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Get your NFL football tickets now at TickCo. They have all team Cardinals tickets, Cowboys tickets, Packers tickets, Colts tickets, Patriots tickets, Titans tickets and more. Get your Super Bowl tickets here! KACSPORTS/PACKERSEDGE 2006 FANTASY RANKINGS - WIDE RECEIVERS  1. Steve Smith (CAR) – The first receiver in 15 years to lead the entire league in all three statistical categories, yards, receptions, and touchdowns. And that doesn’t even count 27 more catches for 335 yards and five scores in Carolina’s playoff run. Had a hamstring scare earlier in camp, but that shouldn’t cause you to drop him from #1 in your rankings by any means. 2. Larry Fitzgerald (AZ) – Think a lot in the lines of a young Cris Carter when looking at Fitzegerald. And that comparison should not be of any surprise considering Fitzgerald has been learning off of Carter ever since his Vikings ball boy days. Fitz is not a burner by any means, but more than makes up for it with his size and hands. At just age 22, Fitzgerald is building off a 100-catch, 1,400 yard campaign. 3. Chad Johnson (CIN) – Since all reports out of camp have been positive on Carson Palmer, so Chad gets ranked higher than you may see him in most magazines. It seems like he scores every week, but that’s only because the post-score histrionics get so much play time. Still, Chad is good for the 9-10 TD range. You may also have to worry about him becoming a disciplinary problem, but for now there is no reason to move Chad out of the elite tier.4. Anquan Boldin (AZ) – If you missed out on Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin has produced very comparable stats in two of his first three seasons. There is one nightmare scenario though, Kurt Warner gets knocked out in Week 1 and Matt Leinart’s holdout drags on, then the stock of Cardinal receivers plummet mightily. 5. Marvin Harrison (IND) – If you missed out on Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin has produced very comparable stats in two of his first three seasons. There is one nightmare scenario though, Kurt Warner gets knocked out in Week 1 and Matt Leinart’s holdout drags on, then the stock of Cardinal receivers plummet mightily. 6. Torry Holt (STL) – Like Marvin Harrison, Holt lets his play do the talking – and is still good for 1,300+ yards and has scored 31 TD’s over the last three years. The production over the last two years is even more impressive considering how often Marc Bulger has been out. . 7. Terrell Owens (DAL) – If he didn’t like Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid, you’d think he will really hate Drew Bledsoe and Bill Parcells – but at least you know Owens will be on his best behavior if nothing else. Owens is now also on the wrong side of 30, but still is a good bet for 1,200 yards and at least 10 scores. 8. Randy Moss (OAK) – Now already in his ninth season, the injury bug seems to be really catching up to Moss. The combination of being far less than 100 percent along with the presence of Kerry Collins made Moss below-average in the final two months of last season. But before discounting Randy entirely, keep in mind Moss scored 30 times in just 29 games in 2004-05.9. Reggie Wayne (IND) – Wayne could be the better value out of Indy’s receivers, because one has to feel that one of these years Wayne takes over from Harrison as the go-to guy. It was thought that 2005 could had been that year, but Reggie only scored five times compared to 12 the previous year. 10. Chris Chambers (MIA) – Carried a lot of teams through fantasy playoffs last years score six times in Weeks 13-16, including a 15 catch, 238 yard day v. Buffalo. In case you’re curious, Chambers draws the Bills in Weeks 2 and 15 this year. Working with a premiere quarterback for the first time, Chambers becomes top-shelf material. 11. Santana Moss (WSH) – Santana was hit and miss on most occasions last year, but when he hit, he hit big – and won a lot of people some money in Week 16 last year, scoring from 17, 59, and 72 yards out. In all Moss’s nine scores came from an average of 44 yards out. If you like home run threats, Santana’s definitely your guy. 12. Hines Ward (PIT) – Whereas Santana Moss is up and down, Ward is more of the steady, consistent type. Say what you want about the Steelers conservative attack, but Ward has scored double-figures in two of the last three seasons. 13. Plexico Burress (NYG) – Although ranked fairly high, I would likely avoid Burress in my draft personally. He can disappear in any given week, and Burress killed the hopes of fantasy owners and Giants fans alike with only five catches for 51 yards in Weeks 15, 16, and the Giants first-round playoff game combined. Also, if Burress were to get in deep disciplinary trouble with coach Tom Coughlin it would be no surprise to this observer.  14. Javon Walker (DEN) – Word out of Denver is that J-Walk has really looked good in practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a lot of him in the pre-season. Some of the earlier magazines published had some more concern with Walker’s rehabilitation, so don’t hesitate to inch him up your draft board a little. 15. Darrell Jackson (SEA) – Much-maligned #1 receiver is still usually good for 1,100 yards if healthy – but his history of dropped passes is well documented. Jackson has never been a great touchdown producer, and that’s not likely to change as long as Shaun Alexander is around. 16. Donald Driver (GB) – Like Hines Ward, Driver is more of a conservative pick. You know Driver will be Brett Favre’s #1 target, and you know Green Bay will pass a lot. If healthy, 80 catches and 1,200 yards are a guarantee out of the veteran. 17. Joey Galloway (TB) – One of the true surprises of 2005, Galloway came out of nowhere to produce career highs with 83 catches and 1,287 yards. Joey’s stats will regress a bit if running mate Michael Clayton can return to form. 18. Joe Horn (NO) – A lot of people are writing Horn off after an injury-riddled 2005 campaign. But don’t blow off Horn completely, who was good for 94 catches, 1,400 yards, and double-digit TD’s as recently as 2004. 19. Roy Williams (DET) – Out of all the highly touted receivers the Lions have drafted the past few seasons, Roy is the only one coming close to living up to potential. And even Roy has been hampered with injuries, although he’s scored eight times in each of his first two seasons. But with Mike Williams and Charles Rogers very deep in the organization’s doghouse, Roy is the only thing Detroit can truly count on right now. 20. Andre Johnson (HOU) – Former #3 overall pick appeared to be on the fast-track to superstardom in 2004, but regressed mightily last year, much like the Houston franchise itself. The hope his that the new offensive system being installed will be more favorable and that veteran Eric Moulds will help to take some of the pressure off. 21. Deion Branch (NE) – The Patriots offense is well-known for spreading the ball around, but the stars could be aligned for Branch to have a career year with David Givens gone, that is if his current holdout dosen’t get too prolonged.22. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – A solid WR2 in real-life, TJ84 is a solid second-tier receiver in fantasy as well, and has been in the 80 catch/1,000 range in each of the last two seasons. Not a huge upside guy, but a good value at this point who won’t let you down. 23. Derrick Mason (BAL) – Even with the Ravens shaky QB situation, Mason’s #’s did not drop significantly last season, being still good for 86 catches. Now Mason gets reunited with Steve McNair, which should be an additional boost.24. David Givens (TN) – Moving out of New England to Tennessee could finally give Givens the chance to be a bonifide #1 receiver. The bad news is that the Titans QB situation will be in flux for much of the season, which may put Givens back to his usual 60 catch/800 yard numbers.25. Terry Glenn (DAL) – Has about the worst numbers of any starting back last year, but you have to cut at least some slack since jail wasn’t exactly the best place for an off-season conditioning program. Veteran Mike Anderson comes on board as insurance, but Lewis still appears to be the rest the Ravens got – expect improved but not great numbers.26. Isaac Bruce (STL) – How long has Bruce been in the league??? He was once a member of the Los Angeles Rams of Anaheim and even blocked a punt on special teams in the franchises first regular season game representing St. Louis. It’s usually only a kicker or punter that hangs around a franchise that long. Bruce is not on some radars after an injury-marred 2005 campaign, but Bruce was a 90 catch/1,300 yard guy the year before. 27. Keenan McCardell (SD) – Even at age 35, and with TE Antonio Gates around, McCardell still managed to score nine times last year, as well as eight scores with Tampa Bay two years earlier. There are several factors that could cause McCardell’s production to decline this season, including change at quarterback. 28. Mushin Muhammad (CHI) – You knew he would drop from his 90 catch/1,400 yard season in Carolina the year before – but the lack of a quality QB only accelerated Mushin’s freefall. Maybe a sober quarterback this year will help – oh wait, Brian Griese, never mind. Still, anything is better than Kyle Orton. 29. Reggie Brown (PHI) – As a rookie, Brown was able to get his feet wet filling in for Terrell Owens, but did not completely fill the bill. However with a full off-season under his belt Brown should have plenty of upside for this season.30. Keyshawn Johnson (CAR) – Now controversy-free for a couple years, Me-Shawn has settled into being a reliable #2, 70 catch/900 yard type. Now alongside Steve Smith, Johnson lands in an ideal situation. .31. Rod Smith (DEN) – Every year we try to write Smith off, but he keeps on producing 80 catch/1,100 yard seasons. He won’t be THE go-to guy with Javon Walker on board, but will remain a steady #2, especially with Ashley Lelie wanting out. 32. Laveranueus Coles (NYJ) – His value dropped drastically with all of the Jets problems last year. But also has a chance to bounce back if Chad Pennington can get back to speed. A good buy-low candidate.33. Brandon Stokley – Fantasy football rule #89: learn how to spell your player's last names - ah, forget it - Stokley is too damn tricky. #3 receivers usually don’t land this high on draft boards, but Indianapolis is a unique situation, if either Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison get slowed, Stokley then suddenly has a chance to return to his 2004 #’s which were top flight (68/1,077/10 TD’s). 34. Drew Bennett (TN) – Those who managed to have both Drew and QB Billy Volek late in 2004 wound up winning a lot of fantasy leagues when Bennett put up 517 yards in a three-game stretch. Things will probably be different this time around with Vince Young being worked into the mix. A former QB, Bennett could throw in a TD pass or two on a trick play. 35. 35. Joe Jurevicius (CLE) – Another name I can't spell - when does this guy retire??? Was a god-send as a fill-in on many teams last year, as Jurevicius ended up scoring ten times with the Seahawks. Now Joe has cashed in on that season with a contract with Cleveland, and will be a de-facto #1 until Braylon Edwards is back at full bore. 36. Eddie Kennison (KC) – Plays for a good offensive team and has averaged 1,100 yards the last two seasons. So what is there not to like?? Well a little bit of age, and also his attitude. Kennison is only the 45th highest paid receiver in the league, and has made threats to walk out of camp if his deal is not reworked. We saw this movie once before out of Kennison in Denver.37. Kevin Curtis (STL) – Was on a ton of sleeper lists last year and wound up catching 60 passes, but wasn’t the big play threat that some envisioned. Now in his fourth year, Curtis has a chance to be a legitimate WR2 this season. 38. Ernest Wilford (JAX) – With the unexpected retirement of Jimmy Smith, someone has to step up in Jacksonville, and Wilford appears to be the best bet, and has turned into a great red-zone threat. Interesting factoid here, Wilford started his Virginia Tech career as a defensive end of all things.39. Jerry Porter (OAK) – There’s no reason why he shouldn’t thrive opposite Randy Moss, but except for brief three-touchdown flashes in the snow in Denver when least expected, Porter continues to be a disappointment. Ronald Curry and Doug Gabriel are other possibilities. 40. Lee Evans (BUF) – A great yards-per-catch player, has not cracked 50 catches in his first two seasons, but has already scored 16 times. J.P. Losman’s development will to some extent determine Evans’ progress.41. Donte Stallworth (NO) – Finally started to develop last year, catching 70 passes and scoring seven times. Has a ton of speed to burn, but coaching staff is not crazy about and Stallworth is again battling nagging injury problems early in camp. 42. Antonio Bryant (SF) – Has had a controversial career thus far, but seems to be meshing well with second-year QB Alex Smith. He is the Niners #1 receiver, so his value could easily go up. 43. Troy Williamson (MN) – The story of the Viking receiving corps these days are plenty of bodies, but no one standing out, at least as of yet. However this 2005 top-ten overall pick has been working out with the first team in camp. Troy has the most potential, if he shines in the pre-season you may want to bump him up at least 15 spots. 44. Michael Jenkins (ATL) – Has emerged as the receiver Michael Vick has the most confidence in. However you can’t rank Jenkins too high as the Falcons will continue to live on the running game and Vick scrambles – In fact Jenkins value would go up slightly if Matt Schaub were to take over for any length of time.45. Nate Burleson (SEA) – After being a colossal disappointment in Minnesota last year, Burleson resurfaces as a potential #2 in a strong offensive system. Did have 1,000 yards receiving and nine scores back in 2004.46. Brandon Lloyd (WSH) – Go to Youtube and could watch a highlight film of spectacular highlight catches from Lloyd’s 49er career. But you can also find a montage of disappointing drops and short-arms. He should be what he is this year, a nice #2 receiver.47. Amani Toomer (NYG) – The end could be near, as Toomer has been entrenched with Big Blue for a decade now. Now more of a #2 receiver, Toomer is now around the 700 yard level, and did improve his TD’s from zero to seven last year.48. Roddy White (ATL) – Even as a late first-round pick last year, Roddy was expected to be more of a project. However White did make some contributions last year, so continued development should be expected – and will get the opportunity with #3 Brian Finneran out for the year.49. Reggie Williams (JAX) – A top-ten draft choice in 2004, Reggie has not developed as of yet – and in fact has only found the end zone once in his career. He should move up to the first team with Jimmy Smith gone, but is currently behind Ernest Wilford in the Jags pecking order.50. Bobby Engram (SEA) – His role was expanded more than expected last year thanks to a slew of injuries in the Seahawks receiving corps. But with Nate Burleson on board Engram moves back into a more familiar role as a #3 receiver. A waiver-wire one week fill-in type.51. Braylon Edwards – You probably won’t see the #3 overall pick of the 2005 Draft in Week 1, as he’s just returned to 11 on 11 drills. However the overall outlook is pretty encouraging thus far in camp.52. Robert Ferguson (GB) – You would think one of these years he would emerge, it isn’t like he hasn’t had enough opportunities. Fergy still hasn’t surpassed the 40 catch/500 yard level, and that was three years ago, you may have been better off with Princess Fergy since.53. Matt Jones (JAX) – One of the players from the 2005 Draft with freakish ability who should be able to make strides this year. Jones made an impact on occasion as a rookie this year, including the Jags playoff loss at New England (6-94).54. Eric Moulds (HOU) – A fixture in Buffalo for nearly a decade, Moulds finally gets a change of scenery in Houston. Even in a whirlwind of controversy, Moulds was still good for 80 catches last year.55. Antwaan Randle El (WSH) – Now for a first name I can't spell. ARE's role should be similar to that with the Steelers, you may seem him on the highlights every few weeks with a trick play/return, but not a whole lot besides that.56. Santonio Holmes (PIT) – In a week draft year for wide receivers, Holmes appears to be the bunch of the bunch. However Holmes made plenty of off-season news for off-field transgressions and not returning QB Ben Roethlisberger’s voice mails. However Holmes appears to be making amends in training camp, and should be involved in the offense soon enough.57. Samie Parker (KC) – He’s a starter, and is in a good offense, and is in his third year in the league. That sounds like a good combination – but Parker’s skills also seem to be limited and it’s Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez that gets looked at in the red zone.58. Eric Parker (SD) – One #2 receiver named Parker in the AFC West deserves another. Parker is good for penning 50+ catches and at least 700 yards. But as is the case in Kansas City, it is the running back and the tight end that get the touchdown glory.59. Reche Caldwell (NE) – Since everyone catches passes in the Patriots offense, the former Charger deserves late consideration. Another Pat whose value may get a bump if Deion Branch’s holdout gets too prolonged.60. Vincent Jackson (SD) – Second year man is 6’5” 241 and runs like the wind. Looked very good catching two touchdown passes in the Chargers pre-season opener (the first was actually nullified by penalty). It would be no surprise to me if Vince becomes SD’s #1 wide receiver this year.61. Ashley Lelie (DEN) – Kind of a wild card at this point, as Lelie doesn’t look like he’s hellbent on saying Aloha to the Broncos for good. The Bears and Jaguars have been mentioned as destinations. Has one of the best yards-per-catch averages of any receiver.62. Peerless Price (BUF) – Parlayed a 94 catch/1,250 yard season a few years back to a big free-agent contract with Atlanta, which turned out to be a disaster. Not back in Buffalo, the organization has liked how he has looked in the off-season.63. Marcus Robinson (MN) – Has turned into a decent journeyman receiver, and has actually scored 13 times for the Vikings in the last two seasons.64. Mark Clayton (BAL) – Had a nice rookie year catching 44 passes, but is battling hammy problems in camp. Still should have the inside track on a #2 job.65. Josh Reed (BUF) – Seemed destined for stardom a few years back with a near 60-catch season a few year back, but is now battling with Peerless Price for the #2 slot in Buffalo.66. Doug Gabriel (OAK) – The organization is not totally satisfied with Jerry Porter right now, so Gabriel has an opportunity to move up, along with Syracuse product Johnny Morant. Gabriel has a good yards-per-catch average and is in his fourth year.67. Cedric Wilson (PIT) – In the mix for Antwaan Randle El’s old slot, but if all goes according to plan, will only be keeping the chair warm for Santonio Holmes.68. Brandon Jones (TN) – There are several young receivers with the Titans that bear monitoring. Jones had a nice 5-82 outing followed by a 38-yard TD the following week, but was lost with a knee injury not long after.69. Mark Bradley (CHI) – Like Brandon Jones, Bradley should some promise as a rookie before tearing his ACL. The Oklahoma product is playing this pre-season and is battling for the Bears #3 job.70. Jabar Gaffney (PHI) – Todd Pinkston was supposed to return from injury this year, but has been PUP thus far. Gaffney has as good a chance as any to end up as Philly’s #2 receiver.71. Courtney Roby – Another deep sleeper who could make an impact in Tennessee this year. Relatives in the Roby family include former All-Pro punter Reggie Roby and one-time Indiana hoops standout Landon Turner.72. Charles Rogers (DET) – A massive injury-riddled underachiever since being a #2 overall draft pick a few years back, catching all of 36 passes in three years. It is not even a sure bet that Rogers will make the team.73. Mike Williams – As much as a disappointment as Rogers has been, Williams has may have even been able to out-do him. Reports had Williams being a problem and getting fined seemingly every other day. Hard to believe this was the same guy making Velcro-like catches at USC a few years back. The organization has said that the #10 overall pick from just last year could be cut, it remains to be seen how BMW handles the apparent wake-up call. 74. Travis Taylor (MN) – Would-be big-time receiver from Florida who has never quite lived up to the hype, do we see a trend here??? Looks like a #3 or #4 in the Vikings muddled receiving situation.75. Arnaz Battle (SF) – Has a chance to start with the Niners, but will not have a whole lot of upside. Arnaz has also been battling some knee problems in camp.76. Greg Jennings (GB) – Third round draft pick has really been impressing in Packers camp, and has plenty of opportunity for advancement in Green Bay, if you See Rod Gardner’s name towards the end of cheat sheets, cross out his name and put Jennings in.77. Sinorice Moss (NYG) – In time, Sinorice should be very much like his brother in Washington as a big-play threat. However Moss has been barely been able to get on the field due to injury this training camp. Don’t bother drafting him, but Moss could be worth a pick-up at some point this season.78. Chris Henry (CIN) – Despite getting arrested about every other week in the off-season, the second-year receiver is still employed in Cincinnati and remains a fairly significant part of the offense. Should Henry be suspended by the league for a significant portion of time, #4 receiver Kelley Washington would probably be worth consideration.79. David Boston (TB) – A few years ago, Boston was near the top of this list, but now is just trying to hang on in the league. However the Bucs seem pretty impressed in Boston, and have even released some of his competition, in fact coach Jon Gruden was quoted as saying Boston looked ‘pretty damn good’ recently. |
