I finish my dynasty league rankings with a look at receivers. I always say receivers bring out the biggest difference in opinions between people, mainly because there are so many good players at the position it’s difficult to rank them. I give it my best shot with the Top 35 dynasty league receivers.
1. Calvin Johnson, Lions
The most dominant player at any position and he’s only 26. Scary.
2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
Fitzgerald has caught 170 passes for 2,548 yards over the last two seasons. That’s even more impressive when you consider who the quarterbacks have been in Arizona since Kurt Warner retired. The only real negative is Fitzgerald has only scored 14 touchdowns during that span.
3. A.J. Green, Bengals
Some guys you watch once and you can see they’re a special talent. Green is one of those guys. Green and Andy Dalton have a chance to form the most dangerous quarterback/receiver combination over the next decade.
4. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
Nicks is already a premier receiver at the age of 24. Eli Manning took his game to another level in 2012, so Nicks should reap the benefits for many more years to come.
5. Julio Jones, Falcons
Jones has all kinds of physical skills and similar to Green, he looks like a special talent. It won’t be long before Jones supplants Roddy White as the Falcons most dangerous receiver.
6. Wes Welker, Patriots
It’s hard to believe that the guy every marginally talented white receiver is compared to ranks this high, isn’t it? I mean, if 100 other guys are the next Wes Welker I guess he isn’t all that special. I don’t care how many white stiff receivers the media wants to compare to Welker, there’s only one receiver in the NFL pretty much guaranteed to catch 100 balls a year. Welker is the best slot receiver in the NFL, so expect a few more seasons with big reception totals.
7. Roddy White, Falcons
White is still one of the top fantasy receivers and he led the NFL in targets last year. I expect White to put up two more big seasons with the Falcons but at some point the ultra-talented Jones will likely become Atlanta’s top option in the passing game.
8. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
I feel like I have a good handle on Bryant. First, for all the complaining from fantasy owners the guy did catch 63 passes for 928 yards and 9 touchdowns in his second season. I get that Bryant disappeared at times but trust me as a Dallas fan, that’s because of idiotic coaches and playcalling. So why do I expect Bryant to breakout in 2012 and have a monster season? That’s easy. The Pigskin Guy isn’t the only person who wants to see him get the ball more. The other person just happens to be the owner, GM, president, coach, valet, peanut vendor, etc. of the Dallas Cowboys and he usually gets what he wants. I’m the most miserable, disgruntled Cowboys fan on the planet and I can say I would be fine if Bryant is my No. 1 fantasy receiver heading into the season. That’s the best selling point I can give you because I usually undervalue Dallas players due to my rage.
9. Andre Johnson, Texans
Johnson is 30 and the recent injuries are a concern. However, few receivers are as talented as Johnson when he’s healthy. His stock is dropping a bit, just don’t let it drop too far though.
10. Greg Jennings, Packers
I like Jennings but in my opinion he’s a receiver that’s being overvalued heading into the season. Look at it this way; people were disappointed in Bryant last year and he and Jennings put up basically identical numbers. The difference is Bryant was only in his second year and doesn’t play for the Packers. With the emergence of Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb likely getting more looks this season, I just don’t see Jennings being a Top 5 fantasy receiver. The guy does score though. Jennings has found the end zone 21 times in the last two years.
11. Kenny Britt, Titans
I noticed looking at my re-draft receiver rankings that I have Britt currently ranked 23. I must have been sniffing glue or something when I made those. In my next WR rankings Britt will be moving up. The only thing that stopped Britt last year was a knee injury. At only 23 years old and loaded with talent, Britt should be high on the wish list of dynasty league owners. He’ ll have a big season for the Titans regardless of who starts at quarterback.
12. Victor Cruz, Giants
I’m a big believer that you can tell when a guy is a one-year wonder. Remember a couple of years ago when Arian Foster came out of nowhere? You could tell it wasn’t a fluke. I feel the same way about Cruz. He wasn’t just catching passes when he was wide open, Cruz made a lot of amazing plays last year. I think Cruz is the real deal and he plays with a pretty decent quarterback too.
13. Jordy Nelson, Packers
Nelson out-produced Jennings last year and while I think it’s hard to always count on 15 touchdowns, I won’t be surprised if Nelson puts up better numbers than Jennings once again in 2012. The way I see it one receiver is headed up and the other is starting to come down a little. Nelson is the one on the way up.
14. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Maclin never got going last year after he was diagnosed with a “mysterious illness” late in the summer. I believe that hurt him preparing for the season. In my mind though Maclin is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. In three years Maclin has yet to top 1,000 yards receiving. Expect that to come to end in 2012 and beyond.
15. Antonio Brown, Steelers
I don’t understand why people aren’t buying into this guy. I wrote at least 10 times last season that Brown was turning into one of the best receivers in the NFL and I still believe that. Going back to last preseason Brown was just a different player and he carried that over to the regular season by catching 69 passes for 1,1108 yards. So why are people ranking him so low? I don’t get it. Brown only scored two touchdowns but if he finds the end zone a few more times in 2012, he’ll emerge as an elite NFL and fantasy receiver. Take it to the bank.
16. Percy Harvin, Vikings
Harvin is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. It only took Leslie Frazier half a season to figure that out. At 23, Harvin still has a lot of years left. Injuries, especially the migraines, are a concern but when he’s healthy few receivers strike fear into a defense like Harvin does. Staying healthy is the only issue with him.
17. Eric Decker, Broncos
It may be surprising to see a receiver with only 50 career receptions this high but I’ve been a huge Decker fan since his college days at Minnesota. Decker was on his way to a big season until Kyle Orton was benched in favor of Tim Tebow. Now they’ve both been benched in favor of Peyton Manning. Few people know how good Decker really is. They’ll find out soon enough after he catches 80 balls this year.
18. Mike Wallace, Steelers
I’m not as high on Wallace as most people. I like him but in my opinion Brown is the better overall receiver and the guy I would rather have for the long-term. Still, Wallace is always going to provide big plays and top 1,000 yards most seasons. I like Wallace a lot more in non-PPR leagues where yards and touchdowns are all that matters.
19. Brandon Marshall, Bears
Marshall is 28 and his attitude always makes him a risky proposition when we’re talking long-term. However, on the field Marshall is still one of the most talented receivers in the NFL and now he has Jay Cutler throwing to him again. I love Marshall for this season but anything beyond that depends on if he stays out of trouble.
20. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
The Broncos have two good young receivers in Decker and Thomas. I may have Thomas a little low but that’s only because I believe Decker and Jacob Tamme will eat into his receptions. Thomas is loaded with talent though. He was actually the second highest scoring fantasy receiver last year over the second half of the season behind only Megatron. If you play in a non-PPR league, move Thomas up in your rankings.
21. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
There’s no denying Bowe’s talent but the quarterback situation in Kansas City is worrisome. If Matt Cassel regains his 2010 form, Bowe will put up big numbers. If he doesn’t and the Chiefs go after a young quarterback next summer then Bowe may not be a big fantasy factor for the next couple of seasons.
22. Steve Johnson, Bills
Johnson is always one of the most underrated fantasy receivers. It seems like he produces every season and then the next year he’s getting drafted in Round 6 again. In the last two years Johnson has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and scored 17 touchdowns despite inconsistent quarterback play. Johnson is always welcome on my fantasy teams.
23. Miles Austin, Cowboys
I like how Austin told us he wasn’t ready to play last year. I’ll never understand these guys. Wasn’t it just a few years ago that Austin was a late-round nobody out of Monmouth? Way to never forget what it took to get you there Miles. Austin has always been a good route-runner but he’s dropped way too many passes over the last couple of years. Maybe it’s because he wasn’t ready to play. Austin is still a good fantasy receiver but Bryant is the Cowboy you want to own, especially in dynasty leagues.
24. Justin Blackmon, Jaguars
Blackmon’s initial fantasy value is going to be tied to whether or not Blaine Gabbert improves a great deal in his second season. The good news is if Gabbert is a flop, there’s a strong possibility Matt Barkley will be trowing to Blackmon in 2013.
25. Marques Colston, Saints
Colston is 28 and his knees are a concern but there’s something to be said about being Drew Brees‘ favorite receiver. Actually, there’s a lot to be said for that. I think Colston still has a couple of good years left before he starts to slow down.
26. Michael Floyd, Cardinals
I had Floyd rated as the top receiver in this draft class and I love the fact that Fitzgerald will be taking him under his wing. I believe by next season the the Cardinals will have one of the most dangerous receiver tandems in the NFL. Look for Floyd to come on as this season goes along and then break out in 2013.
27. Vincent Jackson, Bucs
Some people think this is a little low for Jackson. To be honest, I think it may be a little high. Jackson is 29 and he no longer has Philip Rivers throwing him the ball. I’ve yet to figure out how that is a good thing. Jackson’s best days are behind him in my opinion.
28. Torrey Smith, Ravens
Smith showed signs of things to come last season. He was raw coming out of college and I still believe Smith is one more year away from really breaking out. That’s not really a big problem in dynasty leagues though, so Smith should be pretty high on your radar.
29. Denarius Moore, Raiders
Moore is basically in the same boat as Smith for me. I think he has nice fantasy value this season but 2013 is the year Moore will really bust out. From what I saw out of Moore in his rookie season, he has the physical tools to become one of the best receivers in the NFL over the next couple of years.
30. Steve Smith Panthers
Cam Newton is such a special player that he even helped save Smith’s career. Smith re-emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers last year but he’s 33. I love Smith for this season but over the long haul in a dynasty league I would rather have most of the guys ranked ahead of him.
31. Greg Little, Browns
Little had his problems with drops as a rookie but I was impressed how he come in and basically became the Browns only receiving threat during his first season. Little has the size and speed to be a very productive NFL receiver. Now he just needs a quarterback to get him the ball and make sure he hangs onto it once it gets there.
32. Brandon Lloyd, WR Patriots
Lloyd is 30 but he obviously landed in a dream spot with the Patriots. I see Lloyd being a very steady fantasy receiver for the next couple of seasons. I don’t think he’ll be a stud but Lloyd is a guy who will give you consistent production every week with Tom Brady throwing him the ball. To say Brady is the best quarterback Lloyd has ever played with is a pretty big understatement.
33. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
DeSean and Vincent Jackson are pretty much the same player. They’re both deep threats that get vastly overrated by fantasy people every single season. Look at Jackson’s career numbers and then tell me why he should be a Top 15 fantasy receiver? It’s craziness.
34. Robert Meachem, Chargers
This is based more on projection than what Meachem has actually done so far in his career. I don’t see Meachem every being a No. 1 receiver but on the other hand I don’t view Vincent Jackson as a No. 1 receiver either and he produced good numbers playing with Rivers. At 27, Meachem is worth a shot in dynasty leagues.
35. Michael Crabtree, 49ers
I don’t think Crabtree gets enough criticism. This guy was supposed to be a monster in the NFL and up until this point Crabtree hasn’t done a whole heck of a lot. The good news is Crabtree came on last season and finished with 72 receptions. Hopefully, this is the year he finally busts out and becomes a big fantasy factor.
Best of the Rest
Titus Young, Lions
Brian Quick, Rams
Sidney Rice, Seahawks
Randall Cobb, Packers
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders
Mike Williams, Bucs
Stephen Hill, Jets
Kendall Wright Titans
Alshon Jeffery, Bears
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Eric Decker in front of Demaryius Thomas is just silly. Your Double Decker man crush may very well destory many F/F General Managers dreams of Championships. If you continue to rank Decker in front of Thomas, I will be sure to laugh in your general direction as much as possible. Eric Decker in front of Dem. Thomas … haha.
Then don’t listen to me. It’s America. You are free to do what you want. Last time I checked I wasn’t holding a gun to anyone’s head making them draft Eric Decker. Since this is my site, I’m giving my opinion. If you don’t like it what I have to say you don’t have to come here. No one if is forcing you. If you don’t like Decker, don’t draft him. It’s fantasy football. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I’m not right 100% of the time and no one has burned down my house yet. We’ll see how it turns out.
Where did you place in the 2011 Fantasypros Expert Accuracy Rankings?
I just started this site last month, so I guess this will be the first year we’ll know if they decide to monitor me. I’ll be honest, my rankings are meant to be used more as a discussion tool rather than me telling you this is where a guy should be ranked. They are more about how I think guys will end up in December. Take Decker for instance. I’ll either be right or wrong. Whether I have him ranked 15 or 22 isn’t all that important in the long run. Also, I’m not telling you to draft Decker in Round 2. I like him but that doesn’t mean I think you should over-draft him. Drafting is about value and opportunity. There are plenty of good players on the board. I love Thomas and I think he’s going to have a great year. Decker is just a guy I’ve liked for many years and I believe he’s going to be Manning’s favorite target. That’s my personal opinion. Remember, my rankings are also based on a PPR format, where a guy like Decker has more value. I can’t argue against anyone who likes Thomas more. He’s a stud and most people agree with you. I know I’m in the minority. At the same time I don’t feel I’m going to ruin people’s fantasy seasons because I’m not suggesting you take Decker three rounds higher than where he’s being selected. I’m simply making my case for a player I really like. Maybe I’m way off base. We’ll find out in a few months. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first one to say I screwed up. It’s happened before and it will happen again. I can only tell you what I think and why I think it.
Lima Bravo - What has Demaryius Thomas proven other than he can catch passes and produce for roughly half a year when his QB (Tebow) completely locks in on him and throws his way 75% of the time?? Of course the guy finished the year strong but don’t forget how Decker started the year with a pocket passer (Orton) at QB. Seriously, you’re acting as if Casale just ranked Titus Young over Calvin in dynasty rankings. What’s so ridiculous about thinking that Decker will outperform DT? I’m sure you would have thought it completely crazy to have ranked Collie ahead of Wayne and Garcon in 2010 and yet Collie was on pace to be the #1 fantasy WR that year before getting injured week 6. Decker is a better route runner than DT and is already working out and gaining familiarity/chemistry with Manning on the field. This could and should pay off big time this fall.
Decker has just as much potential to do great things in DEN with Manning at QB and both he and DT will have a great year if Manning can bounce back from injury and perform at his 4,000+yd 30+TD level.
That’s my point JT. I understand a lot of people may like Thomas more and that’s certainly OK. I understand their argument. I know I’m in the minority but I do have them ranked right near each other. My main reason for doing that is to let people know I like both players, I just personally prefer Decker a little more. Also, I try and make sure people know I primarily base stuff with a PPR mentality. I’m just one guy running this blog. I simply don’t have the time to do PPR and non-PPR rankings and with the majority of fantasy owners preferring the PPR format these days, I thought that would be most beneficial. I also wrote under Thomas if you play in a non-PPR format you should move him up in the rankings. The bottom line is I think the Broncos have two very good young receivers and if Manning stays healthy both will help fantasy owners a great deal. The only thing that bothered me about his comments was when he said I was going to ruin the season for so many fantasy owners. I’ll take full blame if Decker is a big bust but on the other hand I’m not sure how a fifth round receiver at best is going to ruin everyone’s fantasy team. I’m not telling you to draft the guy in the first round but in PPR leagues I view Decker as an undervalued receiver.
I have Thomas ranked over Decker but the gap is only five spots. Thomas and Decker are close either way. I am glad TC deleted this guys posts though. I like reading the back and forth on this site. I do not come here to read someone swearing and yelling over two receivers. That language is not needed when discussing fantasy football. good call.
I think they are pretty close too. Again, I’m not saying having Thomas ranked higher is wrong. I just personally like Decker a little more in a PPR league. We’ll see what happens.
Ranking the wr position has got to be the hardest position to rank this year. After Megatron, there are multiple guys who could be #’s 2-12. I agree Decker will be better than Thomas this year, and feel like he will be closer to 100 receptions by years ends with Thomas probably catching more TDs. I was a little surprised to see Mike Wallace a little further down than i thought he would be, espicially if we are talking dynasty rankings where Big Ben is in his prime, and a qb like P Manning has only a couple years left. I love Wes Welker, but do you think his #’s will dip with so many weapons now in New England? I mean Wes, Lloyd, Hernandez, and Gronk cant all catch 100 balls
You can certainly put Wallace higher. As you said there are so many good receivers you can move some guys up five spots and some guys down five spots based on personal preference and it really doesn’t matter. They are all good players. I think Welker will always be a reception machine as long as he’s playing with Brady. Those two tight ends were there last year and he still caught 100 balls. Now in a non-PPR league I would drop him a few spots because a lot of his value is tied in with receptions. I think Welker is production proof as long as Brady is around. Thanks a lot for the feedback.