11. Anquan Boldin, ARI
LTV: Just four years into his career, Boldin has already recorded
three 1200-yard seasons, and two in which he caught more than 100
receptions. If it weren't for a knee injury that caused him to miss
nearly half of the 2004 season, it's likely he'd have more than
1000 yards receiving in 4 consecutive seasons since the time he
was drafted. The only thing that Boldin's fantasy arsenal has lacked
is trips to the end zone. He's reached as high as 8 and 7 in years
past, but had just 4 scores last year and 1 in his injury-shortened
2004 campaign.
STV: As with Fitzgerald, the result of Whisenhunt's new approach
to the offense may limit Boldin's overall production. Eighty receptions
and 1100 receiving yards should still be within reach, but it
may be more difficult for him to accomplish 1200-1300 yard seasons
like he has in the past.
JS: Boldin remains paired with Fitzgerald in Arizona until the
2010 season under his current contract. At the age 30, he'll be
in prime position to capitalize in the free agent market if he
doesn't remain with the Cardinals.
12. Andre Johnson, HOU
LTV: Johnson's 1147 yards and
103 receptions during his first year under Gary Kubiak was an
encouraging development in his career. Year two in the system
brings about a change at the QB position. David Carr was released
after a sub par outing in 2006, and the Texans acquired Matt Schaub
in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons to replace him. If Schaub
performs to his perceived potential, Johnson could have his best
season as a pro. However, it's more likely it will be another
year or two before he progresses into a consistent number one
fantasy receiver.
STV: This season Johnson may still be limited to no more than
1100 yards and 5-6 touchdowns, but the more time he and Schaub
spend in Kubiak's system together the more likely he will begin
having seasons of 1200-1300 yards and 7-9 touchdowns.
JS: The 25-year old Johnson just signed an 8-year contract extension
that runs through the 2014 season. They may restructure the deal
before it expires, but the former Miami Hurricane is locked in
as their star receiver for the foreseeable future.
13. Randy Moss, NE
LTV: Moss' long-term value with
the Patriots is something to be evaluated on a yearly basis while
he remains with the team. The new deal he signed could be worth
up to $33 million over a 6-year period, but has clauses built-in
allowing the Patriots to release him without a significant hit
against the salary cap should they part ways in the near future.
If Moss redirects his misguided actions during recent years, pairing
with Tom Brady may be just what he needs to jumpstart his career
once again.
STV: There are reasonable concerns to shy away from Moss after
his disappointing seasons with the Raiders, but he couldn't have
landed in a better situation if he is serious about getting his
career back on track. If he's healthy all season, he could very
well total 1000-1200 yards with 10-14 touchdowns in New England
this season. At this point, he is easily a risk worth taking.
JS: There isn't much in the way of job security for Randy Moss.
If he keeps himself from being a negative distraction with the
team he could very well remain with New England throughout the
6-years of his contract. If he falters, he'll be released and
Moss will be left looking for a new home.
14. Calvin Johnson, DET
LTV: If you're looking for the
next young wide receiver that can make an immediate impact upon
entering the league, Calvin Johnson is the player to grab. Roy
Williams is coming off his best season in the pros and Mike Furrey
just had 98 receptions last season, but there will be a number
of opportunities for Johnson in Mike Martz's offense. Johnson
may take a season or two before becoming more than a number three
or four type fantasy receiver, but by his third year in the league
it'd be surprising if he doesn't post more than 1000 yards and
begin scoring 8-12 touchdowns on a regular basis.
STV: It's never easy placing projections upon a rookie wide receiver,
but Johnson is capable of posting 600-800 yards and 4-7 touchdowns
in his first NFL season if he gets into camp on time.
JS: The Lions and Calvin Johnson still need to reach agreement
on a contract, but expect him to be starting for Detroit by his
second or third season, if not sooner.
15. Terrell Owens, DAL
LTV: Owens will be 34-years old by the end of the season, making
him one of those players whose value has hit a road block in dynasty
leagues despite the fact he remains one of the best players in
the NFL at his position. A broken finger led to many drops from
the former San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles star, but
it didn't keep him from scoring 13 touchdowns in his first season
with the Cowboys. He also caught 85 receptions for 1180 yards.
Owens takes excellent care of his body and as a result will remain
among the top receivers in the league for a few more seasons despite
his age. Even if he retires once his contract with the Cowboys
expires after the 2008 season, the value he gives at the WR position
in fantasy leagues makes him a solid selection. Draft players
to replace him in the years ahead. Presently, he's too valuable
too pass on since he can play a significant role in a fantasy
team’s success.
STV: If dynasty rankings were based on short-term value alone,
Owens' name would appear much closer to the top of this list.
He once again remains a threat for 80-90 receptions, 1100-1300
yards, and 10-14 touchdowns.
JS: Owens' deal expires following the 2008 season. The Cowboys
can also release him following the upcoming year without facing
much of a hit against the cap should his attitude get out of line.
At almost 35-years of age, the future Hall of Famer will certainly
be near the end of his career when he becomes a free agent again.
He may choose to retire, but if not he cold remain a productive
fantasy receiver well into his older years.
16. Deion Branch, SEA
LTV: A 2002 draft pick, Branch
has 5 years experience in the NFL, but is yet to record 1000 yards
in a season. He spent his first four years in New England, posting
998 yards in 2005 before holding out and forcing a trade that
placed him in Seattle. Branch didn't become a member of the Seahawks
until after the second week, but he still managed 53 receptions,
for 725 yards, and 4 touchdowns in 14 games. With Darrell Jackson
traded to the 49ers in the off-season, he now becomes the featured
receiver of the Seahawks offense. The sixth year vet should prove
capable of matching Jackson's production from when he totaled
1100-1200 yards and 7-9 touchdowns a year.
STV: Branch played in more of a spread attack while a member
of the Patriots, which contributed to his limited level of production
while a member of the team. This will be his first season in which
he is clearly labeled the lead receiver. Based on his production
as he became more accustomed to the Seahawks offense last year,
Branch could very possibly reach career highs across the board
in 2007.
JS: The Seahawks just shipped Jackson out of town and have Branch
locked up through the year 2011. He'll remain a featured member
of the offense throughout the length of the deal.
17. Braylon Edwards, CLE
LTV: Edwards returned sooner than expected from a season-ending
knee injury in 2005 to start 15 games for Cleveland last year.
He finished with 60 receptions, 879 yards, and 6 touchdowns after
showing flashes of his potential as a rookie. Cleveland's offense
as a whole will need to progress in order for Edwards to get consideration
as a top fantasy receiver, but the potential is there and he's
beginning to perform as a productive number three in the meantime.
STV: With the selection of
Brady Quinn in the first round of this year’s draft, a QB controversy
will no doubt take place in Cleveland at some point this season.
If the Browns turn to Quinn early on and he struggles, it may
limit Edwards from a breakout season in his third year, but he
remains a safe bet to finish with 800-1000 yards and 5-7 touchdowns.
JS: Edwards' contract with the Browns expires after the 2009
season. If the team fails to move in a positive direction over
the next two years, the former Michigan standout may look to sign
with a contender once he becomes a free agent.
18. T. J. Houshmanzadeh, CIN
LTV: Houshmanzadeh signed a 3-year deal through 2008. With Chad
Johnson in the midst of his multi-year contract with the team,
it will be interesting to see if Cincinnati pays to keep the tandem
together. After falling just shy of 1000 yards in each of the
two prior seasons, Houshmanzadeh caught 90 receptions, for 1081
yards and 9 touchdowns in 2006. Expect two more seasons of similar
production while he remains a Bengal. If he leaves via free agency
afterwards, much of his value may depend on where he signs.
STV: Houshmanzadeh had a career
year for himself and is likely to follow it up with more of the
same while teamed with Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson. It would
be a good thing for his fantasy owners if he signs an extension
before becoming a free agent in 2009 and remains a member of the
Bengals potent offense.
JS: With only two years left on his current deal, Houshmanzadeh's
production during that time will go a long way in deciding his
value as a free agent. If the Bengals feel they can replace him,
they may opt to go with a younger, less expensive option rather
than resign him.
19. Chris Chambers, MIA
LTV: Chambers is coming off what was possibly his worst season
since entering the league. Following a career year for himself
in 2005, the seven-year vet followed it up with a career low 677
receiving yards in 2006. New head coach Cam Cameron is all ready
working on ways to correct the issues that led to the drop-off
in production for Chambers last season. Expect the Wisconsin alumnus
to bounce back with a strong outing in the year ahead. He'll push
the thousand-yard mark and attempt to reach double-digit touchdowns
for the third time in his career.
STV: Cameron's impression upon the offense should serve Chambers'
fantasy owners well. Expect him to produce like he had the three
seasons prior when he was a worthy number-two fantasy receiver.
JS: Chambers' current contract
keeps him in Miami until after the 2009 season. With young receivers
like Derek Hagan and Ted Ginn Jr. on the roster, the longtime
Dolphin may be playing elsewhere once the deal expires.
20. Reggie
Brown, PHI
LTV: Brown enters his third year in the league having progressed
nicely through his first two seasons in Philadelphia. With Donte
Stallworth's departure via free agency in the off-season, he now
assumes the role of lead receiver with the Eagles. It's too soon
to expect 1000 yards from Brown this season, but it's a number
he may begin to reach with some consistency in coming years. He's
also shown a penchant for the end zone, having scored 12 touchdowns
for the Birds during 26 starts in his young career.
STV: Free agent signee Kevin
Curtis should prove a competent threat within the Eagles offense
and he’s capable of keeping defenders from double covering Brown
this season. Expect him to see a significant increase in his number
of receptions and a total of 850-950 yards. Seven to nine touchdowns
will be within range for Brown as well.
JS: Brown recently signed a long-term deal with the Eagles that
keeps in Philadelphia until 2014. Expect him to remain a starter
with the franchise for much of that duration of time.
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