Fantasy Football Preview – WR Rankings

WR Rankings

Tier 1

1. Chad Johnson(Bengals)

-Ocho Cinco as soon as once more had a superb season in 2006 as he caught 87 passes for 7 TD’s. His rapport with QB Carson Palmer is a factor of magnificence and they need to proceed to provide extra of the identical in 2007. The emergence of WR TJ Houshmanzadeh final yr must also assist Johnson in that he’ll primarily see one-on-one protection. Draft the largest certain-factor fantasy WR.

2. Steve Smith(Panthers)

-Carolina’s emotional star WR recorded numbers that had been a drop-off from his ridiculous 2005 season because of a hamstring damage that brought about him to overlook two video games and affected his working capability for the whole first half of the yr. Now totally wholesome, Smith is in line to have a really large yr as soon as once more. Favourite QB Jake Delhomme is also wholesome heading into coaching camp and thus a season of no less than 90 catches with 8 scores is a lock. Would not quibble in the event you picked him over Johnson.

3. Torry Holt(Rams)

-your actually has owned Holt for the final 4 seasons and he’s as large a cause as any that I’ve loved nice success on this recreation. The perfect route-runner within the recreation, Holt combines sprinters pace and tender arms to habitually end up 90 catch, 8 TD seasons. Off-season surgical procedure on his knee confirms that he is not as younger as he was however rely on one other two years of prime participant out of Marc Bulger’s favourite goal. Second spherical or very starting of third spherical is the place he will probably be chosen, hopefully by you.

4. Marvin Harrison(Colts)

-the ageless surprise turned in an unbelievable 2006 season, hauling in 93 passes with 10 scores at an age(35) the place many receivers have began to say no. In fact you may’t ignore Harrison’s age when deciding whether or not to draft him or not however till he proves in any other case, then you definately can be silly to move on him. The chemistry he has with QB Peyton Manning is probably the best passing present in NFL historical past and I imagine Harrison will put up across the similar numbers he did final season. In different phrases, he’s a participant you need to personal.

5. Larry Fitzgerald(Cardinals)

-Fitzgerald took somewhat bobble in his improvement final season as his 69 catches and 6 TD’s weren’t what fantasy homeowners anticipated after his breakout 2005 season. Nonetheless accidents had been the principle explanation for the diminished manufacturing and I search for Fitzgerald to have an enormous yr as he builds his rapport with QB Matt Leinart. The presence of fellow Professional Bowler Anquan Boldin will permit Larry to get single protection and at his measurement, he should not have any bother getting open and piling up the catches. Whereas Boldin might have barely extra catches, Fitzgerald is the one who will seize the extra TD’s which in fantasy is the secret in the case of scoring factors. Draft him by the tip of spherical 3 or in case your fortunate the highest of spherical 4.

6. Terrell Owens(Cowboys)

-no one on the WR place will give fantasy homeowners extra stress in the case of deciding whether or not to draft him or not than Dallas’ mercurial, moody move catcher. There isn’t any doubt that when wholesome and he has his head on proper, Owens can flat out dominate a recreation. He proved that after once more in a comeback season(85 catches, 13 TD’s) of kinds after the controversy/damage crammed ending to his tenure in Philadelphia. Regardless of greater than occasional drops, Owens is the most effective supply on the market for catching TD’s and for boorish habits. So in the event you plan on drafting him, simply be ready for each.

7. Reggie Wayne(Colts)

-once once more taking an enormous step ahead in his improvement, Reggie Wayne is sort of working neck-and-neck now with counterpart Marvin Harrison within the worth division. Regardless of nonetheless being thought of the quantity two wideout in Indy, Wayne’s 86 catches and 9 TD’s had been numbers indicative of a real #1 receiver. Smack dab in his prime on the age of 28, this may very well be the yr Wayne takes the mantle of prime canine within the WR hierarchy. Be sure you get this man. I actually will.

8. Anquan Boldin(Cardinals)

-the different half of Arizona’s stud WR duo, Boldin as soon as once more was the go to man within the passing recreation so far as complete receptions are involved(83 to Larry Fitzgerald’s 69). Boldin will proceed to pile up the catches and is thus extraordinarily beneficial in level/reception leagues. His lack of prime-notch pace has confirmed to be a non-hindrance and he’s capability to run crisp routes will guarantee a strong season. Solely adverse is the actual fact he’s not as large a TD producer as Arizona will look to the a lot bigger Fitzgerald within the pink zone. Stable weekly performer will probably be an incredible quantity 2 receiver.

9. Roy Williams(Lions)

-after accidents impacted his manufacturing his first two seasons, Roy Williams put all of it collectively in 2006 as he recorded a profession-excessive 82 receptions with 7 TD’s. Williams has unbelievable measurement for his place and can win most one-on-one battles so a rise in TD’s is greater than doubtless. The drafting of WR Calvin Johnson will take away many of the double groups he confronted final season and thus additionally has an opportunity to succeed in the 90-catch plateau. Draft him for a doubtlessly bigger breakout season than the yr earlier than. Additionally do not be afraid to succeed in for him as he may put up primary WR numbers.

10. Donald Driver(Packers)

-Brett Favre’s favourite goal is in line for one more nice season as Inexperienced Bay tries to enterprise into the playoffs for probably the final time with their Corridor of Fame QB. Driver has made a pleasant profession for himself regardless of not having prime-notch pace and as a result of truth Inexperienced Bay lacks one other WR of Donald’s capability, one other 90 catch season could be very attainable. Though you want to see him rating greater than the 7 TD’s he recorded final season, these in level/reception leagues will particularly worth the truth that Favre will look to him first on each move he goes again to throw. Draft him across the fifth spherical and you’ve got your self a prime quantity two wideout. One among my favourite receiving choices to draft.

11. Javon Walker(Broncos)

-it was a comeback season of kinds in 2006 for Javon Walker after lacking nearly the whole 2005 season with an injured knee. The nice pace and talent to make the deep catch had been all nonetheless part of his repertoire and thus all of the fears had been alleviated about whether or not he may very well be the identical participant he was earlier than he received damage. There will probably be some rising pains for certain as second-yr QB Jay Cutler will battle some in his first yr as a starter however already Walker is his favourite goal when going again to move. Should you’re on the lookout for a 90-catch man, that Walker shouldn’t be your man. Denver is a run-oriented offense and so affordable expectations heart on round 75 catches, though he’ll pile up the yardage and is a greater than-common TD supply. So general Walker is a strong quantity 2 WR you must really feel comfy drafting.

12. Lee Evans(Payments)

-Evans rose to stardom in 2006 with an 82 catch, 8 TD breakout. Most likely the largest house run menace in all of soccer, Evans had a fully unbelievable 265-yard efficiency in a win over the Houston Texans. The advance of QB JP Losman additional legitimizes Evans’ lengthy-time period potential to succeed and I imagine he may make a fair larger leap into possibly even prime 5 standing this coming season. If you are going to attain for one WR in your draft, remember to make it this man.

13. Andre Johnson(Texans)

-Johnson is an attention-grabbing choice in fantasy circles for a lot of causes. Nobody doubts his capability as he led the NFL in move receptions final season(alarm sounding level/reception gamers). Superior as that complete is, the one drawback is that they resulted in solely 5 TD’s for 1,147 yards. To place it in perspective, Lee Evans of Buffalo piled up 150 extra yards with 21 fewer receptions, whereas scoring 3 extra TD’s. So my level in all that is the truth that Johnson will certainly pile up receptions as he’s the one reliable prime-notch receiving choice on the Texan roster and in the event you’re within the level/reception leagues, then be happy to draft him as excessive as spherical 3. In any other case, anticipate a repeat in his 2006 numbers which can not yield sufficient factors to make him well worth the effort in TD heavy leagues.

14. Marques Colston(Saints)

-call me naïve, however I nonetheless must see extra earlier than I soar on the Marques Colston bandwagon. Positive his efficiency final season(70 catches, 8 TD’s) was actually one of many greatest out-of-nowhere breakouts in NFL historical past. Is it attainable Colston is the largest “Rudy” in NFL historical past or is he one other Michael Clayton ready to occur? I believe the reply falls someplace in between and I imagine there are a lot safer choices to select from than Colston. Let’s have a look at him have one other 2006 season earlier than he positive aspects our fantasy respect.

15. TJ Houshmandzadeh(Bengals)

-the different half of the Cincinnati aerial assault, Housmandzadeh confirmed the NFL world he was far more than a possession receiver as he out-caught his extra-hyped teammate Chad Johnson(90 catches to 87). He additionally recorded 9 TD’s to Johnson’s 7. Though I imagine these numbers will reverse themselves this season because of extra defensive consideration dedicated to TJ, I nonetheless imagine he can have an incredible season. I anticipate a slight lower in his receptions(80 sounds about proper) with round 7-9 TD’s. Appears like a pleasant pickup to me. Should you drafted Chad Johnson, attain for this man so you may really feel cool that you’ve them each! 

16. Darrell Jackson(49ers)

-it was an up-and-down 2006 season for Darrell Jackson as his 10 TD’s had been a pleasant bonus for fantasy homeowners however his 63 receptions had been a disappointment. A lot of the latter needed to do with an injured toe that made him miss the final three video games of the common season. It appeared the Seahawks had been fed up with Jackson’s accidents as they allowed him to skip over to division rival San Francisco the place he immediately turns into QB Alex Smith’s prime weapon. If he can handle to remain wholesome, the nonetheless younger Jackson(age 28) may have a bounce again season that features his customary 80-plus receptions and eight-10 scores. Do not be afraid to draft him however simply know he tends to at all times miss a recreation or two in the course of the yr.

17. Randy Moss(Patriots)

-the greatest NFL off-season transaction no doubt was the gutsy name by NE to commerce for mercurial receiver Randy Moss. As soon as the highest canine at his place whereas with Minnesota, the star dimmed appreciable on Moss throughout two largely turbulent, ineffective seasons with the Oakland Raiders. Moss’ petulance wore skinny within the locker room and fairly quickly it was obvious he was solely giving half effort in direction of the tip of final season. Now with a golden alternative to get his large-play title again with perennial contender NE, search for Moss to be on his greatest habits as he tries to coexist with the drill sergeant methods of coach Invoice Belichick. Though I imagine Moss’ days of catching 100 passes and 12-15 TD’s are lengthy gone, I imagine he nonetheless generally is a large-time participant with round 80 catches for 10 scores sounding about proper. In fact this example bears watching since NE historically spreads the balls round which can not please the grasping Moss. Nonetheless I do not imagine Randy will blow this chance to win the ring he so desperately craves. Draft him so long as you anticipate him to carry out like a quantity 2 receiver as a substitute of the 1 he was. Be ready with a superb backup in case he finds bother nonetheless. Will sink or swim for you so prepare for the curler coaster journey.

18. Plaxico Burress(Giants)

-New York’s large-play wideout had one other good however not nice season in 2006 as he scored his customary higher-than-common TD’s(10), whereas securing lower than large-time reception totals(63). This makes Burress a irritating participant to personal as one week he could have an 8-catch, 2 TD day and than observe it up with a 2 catch whitewash. Nonetheless in TD careworn leagues, Burress is a good quantity 2 choice and thus should not be ignored. Nonetheless attempt to do higher earlier than you determine to take him on your membership.

19. Hines Ward(Steelers)

-a much less-than stellar 2006 season started whispers that possibly the 31-yr-previous Ward might need misplaced a step. The true cause nonetheless for the seemingly lackluster totals(74 catches, 6 TD’s) was the absence of QB Ben Roesthlisberger for a superb portion of the yr. Now totally wholesome, Massive Ben and Ward ought to have the ability to rediscover the chemistry they exhibited throughout 2004 and 2005. Though I do not foresee a blockbuster season forward, anticipate Ward to enhance each his reception complete and TD’s in 2007. Draft him as your quantity 2 receiver and you will not be upset.

20. Reggie Brown

-many fantasy homeowners had been predicting a breakout season from Reggie Brown in 2006 however though it might need occurred, the late addition of Donte Stallworth relegated Brown to second-tier standing in Philly’s WR hierarchy. Now with Stallworth gone, the #1 job is Brown’s to lose. HE nonetheless put up respectable numbers final season(46 catches) and displayed a nostril for the tip zone(8 TD’s). With coach Andy Reid traditionally favoring a move-heavy offense, it’s attainable Brown will actually have the breakout yr everybody predicted for him with it coming one yr later than initially anticipated. Draft him hoping he has that breakout yr and function your quantity two wideout.

21. Laveraneous Coles(Jets)

-Coles greater than delighted his homeowners in 2006 as he hauled in a extra-than-anticipated 91 catches and over 1,000 yards. The chemistry he had with QB Chad Pennington earlier than he signed with the free Redskins as a free agent just a few years in the past was nonetheless evident and there’s no cause to imagine he cannot put up comparable numbers. Relating to the TD division nonetheless, Coles takes a backseat to his accomplice Jerricho Cotchery. Coles was by no means a TD machine to start with so this should not negatively influence him a lot for many who are conscious of this. You continue to get a pleasant bundle right here and also you goal him as a quantity 2 receiver.

22. Vincent Jackson(Chargers)

-I could also be responsible of over rating this second-yr participant however he’s 2007 potential is that good. 27 catches in 2006 do not stand out a lot however the 6 TD’s do. With WR Keenan McCardell now not with the membership and Eric Parker being nothing greater than a possession receiver, Jackson has a terrific likelihood of turning into the primary man for a doubtlessly explosive offense. QB Phillip Rivers will probably be that rather more comfy behind heart in his second yr as a starter and the deep bombs the 2 appeared to routinely join on late in ’06 stand a superb likelihood of turning into a weekly pattern. HE might not change into a star in a single day, however the TD’s will cowl what he lacks within the reception division. Draft as your quantity 3 with the potential to be a strong quantity 2 if issues develop accurately.

23. Santana Moss(Redskins)

-after his Professional-Bowl, spotlight reel 2005 season, Moss got here again right down to earth in ’06 as he recorded solely 55 catches for six TD’s. Not what fantasy homeowners had been anticipating. Moss traditionally has been very inconsistent along with his performances and he’ll alternate good video games with unhealthy ones. His ridiculous pace nonetheless will present many large-play alternatives and thus possibilities for lengthy scoring receptions. Will function a superb quantity 3 wideout so make room for him and hope his Professional Bowl yr’s alternate.

24. Jerricho Cotchery(Jets)

-what a discover this man was in 2006 as Cotchery exhibited the expertise he displayed at Louisville by grabbing 82 passes for six TD’s. Blessed with higher-than-common pace, Cotchery was the massive-play menace in New York’s passing assault. Heading into 2007, Cotchery has the prospect to be even higher and wrest the mantle from Laveranues Coles as the highest man, if that hasn’t occurred already. Draft him if he’s nonetheless out there within the center rounds for probably a quantity 2 participant.

25. Chris Chambers(Dolphins)

-without a doubt the largest WR bust in 2006 as Chambers as he went from 82 catches with 10 TD’s in 2005 to 59 catches for 4 Td’s in 2006. The 677 yards had been additionally unacceptable for a receiver of his capability. A few of that may very well be blamed on the actual fact the Dolphins had been inept in nearly each sense final season and having Joey Harrington as your QB positively will not assist you both. With veteran Trent Inexperienced on board, search for Chambers to change into his new Tony Gonzalez. I believe Chambers will probably be re-energized to play with somebody of Inexperienced caliber and thus will lose the focus lapses that brought about him to drop too many straightforward throws in ’06. Search for a rebound right here with potential to get again to #1 standing if all goes easily. Draft him as an enormous bounce-again candidate.

26. Deion Department(Seahawks)

-without a 1,000 receiving season on his resume, Department shouldn’t be somebody you goal till the center rounds of your draft. In truth I’m going to keep away from him altogether as a result of his inconsistency will drive a fantasy proprietor loopy. The previous Tremendous Bowl MVP is proficient nonetheless and he could have the occasional 8-catch, 125 yard day. The issue with Department is that his lack of peak will stop him from being a dominant wideout week in and week out. A quantity three wideout.

27. Terry Glenn(Cowboys)

-Glenn proved in 2006 that he’s not performed but as his 70 catch, 6 TD season stored him related in fantasy phrases. His explosive pace continues to be his essential weapon and if he can keep away from the nagging accidents which have at all times gave the impression to be an issue for him, Glenn may match final season’s numbers. Dangerous decide however he at all times appears to have first rate numbers on the finish of the yr.

28. Mark Clayton(Ravens)

-Baltimore’s greatest receiving choice for 2007 will almost definitely be TE Todd Heap, by third-yr WR Mark Clayton stands a superb likelihood of getting a breakout yr to offer the Ravens a pair of vertical threats. One of many higher sleeper candidates general this preseason, Clayton has the power and the willpower to succeed. Though Baltimore is a run-first offense, search for QB Steve McNair to make the most of this deep-ball move catcher. Draft him for his doubtlessly explosive potential.

29. Braylon Edwards(Browns)

-still ready for Edwards to meet the grandiose expectations he had after being the third general draft alternative within the 2005 draft. Lower than supreme exercise habits and off-the-subject troubles have conspired to stop Edwards from being the 80-catch, 8 TD receiver everybody envisioned popping out of Michigan. Has super pace with the power to make the house run catch. The issue right here is that weak-armed QB Charlie Frye is anticipated to be the starter getting into the season whereas rookie Brady Quinn develops. Thus the lengthy-ball will probably be troublesome for Edwards to acquire. Draft him for the attainable breakout within the magical third season however do not be shocked if he allows you to down once more.

30. Bernard Berrian(Bears)

-Chicago’s deep menace caught 6 TD’s and it nearly appeared like he had a deep catch nearly ever week. With fellow wideout Mushin Muhammud on the draw back of his profession, Berrian has the prospect to seize nearly all of the throws from QB Rex Grossman. Will almost definitely show on the 51 catches he managed final season and contribute on the very least 5 TD’s. Makes an incredible quantity 3 receiver as he may ascend to quantity 2 standing by the tip of the upcoming season.

The Relaxation(Third WR’s Solely)

31. Joe Horn(Falcons)
-once a fantasy star, accidents and age have relegated Joe Horn to 3rd WR standing. His 37 catches and 4 TD’s in 2006 had been about what he would put up in 6 or 7 video games whereas in his prime years so his greatest days are clearly behind him. He’s a strong veteran nonetheless who nonetheless could make a fantasy contribution to your group so look to him as a 3rd WR.

32. Donte’ Stallworth(Patriots)

-Stallworth was wanting like he was going to have a breakout 2006 season with the Eagles till extra accidents set him again as soon as once more. Blessed with prime-notch pace and good arms, Stallworth has every little thing as star WR must succeed. Nonetheless he by no means can keep wholesome which almost definitely has to do along with his slight body. Now with the NE Patriots, Stallworth is in a crowded receiving conga line with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Kelly Washington so his general numbers do not stand to enhance a lot from the 38 catches and 5 TD’s he recorded in 2006. Draft him since he’s taking part in for move-completely satisfied NE however have good backups prepared for when he will get injured as soon as once more.

33. Joey Galloway(Buc’s)

-one one the NFL’s quickest gamers since getting into the league out of Ohio State, Joey Galloway by no means totally realized the potential many foresaw for him. On the age of 35, Galloway is clearly on the draw back of his profession however the pace continues to be there which makes him considerably interesting. The Buccaneer’s QB scenario is a multitude nonetheless and Galloway has by no means been one to pile up the reception totals in his profession. Go on him until you actually are hurting for a receiver.

34. Kevin Curtis(Eagles)

-after spending some productive years with the Rams, Kevin Curtis heads east to the Metropolis Of Brotherly Love. A blue-collar receiver all over, Curtis makes use of what he has to make himself helpful. These instruments embrace good pace with unbelievable arms. Image a poor man’s Ed McCaffrey who wasn’t so unhealthy. A pleasant participant who can contribute for you in a quantity 3 WR capability.

35. Greg Jennings(Packers)

-with Donald Driver seemingly being choice 1 and 1A for QB Brett Favre when he goes again to throw, many didn’t see the first rate rookie season put up by Greg Jennings. After making a superb impression in coaching camp, Jennings went on to file 45 catches for 3 TD’s which locations him within the quantity 3 WR neighborhood. Nonetheless has room to enhance so be sure to make an effort to draft him in direction of the tip of your draft.

36. Devery Henderson(Saints)

-Henderson is one other LSU receiver(learn; Michael Clayton) who simply hasn’t made a superb transition to the NFL. Has nice pace however at all times appears to fade for lengthy intervals of time every week. Accidents additionally an issue for him currently. Go on him and see if he begins to work out his points.

37. DJ Hackett(Seahawks)

-with WR Darrell Jackson signing with San Francisco within the off-season, DJ Hackett has an opportunity to additional construct off his strong 2006 season. 45 catches and 4 TD’s in a crowded receiving corps was greater than strong in actual fact for this teen and extra enchancment is anticipated in 2007. Could possibly be a superb quantity 3 WR however extra fitted to quantity 4.

38. Ronald Curry(Raiders)

-despite solely recording 1 TD, Ronald Curry had an excellent 2006 season for the Oakland Raiders. Grabbing 62 passes for such a pathetic group final yr makes his accomplishments far more spectacular. With Randy Moss now in NE, the highlight is all to himself and I anticipate strong quantity 3 WR numbers out of him with the prospect to maneuver as much as quantity 2 standing. If the group wasn’t so unhealthy, would have ranked him a lot increased. Draft him late nonetheless and take pleasure in deciding on a pleasant sleeper.

39. Issac Bruce(Rams)

-clearly on the draw back of his profession, Issac Bruce continues to be a strong veteran who may also help your group in a pinch. One of many higher route runners within the league, Bruce habitually finds the open seam in opposing defenses. The times of 90 catches and eight TD’s are lengthy over however 70 and 4 sound affordable. Draft him as your fourth wideout. At all times a superb performer on this recreation.

40. Mushin Muhammud(Bears)

-one the improper facet of his prime, Mushin Muhammud’s days as a ten TD power are over and by no means will return. HE nonetheless is a strong route runner with good arms so he has a spot in your bench. Draft him as insurance coverage and that is it.

Do not Draft

41. Derrick Mason(Ravens)

42. Santonio Holmes(Steelers)

43. Eddie Kennison(Chiefs)

44. Brandon Jones(Titans)

45. Amani Toomer(Giants)

46. Reggie Williams(Jaguars)

47. Mike Furrey(Lions)

48. Brandon Marshall(Broncos)

49. Drew Bennett(Rams)

50. Jerry Porter(Raiders)

51. Arnaz Battle(49ers)

52. Hank Baskett(Eagles)

53. Michael Jenkins(Falcons)

54. Marty Booker(Dolphins)

55. Rod Smith(Broncos)

56. Wes Welker(Patriots)