1. Andre Johnson
2. Larry Fitzgerald
3. Randy Moss
4. Calvin Johnson
5. Greg Jennings
6. Steve Smith
7. Reggie Wayne
8. Roddy White
9. Marques Colston
10. Anquan Boldin
11. Dwayne Bowe
12. Terrell Owens
13. Wes Welker
14. Roy Williams
15. Brandon Marshall
16. Anthony Gonzalez
17. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
18. Vincent Jackson
19. Chad Ochocinco
20. Braylon Edwards
21. Eddie Royal
22. Lee Evans
23. Santana Moss
24. DeSean Jackson
25. Bernard Berrian
26. Antonio Bryant
27. Kevin Walter
28. Devin Hester
29. Hines Ward
30. Jerricho Cotchery
31. Lance Moore
32. Torry Holt
33. Domenik Hixon
34. Ted Ginn Jr.
35. Percy Harvin
36. Lance Moore
37. Josh Morgan
38. Donnie Avery
39. Laveranues Coles
40. Derrick Mason
41. Michael Crabtree
42. Steve Breaston
43. Patrick Crayton
44. Nate Washington
45. Jeremy Maclin
46. Justin Gage
47. Isaac Bruce
48. Bobby Engram
49. Joey Galloway
50. Devery Henderson
Notes: Johnson gets the surprise nod at No. 1 over fantasy favorite Fitzgerald. AJ did lead the league in receptions and yards last year, not Fitz, after all. And while Johnson's QB, Matt Schaub, is a bit unproven, he's no more of an injury risk than Kurt Warner. Plus there's the Madden Curse to consider with Fitzgerald, as well as the post-Super Bowl hangover. ...
I don't think you can go wrong with making any of the top 10 guys your No. 1 fantasy receiver, and if you can grab two of those top-10 guys, you'll be golden. ...
I think White's numbers take a slight dip after the addition of Tony Gonzalez, who should definitely take away some TD opportunities. ...
I don't have too many worries about T.O. in Buffalo, but Trent Edwards is no Tony Romo (or Donovan McNabb, or Jeff Garcia) and the upstate N.Y. winds will be a legit concern as the season wears on. Don't overpay for Owens. ...
If you draft Marshall you might want to invest in some antacid pills. The constant stream of bad news associated with him that's come out of Denver's camp is enough to cause an upset stomach, yet he's too talented to let fall too far. Broncos possession receiver Eddie Royal, a great mid-round pick in his own right in Josh McDaniels' new offense, will be that much more valuable in case of a Marshall meltdown. ...
I think Hester, Holt, Hixon and Ginn could all be steals. They're all likely No. 1 receivers on their respective teams, but you can draft them at a spot where your leaguemates might be taking real-life No. 2s or No. 3s (Moore, Breaston, Coles) who will have their share of big games but be way less consistent. ...
Surprised to see Morgan ahead of Crabtree? I was too. But Crabtree's prolonged holdout (will he seriously sit out all year?) and the ill will that comes with it have really set him back in San Fran. It's hard enough for rookie receivers to step in and be fantasy-worthy in Year 1, and at this point I'd have trouble justifying putting him on a roster in leagues that carry four WRs. He might make a better midseason pickup after we see some positive signs out of him. ...
Showing posts with label wide receivers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wide receivers. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
2008 wide receiver rankings
I have a problem with Randy Moss.
I’ll admit I’ve never been a huge fan, but my issue isn’t really personal (and for the record, I thought it was hilarious when he "mooned" the crowd at Lambeau Field a few years back).
No, my problem isn't with Moss' personality or his abilities as a football player. Rather, I’m taking umbrage with where he's getting drafted in fantasy leagues.
The New England Patriots wide receiver seems to be the position’s consensus No. 1 entering this season, and that’s fine with me. His lofty status is probably well deserved after last year’s historic team-up with QB Tom Brady, during which Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and a single-season record 23 touchdowns. While he’s not going to reach that level again, the pieces are in place in New England for him to come close, and that’s good enough to put him atop the preseason rankings.
Trouble is, just because Moss is the top receiver on the board, that doesn’t mean he should be drafted in the first round. In fantasy, running backs still rule. There are only a handful of every-down, carry-the-load backs, and passing on one with your first pick can be a dangerous move. Take Moss first, and you might be looking at a so-so No. 2 RB like Willis McGahee or Jamal Lewis as your top running back.
Yikes.
I’m not so sure Reggie Wayne or Terrell Owens or Larry Fitzgerald won’t finish with similar stats as Moss this season - and I can probably get one of them in the second round, after I’ve already taken a stud running back.
So sorry, Randy, if I’ve offended you, but I’m trying to win a championship here.
Anyway, here’s how this year’s wideouts stack up:
1. Moss, Patriots.
2. Owens, Dallas Cowboys: He loves his quarterback, and he’s not afraid to show it. That kind of heartfelt bond is going to produce a lot of touchdowns.
3. Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: It’s official: Wayne has surpassed Marvin Harrison as the Colts’ top option. And you may have noticed they like to throw the ball to him (career high 104 catches and 10 TDs last year).
4. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns: The cut on his foot doesn’t bother me much; he has the skills and the teammates to be elite.
5. Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: Will be productive no matter who’s throwing him the ball - led the NFC in receptions and yards last season.
6. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals: Has caught more TDs than buddy Chad Johnson in each of the past two seasons, and he comes without the banged-up shoulder or the shenanigans.
7. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: He’ll be a bit undervalued after last year’s knee troubles, but if he’s 100 percent, he could have finish in the top five.
8. Plaxico Burress, New York Giants: Can a player actually get better by NOT practicing? Apparently, yes. A sore ankle cannot stop him from dominating.
9. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints: He’s got more receptions in his first two years than any other player in NFL history. Drew Brees will get him the ball.
10. Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams: This might seem a bit high, but I like Holt better than some of the younger guys ranked below him. You know what to expect from the vet, and I’m risk-averse when it comes to my No. 1 WR.
11. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers.
12. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers.
13. Wes Welker, New England Patriots.
14. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals.
15. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals.
16. Roy Williams, Detroit Lions.
17. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers.
18. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos.
19. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons.
20. Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets.
21. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs.
22. Laveranues Coles, New York Jets.
23. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions.
24. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers.
25. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts.
26. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills.
27. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins.
28. Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
29. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers.
30. Nate Burleson, Seattle Seahawks.
31. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts.
32. Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers.
33. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings.
34. Donte’ Stallworth, Cleveland Browns.
35. Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles.
36. Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys.
37. Isaac Bruce, San Francisco 49ers.
38. Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens.
39. Reggie Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars.
40. Ronald Curry, Oakland Raiders.
41. Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins.
42. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers.
43. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings.
44. Justin Gage, Tennessee Titans.
45. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles.
46. Bobby Engram, Seattle Seahawks.
47. D.J. Hackett, Carolina Panthers.
48. Bryant Johnson, San Francisco 49ers.
49. Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals.
50. Kevin Walter, Houston Texans.
51. Amani Toomer, New York Giants.
52. Marty Booker, Chicago Bears.
53. Antwaan Randle El, Washington Redskins.
54. Javon Walker, Oakland Raiders.
55. James Hardy, Buffalo Bills.
56. Jabar Gaffney, New England Patriots.
57. Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints.
58. Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos.
59. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears.
60. Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh Steelers.
I’ll admit I’ve never been a huge fan, but my issue isn’t really personal (and for the record, I thought it was hilarious when he "mooned" the crowd at Lambeau Field a few years back).
No, my problem isn't with Moss' personality or his abilities as a football player. Rather, I’m taking umbrage with where he's getting drafted in fantasy leagues.
The New England Patriots wide receiver seems to be the position’s consensus No. 1 entering this season, and that’s fine with me. His lofty status is probably well deserved after last year’s historic team-up with QB Tom Brady, during which Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and a single-season record 23 touchdowns. While he’s not going to reach that level again, the pieces are in place in New England for him to come close, and that’s good enough to put him atop the preseason rankings.
Trouble is, just because Moss is the top receiver on the board, that doesn’t mean he should be drafted in the first round. In fantasy, running backs still rule. There are only a handful of every-down, carry-the-load backs, and passing on one with your first pick can be a dangerous move. Take Moss first, and you might be looking at a so-so No. 2 RB like Willis McGahee or Jamal Lewis as your top running back.
Yikes.
I’m not so sure Reggie Wayne or Terrell Owens or Larry Fitzgerald won’t finish with similar stats as Moss this season - and I can probably get one of them in the second round, after I’ve already taken a stud running back.
So sorry, Randy, if I’ve offended you, but I’m trying to win a championship here.
Anyway, here’s how this year’s wideouts stack up:
1. Moss, Patriots.
2. Owens, Dallas Cowboys: He loves his quarterback, and he’s not afraid to show it. That kind of heartfelt bond is going to produce a lot of touchdowns.
3. Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: It’s official: Wayne has surpassed Marvin Harrison as the Colts’ top option. And you may have noticed they like to throw the ball to him (career high 104 catches and 10 TDs last year).
4. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns: The cut on his foot doesn’t bother me much; he has the skills and the teammates to be elite.
5. Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: Will be productive no matter who’s throwing him the ball - led the NFC in receptions and yards last season.
6. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals: Has caught more TDs than buddy Chad Johnson in each of the past two seasons, and he comes without the banged-up shoulder or the shenanigans.
7. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: He’ll be a bit undervalued after last year’s knee troubles, but if he’s 100 percent, he could have finish in the top five.
8. Plaxico Burress, New York Giants: Can a player actually get better by NOT practicing? Apparently, yes. A sore ankle cannot stop him from dominating.
9. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints: He’s got more receptions in his first two years than any other player in NFL history. Drew Brees will get him the ball.
10. Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams: This might seem a bit high, but I like Holt better than some of the younger guys ranked below him. You know what to expect from the vet, and I’m risk-averse when it comes to my No. 1 WR.
11. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers.
12. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers.
13. Wes Welker, New England Patriots.
14. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals.
15. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals.
16. Roy Williams, Detroit Lions.
17. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers.
18. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos.
19. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons.
20. Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets.
21. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs.
22. Laveranues Coles, New York Jets.
23. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions.
24. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers.
25. Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts.
26. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills.
27. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins.
28. Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
29. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers.
30. Nate Burleson, Seattle Seahawks.
31. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts.
32. Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers.
33. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings.
34. Donte’ Stallworth, Cleveland Browns.
35. Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles.
36. Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys.
37. Isaac Bruce, San Francisco 49ers.
38. Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens.
39. Reggie Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars.
40. Ronald Curry, Oakland Raiders.
41. Ted Ginn Jr., Miami Dolphins.
42. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers.
43. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings.
44. Justin Gage, Tennessee Titans.
45. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles.
46. Bobby Engram, Seattle Seahawks.
47. D.J. Hackett, Carolina Panthers.
48. Bryant Johnson, San Francisco 49ers.
49. Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals.
50. Kevin Walter, Houston Texans.
51. Amani Toomer, New York Giants.
52. Marty Booker, Chicago Bears.
53. Antwaan Randle El, Washington Redskins.
54. Javon Walker, Oakland Raiders.
55. James Hardy, Buffalo Bills.
56. Jabar Gaffney, New England Patriots.
57. Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints.
58. Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos.
59. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears.
60. Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh Steelers.
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