Receiver is always the toughest and most interesting position to try and rank, especially when it comes to dynasty leagues. No other position allows owners the chance to try and nab the “next big thing” quite like receiver. This is how I rank the Top 35 receivers for dynasty league purposes, along with some rookies to keep an eye on.
Rankings are based on a 12-team league flex format with 1 point awarded per reception
1. Calvin Johnson, Lions
The most dominant player at any position and he’s only 26. Scary. Injuries are the only thing that can stop Megatron.
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 should form one of the most dangerous quarterback/receiver combination over the next decade.
4. Julio Jones, Falcons
Jones has all kinds of physical skills and similar to Green, he looks like a special player. It won’t be long before Jones supplants Roddy White as the Falcons most dangerous receiver. I give Green a slight nod right now but Jones has the ability to become the second best receiver in the NFL behind Megatron.
5. 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. Injuries are becoming a bit of a concern with Nicks but on the bright side he appears to be the quickest healer on the planet.
6. Wes Welker, Patriots
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 as long as Tom Brady is throwing to him.
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 a couple 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. 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 in dynasty leagues, just don’t let it drop too far though.
9. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
For all the complaining from fantasy owners Bryant 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.
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. 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 playing with Eli Manning only increases his fantasy value.
12. 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.
13. 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. Pound-for-pound Harvin is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL.
14. 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. I absolutely love this kid.
15. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Maclin got a late start to the season after he was diagnosed with a “mysterious illness” in August. I believe that hurt him preparing for the season. He still put up solid fantasy numbers and was on pace to catch 85 balls before missing three games in November. In my mind Maclin is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. In three years he’s yet to top 1,000 yards receiving. Expect that to come to end in 2012 and beyond.
16. 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. I would gladly take Wallace on my fantasy team but I don’t view him as a Top 10 receiver like most people.
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 sacked 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. Decker is the perfect receiver to shine in Manning’s offense because of his versatility to line up in a variety of different spots on the field. I’m all in on Decker.
18. Kenny Britt, Titans
The only thing that stopped Britt last year was a knee injury. At only 23 years old and loaded with talent, Britt has a ton of potential. However, now Britt is expected to miss most of training camp after having another procedure on his injured knee. I love Britt’s upside but there’s also a chance he becomes one of those teases that’s always hurt. We’ll find out this season.
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 final eight games behind only Megatron. If you play in a non-PPR league, move Thomas up in your rankings.
21. Miles Austin, Cowboys
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, like he recently admitted to reporters. And people wonder why Dallas hasn’t won a damn thing in 16 years? It’s that kind of leadership and work-ethic from their veterans. Austin is still a good fantasy receiver but Bryant is the Cowboy you want to own, especially in dynasty leagues.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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. He has the potential to become one of the best receivers in the NFL.
25. 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. The only concern is Arizona’s shaky quarterback situation.
26. Denarius Moore, Raiders
Moore is basically in the same boat as Torrey 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 most dangerous receivers in the NFL over the next couple of years. I really like him for the long-term.
27. Marques Colston, Saints
Colston is 28 and his knees are a concern but there’s something to be said about being Drew Brees‘ favorite wide 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.
28. Vincent Jackson, Bucs
Some people may 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 and don’t forget that most of his production last year came in four games. Jackson has just always been too inconsistent for my liking.
29. Justin Blackmon, Jaguars
When when I’m rooting for Chad Henne to win the starting quarterback job for a team, that’s a big problem. Jacksonville’s offense just looks like absolute trash. Henne would have a hard time winning the No. 2 job on most teams, yet he could begin the season as the Jaguars starting quarterback. That really says a lot. Matt Barkley could be on his way in 2013 to help Blackmon but it’s hard to imagine a rookie receiver having a ton of fantasy success with guys like Henne and Blaine Gabbert throwing him the ball. As I write this Blackmon has been arrested for a DUI. I just don’t get these guys. This is the second time in 20 months Blackmon has been arrested for drinking and driving. As Dean Wormer famously said in Animal House, “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.” A terrible offense and a drinking problem? Blackmon is now predictably moving down my rankings in both re-draft and dynasty leagues.
30. 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 Brady throwing him the ball. To say Brady is the best quarterback Lloyd has ever played with is a pretty big understatement.
31. 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.
32. 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.
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 20 fantasy receiver? It’s craziness. Jackson is a decent fantasy receiver and nothing more.
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 ever 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 around this area 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 he 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. I’ll give Crabtree one last chance before I close the book on him.
Rookies to Watch
Brian Quick, Rams
Quick was one of those 1-AA (Yes, I’m still calling it that) players that when you watched him he really stood out. I know someone who covers 1-AA ball and the first time I saw Quick play I sent him an e-mail asking, “Who is this No. 8 for Appalachian State and why isn’t he playing for USC?” He wrote me back that Quick was a late bloomer and NFL scouts were already all over him. Quick is still a little raw but if we’re talking three years down the line, he may end up being the top fantasy receiver in this group. That sounds like a nice dynasty league pick to me. I love this kid.
Ryan Broyles, Lions
Broyles was one of my favorite receivers in the draft. If he hadn’t hurt his knee Broyles may have snuck into the later portion of Round 1. I guess the Lions are just going to try and outscore everyone with Broyles, Titus Young and Megatron putting the fear of god into opposing defenses over the next couple of years. Broyles should be ready to start the season and he’s quickly moving up my draft board. In my opinion Broyles has a chance to become one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. He reminds me of Welker in a lot of ways even though he isn’t an obscure white receiver. I created a new dynasty league this year and Broyles will be one of my top targets in out initial draft. I see him helping fantasy owners right away in PPR leagues.
Kendall Wright, Titans
I like Wright but I don’t know how much fantasy value he’s going to have off the bat. There are a number of quality receivers in Tennessee with Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Damian Williams already in the mix. However, Britt recently had a second surgery on his injured knee, so if he isn’t ready to start the season, Wright’s value increases. I do believe though that either way Wright has a bright future. In my opinion he was the fastest player in this year’s draft, so expect him to be a dangerous deep threat at the very least as a rookie.
A.J. Jenkins, WR 49ers
I had Jenkins rated as a Top 5 receiver and I wasn’t surprised at all when he was selected at the end of Round 1. I think Jenkins could be just as productive as Mario Manningham this season. He’s already a better route runner, although that’s not saying much considering Manningham is one of the worst route runners in the NFL. I’m a little concerned that Jenkins showed up to rookie camp out of shape. While I can’t comprehend how that can happen I’m hoping it’s just a bump in the road for Jenkins. Talent-wise, Jenkins was one of the most skilled receivers in this draft class. I like him more in dynasty league than I do in re-draft leagues.
Rueben Randle, Giants
I’ve said all along that Randle is a little raw because he played in LSU’s archaic offense but this is the perfect situation for him. With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz drawing most of the defense’s attention, Randle will see a lot of man coverage as a rookie. Randle is going to get a lot of first-team reps in training camp with Nicks being out, so that should help speed up his development. I believe Randle will have much more fantasy value in 2013 but now with Nicks’ injury that could certainly change. Randle could be another draft day steal for Jerry Reese and the Giants.
Stephen Hill, Jets
I don’t love Hill in re-draft leagues because until he becomes a better route runner, the Jets will use him primarily on fly routes. Hill could be used similar to how the Ravens used Torrey Smith last year, which means he could run hot and cold. As far as future upside goes though, Hill has a lot of it. If you’re looking for a receiver to draft and stash, Hill is your guy. He’s a receiver that has dynasty league written all over him.
Alshon Jeffery, Bears
Jeffery has elite skills and he could be a Pro Bowl receiver if he stays motivated. On the other hand, he could show up to training camp out of shape and barely step foot on the field. I’ve stated all along that Jeffery is the ultimate boom or bust pick for both NFL teams and fantasy owners. It comes down to if you want to trust him or not. Jeffery is the toughest player for me to rank because I still love his talent on the field but I have no idea what to expect from him off it.
Mohamed Sanu, WR Bengals
Sanu is a big physical receiver with some of the best hands you’ll ever see. The downside is he has very little explosion. In college Sanu did a great job of using his big frame to shield off defenders and he’ll need to continue doing that in the NFL because he doesn’t create much separation. Sanu has a chance to start as a rookie, so he has instant value in PPR leagues.
Nick Toon, WR Saints
In my opinion Toon is going to be a chain mover type of receiver in the NFL. He has the toughness and hands to work across the middle and be a solid possession guy. I think we can all agree that he went to a pretty good offense. Toon is a polished receiver coming out of college and the Saints aren’t really stocked at that position anymore. Toon has a chance to get on the field and contribute as a rookie. The more I look at Toon and what the Saints have at receiver, the more I like him in dynasty leagues.
Greg Childs, WR Vikings
The Vikings took another Arkansas receiver earlier in Round 4, Jarius Wright, but I’m higher on Childs. Wright is more of a slot guy where Childs has the size (6’3, 219) to line up on the outside and be a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Wright and Joe Adams went ahead of him but Childs was the best overall receiver on the Arkansas team when he was healthy. This is an interesting situation in terms of fantasy football. The Vikings don’t have a lot of big outside receivers, so Childs has a chance to come right in and contribute. He’s an intriguing sleeper receiver in dynasty leagues.
Follow me on Twitter @ThePigskinGuy
PSG, have you heard anything about Childs knee and if he appears to be fully healed after the patellar injury? I attribute Child’s decreased production last year (at Arkansas) to still not being 100%, but I if he has fully recovered he is an intriguing sleeper on a Vikings team looking for playmakers to step up, especially at wide receiver. I like Percy Harvin, but I think he is more of a slot guy. Childs would be great on the outside if he can return to his 2010 form.
Everything I hear is he’s close to being back to 100%. There is a lot of uncertainty right now in that offense and the team in general. That’s why I like Childs more in a dynasty league format. I think maybe he shows some flashes this year and then sets himself up for a bigger role in 2013 under a new coaching staff.
Oh…. and Decker above D.T.? Ballsy. I love it my man and I agree, but I know you are going to have people questioning your sanity on that one. But when your right, you are right. If Peyton Rules are in effect Decker will be targeted more than Thomas.
I’ve already taken a beating on that one. I think they are both going to be good and I would like Thomas more in a non-PPR league. I just like Decker a lot. Maybe I’m wrong. We’ll find out soon.
Yep. He is a good value right now, but I think the “sharps” like us are touting him too much! Good thing I already have him on my dynasty team.
Another question. What do you think about picking up Marcus Easley (Bills) and Lestar Jean in a dynasty rookie draft (we are allowed to select FAs in my league as well as rookies.). I am tempted to let them slide and try and nab them after our draft, but I am afraid that if they start turning heads in camp too much, they won’t be around after the draft.
Those guys are tough because they get buzz now when nothing is going on and usually disappear when the season starts. I think Jean has less standing in his way but he’s still really raw. If you have an open spot he may be worth a shot. I’ll be honest, I know very little about Jean. You know as much as I do but I’m always careful to take reports from now until September with a grain of salt. Let me put it this way, Lance Kendricks looked awesome all camp and preseason last year. I was getting ready to pat myself on the back for promoting him and then once the season started he was awful. Young guys like that are tough because if they have some talent they can look good in practice. I would go with Jean over Easley though just because of the Texans lack of depth at receiver. I hope this helped some.
Chris Berman, for one, is certainly hoping that Lestar “Billie” Jean “was not my cover” makes a few highlight reel bomb TD catches this season. 1983 MJ would actually be one of his more recent pop culture references….sad.
You mean he still is quoting the Doobie Brothers? Plus he’s a Bills fan, so everything would be going his way.
Yea, I am probably a little too excited over their prospects. However, in our dynasty rookie draft we have 4 rounds and by rounds 3-4 the pickins start getting slim, so guys like Easley and Jean make sense as many of the 3rd and 4th rounders are cut by mid season anyway. I guess I will wait and see how things play out in camp and preseason. When I look at the bottom half of the Top 50 Rookie rankings for some websites it makes sense to draft Lestar or Easley from a value standpoint.
As far as dynasty rankings, I’d bump Dez up to #6 above those other guys. I’m a big believer and think he’ll be good for 1,200+yds and 10+TD going forward. Also, it needs to be mentioned that he’s only 23 and entering his 3rd year in the league. You have him at #9, so it’s splitting hairs but he should be dominant for year’s to come.
Crazy how a guy like Bowe is all the way down at #22 and it’s actually tough to make a case that he deserves to be bumped up over the other guys in front of him. Reason #101 why I’m waiting to draft WR this year.
You know I’m always skeptical of Dallas players so me having Dez at nine is really like a normal person having him at three. That’s about as high as I get on a Cowboy because that idiot Garrett and his stupid playcalling are always in the back of my mind. Bowe is a tough guy to call. As I mentioned, if Cassel stinks the Chiefs may have a rookie starting next year. If Bowe was in a better situation he would be 10 spots higher for me. In all honesty he’s been one of the toughest players for me to evaluate in both re-draft and dynasty formats because the Chiefs are going Cassel or bust this year.
This maybe for a different thread, but what makes Garrett’s play calling so bad PSG? I don’t mean to be contrarian with you as I think there is something wrong with the offense at times. I do not think that Garrett is the brightest coach and certainly not as good as Sean Payton (who Jerry stupidly let get away), but the offense, at least statistically, seems to put up very good stats most years with Romo under center.
Yes, Dallas puts up good stats because they have talent. And while they rack up yards, they continue to struggle to score in the red zone because Garrett is busy calling draws and screens. I have two main complaints with Garrett. First, he makes no second half adjustments. If I had $1 for every game where Dallas was outcoached badly in the second half I would probably have $100. Second, he’s one of those guys that tries to be tricky instead of using his best players, hence draw plays on third and 8. I can count on one hand how many times they’ve thrown a ball to Dez Bryant in the end zone. I’ve disliked many Dallas coaches since 1994 but Garrett is at the top. The guy is a choker. When Dallas needs a play to win a game or get a key first down, it’s the most mind-boggling plays in the world. And forget it if a team blitzes Dallas up the middle. I haven’t seen him adjust to that since the Giants did it to Dallas in the playoffs back in 2007. That’s all I have for now. Trust me, if the Cowboys had good coaches I would be the first one to say it. They don’t. I would love to be wrong because I’m a fan of the team but I seriously doubt I am.
No, you are right. I have been a lifetime fan too, but I have really stopped paying attention the last few years. I was invited to write for the Bleacher Report a few months ago, but the wife and I had a baby so I have not had the time. I am also the only one working so I REALLY don’t have the time. Anyway, The first commentary I wrote, but never submitted, was “A Culture of SOFT” to describe the Cowboys woes since the departure of Jimmy Johnson. From the top on down, the franchise lacks true leadership is just not committed to winning. I honestly think that Jerry’s #1 priority is not winning, but entertainment value. That would explain the offensive line play that almost gets Romo killed every year. The lack of discipline. All the while, the soap opera continues and they continue to be one of the most popular teams in the league and they fill up the seats and that’s really what matters to Jerra. First and last it’s a business and it’s entertainment. Winning is second or third. So that’s my 2 cents.
Everything you said is 100% correct. Right on the money. People blame Garrett and Romo but it all starts at the top. That’s where the biggest problems are and that’s not going to change. Jerry Jones has sapped the life out of devoted Cowboys fans like us and that’s a shame. I root for the team because I’ve done so since I was little but I get the same amount of satisfaction when they lose and the cameras show that idiot in his box seats. There’s nothing we can do. He has shown his way doesn’t work. He has 16 years of data to go by for Christ sakes. If he was this bad at one of his businesses he would have gone bankrupt years ago. You hit it on the head. The only way to hurt Jones is in the wallet. These idiot fans that keep buying tickets are a joke. Stop going to the games. Let that palace he built go half empty every week. That’s the only way to get his attention but people are too stupid to realize it. They think the Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl every year, which goes to show just how clueless and ignorant Dallas fans really are overall. Congratulations on the baby. I have a 16 month old myself. It’s not easy, so I know what you’re talking about.