Reggie Wayne saw an incredible 20 targets last week. His push to be the best continues this weekend vs. the Texans.

Reggie Wayne saw an incredible 20 targets last week. His push to be the best continues this weekend vs. the Texans.

Fridays mean Final Ranks and Write Ups. Week 9 is upon us. Despite there being six teams on byes, the wide receiver position is almost at full strength. Hester, Boldin and Calvin remain the biggest injury concerns. Calvin appears likely to go, but remains a game-time decision. Hester finally hit the practice field and is expected to start. Boldin is the biggest wild card, but even if he plays his production will be compromised. We’re past the half way point and approaching the home-stretch. Playoffs are on the line – Every win counts!  Lets take a look at some key WR match-ups for this week: Wayne will continue to prove he’s the safest play in the game. Welker will prove he’s absolutely unstoppable. Ocho returns from the bye to face a revitalized Baltimore squad. Jennings and Driver have a tasty meeting with the Bucs. Dwayne Bowe and Sims-Walker should put up solid numbers in their head to head match-up. Michael Crabtree will continue to impress, while the Austins will keep producing. Miles will face his first true challenge with Asanthe Samuel in coverage.  Corey Webster will have the pleasure of attempting to stop Vincent Jackson. After being shut down in week 8, Brandon Marshall will face Troy Polamalu and the Steelers. Kevin Walter looks to pick up the slack for the injured Owen Daniels.

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1) Reggie Wayne – IND – WR
Wayne was targeted 20 times last week. 20 TIMES! He’ll continue to post solid stats vs. the Texans this week. Houston gives up a lot of yardage in the air. This should be a high scoring game allowing both offenses to open up. Indy has got creative in their placement of Wayne, showing opposing defenses multiple looks disguising his where abouts. Wayne leads all wide-outs in touchdowns.  He’s second in targets, receptions and yardage.
 
2) Andre Johnson – HOU – WR
Andre continues to lead the league in targets. Those numbers should improve with to the injury to TE Owen Daniels. Matt Schaub will become more reliant on his stud, and his red-zone opportunities should increase. Johnson played last week despite a bruised lung. He should be in better condition two weeks removed from the injury as Houston goes to war with the undefeated Colts. The Colts have given up the fewest passing touchdowns in the league. AJ will try to change that as this game will be a high scoring event.
 
3) Marques Colston – NOR – WR
Colston is the only constant in the New Orleans pass attack. The Saint’s match-up vs. the Panthers could be a trap game, but the undefeated streak will continue. This is the best that Colston has looked in his career. The key to his consistent production is his health. Carolina has one of the most underrated defenses in the league, but New Orleans can make the best of units look like a JV squad.
 
4) Wes Welker – NEP – WR
Welker is a reception machine. Even the biggest names on this list are capable of being shut out, but Welker could quite possibly be unstoppable. With Randy drawing opposing teams best defenders, Welker chews up yardage underneath. The Pats lack of a true run-game will only contribute to his success. Welker will always play hard vs. his former team. I’m sure it leaves a bitter taste in every Dolphin fan’s mouth whenever they see the traitor perform. Double digit receptions is expected.
 
5) Randy Moss – NEP – WR
Miami always seems to play the Patriots tough. This week should be no different. An early fight is expected, but the Pats will pull away down the stretch. Moss has posted some serious stats vs. the Fins in his career. A pair of touchdowns is not far fetched.
 
6) Larry Fitzgerald – ARI – WR
Boldin has yet to hit the practice field this week. Fitz had his biggest games with Boldin out of the line-up in 08. The Zona offense is lacking something this season. It seems as if they have never really gotten rolling. Teams have been taking away the deep ball, forcing Fitz away from his game. Warner simply needs to toss the ball up and allow the best in the business to make a play. *Boldin saw some action in practice today. If he goes, he won’t be near 100%.
 
7) Vincent Jackson – SDC – WR
Vincent Jackson is this years Calvin Johnson. His size and stature create incredible miss-matches all over the field. Chris Chambers has left town and Malcom Floyd has taken over at the WR2 spot. Gates will continue to demand safety attention allowing the twin towers more single coverage opportunities.
 
8) Roddy White – ATL – WR
White simply finds the end-zone. He’s the Michael Turner of the WR position. His yardage has been relatively held in check, but he still finds the end-zone on a weekly basis. As Turner proved last week, Roddy did the same, and showed that they are capable of completely taking games over. Matt Ryan will be eager to bounce back after one of his poorer performances of his career.
 
9) Greg Jennings – GRE – WR
Jennings finally looked like the receiver of last season. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league when he is given the time to throw. The Pack has a tasty match-up vs. Tampa this week. Expect continued momentum.
 
10) Chad Ochocinco – CIN – WR
Ocho has been rumored to have sent deodorant packages to most of the Ravens Defense – basically saying that they stunk. “85″ better have his head on a swivel as the Ravens will be looking to retaliate. Now a days Chad backs up his trash talk – much different from his struggles in 08. It is a tough divisional game, but you know that he lives for this stuff. Play him with confidence.
 
11) Miles Austin – DAL – WR
Austin will find the end-zone for the fourth consecutive week. He faces his first legitimate challenge as Asanthe Samuel will be in coverage. Samuel will keep Austin’s ego from exploding, but Miles will find pay-dirt yet again. Romo loves his new toy…. Don’t get jealous Witten.
 
12) DeSean Jackson – PHI – WR
DeSean Jackson’s dependency on the big play has not impacted his fantasy production. Often players of this nature are due for some inconsistent play, but DJack had been just the opposite. He can score from anywhere on the field. This weeks match-up will have the speedster drawing Terrance Newman in coverage.
 
13) Dwayne Bowe – KAN – WR
Bowe returns from the bye to find himself in a very favorable situation against a struggling Jags unit. The Chief’s offense needs a lot of help, but Matt Cassel will gradually improve. Larry Johnson’s absence from the starting line-up will only help things. Jamaal Charles will provide some spark and offer an other option in the passing game. Bowe will draw most of the defensive attention, but will come through with a strong outing regardless.
 
14) Calvin Johnson – DET – WR
The Lions teased us last week, speculating that Johnson would play. Megatron was ruled a late day inactive, but in the long run it was probably for the best. We’ve seen what has happened to Anquan Boldin. As an owner you’d rather see your guy sit an extra week and get closer to 100%, than risk a re-aggrivation. He’s taken first team snaps the last two days in a row. Things are looking up.
 
15) Hines Ward – PIT – WR
Hines Ward is coming off a bye. Prior to the bye, Ward put in one of his most disappointing performances to date. He’s a solid bet to bounce back. There has been a change in culture in the Steel City, The smashing ground game is gone.  The team is now more heavily reliant on Big Ben’s arm. Wards is his favorite target, and remains one of the more consistent plays in the game.
 
16) Brandon Marshall – DEN – WR
Marshall has had decent fantasy production, but his potential is no where near reached. Kyle Orton’s early season success has allowed Denver fans to forget about Cutler, but the undefeated streak came to an end last week. Baltimore did a solid job in shutting down Marshall. He faces a similar defense in the Steelers. His numbers should improve but expect Troy Polamalu to be assisting in coverage. He remains Denver’s best red-zone option.
 
17) Donald Driver – GRE – WR
Driver experienced a neck “stinger” last week, but is on track to start. For the first time in a long time Greg Jennings out-produced the aging vet. Aaron Rodgers will have a great outing vs. the Bucs. Diver’s health does not appear to be an issue. He should remain in staring line-ups.
 
18) Steve Smith – NYG – WR
Smith continues to lead the league in targets, but his stats continue to be held in check. The G-Men appear completely disorganized. Eli Manning’s early season rhythm is lost. He’ll look to get back on track as New York hosts San Diego. Manning and Rivers will be forever linked. This is a very important game for both teams. Smith needs to step up in order to pull out a win.
 
19) Steve Smith – CAR – WR
Jake Delhomme is on track to start. As bad as he has been, he does look to get Smitty the ball. Carolina will attempt to control the pace of the game on the ground. New Orleans’ secondary is filled with ball hawks, mainly Darren Sharper. The run will hopefully open up the pass, but if Carolina falls to an early deficit, the Saints could have a field day with the turnover-prone quarterback. Smith has had two solid games in a row. Let’s see if he can make it three.
 
20) Devin Hester – CHI – WR
Hester has yet to see the practice field this week. He has been one of the more consistent WRs this season. He leads the team in looks and appears to be Cutler’s go-to-guy. He obviously gets a bump in return yard formats. He’s done little on special teams, but we all know that it’s simply a matter of time before that changes. His status needs continued monitoring. His participation in today’s practice will allow us to better gauge his availability. Hester returned to practice today and is expected to start vs. Zona. 
 
21) Nate Burleson – SEA – WR
Burleson has had some bipolar production, but he looks to have taken over as the teams WR1 spot. He leads the Hawks in targets, yards and receptions. Housh has been serviceable, but no where near the level of what the organization expected when they signed him. Nate has just stole punt return duties from Justin Forsette. If your league rewards for returns, he should get a bump. Seattle will host the lowly Lions this weekend. Expect Hass and his receivers to have an impressive day.
 
22) Mike Sims-Walker – JAC – WR
Sims-Walker uncharacteristically disappeared last week. The Jags as a whole struggled, but both Torry Holt and Mike Thomas received more targets. MSW should most definitely bounce back in a favorable match-up vs. the Chiefs. Kansas City practically gives away big receiving days.
 
23) Derrick Mason – BAL – WR
Mason threw up a goose egg in Baltimore’s last meeting with the Bengals. Don’t expect Deja-vu. He’s scored in four out of the last five games. He remains Baltimores best bet for WR production.
 
24) Austin Collie – IND – WR
Collie has scored 4 touchdowns in his last 4 games. This weeks contest with the Texans should be a high scoring event. Collie has made third WR Pierre Garcon an after thought in the passing game. He’ll continue to mature and produce. Peyton loves the kid.
 
25) T.J. Houshmandzadeh – SEA – WR
Housh appears to have been leap-frogged by Burleson as Seattle’s WR1. He had solid production in both weeks 4 and 5, but has been inconsistent otherwise. A match-up vs. the Lions will boost any one’s confidence.
 
26) Steve Breaston – ARI – WR
Breaston will see starting time if Boldin is out. Breaston has been dealing with his own minor injuries throughout the season, but should be in for a large dosage of work this weekend vs. the Bears.
 
27) Santana Moss – WAS – WR
Moss has only found the end-zone twice. He’s broken the century mark only once. Regardless, he is Washington’s most dangerous weapon in the passing game. The Skins have named him a “situational punt returner” in efforts to put a little spark into the offense. He gets a slight bump in return yard settings.
 
28) Santonio Holmes – PIT – WR
Holmes has been shut out of the end-zone since the opener. Mike Wallace’s role appears to be expanding. Holmes was expected to make a push for the WR1 role, but Hines Ward has proved to be age-less yet again.
 
29) Hakeem Nicks – NYG – WR
Nicks had his opportunity at the starters role last week. He produced, but maybe not as much as fantasy owners expected. San Diego is susceptible to the big play. 

 
30) Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR
Crabtree has made his transition to the pro game look easy. His ego is most likely out of control, but his confidence should grow even more with experience. Alex Smith’s insertion into the starting role has seemed to help all Niner receivers.
 
31) Jeremy Maclin – PHI – WR
If the Cowboys look to double DeSean Jackson, Maclin will beat them on the other side.
 
32) Kevin Walter – HOU – WR
Every injury has it’s silver lining. Walter appears to benefit the most from Owen Daniel’s absence from the line-up. Walter has underrated size and strength. People are quick to forget that Walter was a solid WR2 last season and was a consistent red-zone threat posting 8 touchdowns.
 
33) Mike Wallace – PIT – WR
Wallace has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season. The rookie out of Mississippi has found the endzone in two out of the last three weeks. With Hines, Santonio and Miller commanding most of the defensive attention – Wallace has found a niche for the deep ball. Big Ben’s confidence with him is growing.
 
34) Johnny Knox – CHI – WR
Jay Cutler has yet to utilize Johnny Knox’s speed. If Hester can’t go, expect a significant increase in work load for Knox.
 
35) Mario Manningham – NYG – WR
Manningham is expected to play, but he’ll see divided time with Hakeem Nicks. Nicks played well, but under-met expectations last week in the starting role. As with any week, Manningham has the opportunity to produce big games, but he’s just as likely to drop the ball in the end-zone.
 
36) Malcom Floyd – SDC – WR
Floyd’s insertion into the starting line-up has him in-line to get a whole lot more looks. Vincent Jackson and Gates will command defensive attention, allowing Floyd to take advantage of miss-matches.
 
37) Anquan Boldin – ARI – WR
Boldin’s status is still in question. He’s yet to practice this week and will be a game-time decision. If I were a Boldin owner I’d prefer him to sit so he can get healthy. He could continue to re-injure things if he continues to play compromised. Even if he plays, he’ll be limited. Boldin returned to practice and was observed to be looking good. Things are pointing towards him playing. We’ll keep an eye on reports, but if his mobility is not restricted - he should be bumped up ten spots.
 
38) Pierre Garcon – IND – WR
Garcon has become an after thought in the passing attack. With Wayne, Collie and Clark receiving most of Peyton’s attention, Garcon’s chances at fantasy production has been limited.
 
39)  Roy E. Williams – DAL – WR
Roy Will found pay-dirt last week, but was reported expressing disappointment and pointing criticism towards Cowboy’s quarterback Tony Romo. Will the squeaky will get the grease?

40) Devery Henderson – NOR – WR
Henderson will be the benefactor if Moore can’t go. Other than Colston, the Saint WRs are hard to predict.
 
41) James Jones – GRE – WR
James Jones will see time in three WR sets. He’s a boom or bust type of guy. Will this be the week he Booms?
 
42) Eddie Royal – DEN – WR
Royal and the rest of the Bronco offense disappointed last week. His best and only good game was vs. New England. His impact on special teams has improved, but Royal continues to come up short of expectations.
 
43) Torry Holt – JAC – WR
Holt had two strong outings prior to getting shut down last week by the Titans. He could service as a WR3 with Kansas City on tap.
 
44) Mike Thomas – JAC – WR
Thomas is one of those guys that can help your team in all phases of the game. He may be used on the ground, in the air or in special teams. He’s a name that could make some noise down the stretch.
 
45) Mark Clayton – BAL – WR
Clayton has had his ups and downs this season. He’ll continue to split WR2 duties with Kelly Washington.
 
46) Isaac Bruce – SFO – WR
The seasoned vet continued to contribute.
 
47) Laveranues Coles – CIN – WR
Coles has found the end-zone in two straight contests. Palmer has yet to make any of the receivers a consistent WR2. He’s without a doubt a gamble, but his role has been expanding.
 
48) Nate Washington – TEN – WR
Washington was last weeks benefactor from the insertion of Vince Young. Tennessee will travel to San Francisco where they hope to win their second in a row. The Titans will remain a run-first offense but Young’s presence could spark some life. The Titan’s WR production will not be consistent, but Washington their best option again this week.
 
49) Patrick Crayton – DAL – WR
Crayton lost his starting position, but appears to have found new life in the return game. He’s taken a punt to the house in two straight games. Roy Williams will continue to struggle, and this weeks comments won’t help. Crayton could see more playing time if the former Lion doesn’t learn to keep his mouth shut.
 
50) Andre Caldwell – CIN – WR
Early season indications had Caldwell on track to sub-plant Coles as Cincy’s WR2 but in recent weeks the situation appears to becoming more muddled. Caldwell’s off-season workouts with Carson Palmer paid off, but Coles has scored in two straight contests. He gets a bump in return formats. The Bengals play host to the Ravens on Sunday. Caldwell caught the game-winner in their first meeting. Deja-vu anyone?
 
51) Antonio Bryant – TAM – WR
Bryant’s health in conjunction with the Bucs merry-go-round at quarterback has left things to be desired from the 08 waiver wire pick-up of the the year. Expect continued struggles as rookie Josh Freeman takes the reigns.
 
52) Michael Jenkins – ATL – WR
Jenkins left alot to be desired on the field Monday Night. Key drops lead to a missed field goal attempt by Jason Elam. The targets are there, but Jenkins is running before he secures the catch.
 
53) Ted Ginn Jr. – MIA – WR
Ginn was in jeopardy of falling off this list completely, but remains fantasy relevant on his return capabilities alone. After consecutive 100 yard returns, Ginn makes the ranks more as a return man than anything else. He’s lost his starting role in the offense, but his electric outing last week could have the Dolphins looking to get the ball in his hands more often. He’s a gamble.
 
54) Earl Bennett – CHI – WR
Bennett will climb this list if speedster Devin Hester is unable to play. There is nothing too special about him, but his ties to Jay Cutler go back to his college days. He lacks the big play ability of some of the other Bear receivers, but could pull down decent WR3 stats if Hester ends up on the inactive list.
 
55) Jerheme Urban – ARI – WR
Urban rank and status will be determined by Anquan Boldin’s availability. Warner is comfortable with the WR4. If Q’s a scratch, he could serve as a nice sneaky play vs. the Bears.
 
56) Chris Henry – CIN – WR
Cincy’s WR2 spot continues to be unclaimed. Coles, Caldwell and Henry have all made sporadic contributions causing fantasy owners confusion around who to start. Coles has come on as of late scoring in Cincy’s last 2 contests. Caldwell opened the season strong, but appears to have lost some steam. Henry is the best red-zone option of the bunch, but he does not see enough snaps to warrant a start.
 
57) Davone Bess – MIA – WR
Bess leads the Fins in targets, but Miami will always ride or die on the success of the Wild Cat. He’s a possession receiver who’s yard per catch is extremely low. He’ll supply a desperate WR3 play, but there should be higher ceiling guys out there.

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