Fantasy Rankings Part 3: WRs

I'm back after a week off in Vegas and chillin'. So, let's get on to the wide receivers. This position may be almost as important as QB in today's fantasy, due to the empahasis placed on QB play and passing in the NFL now.

1. Calvin Johnson, Lions

2011 stats: 158 targets, 96 rec, 1681 yds, 17.5 avg, 16 TD

2012 projections: 160 targets, 94 rec, 1568 yds, 16.7 avg, 13 TD

Upside: Makes big plays, extremely tough to cover one on one, huge potential

Downside: Nagging hamstring/ankle/Achilles injuries, double teams

2. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

2011 stats: 153 targets, 80 rec, 1411 yds, 17.6 avg, 8 TD

2012 projections: 159 targets, 86 rec, 1377 yds, 16.0 avg, 9 TD

Upside: Michael Floyd shifts some defensive pressure, good yard average, high yardage

Downside: Questions/inconsistencies at QB affecting numbers, numbers down from Warner years

3. Andre Johnson, Texans

2011 stats: 51 targets, 33 rec, 492 yds, 14.9 avg, 2 TD

2012 projections: 128 targets, 83 rec, 1251 yds, 15.1 avg, 8 TD

Upside: Still elite (for now), still capable of burning defenders, can be effective

Downside: Coming off major hamstring surgery, injury risk, getting older

4. Roddy White, Falcons

2011 stats: 181 targets, 100 rec, 1296 yds, 13.0 avg, 8 TD

2012 projections: 178 targets, 101 rec, 1201 yds, 11.9 avg, 8 TD

Upside: Gets the ball (a lot), stays healthy, fantasy points

Downside: Julio Jones can take away targets, production could drop as a result

5. Mike Wallace, Steelers

2011 stats: 113 targets, 72 rec, 1193 yds, 16.6 avg, 8 TD

2012 projections: 125 targets. 74 rec, 1214 yds, 16.4 avg, 9 TD

Upside: More passing with Todd Haley, emerging as elite, less secondary pressure

Downside: Depends on Roethlisberger's health, production drops if Roethlisberger is hurt

6. Greg Jennings, Packers

2011 stats: 101 targets, 67 rec, 949 yds, 14.2 avg, 9 TD

2012 projections: 116 targets, 74 rec, 1147 yds, 15.5 avg, 9 TD

Upside: Defenses accounting more for Jordy Nelson, great route runner, Rodgers' main target

Downside: Coming off knee injury, risk still remains

7. Wes Welker, Patriots

2011 stats: 172 targets, 122 rec, 1569 yds, 12.9 avg, 9 TD

2012 projections: 160 targets, 117 rec, 1406 yds, 12.0 avg, 7 TD

Upside: Consistent, among league leaders in targets/receptions, best slot receiver

Downside: Gronkowski, Lloyd, Hernandez, but should still get targets regardless

8. Victor Cruz, Giants

2011 stats: 131 targets, 82 rec, 1536 yds, 18.7 avg, 9 TD

2012 projections: 122 targets, 75 rec, 1221 yds, 16.2 avg, 8 TD

Upside: Big play capability, will play in more two WR sets (more chances), even bigger role

Downside: Can he repeat last year's success, defenses accounting for him more

9. A.J. Green, Bengals

2011 stats: 116 targets, 65 rec, 1057 yds, 16.3 avg, 7 TD

2012 projections: 135 targets, 77 rec, 1234 yds, 16.0 avg, 7 TD

Upside: Young, big play potential, continuing to improve as a receiver

Downside: Andy Dalton's throwing power, sophomore slump

10. Hakeem Nicks, Giants

2011 stats: 133 targets, 76 rec, 1192 yds, 15.7 avg, 7 TD

2012 projections: 128 targets, 73 rec, 1117 yds, 15.3 avg, 7 TD

Upside: More targets without Manningham, defenses focused on Cruz, picks up yards

Downside: Broken foot, may not be ready for Week 1, injury could linger

Also Worth Considering

Brandon Marshall, Bears

2011 stats: 145 targets, 81 rec, 1214 yds, 15.0 avg, 6 TD

2012 stats: 138 targets, 81 rec, 1159 yds, 14.3 avg, 6 TD

Upside: Back with his homie Jay Cutler, can put up some nice numbers, ability to adjust to new O

Downside: Mental issues, can be erratic at times

Julio Jones, Falcons

2011 stats: 96 targets, 54 rec, 959 yds, 17.8 avg, 8 TD

2012 stats: 131 targets, 76 rec, 1188 yds, 15.6 avg, 7 TD

Upside: Freakish athletic ability, explosive, big play potential

Downside: Hamstring injuries, injury risk, lingering