Friday, August 24, 2007

Top 10 WRs



10. Javon Walker - Denver Broncos
Experience: 6th Season
Bye Week: 6

2 Year Averages (2004, 2006):
Yards Receiving: 1233 (77 YPG)
Touchdowns: 11
(2005 not included due to injury)

Upside: Despite a very shaky QB situation last season, Walker thrived in his return from a torn ACL. He should only improve this season as the post-surgery jitters should be behind him. Jay Cutler should also be much-improved. Doesn't have anyone to steal looks.

Concern: Walker had an MRI, due to an "uncomfortable sensation" on August 16, you never want to hear a WR with a knee surgery complaining about it.

9. T.J. Houshmadzadeh - Cincinnati Bengals
Experience: 7th Season
Bye Week: 5

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1005 (63 YPG)
Touchdowns: 7


Who's your mama?

Upside: Put up more consistent numbers than Chad Johnson in 2006, and is possibly a better red zone target. Ocho Quattro may even get more touches with Chris Henry out for the first half of the season.

Concern: He's never started all 16 games in any season. Has only topped 1000 yards once (last year). Won't have as much yardage as other Top 10 WRs.

8. Roy Williams - Detroit Lions
Experience: 4th Season
Bye Week: 6

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 938 (59 YPG)
Touchdowns: 8


Upside: Mike Martz claims that "it's scary how much more Williams can improve." In year 2 in the Martz offense, it'd be great to see some further improvement. Williams makes some of the most beautiful catches in the NFL. If he gets more red zone targets, he'll easily be a Top 5 WR. With their sorry running game (sans Kevin Jones), the Lions will be passing early and often.

Concern: 2006 was Williams' first 16 game season, his previous high was 12 starts. Calvin Johnson is also in town to take away some touches. Can he remain healthy for 2 straight seasons?

7. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals
Experience: 4th Season
Bye Week: 8

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1045 (65 YPG)
Touchdowns: 8

Upside: Saw his numbers drop fairly significantly in 2006 with a rookie QB and an injured hamstring. Should rebound nicely with Leinart's expected emergence and better health. At just 24, he still hasn't come close to reaching his ceiling. Will see more red zone targets than Boldin.

Concern: Leinart is expected to begin to break out this year, but he still hasn't really proven anything, and he's still behind a shaky O-Line. Ken Whisenhunt is known for being conservative, as opposed to Dennis Green's ass-crowning "offensive genius". Will the young Cards adapt well to a new coach?

6. Reggie Wayne - Indianapolis Colts
Experience: 7th Season
Bye Week: 6

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1192 (74 YPG)
Touchdowns: 9


Upside: Plenty of balls to go around in Indy, Wayne is their big play threat. Could possibly get even more looks as Harrison isn't getting any younger. Has received more targets every season of his career.

Concern: Doesn't get the red zone looks that Harrison gets. His 12 in 2004 is his only season with double-digit TD receptions. Had a serious case of the dropsies in 2006.

5. Terrell Owens - Dallas Cowboys
Experience: 12th Season
Bye Week: 8

2 Year Averages (2004, 2006):
Yards Receiving: 1190 (74 YPG)
Touchdowns: 14
(2005 not included due to meltdown)


Can T.O. behave for 2 straight seasons?

Upside: #2 WR in fantasy in 2006. Still a gamebreaker after all this time. Hauls in TDs by the bushel. Allegedly likes working with Tony Romo, and happy Parcells is gone.

Concern: Seriously, when can't you be concerned about T.O. He has a new coach that could lead to new conflicts. Don't forget that he got along with Donovan McNabb swimmingly at first as well. Who knows how long it'll be until the next suicide attempt or driveway workout.

4. Steve Smith - Carolina Panthers
Experience: 7th Season
Bye Week: 7

2 Year Averages (2005-06):
Yards Receiving: 1365 (85 YPG)
Touchdowns: 11
(2004 not included due to injury)


Upside: Far and away the top option on his team. Also has added a rushing TD the past 2 seasons. As Smith goes, so goes the Panthers' season.

Concern: Jake Delhomme struggles mightily with inconsistency, if he's ousted for David Carr, who knows if that's an upgrade or a cause for concern.

3. Torry Holt - St. Louis Rams
Experience: 9th Season
Bye Week: 9

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1297 (81 YPG)
Touchdowns: 10


Has Big Game begun a decline? How's the knee?

Upside: Holt lead the league in 2006 red zone targets. Plays in a pass happy offense. Will hopefully regain some of 2006's lost explosiveness due to his knee injury.

Concern: At the start of August, Holt claimed his surgically repaired knee was at 70%...will it be alright at the start of the regular season? At 31, there is a threat of skill decline.

2. Chad Johnson - Cincinnati Bengals
Experience: 7th Season
Bye Week: 5

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1358 (85 YPG)
Touchdowns: 8


Will Ohco Cinco continue celebrate like a rock star?

Upside: More total yardage than Harrison, participating in another of the NFL's most dynamic offenses. Holding a contest for fan suggested touchdown celebrations. The suspension of Chris Henry should lead to more targets.

Concern: Only 1 double-digit touchdown season, 2003 (10 TDs). Cincy spreads the ball around plenty. Shouldn't repeat 2006's slow first half.

1. Marvin Harrison - Indianaplois Colts
Experience: 12th Season
Bye Week: 6

3 Year Averages (2004-06):
Yards Receiving: 1208 (76 YPG)
Touchdowns: 13

Will Peyton's favorite target add a 9th straight season of double-digit touchdowns?

Upside: Harrison has been as consistent as they come, he's had double-digit TD's every season since 1998, when he only played in 12 games. Not as flashy as other options, he's reliable as they come. Peyton loves to air it out.

Concern: Other than his age (35 by Week 1), none. Age will eventually catch up to him, but he's in probably the NFL's most dynamic offense.

No comments: