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We are still waiting for the lockout to end, but the show must go on. Here’s an early look at the 2011 wide receiver rankings.
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1. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: 1216 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. Has averaged nearly 100 yards per game over his past 54 games.
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2. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: Recovered nicely from a down 2009 season with 1120 yards and 12 scores. Now if only Matthew Stafford can stay healthy.
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3. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants: Exploded for 1052 yards and 11 scores in three games. The scary thing is, there is still room for growth.
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4. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones will take some of his production, but Roddy has been a force for the past four years. I expect the Falcons to throw even more in 2011, which will offset Jones’ arrival somewhat.
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5. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs: Conditioning could be a concern, but in a contract year I think he knows he has too much to lose.
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6. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: The Cards were dysfunctional last year, but Fitz still managed 1137 yards and six scores. I expect more stability out of the quarterback position.
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7. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wallace broke out with 1257 yards and ten touchdowns showing he’s more than a deep threat. Wallace is a solid WR1.
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8. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne may on the downside of his career, but after his 1355 yards and six touchdowns, he still has something left in the tank.
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9. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers: Jennings is nice, but when Jermichael Finley is healthy he doesn’t get as many looks. Still a solid WR1 though.
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10. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers: Assuming he’s under contract or willing to play with the franchise tag, V-Jax should be nasty once again.
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11. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles: Consistency can be an issue, but he can put your fantasy team on his back when he explodes.
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12. Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After 964 yards and 11 scores as a rookie he is a regression risk. I think the yardage will be up, the touchdowns down, and Williams to be a low-end WR1.
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13. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys: His maturity concerns me, but the ability is there.
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14. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys: Austin and Dez are on equal footing (aside from maturity). I give Bryant a slight edge, but Miles is the safer choice.
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15. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles: He’s not as explosive as DeSean, but he’s steadier.
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16. Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans: So far Teflon Kenny hasn’t has slid out of criminal charges. If he can avoid Goodell’s wrath, he should put up huge numbers.
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17. Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins: Marshall only scored three touchdowns, but showed some signs at the end of the year averaging 101.7 yards over the past three games.
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18. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings: The migraines appear to be under control. The Vikings are committed to being more creative to get Percy the ball in space. If he can stay healthy he can be a dynamic threat.
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19. Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos: I know he’s coming off a monster 1448 yard, 11 touchdown season, but I feel the coaching change will be detrimental to Lloyd’s value.
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20. Wes Welker, New England Patriots: What Welker did (848 yards, seven touchdowns) only a few months removed from a knee injury is staggering. Look for Brady to get him the ball early and often once again in 2011.
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