2009 Cheat Sheet Rankings - Wide Receiver (WR) Rankings - Fantasy Football 2009

With the 2009 fantasy football season about to get under way, here are my top 100 overall wide receiver WR rankings to begin the 2009 season. Rankings are based on a normal mixed NFC/AFC one-year redraft fantasy football league, with scoring categories including: receptions, receiving yards, rushing yards, return yards, touchdowns. Each players age for the 2009 season is listed after their name.

BUST = player will register far below last seasons stat totals

BREAKOUT = player has the potential to have a career year in 2009

SLEEPER = player will be a late round pick or go undrafted and has the potential to produce solid fantasy stats in 2009

BOUNCEBACK = player is either returning from injury or is coming off of a down season and has the potential to rebound in 2009

Rankings Updated: July 25, 2009

1. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona (26)

After establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Fitzgerald enters the 2009 season as the clear-cut choice as the #1 overall fantasy football wide receiver. With Kurt Warner returning for another season, Fitzgerald should put up another Pro-Bowl year.

2008 Stats: 96 receptions, 1,431 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 100 receptions, 1,500 receiving yards, 10-14 touchdowns

2. Andre Johnson - Houston (28)

Johnson has all the talent and ability needed to be an excellent fantasy football wide receiver, but injuries have always been his downfall during his 6 year career in the NFL. However with a healthy 2008 season under his belt, Johnson may finally be shedding his injury prone label. Assuming this is the case, Johnson is essentially another version of Larry Fitzgerald, and he is definitely worthy of being ranked as the #2 overall fantasy football wide receiver entering the 2009 season.

2008 Stats: 115 receptions, 1,575 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 110-120 receptions, 1,400-1,600 receiving yards, 8-12 touchdowns

3. Randy Moss - New England (32)

Even with Tom Brady out for the entire year last season, Moss still managed to put up 1,008 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Now with Brady back, Moss should once again be an easy top 10 overall fantasy football wide receiver by the end of the 2009 season. For now, I am ranking Moss as the #3 overall fantasy football wide receiver to begin the 2009 season, mostly because of his touchdown potential.

2008 stats: 69 receptions, 1,008 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns

2009 projections: 90 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, 12-16 touchdowns

4. Anquan Boldin - Arizona (29)

While other fantasy football rankings have put Boldin on the cusp of just entering the top 10 overall fantasy football wide receiver rankings, I have him firmly placed in the #4 spot among wide receivers. My reasoning; Boldin is entering the prime of his career at age 29, he won’t get double covered as long as Larry Fitzgerald is on the other side, and he has Kurt Warner throwing him the ball. If Boldin can put up 1,038 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in just 12 games last season, he could easily challenge for 1,400 receiving yards and 12-15 touchdowns in 16 games during the 2009 season.

2008 stats: 89 receptions, 1,038 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns

2009 projections: 100-110 receptions, 1,300-1,400 receiving yards, 10-15 touchdowns

5. Calvin Johnson - Detroit (24)

I realize a lot of people think Calvin is the next big thing and virtually the next Larry Fitzgerald. However until the Lions can assemble a decent offensive line and get a decent quarterback under center, Johnson will remain a risky fantasy football wide receiver who boasts loads of potential. I realize Johnson could put up huge numbers in 2009, but he is anything but a sure bet. So if you want a safer option, I would go with Reggie Wayne, Greg Jennings, Roddy White or even Steve Smith over Calvin Johnson.

2008 Stats: 78 receptions, 1,331 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 80 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, 8-12 touchdowns

6. Reggie Wayne - Indianapolis (30)

Wayne had a down year last season, but so did the entire Colts offense, as Peyton Manning started the season slow after coming back from off-season surgery, while Joseph Addai and Marvin Harrison both missed several games with injuries. I fully expect a bounce back year from Wayne, as he should once again put up Pro-Bowl caliber stats during the 2009 season.

2008 Stats: 82 receptions, 1,145 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 90-100 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, 8-10 touchdowns

7. Greg Jennings - Green Bay (26)

With Brett Favre out of town, Jennings actually posted a career year in 2008 while hooking up with Aaron Rodgers for 1,292 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. With a full year under their belts of working together, the Rodgers to Jennings connection could be lethal for fantasy football teams in 2009.

2008 Stats: 80 receptions, 1,292 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 80-90 receptions, 1,200-1,400 receiving yards, 8-12 touchdowns

8. Roddy White - Atlanta (27)

Coming off of a Pro-Bowl season last year, White enters the 2009 season with extremely high expectations from fantasy football owners. With another year of maturity and a more experienced Matt Ryan throwing him the ball, White could easily add to his numbers from last season. A top 10 overall fantasy football wide receiver ranking is appropriate for Roddy White entering the 2009 season.

2008 Stats: 88 receptions, 1,382 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 90-100 receptions, 1,400-1,500 receiving yards, 8-12 touchdowns

9. Steve Smith - Carolina (30)

At age 30 for the 2009 season, Smith is in the prime of his career and will be looking to put up another solid year for fantasy football teams in 2009. With a healthy Jake Delhomme under center, Smith should hook up with his favorite QB for another 1,000 plus receiving yard season.

2008 Stats: 78 receptions, 1,421 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 85 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, 8-10 touchdowns

10. Marques Colston - New Orleans (26) BREAKOUT

Injuries derailed Colston’s third consecutive 1,000 yard receiving season in 2008, however a healthy return in 2009 could lead to a monster statistical year with Drew Brees throwing him the ball this season. A career year could be in store for Colston, so be ready to snag him in your draft.

2008 Stats: 47 receptions, 760 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns

2009 Projections: 80-90 receptions, 1,200-1,400 receiving yards, 8-12 touchdowns

11. Brandon Marshall - Denver (25)

12. Dwayne Bowe - Kansas City (25) BREAKOUT

13. Wes Welker - New England (28)

14. TJ Houshmandzadeh - Seattle (32) BOUNCEBACK

15. Vincent Jackson - San Diego (26)

16. Roy Williams - Dallas (27) BOUNCEBACK

17. Santonio Holmes - Pittsburgh (25)

18. Terrell Owens - Buffalo (35) BUST

19. Braylon Edwards - Cleveland (26)

20. Antonio Bryant - Tampa Bay (28) BUST

21. Anthony Gonzalez - Indianapolis (25) BREAKOUT

22. Eddie Royal - Denver (23) BREAKOUT

23. Lee Evans - Buffalo (28)

24. DeSean Jackson - Philadelphia (22)

25. Chad Johnson Ochocinco - Cincinnati (31)

26. Bernard Berrian - Minnesota (28)

27. Hines Ward - Pittsburgh (33)

28. Kevin Walter - Houston (28)

29. Chris Chambers - San Diego (31)

30. Donald Driver - Green Bay (34)

31. Santana Moss - Washington (30) BUST

32. Lance Moore - New Orleans (26)

33. Jerricho Cotchery - New York Jets (27)

34. Torry Holt - Jacksonville (33)

35. Devin Hester - Chicago (26)

36. Ted Ginn Jr - Miami (24)

37. Laveranues Coles - Cincinnati (31)

38. Derrick Mason - Baltimore (35)

39. Nate Burleson - Seattle (28) BOUNCEBACK

40. Donnie Avery - St. Louis (25)

41. Steve Breaston - Arizona (26)

42. Domenik Hixon - New York Giants (25) SLEEPER

43. Michael Crabtree - San Francisco (21)

44. Percy Harvin - Minnesota (21) SLEEPER

45. Kevin Curtis - Philadelphia (31)

46. Patrick Crayton - Dallas (30) BREAKOUT

47. Deion Branch - Seattle (30)

48. Mark Bradley - Kansas City (27) SLEEPER

49. Justin Gage - Tennessee (28)

50. Sidney Rice - Minnesota (23) SLEEPER

51. Michael Jenkins - Atlanta (27)

52. Steve Smith - New York Giants (24) SLEEPER

53. Muhsin Muhammad - Carolina (36)

54. Brian Robiski - Cleveland (21) SLEEPER

55. Joey Galloway - New England (37)

56. Isaac Bruce - San Francisco (36) BUST

57. Hakeem Nicks - New York Giants (21) SLEEPER

58. Jeremy Maclin - Philadelphia (21)

59. Brandon Lloyd - Chicago (28)

60. Davone Bess - Miami (24)

61. Earl Bennett - Chicago (22) SLEEPER

61. Javon Walker - Oakland (31)

62. Greg Camarillo - Miami (27)

63. Bryant Johnson - Detroit (28)

64. Mark Clayton - Baltimore (27)

65. Nate Washington - Tennessee (26)

66. Miles Austin - Dallas (25) SLEEPER

67. Reggie Brown - Philadelphia (28)

68. Kenny Britt - Tennessee (20)

69. Devin Thomas - Washington (22) SLEEPER

70. Dwayne Jarrett - Carolina (23)

71. Marvin Harrison - Free Agent (37)

72. Ronald Curry - Detroit (30)

73. Jason Hill - San Francisco (24)

74. Limas Sweed - Pittsburgh (24)

75. Reggie Williams - Jacksonville (26)

76. Jordy Nelson - Green Bay (24)

77. Josh Morgan - San Francisco (24)

78. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Oakland (22)

79. Juaquin Iglesias - Chicago (22)

80. Mike Walker - Jacksonville (24)

81. Hank Baskett - Philadelphia (27)

82. Plaxico Burress - Free Agent (32)

83. Early Doucet - Arizona (23)

84. Devery Henderson - New Orleans (27)

85. James Jones - Green Bay (25) SLEEPER

86. Harry Douglas - Atlanta (25)

87. Will Franklin - Kansas City (23)

88. Robert Meachem - New Orleans (25)

89. Antwaan Randle El - Washington (30)

90. Matt Jones - Free Agent (26)

91. Dennis Northcutt - Jacksonville (31)

92. Bobby Wade - Minnesota (28)

93. Jabar Gaffney - Denver (28)

94. Brandon Stokley - Denver (33)

95. Jason Avant - Philadelphia (26)

96. Chaz Schilens - Oakland (23)

97. David Clowney - New York Jets (24)

98. Malcom Floyd - San Diego (28)

99. Johnnie Lee Higgins - Oakland (26)

100. Steve Johnson - Buffalo (23)

QUESTIONS???

Not sure about my rankings, sleeper, breakout or bust picks for this upcoming season? Check out my 2008 WR rankings, sleepers, breakouts and busts from last year to see how I did.

Complete Look Back at my 2008 WR Rankings & Predictions.

Quick Preview Look Back at my 2008 Predictions:

Worst Predictions:

My worst predictions came via the WR’s who never quite lived up to my expectations for them last season, including Chris Chambers, Donte Stallworth and Deion Branch.

#24 = Chris Chambers – San Diego Chargers BREAKOUT

With a half season under his belt in San Diego, Chambers is the best wide receiving option behind Antonio Gates. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Chambers rediscover his potential that made him a fantasy star with the Dolphins a few seasons ago.

#31 = Donte Stallworth – Cleveland Browns BREAKOUT

If the Browns passing game stays strong like it did in ‘07, then Stallworth makes for a great late wide receiver pick.

#33 = Deion Branch – Seattle Seahawks BREAKOUT

He should easily be the number one wide receiving option in Seattle, and Matt Hasselbeck is no slouch.

Best Predictions:

My overall best player prediction for the entire fantasy football season from last year came from my bust prediction for Plaxico Burress. Other right-on-the-money predictions came from busts Kevin Curtis, Joey Galloway and Javon Walker, while my breakout prediction for Andre Johnson was golden, as was my sleeper pick on Mark Bradley. All in all, some pretty solid predictions for the wide receivers last season.

#12 = Plaxico Burress – New York Giants BUST

#29 = Kevin Curtis – Philadelphia Eagles BUST

#36 = Joey Galloway – Tampa Bay Buccaneers BUST

#27 = Javon Walker – Oakland Raiders BUST

Lets see. Off-field issues, injuries, and JaMarcus Russell throwing him the ball. Doesn’t sound good for Walker and fantasy owners in ‘08.

#5 = Andre Johnson – Houston Texans BREAKOUT

He is one of the youngest and most talented wide receivers in the NFL. If he stays injury free, he could very easily make a leap into the top 3 as a fantasy wide receiver by seasons end.

#61 = Mark Bradley – Chicago Bears SLEEPER

One of the Bears most talented wide receivers will have a great opportunity now that Berrian is gone.

Complete Look Back at my 2008 WR Rankings & Predictions