Fantasy Wide Receivers Report

Hey, guys...I can almost feel the excitement in the air...Training camps will be opening soon all over NFL land, and we football fans can't wait. The fantasy football nation has already started drafts. My first draft will be July 24. I'm still looking to join about two more leagues. My draft strategies vary, depending on my draft position. I try to draft Running backs back to back; however, more often than not, I usually draft a wide receiver. So, here are my top 5 wide receivers. Once again, I don't rank them, I leave that to the professionals. These are the guys I want as my fantasy wide receivers.

Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans. Andre Johnson has been a fantasy diamond for the last couple of years. As Matt Schaub continues to grow as the Texans QB, he looks early and often for his favorite target Andre Johnson. Johnson led the league last year with 1569 receiving yards. He also racked up 9 touchdowns. Johnson had six games with over 100 yards including a season high 196 yards against the St. Louis Rams. Johnson also knows how to protect the ball with only one fumble last year. Although the New York Jets were able to neutralize him keeping Johnson to an anemic 35 yards, Johnson averages a little over 98 yards per game. He finished the season with 133.45 fantasy points last season a sound pick for starting WR.

Randy Moss of the New England Patriots. I'm not the biggest fan of Randy Moss, from that growth that appears on his face from time to time to his time with the Oakland Raiders to his corn pone accent that vexes me to no end. Yet, no one can deny the talent that Moss possesses, a talent that has been well tapped into by one Tom Brady. Over his last three years with the Patriots, Moss has accumulated over 3756 yards with the Patriots, including last season when he racked up 1264 yards and 13 touchdowns (tying him for first in the league). He still has great hands only fumbling the ball 2 times last year. Moss finished the fantasy season with 141.20 fantasy points, and although he is getting up there in age, and he will have to fight with Wes Welker for looks, he is a still a pretty sound #1 fantasy choice.

Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys. Although he has gained more fame recently for being the current NFL boyfriend of Kim Kardashian (gag), Miles Austin is a talented receiver who seemed to explode last year and show Roy Williams that Roy Williams is no #1 WR. How awesome was Austin? He only started 9 games last year, missed one game, and still gained 1320 yards averaging 82.5 yards per game. In addition to his yardage, Austin finished tied for second in the league with 11 receiving touchdowns. Not bad for the guy who was supposed to be Tony Romo's #2 WR. He finished the fantasy season with 131.80 points last year, so I don't think Mr. Austin will be on the board very long.

Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzgerald has been one of the best WR in the league for the past 3 years racking up 3932 yards during that time. He also had Kurt Warner throwing to him during that time period. (Gonna miss you, Kurt!) He will be receiving passes from Matt Leinert (or Derek Anderson, if Leinert flops again). Fitzgerald gained 1092 yards last season averaging 68.25 yards per game. He also tied for first in the league with 13 receiving touchdowns. Fitzgerald finished the fantasy season with 132.60 fantasy points. Although I'm a little leery of Matt Leinert, I think he will rely on Fitzgerald a lot this season.

Sidney Rice of the Minnesota Vikings and DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles. I couldn't pick between the two, so I'll give you the stats. Sidney Rice amassed 1312 yards and 8 touchdowns last season, while DeSean Jackson gained 1156 yards and 9 touchdowns. Rice finished the season with 113.60 fantasy points as Jackson finished the season with 132.05. While Sidney Rice may have ole man Favre throwing to him this year, there is no guarantee, because Favre is still waffling in Hattiesburg. Meanwhile, the Eagles traded Donovan McNabb to Washington, and Kevin Kolb will be tossing to Jackson. Regardless, I think both of these young men will be prime targets for their quarterbacks.

Other Top 10 Wide Recievers
Wes Welker (New England Patriots), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts [if he doesn't hold out]), Vincent Jackson (San Diego Charger [He has to serve a 3 game suspension, plus he may hold out for an extended period]), Brandon Marshall (Miami Dolphins), Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons), Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints). I'm aware that I have given you more than 10, but you will need back up if VJ and Reggie Wayne aren't going to play.

Rookie on the Rise: Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys. Here's hoping that Dez Bryant lives up to all of the baggage he is bringing with him to Cowboys stadium. He has some big shoes to fill choosing to wear the #88 which belonged to Michael Irvin (why would you do that?). He was suspended for part of the 2009 season for improper contact with another former Cowboy Deion Sanders. His freshman season saw him gain 622 yards and 6 touchdowns in 12 games. In 2008, he had 1480 yards with 19 touchdowns. In 2009, he managed 323 yards and 4 touchdowns before his suspension which lowered his draft stock and Heisman contention. He also played special teams racking up a career total of 431 yards and 3 touchdowns in 22 Punt returns. He'll be playing behind Miles Austin, Roy Williams, and Patrick Clayton.

Fantasy Tip: Don't be a homer. Picking all players from your favorite team will lead to a problem on your team-the bye week, when they will all be on vacation together...

Until next time, "If you can accept losing, you can't win."Vince Lombardi

**stats provided by NFL.com and FantasyFootballChallenge.com