While there may only be a handful of elite wide receivers in the NFL, there are a numbers of talents who should surpass 1000 yards receiving this season. Here’s a look at the top wide receivers ranked 11-20:
11) Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
Had he missed a quarter of the season due to last year’s major knee surgery, Welker would have ranked outside of the top 25. I mention that, because that was the expectation when Walker underwent surgery at the tail end of the 2009 season. Remarkably, Welker is on the verge of a complete return to health and is expected to suit up in the season opener. Suddenly, 100+ receptions and 1000+ yards is expected from the little engine that could.
12) Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
Though his touchdown total has declined in back-to-back seasons, Greg Jennings remains the top playmaker for the Green Bay Packers, perhaps the best passing offense in the NFL. Despite the drop in touchdowns, Jennings has proven to be capable of racking up big yardage; he hauled in a career-best 1292 yards in 2008 and followed with 1113 yards last season. His yardage should spike again this season as veteran Donald Driver had surgery during the off-season and is expected to slow a bit at the age of 35. Expect 1200 yards from Jennings with at least a half dozen touchdowns this season.
13) Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
After seven years in the desert, Anquan Boldin will bring his talents to Baltimore. Boldin established himself as one of the elite receivers in the NFL, with five seasons of 1000+ yards and 24 touchdowns over the last three seasons. The transition to Baltimore should be seamless, as the Ravens already have a key playmaker with running back Ray Rice and a solid complementary wide out in Derrick Mason, who are sure to divert the attention of defenses. Expect 85 grabs, 1100 yards and eight touchdowns from Boldin.
14) Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals
Don’t fret over the Bengals addition of Terrell Owens; this is a move that will only help Chad Ochocinco. Even though Ochocinco put up solid statistics last season with 1047 yards and nine touchdowns, his best seasons came with TJ Houshmandzadeh lining up across from him. Now that Owens and Antonio Bryant are Bengals, Ochocinco will find himself facing less defensive attention, which was exactly the case a few years ago when he racked up a career-best 1440 yards and eight touchdowns. Of course, there is some risk involved in drafting Ochocinco, as the speedster is now 32-year’s old and quarterback Carson Palmer must prove that last season’s disappointing results were an anomaly. Regardless, Ochocinco is clearly capable of 1000+ yards and perhaps double-digit touchdowns.
15) Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings
There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Sidney Rice right now thanks to the latest Brett Favre saga. However, there are some facts that fantasy managers should bite their teeth into. Rice is a 24-year-old talent in his prime coming off a breakout season with 1312 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, Rice is playing for a contract this season. Rice is also not just a deep threat, but a lead target, after nabbing 83 receptions last season. Sure, it would be comforting to know that Favre was returning to the Vikings and providing the team with a lethal passing attack, but even if Tarvaris Jackson is under center, his main target will be Rice.
16) Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars
Mike Sims-Walker took another step towards fantasy stardom last season by racking up a career-high 63 receptions, 869 yards, and seven touchdowns. His numbers would have even been better had he not missed a game due to suspension as a result of his tardiness. The greatest weakness of the Jaguars last season was actually the passing game, which was in large part due to the offensive line’s struggles. This season the Jaguars expect growth and improvement up front, which will allow the team to utilize David Garrrard’s arm rather than an over reliance on Maurice Jones-Drew’s legs. On that note, Sims-Walker is the clear No. 1 option for the passing game, which makes for preseason expectations of 1000 yards and eight touchdowns.
17) Steve Smith, WR, Giants
The sure-handed Steve Smith broke all sorts of Gianjts’ records last season with 107 receptions, 1220 yards and seven touchdowns. Though he lacks the athleticism of teammate Hakeem Nicks, this former second-round pick proved to be the safety valve for Eli Manning. The only concern for Smith is the fact that the Giants are planning to focus on the ground game more this season, which may decrease Smith’s role. Nonetheless, when it comes to 3rd and long or to simply keep the opposition on their toes, Smith will be called upon to make the big catch. Smith’s groin injury suffered early in training camp is not expected to hamper him this season.
18) Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
One of the more dominant wide receivers in the fantasy football scene over the last eight seasons, Steve Smith carries plenty of risk as he enters the 2010 season at the age of 31. Smith has not played all 16 games in a season for four straight years and is coming off a broken arm suffered just before training camp. On the other hand, Smith has racked up 980-plus yards in five straight seasons and has accumulated 39 touchdowns over that period. Even though quarterback Matt Moore is relatively untested, fantasy managers should be able to expect the usual 1000 yards of offense from Smith this season.
19) Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
He missed five games as a result of holding out in anticipation of a bigger rookie contract, but once Michael Crabtree donned the 49ers jersey, he was clearly the best target for Alex Smith. In 11 games, Crabtree racked up 625 yards and two touchdowns. Had he not missed any time, Crabtree is projected to have accumulated 900-plus yards. Now that he is taking part in his first NFL training camp and forming a rapport with Smith, 1000 yards is very much in the picture for this Texas Tech legend.
20) Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs
Dwayne Bowe found a spot in coach Todd Haley’s dog house last season thanks to being out of shape as well as insubordination. The result was a major decrease in production, as Bowe went from 1022 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 to just 589 yards and four touchdowns last season. The good news is that Bowe got his act together in the off-season. While working out with Larry Fitzgerald, he has shed 30 lbs., and is now in favor with the coaching staff. Quarterback Matt Cassel has had success with a big playmaker in the past (Randy Moss), so there’s no reason that this duo can’t reach new heights this season.