevin Walter's starting job this offseason.
38. James Jones, Packers | Age: 26.6 – Reminiscent of Anquan Boldin in body type, strength, and after-the-catch ability, Jones is the best bet to succeed Donald Driver opposite Greg Jennings.
39. Early Doucet, Cardinals | Age: 24.9 – Jimmy Johnson used to advise against trading an unhappy player until the year before he hits free agency. In other words, this is the offseason the Cardinals will actually put a legitimate effort into an Anquan Boldin deal. Doucet's postseason performance showed a player who could step right into Boldin's role in the offense.
40. Julian Edelman, Patriots | Age: 24.4 – If Wes Welker is tricky to rank, then Edelman is by proxy. He put forth a monster effort in the Pats' embarrassing playoff loss, showing that he belongs at this level. The problem is that he obviously fits best in the slot, and the Patriots need more of a down-field threat to complement Welker and Randy Moss. Welker won't be close to 100 percent to start next season, which means Edelman should have another window of opportunity to carve out a primary role in the offense.
41. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers | Age: 29.6 – The diva position's second-biggest knucklehead complained about his contract situation throughout the year and certainly appeared to be malingering in a lost season. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Bryant can put up good numbers in any given year but he's never a good bet for sustained value.
42. Donnie Avery, Rams | Age: 26.3 - Similar to Mike Sims-Walker in that he just can't stay healthy. While MSW's injuries are always to his legs, the smallish Avery simply can't stand up to the pounding. If he does manage to stay injury-free, Avery could join Steven Jackson, Laurent Robinson, Jason Smith, and Jason Brown as an interesting offensive nucleus. Now about that quarterback situation . . .
43. Johnny Knox, Bears | Age: 23.10 - There aren't many faster receivers in the league. Scout.com's Adam Caplan mentioned late in the season that he thought Knox had a brighter future than Devin Hester, and I agree.
44. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns | Age: 23.10 – The second-rounder proved he could get open and make plays, but he's in desperate need of an accurate, strong-armed quarterback.
45. Devin Hester, Bears | Age: 27.10 - Alternately ineffective and injured over the second half of the season, Hester was only masquerading as a potential No. 1 receiver in the season's first two months.
46. Donald Driver, Packers | Age: 35.7 – Faded down the stretch, bypassed by both Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, turns 35 in February, and has potential contract issues this offseason.
47. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts | Age: 26.0 – Like most Colts players, he derives more value from situation than talent. Now that Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have emerged as promising receivers, Gonzalez's situation has changed dramatically.
48. Chaz Schilens, Raiders | Age: 24.10 – Another player to target in offseason trade talks, Schilens is coming off a season lost to a foot fracture and poor quarterback play. Interesting note: in Weeks 15 and 16 of the past two seasons combined, Schilens has racked up 18 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns.
49. Bernard Berrian, Vikings | Age: 29.9 - Usurped by Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin in 2009. Isaac Bruce and Curtis Conway both came back strong from seasons lost to hamstring woes, so there's at least a ray of hope for Berrian.
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Tier Six
50. Devin Thomas, Redskins | Age: 23.8 - Did the light finally flip on for the second-round knucklehead? Thomas exploded for 7-100-2 against the Saints when Sherman Lewis began calling his number late in the season.
51. Eddie Royal, Broncos | Age: 24.4 – Royal has plenty of talent, but he was nothing more than a skilled decoy in Josh McDaniels' offense. How can we be sure that's going to change next season?
52. Laurent Robinson, Rams | Age: 25.4 - Credit the Rams scouts; they know how to spot a talented receiver. Robinson is the real deal with ideal size and speed -- and a better all-around receiver than Donnie Avery. Just like Avery, though, he has a hard time staying out of the trainer's room.
53. Derrick Mason, Ravens | Age: 36.8 – Fantasy's No. 20 receiver in 2009, Mason indicated that he will make a decision on his playing future "quickly and definitively." Coach John Harbaugh believes the unrestricted free agent will return, but it's going to take a pay raise to coax him back.
54. Mario Manningham, Giants | Age: 24.4 – Showed playmaking ability but lost his starting job to Hakeem Nicks late in the season.
55. Devin Aromashodu, Bears | Age: 26.4 - Nowhere close to Miles Austin's talent level, but Jay Cutler likes throwing to him – which counts for quite a bit with a void at No. 1 receiver in Chicago. Let's see what the Bears do this offseason before going crazy over his value.
56. Jordy Nelson, Packers | Age: 25.4 – Nelson has flashed talent in the fourth receiver role in his first two seasons, but his value is capped by the presence of James Jones.
57. Nate Burleson, Seahawks | Age: 29.1 – So he's not a legit No. 1 receiver after all? Receivers with Burleson's questionable history of production can't afford to fade down the stretch.
58. Andre Caldwell, Bengals | Age: 25.5 – Opportunity came knocking in 2009, and Caldwell told it to away. He'll get another chance in 2010, but his inability to make plays late in the season was telling.
59. Josh Morgan, 49ers | Age: 25.3 - I'm still bullish on Morgan as an NFL player, but his fantasy value is limited behind Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.
60. Ted Ginn, Dolphins | Age: 25.5 – The Miami coaches keep sticking up for him, but they also seem to understand that he's best used as a situational deep threat. Look for the Dolphins to pursue a true No. 1 receiver this offseason.
61. Terrell Owens, Bills | Age: 36.8 – Clearly declining, but there's a possibility of a bounce-back fantasy season if he lands in the right situation with a good quarterback.
62. Earl Bennett, Bears | Age: 23.6 – Average talent who works best in the slot and needs GPS to find the end zone.
63. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks | Age: 33.0 – Aging, overpaid possession receivers with no after-the-catch ability have to produce in the present to maintain value. Housh managed just two games over 80 yards all season.
64. Mike Thomas, Jaguars | Age: 23.3 – Torry Holt's decline could open a starting job in 2010, but do the Jags prefer to keep Thomas in the slot?
65. Deon Butler, Seahawks | Age: 24.8 – Butler has serious speed, and he should graduate to Deion Branch's third receiver job this offseason.
66. Roy Williams, Cowboys | Age: 28.9 - Just flat-out useless if Tony Romo isn't throwing him a bone in the red zone. The $45M man has already lost the No. 1 receiver mantle to Miles Austin, and it shouldn't be longer before he loses the other starting job as well.
67. Kevin Walter, Texans | Age: 29.1 – Walter was never a good bet for long-term value, and now he's being outproduced as a receiver by the team's punt returner. He was unable to come close to consistent WR3 production in 2009, and Jacoby Jones threatens to eat into his playing time next season.
68. Malcom Floyd, Chargers | Age: 29.0 – A restricted free agent this offseason, the Bolts are unlikely to let their new No. 2 receiver get away. As long as he remains behind Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson in the pecking order, however, he's merely an NFL role player and borderline rosterable in fantasy leagues.
69. Davone Bess, Dolphins | Age: 25.0 – Almost worthless in standard leagues, but Bess has plenty of value in PPR leagues – especially those with flex options.
Grab Bag
70. Jabar Gaffney, Broncos | Age: 29.9 – Value is wholly dependant on the Broncos' offseason moves. Brandon Marshall is as good as gone, but will the Broncos pick up a new starter?
71. Kevin Ogletree, Cowboys | Age: 23.1 – Could be starting alongside fellow undrafted free agent Miles Austin by 2011. As it is now, Roy Williams is just standing in the way of his progress.
72. Devery Henderson, Saints | Age: 28.6 – Boom-or-bust receivers make for a losing fantasy team over the course of the season.
73. Brandon Tate, Patriots | Age: 22.11 – Explosive talent should be fully recovered from his ACL injury this summer.
74. Jarrett Dillard, Jaguars | Age: 24.9 – Was just beginning to give Mike Thomas a run for his money as the No. 3 receiver before suffering a broken ankle.
75. Ramses Barden, Giants | Age: 24.8 – Impressive size and ballyhooed training camp, but he's too far down the depth chart entering 2010.
76. Louis Murphy, Raiders | Age: 23.4 – Well behind Chaz Schilens, and the Raiders offense doesn't support two fantasy receivers.
77. Steve Johnson, Bills | Age: 24.2 – A better Dynasty league stash than James Hardy.
78. Brian Hartline, Dolphins | Age: 23.10 – Decent opportunity but low ceiling.
79. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders | Age: 23.7 – His best-case scenario is Alvin Harper, and that's beginning to look like a pipedream. Instead, DHB looks like the second coming of Troy Williamson with a worse quarterback situation.
80. Chris Chambers, Chiefs | Age: 32.1 – Unrestricted free agent took advantage of Dwayne Bowe's absence late in the season. Will he be back in K.C.?
81. Nate Washington, Titans | Age: 27.1 – Unlikely to match his fluky 2009 touchdown total and seems to be capped at 700 yards.
82. Mark Clayton, Ravens | Age: 28.2 – Once promising receiver hasn't been a fantasy factor since 2006, as a litany of injuries have taken their toll.
83. Lance Moore, Saints | Age: 27.1 – Now behind both Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson in the Saints' receiving pecking order.
84. Limas Sweed, Steelers | Age: 25.9 – Has the talent, but started off on the wrong foot in Pittsburgh and has struggled to right himself.
85. Jason Hill, 49ers | Age: 25.7 – Could hold onto the No. 3 receiver role with Isaac Bruce gone and Brandon Jones constantly banged up.
86. Malcolm Kelly, Redskins | Age: 23.9 – Struggles to get open and remains behind fellow 2008 second-rounder Devin Thomas heading into the 2010 season.
87. Brandon Gibson, Rams | Age: 23.1 – Laurent Robinson is a better talent and likely to take his starting job back in 2010.
88. Laveranues Coles, Bengals | Age: 32.7 – Can't be expected to better his mediocre 2009 numbers as he ages.
89. Justin Gage, Titans | Age: 29.8 – Likely headed toward No. 3 receiver in an offense where only one receiver matters.
90. Torry Holt, Jaguars | Age: 34.3 – Can no longer separate and didn't score a single touchdown in 2009.
A frontline receiver in his prime is mandatory for a competitive Dynasty team because they're so reliable from season to season at a position that has dramatic turnover beyond the Top 10-15 each year. For example, this offseason's startup drafts should see both Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson off the board in the first six or seven picks, with Calvin Johnson not far behind.
As is almost always the case with these wide receiver rankings, I feel very comfortable with the order right up until about No. 30 or so, when roster situation, scoring specifics, and personal favorites take over as the determining factors. Remember that one of the cardinal rules of Dynasty leagues is to know your own team inside and out as well as the context of your league's personality. On to the rankings.
*Note: ages are factored on a 12-month scale as of September, 2010.
[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
Tier One
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals | Age: 27.0 – The best receiver in football has been a lock for double digit touchdowns and 95+ receptions every season. Make no mistake, a Kurt Warner retirement would hurt Fitz's 2010 value – but perhaps not as much as one would think.
Fitz averaged 82.4 yards and 5.7 receptions in the seven games he and Matt Leinart played together during Leinart's rookie season. He's averaged 84.2 yards and 6.3 receptions in the 59 games Warner has started the past five seasons. As long as he can continue to get into the end zone at least 10 times per season, Fitzgerald will remain a fantasy difference maker.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans | Age: 29.2 – Everything you want in a Dynasty receiver except double digit touchdowns. A man amongst boys, physically dominating opposing corners, Johnson gets open down field even against double coverage. Though he's listed ever so slightly behind Fitzgerald here, it would be hard to find fault with a No. 1 ranking.
3. Calvin Johnson, Lions | Age: 25.0 – How many receivers can say they were triple covered this season? Calvin is the number one Dynasty buy of the offseason, and the savvy fantasy leaguer will throw out an offer ASAP with the knee injury and the production-draining performances of Drew Stanton and Daunte Culpepper fresh in his owner's mind.
Tier Two
4. Reggie Wayne, Colts | Age: 31.10 – Peyton Manning's number one receiver has finished in the Top-6 in fantasy points in three of the past four seasons. The dynamic duo should be a lock for similar production over the next three-to-four years until both players begin to fade.
5. Vincent Jackson, Chargers | Age: 27.8 - The leap has been made. Already unstoppable on deep balls and in the red-zone heading into the season, V-Jax flashed signs that he can take over as a possession receiver as well. He's simply too big and too fast for even the best cover corners to contain.
6. Miles Austin, Cowboys | Age: 26.2 – Boasting a career rate of one touchdown for every seven times he catches the ball, Austin rivals DeSean Jackson as the best after-the-catch receiver in the NFL. Only Andre Johnson scored more points once Austin hit the starting lineup, and Tony Romo's No. 1 receiver has potential to be a double-digit TD scorer for the next five-to-six seasons. He's a monster.
7. Roddy White, Falcons | Age: 28.10 – In becoming the first player in franchise history to record 80 catches and 1,100 yards in three consecutive seasons, White also finished as a Top-7 fantasy receiver for the second straight year and Top-15 for the third straight. White has emerged as one of the best route runners in the NFL, and he's terrific after the catch with his double moves.
8. DeSean Jackson, Eagles | Age: 23.9 - The best open-field wide receiver in the NFL? Giving Chris Johnson a run for his money as the most electrifying player in the league, Jackson has to be considered a Top-10 Dynasty receiver due to his unique talent. The bottom line is he's always open and corners can't handle his speed.
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Tier Three
9. Marques Colston, Saints | Age: 27.3 – The hulking Colston has an obscene catch radius, and Drew Brees trusts him implicitly to come down with the ball in heavy traffic. One minor concern: Robert Meachem's second-half emergence led to a decrease in Colston's consistency, as he caught more than five passes just twice in the second half of the season with Brees spreading the wealth.
10. Greg Jennings, Packers | Age: 27.0 – There's no question that his early-season numbers were adversely affected by the O-Line woes, forcing Aaron Rodgers to get rid of the ball before Jennings could streak down field. Jennings may not be quite as ridiculously talented as several receivers listed below, but Aaron Rodgers provides ideal stability. Buy low this offseason.
11. Sidney Rice, Vikings | Age: 24.0 – Ranked with the who's who of elite receivers in fantasy points throughout 2009. Rice unquestionably has the talent to merit a higher ranking, but quarterback uncertainties keep him out of the higher tier.
12. Randy Moss, Patriots | Age: 33.7 – Pushing his mid-30s and doesn't appear to be the dominant talent he once was. Moss can still take over a game, but he just disappears too often to keep elite value as he ages.
13. Steve Smith, Panthers | Age: 31.4 – The only time 89 is not "establishing the rules" is when he has one of the most odious quarterbacks in the league throwing to him. If you throw out games started by Chris Weinke, a 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde pulled off his couch, and Jake Delhomme's 2009 implosion, Smiff has produced at the same rate since his career year in 2005. Matt Moore's late-season progress bodes well for Smiff's return to his familiar 100 yards/game territory.
14. Santonio Holmes, Steelers | Age: 26.6 - Would you believe he finished just 16 yards away from tying Reggie Wayne and Randy Moss for No. 5 in receiving yards? As Hines Ward begins to decline, Holmes' touchdown totals should rise.
15. Percy Harvin, Vikings | Age: 22.3 - Already one of the best slot receivers in the game, Harvin displayed better than expected strength and toughness to go with his impressive after-the-catch ability. Before his late-season migraine episodes, the Rookie of the Year was on pace for 64 receptions, 1,059 yards from scrimmage, and 11 total touchdowns.
16. Michael Crabtree, 49ers | Age: 23.0 - Part of San Fran's suddenly promising young offensive nucleus, Crabtree has already shown the total package as a No. 1 receiver.
17. Hakeem Nicks, Giants | Age: 22.8 – Nicks had an inconsistent rookie campaign, but the important thing is that he succeeded in pushing Mario Manningham out of the starting role before the season ended. His size and homerun hitting ability make him a threat for double digit touchdowns as soon as next season.
18. Brandon Marshall, Broncos | Age: 26.6 – Pure 100 percent unadulterated knucklehead. If you're fine with the ongoing soap opera as your No. 1 receiver, feel free to move him up your personal rankings. I just don't value his species highly, and I don't believe he can be counted on as a nucleus player.
Tier Four
19. Steve Smith, Giants | Age: 25.4 - Made the leap to true No. 1 receiver for the Giants in 2009, but Hakeem Nicks offers more fantasy upside.
20. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs | Age: 26.0 - His work ethic was questioned throughout the Herman Edwards era, he spent the offseason in Todd Haley's doghouse, and then he was dealt a four-game suspension. There's at least a hint of knucklehead potential here, isn't there?
21. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals | Age: 29.11 – One can never count on Boldin to play a full 16-game season. Is the explosion still there? It's tough to tell if he can't stay healthy enough to open it up. After Early Doucet's postseason performance, it's finally time for Arizona to part ways with Boldin. His next address will go a long way in determining his Dynansty value.
22. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles | Age: 22.4 - We knew he could get deep, but he also made tough catches over the middle and against the sidelines.
23. Kenny Britt, Titans | Age: 22.0 - Undeniably the Titans' best receiver, Britt is a prototype No. 1 emerging as a deep threat as well as a go-to clutch option. He's already a fine WR3, and he could graduate to consensus Top-20 by next season.
24. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals | Age: 32.8 – Ocho had a fine comeback season, but he's hitting the downslope just as his quarterback loses his magic touch. Can "85" be counted on as a WR2 if Carson Palmer is still battling injuries or mechanical issues next season?
25. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars | Age: 25.10 - Whether the MSW owners like it or not, the checkered injury history adversely affects his Dynasty value. After his mid-season hot streak, he finished as just the No. 67 fantasy receiver over the final five weeks.
26. Robert Meachem, Saints | Age: 26.0 – Meachem has the pedigree, size, talent, and nose for the end zone to eventually emerge as a Top-15 Dynasty option. . The former first-rounder has earned the starting job opposite Marques Colston going forward, and he finished as a Top-20 fantasy receiver over the second half of the season.
27. Braylon Edwards, Jets | Age: 27.7 - The Jets aren't expected to rush into a long-term deal with Edwards this offseason, which is no surprise considering he still can't catch the ball.
28. Wes Welker, Patriots | Age: 29.4 – Welker is a tricky to player to rank after tearing his ACL and MCL. He's not likely to be back to full health until the middle of next season, and we're left to wonder how the reconstructive surgery will limit his main strengths of cutting, shiftiness, and elusiveness in the long-term.
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Tier Five
29. Pierre Garcon, Colts | Age: 24.1 - Garcon is making Anthony Gonzalez look like an afterthought. President Bill Polian, who hyped Garcon all offseason, has already called him "a run-after-the-catch threat that we've never had here." I just can't picture Gonzalez getting his job back in 2010.
30. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets | Age: 28.3 – Cotchery is too pedestrian to be considered more than a low-end WR2, and the Braylon Edwards trade was an indictment of Cotchery as a No. 1 receiver from the Jets point of view.
31. Lee Evans, Bills | Age: 29.6 - Held hostage once again in Buffalo, this time by the offensive line as well as the rotten quarterback play. I'd buy low if I had any confidence in the Bills dramatically upgrading their trouble spots.
32. Mike Wallace, Steelers | Age: 24.1 – Often referred to as nothing more than a Nate Washington-like situational deep threat, Wallace proved that he's more than just a speedster, hauling in clutch catches throughout the season. Already a borderline WR3, Wallace will see a value spike as Hines Ward declines over the next two seasons.
33. Austin Collie, Colts | Age: 24.10 – The first-team all-rookie receiver earned Peyton Manning's confidence from the start by being in the right place and catching everything thrown his way. Already a complete receiver with a dynamite work ethic, Collie is the logical successor to Wes Welker as the league's prototypical slot receiver.
34. Hines Ward, Steelers | Age: 34.6 – It's hard to ignore his production in the Steelers' new pass-first offense. Ward still had enough spring in his step to finish No. 16 among fantasy receivers despite the late-season hamstring woes.
35. Santana Moss, Redskins | Age: 31.3 – This poor man's Steve Smith makes for the perfect trade throw-in as a bounce-back candidate in Mike Shanahan's offense.
36. Steve Breaston, Cardinals | Age: 27.1 – Who benefits more from an Anquan Boldin trade: Breaston or Early Doucet?
37. Jacoby Jones, Texans | Age: 26.2 - The perfect roster stash. Jones makes at least one eye-opening play every week, and opposing teams couldn't keep him out of the end zone even in limited touches. Now becoming more of a receiver as opposed to just a returner, the playmaker is a threat to Kevin Walter's starting job this offseason.
38. James Jones, Packers | Age: 26.6 – Reminiscent of Anquan Boldin in body type, strength, and after-the-catch ability, Jones is the best bet to succeed Donald Driver opposite Greg Jennings.
39. Early Doucet, Cardinals | Age: 24.9 – Jimmy Johnson used to advise against trading an unhappy player until the year before he hits free agency. In other words, this is the offseason the Cardinals will actually put a legitimate effort into an Anquan Boldin deal. Doucet's postseason performance showed a player who could step right into Boldin's role in the offense.
40. Julian Edelman, Patriots | Age: 24.4 – If Wes Welker is tricky to rank, then Edelman is by proxy. He put forth a monster effort in the Pats' embarrassing playoff loss, showing that he belongs at this level. The problem is that he obviously fits best in the slot, and the Patriots need more of a down-field threat to complement Welker and Randy Moss. Welker won't be close to 100 percent to start next season, which means Edelman should have another window of opportunity to carve out a primary role in the offense.
41. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers | Age: 29.6 – The diva position's second-biggest knucklehead complained about his contract situation throughout the year and certainly appeared to be malingering in a lost season. An unrestricted free agent this offseason, Bryant can put up good numbers in any given year but he's never a good bet for sustained value.
42. Donnie Avery, Rams | Age: 26.3 - Similar to Mike Sims-Walker in that he just can't stay healthy. While MSW's injuries are always to his legs, the smallish Avery simply can't stand up to the pounding. If he does manage to stay injury-free, Avery could join Steven Jackson, Laurent Robinson, Jason Smith, and Jason Brown as an interesting offensive nucleus. Now about that quarterback situation . . .
43. Johnny Knox, Bears | Age: 23.10 - There aren't many faster receivers in the league. Scout.com's Adam Caplan mentioned late in the season that he thought Knox had a brighter future than Devin Hester, and I agree.
44. Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns | Age: 23.10 – The second-rounder proved he could get open and make plays, but he's in desperate need of an accurate, strong-armed quarterback.
45. Devin Hester, Bears | Age: 27.10 - Alternately ineffective and injured over the second half of the season, Hester was only masquerading as a potential No. 1 receiver in the season's first two months.
46. Donald Driver, Packers | Age: 35.7 – Faded down the stretch, bypassed by both Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, turns 35 in February, and has potential contract issues this offseason.
47. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts | Age: 26.0 – Like most Colts players, he derives more value from situation than talent. Now that Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have emerged as promising receivers, Gonzalez's situation has changed dramatically.
48. Chaz Schilens, Raiders | Age: 24.10 – Another player to target in offseason trade talks, Schilens is coming off a season lost to a foot fracture and poor quarterback play. Interesting note: in Weeks 15 and 16 of the past two seasons combined, Schilens has racked up 18 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns.
49. Bernard Berrian, Vikings | Age: 29.9 - Usurped by Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin in 2009. Isaac Bruce and Curtis Conway both came back strong from seasons lost to hamstring woes, so there's at least a ray of hope for Berrian.
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Tier Six
50. Devin Thomas, Redskins | Age: 23.8 - Did the light finally flip on for the second-round knucklehead? Thomas exploded for 7-100-2 against the Saints when Sherman Lewis began calling his number late in the season.
51. Eddie Royal, Broncos | Age: 24.4 – Royal has plenty of talent, but he was nothing more than a skilled decoy in Josh McDaniels' offense. How can we be sure that's going to change next season?
52. Laurent Robinson, Rams | Age: 25.4 - Credit the Rams scouts; they know how to spot a talented receiver. Robinson is the real deal with ideal size and speed -- and a better all-around receiver than Donnie Avery. Just like Avery, though, he has a hard time staying out of the trainer's room.
53. Derrick Mason, Ravens | Age: 36.8 – Fantasy's No. 20 receiver in 2009, Mason indicated that he will make a decision on his playing future "quickly and definitively." Coach John Harbaugh believes the unrestricted free agent will return, but it's going to take a pay raise to coax him back.
54. Mario Manningham, Giants | Age: 24.4 – Showed playmaking ability but lost his starting job to Hakeem Nicks late in the season.
55. Devin Aromashodu, Bears | Age: 26.4 - Nowhere close to Miles Austin's talent level, but Jay Cutler likes throwing to him – which counts for quite a bit with a void at No. 1 receiver in Chicago. Let's see what the Bears do this offseason before going crazy over his value.
56. Jordy Nelson, Packers | Age: 25.4 – Nelson has flashed talent in the fourth receiver role in his first two seasons, but his value is capped by the presence of James Jones.
57. Nate Burleson, Seahawks | Age: 29.1 – So he's not a legit No. 1 receiver after all? Receivers with Burleson's questionable history of production can't afford to fade down the stretch.
58. Andre Caldwell, Bengals | Age: 25.5 – Opportunity came knocking in 2009, and Caldwell told it to away. He'll get another chance in 2010, but his inability to make plays late in the season was telling.
59. Josh Morgan, 49ers | Age: 25.3 - I'm still bullish on Morgan as an NFL player, but his fantasy value is limited behind Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.
60. Ted Ginn, Dolphins | Age: 25.5 – The Miami coaches keep sticking up for him, but they also seem to understand that he's best used as a situational deep threat. Look for the Dolphins to pursue a true No. 1 receiver this offseason.
61. Terrell Owens, Bills | Age: 36.8 – Clearly declining, but there's a possibility of a bounce-back fantasy season if he lands in the right situation with a good quarterback.
62. Earl Bennett, Bears | Age: 23.6 – Average talent who works best in the slot and needs GPS to find the end zone.
63. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks | Age: 33.0 – Aging, overpaid possession receivers with no after-the-catch ability have to produce in the present to maintain value. Housh managed just two games over 80 yards all season.
64. Mike Thomas, Jaguars | Age: 23.3 – Torry Holt's decline could open a starting job in 2010, but do the Jags prefer to keep Thomas in the slot?
65. Deon Butler, Seahawks | Age: 24.8 – Butler has serious speed, and he should graduate to Deion Branch's third receiver job this offseason.
66. Roy Williams, Cowboys | Age: 28.9 - Just flat-out useless if Tony Romo isn't throwing him a bone in the red zone. The $45M man has already lost the No. 1 receiver mantle to Miles Austin, and it shouldn't be longer before he loses the other starting job as well.
67. Kevin Walter, Texans | Age: 29.1 – Walter was never a good bet for long-term value, and now he's being outproduced as a receiver by the team's punt returner. He was unable to come close to consistent WR3 production in 2009, and Jacoby Jones threatens to eat into his playing time next season.
68. Malcom Floyd, Chargers | Age: 29.0 – A restricted free agent this offseason, the Bolts are unlikely to let their new No. 2 receiver get away. As long as he remains behind Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson in the pecking order, however, he's merely an NFL role player and borderline rosterable in fantasy leagues.
69. Davone Bess, Dolphins | Age: 25.0 – Almost worthless in standard leagues, but Bess has plenty of value in PPR leagues – especially those with flex options.
Grab Bag
70. Jabar Gaffney, Broncos | Age: 29.9 – Value is wholly dependant on the Broncos' offseason moves. Brandon Marshall is as good as gone, but will the Broncos pick up a new starter?
71. Kevin Ogletree, Cowboys | Age: 23.1 – Could be starting alongside fellow undrafted free agent Miles Austin by 2011. As it is now, Roy Williams is just standing in the way of his progress.
72. Devery Henderson, Saints | Age: 28.6 – Boom-or-bust receivers make for a losing fantasy team over the course of the season.
73. Brandon Tate, Patriots | Age: 22.11 – Explosive talent should be fully recovered from his ACL injury this summer.
74. Jarrett Dillard, Jaguars | Age: 24.9 – Was just beginning to give Mike Thomas a run for his money as the No. 3 receiver before suffering a broken ankle.
75. Ramses Barden, Giants | Age: 24.8 – Impressive size and ballyhooed training camp, but he's too far down the depth chart entering 2010.
76. Louis Murphy, Raiders | Age: 23.4 – Well behind Chaz Schilens, and the Raiders offense doesn't support two fantasy receivers.
77. Steve Johnson, Bills | Age: 24.2 – A better Dynasty league stash than James Hardy.
78. Brian Hartline, Dolphins | Age: 23.10 – Decent opportunity but low ceiling.
79. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders | Age: 23.7 – His best-case scenario is Alvin Harper, and that's beginning to look like a pipedream. Instead, DHB looks like the second coming of Troy Williamson with a worse quarterback situation.
80. Chris Chambers, Chiefs | Age: 32.1 – Unrestricted free agent took advantage of Dwayne Bowe's absence late in the season. Will he be back in K.C.?
81. Nate Washington, Titans | Age: 27.1 – Unlikely to match his fluky 2009 touchdown total and seems to be capped at 700 yards.
82. Mark Clayton, Ravens | Age: 28.2 – Once promising receiver hasn't been a fantasy factor since 2006, as a litany of injuries have taken their toll.
83. Lance Moore, Saints | Age: 27.1 – Now behind both Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson in the Saints' receiving pecking order.
84. Limas Sweed, Steelers | Age: 25.9 – Has the talent, but started off on the wrong foot in Pittsburgh and has struggled to right himself.
85. Jason Hill, 49ers | Age: 25.7 – Could hold onto the No. 3 receiver role with Isaac Bruce gone and Brandon Jones constantly banged up.
86. Malcolm Kelly, Redskins | Age: 23.9 – Struggles to get open and remains behind fellow 2008 second-rounder Devin Thomas heading into the 2010 season.
87. Brandon Gibson, Rams | Age: 23.1 – Laurent Robinson is a better talent and likely to take his starting job back in 2010.
88. Laveranues Coles, Bengals | Age: 32.7 – Can't be expected to better his mediocre 2009 numbers as he ages.
89. Justin Gage, Titans | Age: 29.8 – Likely headed toward No. 3 receiver in an offense where only one receiver matters.
90. Torry Holt, Jaguars | Age: 34.3 – Can no longer separate and didn't score a single touchdown in 2009.
