The This and That of Fantasy Football

Drafting Wide Receivers

1. Randy Moss, Vikings

Last season Moss caught 82 passes for 1,233 yards and scored 10 TDs. Statistically, this was Moss' worst year. Most WRs can only dream of having a season like that. Randy acts like his critics don't bother him, but they do and he'll silence them this year with possibly one of the best seasons by a WR ever. With Cris Carter retiring, right now the Vikings other starting WR is D'Wayne Bates, who is no danger of taking too many passes away from Moss. Carter's presence limited Moss' catches from what they could have been. Coach Mike Tice he's going to get the ball to Moss as much as possible. I say just throw the ball up there and let Moss go get it. What defensive backs or even two DBs covering him at the same time can outleap him? Love him or hate him, you have to admit when Moss is sprinting in the open field, it's electrifying to watch.

2. Terrell Owens, 49ers

Look at Owens' last two seasons - a combined 2,863 receiving yards and 27 TDs. Amazing, and he's in his prime, which means more to come. Last year Owens scored 16 times and had six 100-yard games. Look for Owens to reach the 100-catch mark for the first time and for him to continue to burn defenses.

3. Marvin Harrison, Colts

Harrison is as consistent as they come at being great. He has over 100 receptions each of the last three years. His worst yardage year during that span was when he had a "measly" 1,413 yards in 2000. Harrison scored a career-high 15 TDs last year and scored two or more TDs four times.

4. David Boston, Cardinals

Boston exploded into the fantasy upper echelon last season with 98 receptions, 1,598 receiving yards, eight TDs and nine 100-yard games. Boston is a freakish combination of speed and power. The Cardinals stink as Jake Plummer does most of the time. But, that's great for Boston owners, because the Cardinals are usually behind and have to keep forcing the ball downfield.

5. Torry Holt, Rams

On the offensively potent Rams, Holts piles up a lot of receiving yardage - 1,363 yards receiving last season and 1,635 yards the year before. At the same time, Holt has been disappointing by not reaching double digits in TDs in any season. Last season, he scored a career-high seven times. The problem is the Rams throw the ball to everyone. Guys like Ricky Proehl and Ernie Conwell help steal TDs from Holt. The departure of Az-zahir Hakim will help Holt get more catches and scoring opportunities. Look for Holt to reach the endzone at least ten times.

6. Joe Horn, Saints

Horn proved he was for real last year by following up a big 2000 season with another fine year. Horn was scoreless in the Saints' first five games last year, and then he scored nine times over the next nine games. Horn is a confident player with a chip on his shoulder to defy his critics. This helps keep him motivated to succeed, and he keeps on producing.

7. Rod Smith, Broncos

Smith caught 113 passes last year for 1,343 yards with 11 scores despite extra attention from defenses after Ed McCaffrey broke his leg in week one. Smith's impressive numbers would have been gaudier if he wasn't playing on two badly sprained ankles in the second half of the season. Smith is battling some injuries this preseason, but expect him to be fine for the season. McCaffrey's return will only help Smith as teams can't solely focus on him. In 2000 with a healthy McCaffrey, smith amassed 1,612 receiving yards.

8. Eric Moulds, Bills

Now that Moulds has a real QB throwing to him in Drew Bledsoe, expect his numbers to rise again. His paltry numbers last season (904 yards receiving) were directly attributed to Rob Johnson and Alex Van Pelt throwing him the ball. Mould should record his third season of over 1,300 yards receiving, but he has never scored double digit TDs in a season.

9. Keyshawn Johnson, Buccaneers

How can someone catch 106 passes and score 1 TD? That's how Johnson frustrated so many fantasy owners last season. He's not a burner, but he can catch the ball extremely well. Consider last season a mirage. Johnson will score at least eight TDs (new coach Jon Gruden will make sure of it).

10. Jimmy Smith, Jaguars

I would rate Smith above Johnson if he weren't holding out. I believe Smith and the Jaguars will work it all out in time for the season. Smith has never exceeded scoring eight TDs in a season, but he's one of the best WRs in the game. Smith has caught over 100 passes in two of the last three seasons.

11. Ed McCaffrey, Broncos

Before he broke his leg in the season opener last year, McCaffrey was coming off three straight 1000-yard seasons and was primed for another big year. He has looked healthy in camp and has run well. McCaffrey has speed that surprises defensive backs that underestimate him and a knack for the endzone.

12. Tim Brown, Raiders

Tm Brown, aka Father Time, is as consistent as they come. Every year fantasy owners suspect that he will start slowing down, but last year he caught 91 passes and scored nine times. Brown's time hasn't passed yet, but at 36 he doesn't have a lot of highly productive years left.

13. Isaac Bruce, Rams 14. Kevin Johnson, Browns 15. Terry Glenn, Packers 16. Troy Brown, Patriots 17. James Thrash, Eagles 18. Chris Chambers, Miami 19. Derrick Mason, Titans 20. Laveranues Coles, Jets