LestersLegends.com fantasy football wr rankings


.
Training camp will be here before you know it. It’s a perfect time to revisit the 2013 fantasy football wide receiver landscape.
.
1. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Megatron shattered the NFL receiving record with 1,964 yards last year. The only knock is on his touchdown total (five). He had 16 and 12 the previous two season respectively, so a return to double-digit scores in highly probable.
.
2. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Dez finished with 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns, but averaged 109.8 yards per game with 10 touchdowns in the final eight games. He showed incredible toughness and dedication playing through his finger injury. He’s arrived.
.
3. Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
Marshall finished with 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 118 receptions were tied for second with Wes Welker and his 194 targets were tied for second with Reggie Wayne. Megatron led both categories. Marshall is a physical receiver with a quarterback (Jay Cutler) that loves to throw his way.
.
4. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Green finished with 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns. He only had one score in the last six weeks and only topped 60 yards in two of the last five weeks. Despite a “slow” finish, Green is a steady performer.
.
5. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Julio finished with 1,198 and 10 touchdowns. He had five touchdowns in the final six games and a monster game (182 yards, two touchdowns) in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
.
6. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson stormed back with 1,598 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 147 yards over the last seven games. He’s still a slight injury risk, having missed 12 games in 2010 and 2011, but he’s still a force.
.
7. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Thomas finished with 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had six touchdowns in the final seven games. I would rank him higher if Wes Welker didn’t join Eric Decker in the Broncos’ WR corps.
.
8. Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
V-Jax finished with 1,384 yards and eight touchdowns. He only had one touchdown in the final six games, but his size (6′ 5″, 230 lbs) gives him an advantage over the opposing secondary.
.
9. Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Cruz returned to the Giants as expected. His 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns are slightly disappointing compared to 2011′s 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns, but he remains one of the game’s top threats.
.
10. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White has averaged 1295.5 yards and 8.2 touchdowns over the past six seasons. Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez and Steven Jackson will prevent opposing defenses from keying in on Roddy.
.
11. Percy Harvin, Seattle Seahawks
Harvin averaged 92.4 total yards with five total touchdowns in the first eight games last year. He gets an upgrade at quarterback from Christian Ponder to Russell Wilson. It’s likely that he gets more use in the red zone with Seattle.
.
12. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Wayne finished with 1,355 and five touchdowns. He was one of the most heavily targeted receivers last year. Andrew Luck figures to be even better in 2013.
.
13. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb finished with 1,086 total yards and nine touchdowns. Greg Jennings’ departure to the Minnesota Vikings opens things up for the Packers receivers.
.
14. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Nelson dealt with injuries for a lot of season, even missing four games. He finished with 745 yards and seven touchdowns. That’s 22 touchdowns in the past 28 games.
.
15. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
OK, I’ll bite. With Carson Palmer on board, Fitz could return to form. He was limited to 798 yards and four touchdowns last year, but averaged 1,296 yards in the prior five seasons. My only concern is Palmer’s ability to remain upright behind their offensive line. They allowed at least 50 sacks in each of the past three years.
.
16. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
Colston finished with 1,154 yards with 10 touchdowns. He has had at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in six of his seven seasons.
.
17. Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins
Wallace got paid. He had just 836 yards last year, but has scored 26 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
.
18. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco really got paid. Anquan Boldin is gone. The Ravens are making the transition to a more pass-happy team. Smith, who had 855 yards and eight touchdowns last year, is ready to take the next step in his third season.
.
19. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
Decker had 1,064 yard and 13 touchdowns. Welker will cannibalize some of that production, but there should still be plenty for Decker.
.
20. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
Bowe was limited to 13 games last year and finished with 801 yards and three touchdowns. They have lacked competence from the quarterback position in the past few years. The arrival of Alex Smith and Andy Reid should benefit Bowe.
.
21. James Jones, Green Bay Packers
Jones caught a ridiculous 14 touchdown passes last year. While Greg Jennings has left, Jordy Nelson will likely be a much bigger factor. There is plenty of room for all three (including Cobb) to be fantasy forces.
.
22. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
Nicks has a lengthy injury history, but he had been able to remain productive prior to last year. Nicks finished with 692 yards and three touchdowns, but 199 yards came in Week 2. He was a shell of himself the rest of the year. He has a ton of upside, but the injury risk will always be there.
.
23. Wes Welker, Denver Broncos
It’s unusual to leave Tom Brady and not see a decline at quarterback, but that’s what happened when Welker joined forces with Peyton Manning. There are plenty of mouths to feed in Denver, but Welker is a precise route-runner. That trait will work well with Peyton. Welker averaged 112 catches per season with the New England Patriots.
.
24. Danny Amendola, New England Patriots
Amendola is a bigger, faster version of Wes Welker, but he lacks Welker’s durability. If he can stay healthy, he could be in for quite a ride. The injury risk makes him a low-end WR2 with plenty of upside.
.
25. Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
Garcon would be ranked higher if you didn’t have to worry about his troublesome foot and Robert Griffin III’s knee. One thing you don’t have to worry about is Garcon’s toughness. He played through pain to finish with 633 yards and four touchdowns despite missing six games.
.
26. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
Smith had 1,174 yards last year, but was held to just four touchdowns. He also turned 34 in March, which brings some concern. With his speed and strength, he still is a quality fantasy option.
.
27. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Brown missed three games last year and finished with 787 yards and five touchdowns. While his yardage dropped from 1,108, it was nice to see him score an additional three touchdowns last year. With Wallace taking his talents to South Beach, Brown will be the primary target.
.
28. Greg Jennings, Minnesota Vikings
Jennings has missed 11 games in the past two years, but the bigger risk comes in his transition from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder. There are fewer capable mouths to feed, which offsets some of the QB disparity.
.
29. Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills
Johnson has averaged 1,043 yards the past three seasons but his touchdown total has decreased from ten to seven to six. Kevin Kolb or E.J. Manuel at quarterback
.
30. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
Maclin has averaged 893.3 yards and 7.3 touchdowns over the past three years. He always seems to be dealing with an ailment, but he’s generally able to play through them. He should put up big numbers in Chip Kelly’s offense.
.
.
Also check out:

Tavon Austin draft
.
Now that the NFL draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie wide receiver class.
.
1.  Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams
Austin caught 215 passes over the past two seasons for 2,475 yards and 20 touchdowns. He should hit the ground running, working the slot for the Rams. He will also be used out of the backfield and in the return game. He will likely be an immediate WR3 in PPR leagues. His speed and versatility should translate to the pro game. Think Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb.
.
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Hopkins gives Andre Johnson, on paper anyway, his best running mate to date. He was a beast last year, catching 82 passes for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns. With opposing defenses focusing on Johnson, Arian Foster and Owen Daniels, Hopkins should have a productive rookie season. I’d consider him a WR4 at best. He’s an attractive option in dynasty leagues.
.
3. Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings
Patterson is raw, but he’s a freak athlete. He also doesn’t have a difficult path to playing time. He is explosive when he gets his hands on the football, often resembling a running back. Patterson will be used a lot like Percy Harvin, touching the ball in the passing, running and return game. He had 778 yards receiving and 308 yards rushing last year. He is likely a WR5 in fantasy leagues. He gets a bump in leagues that reward points for return yardage.
.
4. Aaron Dobson, New England Patriots
Dobson is expected to start in New England. He easily has the best quarterback of any wide receiver taken in the first three rounds. He was quiet during his four years at Marshall, averaging 599.5 yards per season. He did scored 12 touchdowns in 2011. He has the makings of a player that is more productive at the NFL level based on his landing spot.
.
5. Robert Woods, Buffalo Bills
Woods took a step back from the 1,292 yard and 15 touchdowns he provided as a sophomore, but he still managed to catch 76 passes for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is expected to start right away on the outside as Stevie Johnson moves to the slot. Kevin Kolb’s presence at quarterback limits his initial value. Long-term, he has a good chance to grow with fellow rookie E.J. Manuel.
.
.
Also check out:

.

Click here for the 2013 Updated Fantasy Football WR Rankings!
.
.

.
The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and there has been a lot of movement in the wide receiver circle. What better time to start exploring the 2013 fantasy football wide receiver landscape?
.
1. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Megatron shattered the NFL receiving record with 1,964 yards last year. The only knock on his touchdown total (five). He had 16 and 12 the previous two season respectively, so a return to double-digit scores in highly probable.
.
2. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Dez finished with 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns, but averaged 109.8 yards per game with 10 touchdowns in the final eight games. He showed incredible toughness and dedication playing through his finger injury. He’s arrived.
.
3. Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
Marshall finished with 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 118 receptions were tied for second with Wes Welker and his 194 targets were tied for second with Reggie Wayne. Megatron led both categories. Marshall is a physical receiver with a quarterback (Jay Cutler) that loves to throw his way.
.
4. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Green finished with 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns. He only had one score in the past six weeks and only topped 60 yards in two of the last five weeks. Despite a “slow” finish, Green is a steady performer.
.
5. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Julio finished with 1,198 and 10 touchdowns. He had five touchdowns in the final six games and a monster game (182 yards, two touchdowns) in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
.
6. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson stormed back with 1,598 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 147 yards over the past seven games. He’s still a slight injury risk, having missed 12 games in 2010 and 2011, but he’s still a force.
.
7. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Thomas finished with 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had six touchdowns in the final seven games. I would rank him higher if Wes Welker didn’t join Eric Decker in the Broncos’ WR corps.
.
8. Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
V-Jax finished with 1,384 yards and eight touchdowns. He only had one touchdown in the final six games, but his size (6′ 5″, 230 lbs) gives him an advantage over the opposing secondary.
.
9. Victor Cruz, Restricted Free Agent
All signs point to Cruz sticking with the New York Giants. His 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns are slightly disappointing compared to 2011′s 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns, but he remains one of the game’s top threats.
.
10. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White has averaged 1295.5 yards and 8.2 touchdowns over the past six seasons. Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, and Steven Jackson will prevent opposing defenses from keying in on Roddy.
.
11. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree finished with 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. He really clicked with Colin Kaepernick and finished strong averaging 83.1 yards with six touchdowns in the final eight games. Crabtree averaged 95 yards and a touchdown in the Niners’ three playoff games.
.
12. Percy Harvin, Seattle Seahawks
Harvin averaged 92.4 total yards with five total touchdowns in the first eight games last year. He gets an upgrade at quarterback from Christian Ponder to Russell Wilson. It’s likely that he gets more use in the red zone with Seattle.
.
13. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Wayne finished with 1,355 and five touchdowns. He was one of the most heavily targeted receivers last year. Andrew Luck figures to be even better in 2013.
.
14. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb finished with 1,086 total yards and nine touchdowns. Greg Jennings’ departure to the Minnesota Vikings opens things up for the Packers’ receivers.
.
15. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Nelson dealt with injuries for a lot of season, even missing four games. He finished with 745 yards and seven touchdowns. That’s 22 touchdowns in the past 28 games.
.
16. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
OK, I’ll bite. With Carson Palmer on board, Fitz could return to form. He was limited to 798 yards and four touchdowns last year, but averaged 1,296 yards in the prior five seasons. My only concern is Palmer’s ability to remain upright behind their offensive line. They allowed at least 50 sacks in each of the past three years.
.
17. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
Colston finished with 1,154 yards with 10 touchdowns. He has had at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in six of his seven seasons.
.
18. Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins
Wallace got PAID. He had just 836 yards last year, but has scored 26 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
.
19. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco really got PAID. Anquan Boldin is gone. The Ravens are making the transition to a more pass-happy team. Smith, who had 855 yards and eight touchdowns last year, is ready to take the next step in his third season.
.
20. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
Decker had 1,064 yard and 13 touchdowns. Welker will cannibalize some of that production.
.
.
Also check out:


.
1. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin has been targeted 26 times in the Ravens three playoff wins. He hauled in 16 of the passes for for 276 yards and three touchdowns. The San Francisco 49ers have a physical defense, but that is the name of the game for Boldin. He is as strong as any receiver in the league and has great body control. Joe Flacco should continue to look for him in the red zone.
.
2. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree continues to emerge as Colin Kaepernick’s top choice. He has been targeted 18 times in two playoff games, catching 15 passes for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Ravens have to be concerned with Kaepernick and Frank Gore running the ball, which could open things up for Crabtree.
.
3. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is more inconsistent than Boldin and Crabtree, but his upside is just as good. Smith has great speed and Flacco has the arm strength to deliver the deep ball.
.
4. Randy Moss, San Francisco 49ers
Moss saw more work down the stretch, averaging 4.4 targets per game during the last five games of the regular season and the two playoff games. In his first 11 games, Moss was targeted just 2.5 times per game. He only topped 50 yards one game and finished with just three touchdowns on the year. Moss doesn’t play a ton of snaps, which keeps him fresh. He still has the ability to go up and get a jump ball.
.
5. Jacoby Jones, Baltimore Ravens
Jones is your feast or famine play. In the first and third playoff game he combined for 14 yards. In his second playoff game, he had 77 yards, including the dramatic 70-yard bomb to tie the game.
.
.
Also check out:

.
.
Super Bowl XLVII logo

Wes Welker cutting
.
Here are the Lester’s Legends wide receiver rankings for the  the AFC & NFC Conference Championship Games of the 2012-13 NFL Playoffs.
.
1. Wes Welker, New England Patriots
With Rob Gronkowski out, Welker should remain Tom Brady’s go-to-guy. Welker had eight catches for 142 yards in the first meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.
.
2. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree continues to emerge with Colin Kaepernick at the helm. Crabtree closed out the regular season with a pair of touchdowns and matched that in the win over the Green Bay Packers. Crabtree has six touchdowns in his past four games. He has had 93 or more yards in five of the past six games. The Atlanta Falcons allowed a league-low 14 touchdown passes.
.
3. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith lit up Champ Bailey last week and destroyed the Patriots for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3.
.
4. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Roddy scored last week so it should be Julio’s turn this week. Julio has four touchdowns in his last five games and five in his past seven. Julio’s size and speed will challenge the 49ers’ secondary.
.
5. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White also has four touchdowns in his past five games and has double-digit targets in seven of the past ten games. He has scored in three of his four playoff games.
.
6. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin continues to get the tough yards for Baltimore. He took a back seat to Smith in the first meeting. I expect that trend to continue.
.
7. Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots
The Ravens allowed just 15 touchdown passes this year (18 if you count the two playoff games). Lloyd scored last week, but he’s very inconsistent. He did have 108 yards in the first meeting with Baltimore though.
.
.
Also check out:


.
Here are the Lester’s Legends wide receiver rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
.
1. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Thomas finished with 1434 yards and 10 touchdowns. The way Peyton Manning is playing, coupled with Thomas’ athleticism, will make him tough for the Baltimore Ravens to contain. Thomas finished the year with back-to-back 100-yard, one touchdown games.
.
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
The Patriots have the worst pass defense of all the remaining playoff teams. In fact, they ranked 29th against the pass this year. Johnson finished second in the league with 1598 receiving yards. He had 95 yards in the first meeting with the Patriots.
.
3. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
For whatever reason Julio Jones has been a much better road play. The Seattle Seahawks have a strong pass defense. Still, Julio is such a talent. He scored four touchdowns during Weeks 14-16 as Atlanta was locking up the number one seed.
.
4. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
Decker scored 13 touchdowns this year, including five in the final three games of the year. He’s also locked in with Peyton Manning.
.
5. Wes Welker, New England Patriots
Welker scored in the final two games of the year. With Rob Gronkowski back, teams can’t key in on Welker. He doesn’t score a lot of touchdowns so his ceiling isn’t high, but with the targets he receives, his floor isn’t low.
.
6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
The Packers are as tough on defenses as they are on fantasy owners. They have so many good options at wide receiver that it’s hard to zero in on one for your fantasy playoff challenge. Jennings has been Aaron Rodgers favorite target of late.
.
7. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White had another strong year with 1351 yards and seven touchdowns. Unlike Julio, White finished with consistent home and road splits.
.
8. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree quietly posted 1105 yards and nine touchdowns. He had four touchdowns in his last three games and dropped a ridiculous 172 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in the season finale. Crabtree had 76 yards against the Packers. Colin Kaepernick leans heavily on Crabtree.
.
9. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Jordy is another one of Rodgers’ favorites. He is sneaky quick and can take it to the house from anywhere.
.
10. James Jones, Green Bay Packers
Jones led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches. Rodgers spreads the ball around a ton, but Jones is definitely on his radar.
.
11. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb is as dynamic a player as there is in the league. He had 77 yards in the first meeting with the San Francisco 49ers. He should be closer to full strength (ankle) and a bigger part of the game plan. I still like the other options better.
.
12. Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots
Lloyd had 89 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with Houston. He could lose out with Gronk, Welker, and Aaron Hernandez getting a heavy dose of targets.
.
13. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin had a monster Wild Card game (145 yards, touchdown), but the Broncos will be a tougher challenge.
.
14. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is so hit or miss. He could put up a monster game, but he’s equally likely to lay an egg against the Broncos.
.
15. Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks
Tate is also hit or miss, but if a Seattle receiver is going to have a nice game against Atlanta, it’s likely Tate.
.
.
Also check out:


.
Here are the Lester’s Legends fantasy football wide receiver rankings for the Wild Card Round.
.
1. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Green had a quiet finish to the season based on the standard he set earlier in the year, but is still an elite talent. Plus, 1350 yards and 11 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at. The Houston Texans have been vulnerable to the pass.
.
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson finished second in receiving yards with 1598. The only knock on him was the four touchdowns. Same “problem” that Calvin Johnson had. Andre averaged 143 yards in his past seven games. The Bengals ranked seventh in pass defense.
.
3. Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins
Garcon averaged 79.2 yards in his past six games. I expect Robert Griffin III to return to form in this one, which should drive up Garcon’s value.
.
4. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
Jennings scored a pair of touchdowns last week against the Minnesota Vikings, giving him three scores in two weeks.
.
5. James Jones, Green Bay Packers
Jones led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions. He scored in both meetings with the Vikings this year
.
6. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Wayne has been Andrew Luck’s security blanket all season long, and I expect that to continue in the postseason.
.
7. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Jordy had the big 73-yard touchdown that made his day, but he was otherwise quiet.
.
8. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton had a touchdown and/or 100 yards in five of the past seven games. In the NFL’s second season, I think Luck relies more on Reggie Wayne.
.
9. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb is the most dynamic option the Packers have, but he’s the most recently injured. I’m just worried that he won’t be at full strength and Rodgers will look elsewhere.
.
10. Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks
Tate finished strong with his first career 100-yard game in Week 17. He’s a bit of a risky option, but he has a knack for making big plays. Plus, he’s facing the Redskins’ 30th-ranked pass defense.
.
11. Sidney Rice, Seattle Seahawks
I like the matchup against the Redskins, but Rice’s knee is a small concern. He has also been relatively quiet since Week 13.
.
12. Anquan Boldin, , Baltimore Ravens
Boldin (shoulder) is a little banged up. The Colts have a mediocre pass defense. They really struggle to stop the run. I expect a heavy dose of Ray Rice in this one so the Ravens won’t have to rely heavily on the passing game.
.
13. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is hit or miss. He had eight games, not including the season finale when the Ravens rested their players, without a touchdown and fewer than 60 receiving yards. He only topped 60 yards in five games.
.
14. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
Moss only averaged 35.8 yards per game. He scored eight touchdowns to give him some value to fantasy owners. Unfortunately, this doesn’t set up to be a good week for Moss. The Seahawks were one of three teams to allow 15 or fewer passing touchdowns. They also ranked sixth in pass defense.
.
15. Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings lack playmakers in the passing game, but Wright has 143 yards in his past two games, including 90 yards and a touchdown last week against the Packers. He’s the best bet in a weak passing game.
.
.
Also check out:


Partner of USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties