2010 Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

Another week down in the world of Fantasy Football. Time for a look at some possible addition to help your week 7 roster off the waiver wire. These players should be available in roughly 50%  or more fantasy leagues. Here are our top 3 (or so) free agent quarterback, running back and wide receiver pickups for the week:

Quarterback

1. Alex Smith (SF) – Smith came through late in the game Sunday to deliver a couple of TDs for the 49ers first win. This week he faces a tough Carolina defense, but he should be able to post some decent numbers to live by. He has some better receiving talent which puts him just ahead of everyone else as my first choice for this week.
2. Matt Cassel (KC) Matt is lined up for a very good game with a bad opponent in the Jaguars. Jax loads the box to stop the run, but could penetrate, but Cassel doesn’t really hold the ball all that long as he usually just makes short quick throws and has the ability to scramble some. He should be a solid bye week replacement.
3. Sam Bradford (StL) – The rookie was able to take down the Chargers last week and had respectable numbers. This week he faces TB and appears to have a pretty good matchup.

On the cusp for the week is quarterback Chad Henne who plays Pittsburgh this week, and that’s his only drawback. But still, he has a lethal weapon in Brandon Marshall who can just make plays, so if you need him…he is likely there for you. Mathew Stafford is on a Bye this week and inactive, but still someone I wouldn’t mind keeping on my roster if I have room as backup after week 8 or so.

Running Back

1. Christopher Ivory (NO) – Pierre Thomas is out with injury and Ivory had a huge game Sunday in his place rushing for 158 yards on 15 carries. As long as Pierre is out, Ivory should get the quality touches. And he may earn carries even when Pierre gets back if he keeps this up.
2. Danny Woodhead (NE) – Another hot New England waiver wire pickup. He appears to be getting his share of looks whether it be rushing or receiving. I wouldn’t spend a high waiver on him, but certainly if you need a lot of help, Woodhead could be a start to plug holes.
3. Derrick Ward (Hou) – Don’t panic, there is no injury to Arian Foster. However, Ward has been getting his share of the touches and ripped off some decent runs for 3 TDs. So the picking is thin this week and if you absolutely have nobody else to grab try Ward. Plus he would be the first to start if Foster did get hurt (knock on wood!).

Javon Ringer (Car) I still like as a handcuff for Chris Johnson owners.

Wideout/Tight End

1. Deion Branch (NE) – He remains available in over half of fantasy leagues even after scoring in his first game back. He is easily one of the best wide receivers available in most leagues especially in this weeks matchup.
2. Danny Amendola (StL) – He has a good matchup this week and should get a lot of Bradford’s attention.
3. Steve Breaston (Ari) – With Max Hall at the helm it’s still questionable what we are dealing with here in Arizona. That said, Breaston is a great receiver, but coming back from injury this week…probably. So temper expectation, but definitely stash him if you have room. Could pay huge dividends as Fitzgerald gets all the defensive attention.

Guys to keep on your radar Brandon Tate (NE), Harry Douglas (Atl) and one of my favorites Anthony Armstrong (Was). They may not be much now, but they could be worth theor weight down the stretch.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups

Looking to revamp your roster for your Week 6 fantasy football lineup for 2010? Here are some available players that should be available in roughly 50%  or more fantasy leagues. Here are our top 3 (or so) free agent quarterback, running back and wide receiver pickups for the week:

Quarterback

1. Chad Henne (MIA) – A worthy backup QB and bye week replacement. However, should he ever find rhythm with Brandon Marshall and Devone Bess he could be a nice sleeper later in the season.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf) C play from behind and throw a lot. Enough said. Oh OK, you can justify with a solid performance last Sunday. He really is building a nice rapport with Steve Johnson too.
3. Shaun Hill(Det) – He has deliver very usable stat lines. This could be his last week in the starting gig before Stafford comes back. So grab him as a solid bye week replacement for week 6.
4. Sam Bradford (StL) – Same deal as Fitzpatrick, they just tend to have to throw a lot. He won’t really be worthy of a starting spot, but could make a decent bye week replacement.

On the cusp, is quarterback Alex Smith who quietly had a nice game Sunday 250+ yards, 1TD and no picks. He is one bad game away from probably being replaced by David Carr, but until that happens keep an eye on him and see if he can rise to the occasion. Mathew Stafford will probably be back in week 8 after the Lions bye. He seems to be progressing well from his shoulder injury, so when he returns he should resume his normal fantasy value. David Garrardis another healthy mention of someone worth a glance, but he is so inconsistent it hard to refer him.

Running Back

1. BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE) – “The Firm” is available in just about 50% of fantasy football leagues, and he has been money. Even with Moss gone I don’t see his production taking that big of a hit.
2. Fred Jackson (Buf) – With Lynch traded, Jackson stands to get many more touches. He has always been a solid fantasy contributor when healthy and playing. Grab him if you still can.
3. Julius Jones (StL) – He just got picked up by New Orleans to backup Pierre Thomas. Backups Chris Ivory and Ledell Betts did not perform well with Thomas out. You have to assume Jones will be the immediate #2 and should Thomas miss week 6, Jones would likely get the bulk of the carries. Worst case scenario he is a great handcuff for Thomas owners.

If Marshawn Lynch (Sea) is available he is worthy of a pick up on shear potential alone. Earnest Graham (TB), has not gotten many touches, but when he has they have been for productive carries. If he keeps this up he might force more touches his way. Javon Ringer (Car) I like simply as a handcuff for Chris Johnson owners. Donald Brown (Ind) is still someone you might want to stash, but he is a bit banged up right now.

Wideout/Tight End

1. Deion Branch (NE) – I am not saying he is going to replace Moss, but with Brady throwing spirals to his old favorite target. Good things could be in store for this once upon a time Super Bowl MVP.
2. Andrew Quarless (GB) – Jermichael Finley is slated to miss lots of time and Donald Lee is banged up as well. This guy has the size and tools like Finley so he could be a great temporary replacement.
3. Steve Johnson (Buf) – He seems to be Fitzpatrick’s favorite target and has the TDs to prove it.
4. Kenny Britt (Ten) – I don’t know if he has just been lucky or finally getting into his zone. 3 TDs in 3 games. You could reach for worse here. He has the size and hands to dominate, let’s hope.

Louis Murphy (Oak) is still the best receiver in Oakland, he is gimpy right now but would make a nice player down the stretch . Danny  (StL) is getting most of Bradford’s attention. He could take over as the #1 Wr and could help players in PPR leagues.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here is a look at help for your Week 5 fantasy football lineup for 2010.

Quarterback

1. Kyle Orton(Den) – If Orton is still on the waiver wire grab him, he surely is better than your backup QB at the least!
2. Chad Henne (MIA) – He was probably drafted in deeper leagues, but available in many others.  He is still a break-out candidate.
3. Sam Bradford (StL) – I know, how? He is actually very good considering the team around him. Although this may be th elast week to get easy points. Monitor him closely after this week.

If you really need more options appealing check out Josh Freeman (TB) or gunslinger  Shaun Hill(Det). And if your league is really deep Matt Cassel (KC) and David Garrard (Jac) are other QBs that usually have to throw a lot.

Running Back

1. Ryan Torain (Was) – Had him listed as a sleeper last week. I should have listed him as a must have pickup. As we all knew Portis couldn’t stay healthy and Torain is now the #1 back.
2. Fred Jackson (Buf) – With Lynch traded, Jackson stands to get many more touches. He has always been a solid fantasy contributor when healthy and playing. Grab him if you still can.
3. Kenneth Darby (StL) – He looks to benefit from time missed by Steven Jackson. Definitely worth a pickup if you can afford it.

If Marshawn Lynch (Sea) is floating on the waiver wire still, he could be a guy to stash for future work. John Kuhn (GB), is still a decent look. Javon Ringer (Car) looked good and should the workload that Chris Johnson receives ever get him to miss time. This would elevate Ringer’s value very quickly. Also, Mike Bell (Phi) could is a great handcuff to McCoy and spot starter if McCoy misses time.

Wideout

1. Brandon Tate (NE) – With Randy Moss now out of the picture, we expect to see more looks thrown Tate’s way. He probably won’t put up Moss’ numbers, but an increase in fantasy value is for sure. Please note though week 5 is a BYE, so this is solely a move to bolster your roster right now.
2. Lance Moore (NO) – He was listed here last week and was able to grab a score. He really seems to be filling the reception duties for Bush. Consider him a strong target to score until he proves otherwise.
3. Pierre Garcon (Ind) – This could be just a one week roster move. Austin Collie is likely to miss week 5 and Garcon is prepped to start. So he could figure into the game plan much more.

Here are some other options to consider if these three are not available. Devone Bess (Mia), you have to take him as a matchup play, but he wanted more looks last week and got them along with a score. Marshall will be the double covered man, so Bess stands to benefit. Take a gamble on the play-maker for the Browns Joshua Cribbs (Cle). Dexter McCluster (KC) remains an exciting player just proving he needs to get as much playing time as possible. Although this will be a tough matchup vs Indy.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here is a look at help for your Week 4 fantasy football lineup for 2010.

Quarterback

1. Kyle Orton(Den) – He has skilled young receivers and offense game plan that is QB friendly. He also is 2nd in the NFL in passing, so yeah…add him now!
2. Chad Henne (MIA) – He was probably drafted in deeper leagues, but available in many others. With Brandon Marshall at his disposal he will get some big plays from his receiver. Last Sunday had over 350 yards passing, even while missing 7-8 plays to the wildcat. He is a break-out candidate.
3. Matt Hasselbeck (Sea) – He just won’t go away. Could easily turn into a steal and must start #1 fantasy QB if he gets a rapport with Tate and Carlson.

If you really need more options appealing check out Josh Freeman (TB) or gunslinger  Shaun Hill(Det). And if your league is really deep Sam Bradford(StL),Matt Cassel (KC) and Derek Anderson(Ari) are other QBs that usually have to throw a lot.

Running Back

1. Peyton Hillis (Cle) – He is probably gone a week ago or drafted, but if by some miracle he is still around grab him as a must start this week against Cin and until Jerome Harrison wins the job back.
2. BenJarvis Green-Ellis (NE) – With Fred Taylor out Green-Ellis will take the majority of the reps at the line of scrimmage.
3. Kenneth Darby (StL) – He looks to benefit from time missed by Steven Jackson. Definitely worth a pickup if you can afford it.

As a either a handcuff or possible sleeper I am looking at Ryan Torain(Was). Already got the backup job to Portis and we know his injury history. John Kuhn (GB), shoot he might even be a good pickup now with Brandon Jackson not really getting the job done. Javon Ringer (Car) looked good and should the workload that Chris Johnson receives ever get him to miss time. This would elevate Ringer’s value very quickly.

Wideout

1. Louis Murphy (Oak) – Many of the next guys will get more hype, but none of this group has as much upside as Murphy. He is the go-to-guy so far this season for Oakland WR’s. He had another 100 yard day last week and that doesn’t have to stop.
2. Lance Moore (NO) – This will be the trendy pickup this week and while Moore is an excellent receiver with Brees throwing. Fact is, he shares looks with like 6 other awesome receivers. Temper your expectations.
3. Brandon Lloyd (Den) – He has always had the talent, but he has also always been inconsistent. I don’t know if this is his year or not. Denver has 3 other very good receivers in Gaffney, Royal and Thomas. So you have to wonder how high this ceiling really is.

Here are some other options to consider if these three are not available. Roy Williams(Dal), you have to take him as a matchup play, but he might have a couple more big games like last week in him this year and he is available in more leagues than you would think. Take a gamble on the play-maker for the Browns Joshua Cribbs (Cle). Dexter McCluster (KC) is an exciting player just proving he needs to get as much playing time as possible. Keep an eye an that young man in Kansas City.

Last possible note, if your league requires a Tight End, Dustin Keller(NYJ) and Greg Olsen (Chi) have both been pleasant surprises. See if they are available, if not Jermaine Gresham(Cin) is still a young player with lots of potential and Tony Moeaki (KC) has been getting a fair share of looks as well.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here are some quick pickups that could be made to improve your roster if you hurry.

Quarterback

Josh Freeman (TB) – He has had two really good games and although may not yet warrant a must start, will make a great back-up or could blossom into a solid low end #1 fantasy start option.

2. Kyle Orton (Den) – He has skilled young receivers and and offense game plan that is QB friendly. Again nothing must start, but warrants an evaluation of your current backup.

3. Matt Hasselbeck (Sea) – He just won’t go away. Could easily turn into a steal and must start #1 fantasy QB if he gets a rapport with Tate and Carlson.

Running Back

1. Mike Tolbert(SD) – A must pickup! He had been showered with praise all preseason and when he got his chance he did not disappoint. If Ryan Mathews is out for any significant time, Tolbert will get the carries.

2. Jason Snelling(Atl) – Turner is questionable for week 3 and they may ease him back. Snelling was lights out, so he could be a safe bet to get half or more of the available carries.

3. Donald Brown(Ind) – He has explosiveness written all over him. Addai is still the #1 back, but Brown stole some carries and made the most. Indy could easily be grooming their RB of the future.

Wideout

1. Kevin Walter(Hou) – So many of us gleaned at Jacoby’s potential that we forgot to draft the actual #2 in Houston. He was given a large salary so expect Houston to get dividends on that. Week 2 was phenomenal!

2. Demaryius Thomas(Den) – First NFL game in week 2 8 catches 97 yards and a touchdown. Not hard to see why he is the perceived #1 and picked ahead of Dez Bryant.

3. Mario Manningham(NYG) – He is the deep threat guy. Consider him a Bernard Berrian of the Chicago Bears days. Good for a spot start until he proves he can get more targets.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

Here is a list of players that may not have been drafted or for any other reason may be available in your fantasy football league that you should consider picking up:

1. Brandon Jackson RB (Green Bay) – Ryan Grant is out for the season and although GB will likely find another reliable RB to add to depth, Jackson should be the main man now. This is the guy you need to pick up now!
2. Michael Vick QB (Philadelphia) – Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion and could miss week 2. Vick also played spectacular in Kolb’s absence. So find a spot on your roster for this potential high reward QB.
3. Legadu Laanee WR (San Diego) – With VJax still not playing Laanee should see more looks and he has the ability to take advantage of them.
4. Mark Clayton WR (St. Louis) – The Rams wanted a go-to receiver for Bradford and they got Clayton just for this. He will be the #1 and should see many games near 80-100 yards.
5. Mohamed Massaquoi WR (Cleveland) – Delhomme is better than what they had, and Massaquoi is the #1, should have a solid season.

2010 Fantasy Football Week 1 Injury Round Up

Week 1 of Fantasy Football is officially in the books! Hopefully your draft strategies paid off, if not there will usually be injuries and young/old players to had off the waiver wire.

Key Injuries/Status

1. Marques Colston (kidney) – This appears to be a minor injury as he is probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
2. Josh Freeman (thumb) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
3. Brandon Marshall (ankle) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
4. Julian Edelman (foot) – Questionable for week 2. Keep updated until gameday, but his fantasy value is low anyway. Still tate could see more playing time if Edelman is out.
5. Tom Brady (shoulder) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
6. Anthony Gonzalez (back) – Questionable for week 2. Garcon and Collie should profit from this.
7. Owen Daniels (knee) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
8. Steve Slaton (toe) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
9. Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) – Probable for week 2. No replacement should be needed.
10. Chaz Schilens (knee) – OUT. Seek WR help elsewhere.
11. Michael Bush (thumb) – Questionable for week 2.
12. Chris “Beanie” Wells (knee) – Questionable for week 2. Look for Hightower to get more work if Wells cannot play or only play at partial health.
13. Michael Jenkins (shoulder) – OUT.
14. Ryan Grant (knee) – OUT. Brandon Jackson will look to get most of the carries now.
15. Donovan McNabb (ankle) – Questionable for week 2. He’ll likely play.

2010 Fantasy Football Team Defense Rankings

Welcome to 2010 Fantasy Team Defense Rankings. We’ll take a look at what most standard rankings will look like. Then we’ll look at a snapshot of one mock draft I was involved in and breakdown any anomalies that occurred there. We’ll try and isolate some great value picks.  Let’s get started.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Team Defense Rankings

1. New York Jets
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. San Diego Chargers
11. New York Giants
12. Chicago Bears
13. Miami Dolphins
14. New England Patriots
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Indianapolis Colts
18. Houston Texans
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Buffalo Bills
21. Denver Broncos
22. Tennessee Titans
23. Atlanta Falcons
24. Washington Redskins
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Oakland Raiders
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Kansas City Chiefs
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Detroit Lions
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same players. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds.

2010 Team Defense Rankings from Mock Draft Results

Round 6
12. New York Jets

Round 8
1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Green Bay Packers
5. Pittsburg Steelers
8. Baltimore Ravens
13. San Francisco 49ers

Round  9
4. New York Giants
6. Dallas Cowboys

Round 11
1. Tennessee Titans

Round 12
4. San Diego

Round 13
5. New England Patriots
8. Miami Dolphins
13. New Orleans Saints

Round 14
5. Indianapolis Colts

Round 15
12. Cincinnati Bengals

The rest of the fantasy team defenses went undrafted, as many will in your draft. In the mock draft, you’ll see someone jumped at the NY Jets Defense in the 6th round. I think that was reaching a bit much as most of the elite defense will be picked in the 8th rounds normally. If someone wants to jump early let them, don’t let that influence you. There will be plenty of picks in rounds 8-10. I’ll be looking for a defense in that late 8th or early ninth round, looking for Bal, NYG, Phi or Dal. Although, if you miss out on any of those the Mia, and Cin team defenses should be adequate.

2010 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings

Welcome to 2010 Fantasy Tight End Rankings. We’ll take a look at what most standard rankings will look like. But then we look at a snapshot of one mock draft I was involved in and breakdown any anomalies that occurred there. I’ll provide my drafting strategy for this year’s class of tight ends that may or may not vary from the consensus. We try and isolate some great value picks should you miss out on a top tier fantasy tight end or just want depth. We’ll start with the consensus rankings of fantasy tight ends.

2010 Consensus Fantasy Tight End Rankings

1. Dallas Clark
2. Antonio Gates
3. Vernon Davis
4. Brent Celek
5. Jason Witten
6. Jermichael Finley
7. Tony Gonzalez
8. Owen Daniels
9. Kellen Winslow
10. Visanthe Shiancoe
11. Chris Cooley
12. Zach Miller
13. Heath Miller
14. John Carlson
15. Greg Olsen
16. Jeremy Shockey
17. Dustin Keller
18. Kevin Boss
19. Todd Heap
20. Tony Scheffler
21. Benjamin Watson
22. Fred Davis
23. Bo Scaife
24. Brandon Pettigrew
25. Jermaine Gresham
26. Marcedes Lewis
27. Aaron Hernandez
28. Jared Cook
29. Anthony Fasano
30. Tony Moeaki

These rankings are pretty solid, but there are some great value picks to be had in the later rounds. As well as some upside talent that will either make a great late round flyer or an intelligent waiver wire add later on.

Now let’s take a look at a mock draft I was involved in and see how managers selected when under a little pressure and 13 other managers are hawking after the same guys. This is a 14-team league and 15 rounds so lots of picks.

2010 Tight End Rankings from Mock Draft Results

Round 4
1. Dallas Clark – Ind
3. Vernon Davis – SF
8. Jermichael Finley – GB
Round 5
3. Jason Witten – Dal
5. Brent Celek – Phi
10. Tony Gonzalez – Atl
11. Visanthe Shiancoe – Min
Round 6
2. Owen Daniels – Hou
Round 7
1. John Carlson – Sea
2. Kellen Winslow – TB
4. Zach Miller – Oak
6. Chris Cooley – Was
Round 13
1. Greg Olsen – Chi
4. Dustin Keller – NYJ
6. Mercedes Lewis – Jac
7. Todd Heap – Bal
9. Benjamin Watson – Buf
12. Brandon Pettigrew – Det
Round 14
4. Kevin Boss – NYG
6. Desmond Clark – Chi
7. Heath Miller – Pit
12. Jeremy Shockey – NO
13. Anthony Fasano – Mia
Round 15
9. Martellus Bennet – Dal
13. Jermaine Gresham – Cin

So no tight ends were taken until round 4, and that makes sense as everyone is sr5ambling for top RB, QB and WRs who usually deliver a lot more fantasy production. I read that the average weekly score for TE’s for last season was just over 7 points. That total being the lowest of all positions. Does that mean you need to have the best TE on your team to win a championship? Not really, and in fact most of the top TE spots are very over-valued compared to who you can pick up at other positions at the same point in the draft. Regarding the mock draft results, nothing too crazy although I was surprised to see Tony Gonzalez go as the 6th overall TE taken since he had almost 30 red zone looks last season. And why is anyone still drafting Todd Heap?

OK, now I’ll show you which fantasy tight ends I am targeting this year and who I am not, and why of course.

Rounds 4 and 5
Dallas Clark – Ind: I will be passing on Mr. Clark, simply because I really find it highly unlikely to duplicate his huge season last year. Which this draft position is clearly based on. Plus Manning has so many great targets to spread the ball to. It just makes it hard to justify a pick here.
Jermichael Finley – GB: Had a breakout season last year, and while this player is a beast I try not to pay for breakout seasons.
Vernon Davis – SF: Same reason as Finley, but also a very gifted player. I am not saying these guys are not going to do well. I am just saying I rather have them in round 5, which I am sure they will not be available at.
Jason Witten – Dal: If he falls to round 5 I really consider him, he had 94 catches and I think he should garner at least 5-6 TDs this year.
Tony Gonzalez – Atl: Matt Ryan’s second favorite target after Roddy White. I see another great season for Gonzalez and in fact he might outperform most all other TE’s.
Brent Celek – Phi: He had a great season last year and I don’t see a drop in production. A very good pick for TE in round 5.
Visanthe Shiancoe – Min: Brett Favre loves his TEs so I see a nice number of RZ production from Shiancoe this year.
Rounds 7-8
Owen Daniels – Hou: Still coming back from injury, I will pass on him unless he falls very, very late, say round 9…and again that’s in a 14-team league.
John Carlson – Sea: A lot are picking him as a sleeper, but that means you have to trust Hasselbeck. And I do not, but I do like the future for Charlie Whitehurst as QB.
Zach Miller – Oak: Another sleeper of sorts. Campbell is an upgrade over any previous QB they had last season. He could easily have a very solid season and outperform his draft position.
Kellen Winslow – TB: If Freeman can solidify his play, Winslow may again become fantasy relevant. That’s a big maybe though.
Chris Cooley – Was: Injuries and the play of Fred Davis have hurt his value. But McNabb did reward Celek a lot last year. Perhaps Was TE’s this year will get those kinds of looks.
Remaining Rounds
I’ll just list who I might target at this point either as added depth at tight end or I just completely missed the boat and will pursue upside.
Kevin Boss – NYG: He can be grabbed very late and did get a decent number of TDs from Eli. He is battling an injury right now, but should be back soon. Not a bad late round pickup.
Jermaine Gresham – Cin: Rookie with lots of upside, we’ll see if he gets any targets though with a wide selection of WRs for Palmer to throw to.
That’s really all I have to say about tight ends right now. Next time we’ll look at Team Defenses.

2010 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Part 2

In part 1 of the Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings for 2010 we went over the most common rankings currently found for fantasy wide outs. Then I went over what actually happened in a mock draft I took part in. Now based on the popular rankings, and the mock draft results, I am going to go through them round by round, when each player will most likely be available. I’ll comment on who I am going to target, why and why I pass on others. Remember this is based on a 14 team league. 10 team leagues will allow players to drop to the later rounds obviously. My strategy is based on drafts for leagues where NO PPR is provided. If you are in a PPR league, at the end of this article we’ll list suggestions for PPR league wide receivers. A quick word up front, I will be avoiding all Denver wide receivers this year, just too unstable up there.

Round 1

Andre Johnson – Hou: A beast who should be considered as a first round choice if all the top RB’s are off the board.

Round 2 – Many of the best and most reliable wide receivers will be claimed in this round. It might be a good idea for you to target a couple here in this round to get a work-horse who can deliver you fantasy gold week in and week out.

Brandon Marshall – Mia: I really like the move to Miami. He was unhappy in Denver, Henne is a very good QB, an upgrade to Kyle Orton, and there is a very good rushing attack opening up the pass. This is a player I hope to score.
Calvin Johnson – Det: This is my next target for WR. Detroit isn’t exactly the epitome of a stellar offense, but Johnson just has a knack for being awesome.
DeSean Jackson – Phi: A playmaker who doesn’t need to catch balls in full stride to score. Even with a rookie QB he will have a great season.
Greg Jennings – GB: Possibly the last wide out I will target in the 2^nd round. Jennings just doesn’t get as much respect as he deserves, but the man is money.

There are a lot of other WR’s I will take if they are the best player in round 2 and they are: Larry Fitzgerald – Ari, Reggie Wayne – Ind, Roddy White – Atl, and if he is available at the end of the 2^nd maybe Randy Moss – NE.

The rest of the wide receivers you will likely see go off the boards are Miles Austin – Dal and Sidney Rice – Min. I just don’t see myself over paying for these guys and that likely goes for Randy Moss too.

Round 3 – There are a couple of great players available in round 3 who may perform like 2^nd rounders. I like all receivers here and they are definitely on my list.

Anquan Boldin – Bal: He has a great supporting cast of receivers to eliminate double coverage on every play, and let’s face it…he is a receiver in a line backers body. He will not make you sorry as long as he stays healthy.
Steve Smith – NYG: As a Giants fan, I watch and follow this guy a lot. He has incredible hands, runs near perfect routes and has the trust of the QB. Had over 100 catches last year, I easily see a repeat.
Marques Colston – NO: Another player much like Boldin, the only downside here is Drew Brees likes to spread the ball A LOT. So Colston can have down games when that happens too much.
Percey Harvin – Min: If the kid can shake the whole migraine headache thing and be available for every game, I don’t see why he can’t improve on last years numbers. And with Favre back, they had a rapport last year…look for that to grow.

Round 4 – Here is a round I will probably focus on another position or make reach for a pick I might not get to in round 5. Not that these are bad players, just slightly over-valued.

Steve Smith – Car: Great talent, question is can the QB get the ball into his hands, and can he avoid injury and/or suspension?
Chad OchoCinco – Cin: I haven’t liked him in years. I think him and T.O. have more interest as a circus act than reliable fantasy options.
Hakeem Nicks – NYG: A wonderful young player who made a lot of DB’s look bad last year on yards after the catch. If Eli is allowed to air it out like last year, then Hicks is a nice investment.
Michael Crabtree – SF: I’m not biting until I see some consistency.

Round 5

Mike Sims-Walker- Jac: He is a great athlete, too bad he has Garrard throwing to him or else he might be a much higher pick.
Dwayne Bowe – KC: Some say he is a big sleeper, I won’t buy that unless he is absolutely the best player available at that pick.
Jeremy Maclin – Phi: 2^nd season, I see D-Jax ball hawking, although with Westbrook gone, there are that many more looks available…this could be the real sleeper of round 5.
Donald Driver – GB: Old faithful. I’m sure he’ll post respectable numbers and if he is the best pick I might just grab him, otherwise I look for upside elsewhere.
Derrick Mason – Bal: Another old faithful, but with Boldin in town, I see a loss in production.

Round 6 and 7 – Ok, I’ll start just listing the wide receivers I will be targeting two rounds at a time.

Pierre Garcon – Ind: I think his production is real. Unless they hand the job back to Anthony Gonzalez, Garcon is the #3 receiver behind Wayne and Dallas Clark in this passing attack.
Mike Wallace – Pit: Him and Ward will be poised for big seasons with Holmes gone.

The only other few I will consider in these two rounds are:

T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Sea: Because he is such a big red zone target.
Dez Bryant – Dal: If and only if that high ankle sprain will not keep him out long.
Steve Breaston – Ari: If Matt Leinart looks like he is making plays, and so far he isn’t.

Round 8 and 9

Jacoby Jones – Hou: A great sleeper pick in the late 8^th or early 9^th round.
Golden Tate – Sea: Might be a good pick if the QB is healthy and making plays.
Mohammed Massapuoi – Cle: Because he is the #1 target there, plain and simple.

Round 10 and 11

Austin Collie – Ind: Round 11 if possible, don’t reach. He should get the ball a lot as the slot receiver again.
Eddie Royal – Den: OK, I said I would avoid all Denver WR’s, but if you can get him in round 11 late, maybe gamble.
Kenny Britt – Ten: Could be the #1 guy in town, just not sure if that means anything.
Mario Manningham – NYG: Needs work on holding onto catchable balls and may get competition from Victor Cruz who caught 3 TDs in pre-season opener.

Remaining Rounds

Arrelious Benn – TB: A nice sleeper option.
Chaz Schilens – Oak: Came on at the end last year and could profit from a more stable QB in Campell.
Dexter McCluster – KC: Could have dual position eligibility and is a great talent.

That’s it for normal leagues. Now if you are in a PPR league, then some players will get a bump in value simply because they get possession receptions, but not big yards and scores. Also, some of the star players will have their rankings improved as they also double as the team’s leading receiver. I’ll simple list three categories, players who get a huge boost for PPR, a very good boost and notable good boost. These boosts mean they should be considered no more than a few positions or at most a round ahead of their respected current projections. Remember though running backs also usually receive the PPR bonus so do not place a WR ahead of an RB that also gets a decent share of receptions, that number being 35 – 50+.

Huge
Brandon Marshall, Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White, Steve Smith (NYG)

Very Good
Percey Harvin, Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Wallace, Mohamed Massaquoi

Good
Donnie Avery

Everyone else is either already very highly ranked or the PPR just doesn’t separate them from others get as well. OK, that’s it for Wide Receivers. Next time we’ll discuss Tight Ends.

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