Get SI's Lakers Championship Package FREE!  Subscribe to SI Give the Gift of SI
SI.com HomeA CNN Network SiteSI.com Home
Fantasy Football, Fantasy Baseball and More
  • PRINT PRINT
  • EMAIL EMAIL
  • RSS RSS
  • BOOKMARK SHARE
Posted: Friday August 1, 2008 1:42PM; Updated: Tuesday August 5, 2008 1:04PM

Wide receivers: The sleepers, busts and top picks to watch

Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
Braylon Edwards is sure to be one of quarterback Derek Anderson's primary weapons in trying help Cleveland reach the playoffs.
Braylon Edwards is sure to be one of quarterback Derek Anderson's primary weapons in trying help Cleveland reach the playoffs.
Tony Dejak/AP
Football Preview
 
Position Rankings
Analysis
From RotoExperts.com
Play Fantasy Football

On the rise

Braylon Edwards, Browns: The breakout receiver of 2007 could easily end up being the top fantasy wideout of '08.

Roddy White, Falcons: In Matt Ryan, Atlanta finally has a quarterback who will be able to get the ball downfield.

Bryant Johnson, 49ers: The former third receiver for the Cardinals will have a chance to star in Mike Martz's offense.

On the decline

Joe Jurevicius, Browns: Knee rehab could sideline him until at least October.

Donald Driver, Packers: When a play broke down, Brett Favre often looked to this veteran; Driver now may not get such looks.

Kevin Walter, Texans :Walter's good numbers last year were in part a by-product of Houston's top receiver, Andre Johnson, missing half the season.

Sleepers

D.J. Hackett, Panthers The free-agent pickup from Seattle should provide Jake Delhomme with a much-needed second deep threat to complement Steve Smith.

Impact rookies

Jabar Gaffney, Patriots: The journeyman quietly emerged as a target for Tom Brady last year with five TD catches and seven late-season starts.

Earl Bennett, Bears: The SEC's alltime leader in catches, at Vanderbilt, should rise quickly on Chicago's thin depth chart.

Devin Thomas, Redskins: The 6-foot-2 Michigan State product will see plenty of action in Jim Zorn's West Coast offense.

Keep an eye on

Donnie Avery, Rams: The second-round pick out of Houston will win a battle for playing time and be among the freshman leaders.

Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins: Used mostly on returns as a rookie in '07, he is now Miami's best downfield option.

Darrell Jackson, Broncos: Out of San Francisco and with a quality QB, the veteran should see his numbers rebound.

Buyer beware

Sidney Rice, Vikings: He has the size and ability to be a big-time receiver -- but he needs Minnesota to find an answer at QB.

Laveranues Coles, Jets: He's best drafted as trade bait: Over the last two seasons he scored nine TDs in the first half of the year, but just three in the second.

David Tyree, Giants:You'll be tempted to draft the Super Bowl hero, but remember that his Pro Bowl appearance came as a special-teams coverage man.

Isaac Bruce, 49ers The switch from St. Louis's speedy turf to San Francisco's grass could expose the 35-year-old's lost step.

Greg Ambrosius' Player Rankings

1. Randy Moss, Patriots: He was a major question mark heading into last season, but he's now the top wideout in fantasy football and someone who will go seventh or eighth in most drafts as he's projected to top 1,300 yards again with 16 TDs.
2. Terrell Owens, Cowboys: As long as he's happy, he will be productive, so expect another season of 1,200-plus yards, 80-plus receptions and 15 TDs.
3. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Even if Marvin Harrison returns healthy, Wayne is the man in Indy and he will produce another 90-plus reception, 1,400-plus yard, 11 TD season in '08.
4. Braylon Edwards, Browns: At the age of 25, the sky is the limit for this young star. Grab him in the second round this year and expect a season of 80-plus catches, 1,200-plus yards and 14 TDs.
5. Andre Johnson, Texans: He is an injury risk, but the upside is just too great to ignore.

-- Compiled by SI Staff

Click here for our entire Top 75 Wide Receivers rankings.

 
  • PRINT PRINT
  • EMAIL EMAIL
  • RSS RSS
  • BOOKMARK SHARE
ADVERTISEMENT