Wide Receiver FantasiesWe have always played favorites with the quarterbacks, however we do realize they would not get very far in their scoring endeavors if it were not for their frisky partners in crime. Top receivers such as Owens and Moss get very testy when they do not get enough love from their virile gunslingers. But these boys do make solid arguments – good things happen when they get their hands on the ball…for their teams and for their fantasy owners! Check out the 12 finest catches in the wide receiver pool: 1) Terrell Owens, San Francisco: Owens is big, fast and fights ferociously to get open. Despite receiving much double coverage, Owens still scored a league-leading 16 touchdowns last season. He and Garcia keep getting better and should continue to light up the field together for years to come.
2) Randy Moss, Minnesota: Even in an off year, Moss produced 1224 receiving yards and ten touchdowns. But now with the new “Randy Ratio” in effect, Moss’ numbers could go through the roof. Coach Tice and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan devised a scheme to get their randy receiver the ball on at least 40 percent of the team’s pass plays and plan to move him around more this season. With this many balls coming his way, Moss may actually show up to all 16 games!
3) Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis: With 1524 receiving yards and 15 scores, Marvelous Marvin was the king of the fantasy receivers in 2001. With Harrison’s record of consistency and rapport with quarterback Peyton Manning, there is no reason not to expect more of the same in 2002. Marvin has averaged over 1530 yards and almost 14 touchdowns the last three years. The addition of Qadry Ismail should help Marvin stay on top, as defenses will not be able to load up on just Harrison without getting burned.
4) Torry Holt, St. Louis: Holt will have a tough time matching the numbers of the top three receivers, as quarterback Kurt Warner loves to spread out his bullets. However, he is a speed demon and is always a threat to explode for a big play. Holt has produced almost 3000 receiving yards in the last two years and should only get better as he his entering just his fourth season.
5) David Boston, Arizona: Last season Boston broke out and led all receivers with 1598 yards. Boston is a physical specimen who plays fast and tough. However, he does need watching as his off-the-field problems could affect his production, especially if he gets himself suspended.
6) Keyshawn Johnson, Tampa Bay: Last year Johnson tormented his fantasy owners by only producing one measly touchdown. However, he was a workhorse with 106 receptions and this season is full of promise now that Coach Gruden is leading the unit. Gruden knows how to help his boys score and will not let Keyshawn’s fun stop in the red zone. He has moved Keyshawn back to split end and with Keenan McCardell on board, opposing defenses will not be able to pick on poor Key any longer.
7) Rod Smith, Denver: Last season, Smith led all receivers with 113 receptions as he tried to make up for the loss of Ed McCaffrey. He also pulled in 11 scores despite being the Broncos only legitimate threat. With the return of McCaffrey and Shannon Sharpe, Smith should get a bit more breathing room and match his past production.
8) Joe Horn, New Orleans: Horn can be a bit streaky but he certainly is an exciting player. Last season Horn had 23 receptions for over 20 yards. With the addition of Jerome Pathon (Indianapolis) and Donte Stallworth (rookie), the Saints’ Horny receiver should have even more room to roam this year.
9) Isaac Bruce, St. Louis: Bruce’s numbers were down a bit last season as he produced just 1106 receiving yards and six scores. However, Bruce is still on top of his game and is one of the best clutch receivers in the league.
10) Jimmy Smith, Jacksonville: The cast surrounding him has continued to crumble, however Smith never fails to put up huge stats. He has produced at least 1182 yards in each of the past six years and has made it to five straight Pro Bowls. With Keenan McCardell gone, the pressure will be on Smith to keep the offense moving.
11) Eric Moulds, Buffalo: Moulds has been as giddy as a lovesick schoolgirl ever since Bledsoe came to town. The physically gifted receiver will finally get to show off his impressive talents now that he has a worthy partner to hook up with.
12) Troy Brown, New England: Brown is easy to overlook as he does not dazzle us with lightning speed or behave like a diva. However, the numbers do not lie – this boy produces. Troy works like a dog and last year he caught 101 passes for the Super Bowl Champs.
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