2009 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

All 2009 Fantasy Football Player Rankings can be found here.  Below are our 2009 Wide Receiver Rankings, which were much easier than the RB rankings.  Keep in mind these are PPR rankings.  These are first being posted in March but will be updated as the myriad questions are answered.  The top 12 on this list are stone cold locks for a solid season.  After that it gets riskier, but this field is rife with opportunity for the savvy owner.  Come on draft day!

1.  Larry Fitzgerald – Combine his ability with the Cardinal’s Offensive philosophy and talent and Fitzgerald is an unstoppable fantasy force.

2.  Andre Johnson – He’s like Terrell Owens only younger, better, and sane. Johnson had the most receptions and yards last season.  The only knock is that Slaton and Walter are grabbing a lot of red zone action.

3.  Randy Moss – Brady is coming back and Moss seems happy. He’s one season removed from a legendary 24 TD catch campaign. In his no-Brady year he still caught 11 TDs and added 1000 yards. Huge upside, limited downside – should he be #1?

4.  Calvin Johnson – Calvin owners from last year know that he got a ton of his fantasy points in garbage time. That should continue as the Lions rebuild, but I’m hoping this offense will be more stable with Culpepper, CJ, Bryant Johnson, and Kevin Smith. Expect a boost in reception numbers this year.

5.  Anquan Boldin – Q is a beast man that will rip heads off on his way to a 1200 yards, 12 TD season.

6.  Steve Smith – If Smith doesn’t blast anyone in the face in training camp he will break 1500 yards this season. The Panthers were so incredibly effective running the ball in the red zone that you have to worry about his TD totals.  I think its 50/50 that he breaks double digit TDs.

7.  Reggie Wayne – Wayne is over 30 and posted disappointing stats on ‘08, but don’t let that deter you. He’s the top WR option for the Indianapolis Colts. Expect numbers more like ‘07.

8. Marques Colston - Colston will be a bargain on draft day. He really only played half of ‘09, and it took a few weeks for him and Brees to get back on the same page. He’s falling in early rankings and drafts, and I smell opportunity. My healthy projection for him is 95 rec, 1300 yards, and 10 TDs.

9.  Roddy White – White went for 88, 1382, and 7 TDs with a rookie QB. He was only in this third year himself. Expect at least the same yardage numbers with more TDs this season.

10.  Greg Jennings – I had my doubts about Jennings the last couple of years but now I have to admit he’s an elite option.

11. Chad Johnson – The Palmer to Johnson connection can still be what it once was – Ocho Sinko had 1440 yards and 8 TDs in ‘07. If they get everything sorted out 85 could be a draft day steal. It’s Marvin’s last chance to make this thing work.

12.  Wes Welker – Drop him a few places for non-PPR leagues. It’s difficult to imagine a season where he plays 16 games in this offense and doesn’t get 100 receptions.

13.  Dwayne Bowe – This is the year of the Bowe. Cassel will help us see how good Bowe can be.

14.  Brandon Marshall – I dropped him 3 spaces after the Cutler trade. Orton is not exciting, but Brandon Marshall is. With a healthy hip maybe he can return to early 08 form. If not, he’s still a 6′4″, 240 lbs. target that Orton can’t miss in close and medium range.

15.  Terrell Owens – How long can he play with Trent Edwards in 0 degree weather before he becomes an extreme pain in the ass? Only time will tell. This situation is different, though – don’t let the talk of “he’s always good in year one” make you reach.

16.  Santonio Holmes – How about that Superbowl performance? This is the year he takes over Hines’ role as the #1 in Pittsburgh. 75 rec, 1100 yards, and 9 TDs.

17.  Antonio Bryant - Poor Antonio got the franchise tag so he will have to prove himself again before he gets the long term guaranteed deal. Then he will take some plays off. I’d rank him much higher if it weren’t for my lack of confidence in Luke McCown.

18.  Braylon Edwards – Drops Mcgee destroyed the fantasy teams that took him in the second round last year. He will return to the ranks of the fantasy elite when he has a strong QB and running game, but I’m not banking on that happening this season.

19.  Vincent Jackson – Chambers was a total non-factor in the second half of ‘08 while VJ quietly put up a 1000 yard, 7 TD season. I see more of the same in ‘09, and his upside is even higher assuming River’s continued improvement.

20.  Lee Evans – TO was brought in to take pressure off of Lee Evans. I look forward to seeing what he can do when defenses don’t key in on him. Again, Trent Edwards’ ability is the main issue here.

21. Eddie Royal- Orton to Royal just doesn’t have the same ring to it. Royal will be a steady PPR contributor, but is no longer the top 15 receiver he was under Jay Cutler.

22. TJ Houshmandzedah – Issues: New team with a new head coach and run-first OC. Branch, Burleson, and Carlson already have chemistry with Hass. On the other hand, Housh can step right in and take over Engram’s possession role. He should be valuable in PPR leagues.

23.  Roy Williams - As TO will tell you, Witten is the real number one option in Dallas. Roy Williams has got the talent, but he’s really only put it all together one season out of his entire career. I’m going to temper my expecations as he continues to adjust to life in Dallas. 900 yards and 8 TDs.

24.  Anthony Gonzalez – Anthony should enjoy his first 1000 yard season in 2009 as the undisputed #2, but Dallas Clark will limit his upside.

25.  Bernard Berrian – Dr. Deep Threat put up top 25 WR numbers last year without breaking 50 receptions. His downside is pretty limited.

26. Santana Moss – If Washington ever gets a QB that can run the West Coast offense then Santana will shoot up the rankings lists. Until then look forward to explosive games followed by no shows. Also keep in mind his production plummeted in the second half of ‘08.

27.  Jerricho Cotchery – Cotchery is really the Jets Lone Ranger at WR, and I like his potential. He should break 1000 yards again unless his QB is completely in competent.

28.  Lance Moore – I think Colston steals back the Lance Thunder this season. That said, there’s plenty of passing yards and TDs for everyone here.

29. Hines Ward – Please stop smiling

30.  DeSean Jackson – I’ll never forget when this donkey cost me a fantasy match against an arch rival when he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line in week 4. I forgive him, though, because his surprise rookie campaign helped me win that league. He’s their best receiving weapon outside of Westbrook and should see his role continue to expand.

31.  Steve Smith Lite – This Steve Smith (NYG) will be a PPR beast this season. He showed signs of life down the stretch last season and that will carry on into a breakout 3rd season. Don’t be afraid to reach for him. 70+ catches for 900+ yards and 5 TDs.

32.  Lav Coles – Palmer, Coles, and 85 have enormous fantasy potential, especially if they are playing from behind. Don’t forget how good Palmer is if he’s healthy. Lav is a bargain at this point in the draft, but keep a close eye on Palmer.

33.  Donnie Avery – It’s the Donnie Avery show in St. Louis now. Good luck, kid.

34. Steve Breaston – The Cardinals had three WRs ranked in the fantasy top 25 last season. If Boldin doesn’t come back Breaston shoots into my top 15. If Boldin stays Breaston should still be a serviceable WR3 with huge upside whenever Boldin or Fitz are injured.

35.  Kevin Walter – Walter is the real deal – he gets plenty of opportunities, especially in the Red Zone. Excellent value pick at WR3.

36.  Donald Driver – In the twilight of his career Driver put up his fifth consecutive 1000 yard season. He won’t do it again as Jordy Nelson and James Jones become more involved. Driver will still get the job done as a borderline every week starter at WR3.

37. Devin Hester – Watching Kyle Orton trying to hit Hester on deep routes was always good for a chuckle. Cutler has the arm to take advantage of his speed. Can Hester catch the ball, though? We’ll know after this season if Hester has #1 WR mettle.

38.  Derrick Mason – Mason will be a valuable PPR player until the day he retires.

39. Earl Bennett – Super Sleeper! Get excited for this one. Bennett and Cutler had good chemistry at Vandy in 05. Bennett is a strong talent who is primed to emerge with Cutler. I’m banking on him turning into the reliable chain-mover while Hester remains the deep threat.

40.  Torry Holt – The targets will be there, but I just don’t see him being a factor in the Red Zone.  Old man Holt has lost a step.  Don’t worry about making a draft decision on him – someone in your league will almost certainly reach for him a few rounds too early based on name recognition.

41.  Justin Gage – Justin “The Answer” Gage is Collins’ top option going into 2009. The way they clicked down the stretch makes him a solid option.

42.  Deion Branch – Branch has never had a fully healthy season in Seattle. Nor has he ever had a 1000 yard season in his career. He did have a nice close to 2009 once he got healthy, scoring 4 TDs in the last 4 games. He’s a strong bounce back candidate.

43.  Davone Bess – Bess is my pick to lead the Dolphins in receiving this year, especially with Camarillo coming off of ACL surgery and missing OTAs. He’s a very strong sleeper pick with 1000 yard upside.

44.  Josh Morgan – San Fran’s #1 is one of the best value in fantasy drafts this season.

45. Michael Jenkins Keep an eye on Harry Douglas, but Jenkins’ numbers should improve in year 2 of the New Falcons

46.  Domenik Hixon – If he can hold down the job as the Giants starting flanker he’s assured a productive fantasy season. I don’t think he’s the talent they are looking for at this position, though. We’ll keep a close eye on this one.

47.  Ted Ginn JR – Ginn will burn you if you start him every week but can always break out as a bye week fill in.

48.  Miles Austin – Word on the street is that Miles Austin will be the #2 in Dallas. The upside potential here is tremendous considering Roy Williams may not hog the looks like TO did.

48. Mike Walker – Reggie Williams was released, everyone favorite coke-head was cut, and Dennis Northcutt rarely impresses. Walker could be a solid possession receiver and great PPR candidate depending on who else is brought in this offseason.

49. Chris Henry – Chris Henry had some solid fantasy seasons with a healthy Carson Palmer. He could become relevent again behind 85 and Lav.

50.  Mark Clayton – 2009 is Clayton’s contract year, so if he ever pulls it all together it will happen now. I like his upside in Flacco’s second year.

51.  Kevin Curtis – Looking forward to seeing what a healthy Kevin Curtis can do in a full season, but definitely not going to reach for him.

52.  Bryant Johnson – He should get plenty of opportunities alongside Calvin Johnson on a team that figures to have a lot of garbage time pass attempts.

53. Michael Crabtree – Crabtree has the build and talent to make an immediate impact for whoever drafts him.

54.  Chris Chambers – There’s just not a lot of room for Chambers behind LT, Gates, Jackson, and Sproles.

55. Joey Galloway – New England is probably the best place Galloway could have ended up. The veteran will fit in well and get his chances for some big plays. I could see 40 catches for 700 yards and a few TDs behind Moss and Welker.

56a.  Isaac Bruce – …

57.  Devin Thomas

58.  Sidney Rice – Will be a big beneficiary if the passing game improves.

59.  Patrick Crayton – Crayton is in the mix in Dallas so deserves fantasy consideration.

60.  Greg Camarillo – Camarillo was on his way to an 80 catch season before tearing his MCL. He’ll be ready to go this season but will struggle to beat out Bess and Ginn for a starting role.

61.  Nate Washington – Nasty Nate will give the Titans a real deep threat and a new red zone option in the passing game.

62. 

63.  Johnnie Lee Higgins – Some WR for Oakland needs to be drafted just in case, and my money is on Higgins.

64.  Jordy Nelson

65.  Nate Burleson - Burleson had his plate set for a breakout season before going down for the year in week one. With the way WRs get injured in Seattle we may be hearing from him again this season.

66. Reggie Brown – Probably the most annoying player in fantasy football, but still a factor in the Eagles offense. He will probably still be the starter on games where he is not recovering from a strained labia.

67.  Marvin Harrison

68.  Muhsin Muhammed

69.  Michael Clayton

70.  Robert Meachem

71.  Devery Henderson

72.  Javon Walker

73.  James Jones – Talented, but often injured and probably the fourth option behind Jennings, Driver, and Nelson.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at 10:47 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.