Dynasty Diaries: MegaTron, Fitz, and 'Dre Lead the Keeper Wideouts

I initially just wanted to do a Johnson vs. Johnson debate (you can see the two studs to the right), on the wide receiver front, for a dynasty diaries selection. Then I realized that I'd have to wedge Larry Fitzgerald in there somehow.

Then, I realized you guys deserve some rankings. You deserve them for each position, dammit. So you'll be getting them all on Fantasy FanHouse. For now, though, we're gonna start with wideouts since that's where my head already was.

Yes, as I mentioned, there are three gentlemen head and shoulders above everyone else when it comes to keeper value. Remember, with keeper leagues we are trying to think about someone you could own throughout his prime and enjoy five to eight absolutely elite seasons. This is especially true with wideouts, because you probably won't be keeping many (if any). Finally, do not keep someone slightly unproven like Ted Ginn over an established stud like Terrell Owens. While Ginn might be the better player in three years, he definitely won't be for the next two. You aren't just building for the future. You are trying to win now and in the future.

So here you go, our top 15 keeper-league wideouts ...
1. Andre Johnson -- This wasn't even a question for me. He'll be 28 next season, so he has just the right amount of experience without being even remotely old. He's playing in an offense that is up and coming. Their passing attack is on the rise with Matt Schaub coming into his own, when he played, in 2008. Even if you want to point out that Schaub is injury prone, it doesn't hurt Andre. His average points per game aren't overly affected when Schaub misses games. As I've said before, I'm looking for records from Johnson in 2009.

2. Larry Fitzgerald -- He'll only be 26 in 2009. Seriously. He's already amassed over 400 catches and 6,000 yards and he hasn't even turned 26. No one can guard him, his offense is prolific, he stays on the field, he's consistent, and he makes amazing catches like he did on that fleaflicker in Arizona's first playoff game. What's not to love?

3. Calvin Johnson -- MegaTron lives. You cannot dispute his talent. He may even have the top two beat -- though it would be a really tough call, as all three are inexplicably talented. Your worries here are the unknown. What kind of coach will be hired? Who is going to be his quarterback? I know he had sick numbers in 2008 on a historically bad team with pretty awful QBs, but he wasn't top three. I love him as much as the next guy, I'm just telling you his drawbacks, because the positives are obvious.

4. Brandon Marshall -- Really, he should have had a better season in '08. Expect him and Jay Cutler to come out in '09 with a fury over their disappointing 2008. Both are young and talented, and the Broncos hired an offense-oriented coach after considering the talent in the passing game already there.

5. Roddy White -- Matt Ryan was only a rookie, and White still absolutely lit up the stat sheet to the tune of 99-1466-8. White will turn 28 in November. Translation: You keep him, you get six years of elite stats, including two or three of mind-boggling numbers.

6. Greg Jennings -- He and Aaron Rodgers are about to develop a disgusting rapport. Having Jennings go 80-1292-9 in their first season together was a good start.

7. Reggie Wayne -- You know when someone is a stud? When people complain about 86-1274-7. The Colts' passing offense isn't going away, and Wayne's only 30. He's got some juice left.

8. Steve Smith -- The direction Carolina is heading is the running game. That's fine for their real team, and it's fine for Smitty when they do decide to pass -- as he'll likely see single coverage. He'll just need to get bigger chunks with his catches than most, and you run the risk of being saddled with a three-point week every once in a while.

9. Marques Colston -- He was finally on the same page with Drew Brees in the last three weeks, and the results were stellar. He'll be back, and he's not going anywhere for a while.

10. Anquan Boldin -- You won't find a tougher SOB in football, but he keeps finding ways to miss games. He's missed 16 in his six-year career. He's been inconsistent as well. He also threw up 91-1110-12 in only 13 games this past season. And he's only gonna be 29 in '09. And the Cardinals offense is prolific.

11. Randy Moss -- He's about to turn 32, and he missed Tom Brady this past season. He's still a beast, just not a top-10 beast in a keeper league. He's top five in year-to-year leagues. Easily.

12. Dwayne Bowe -- No one in the league was more consistent in 2008. The only problem was that he was not explosive. His consistency was more around 10 points than 20. Of course, it was only his second season, and his first with Tyler Thigpen. Things go up from here. Just trust me.

13. Vincent Jackson -- The Chargers are becoming a passing team as the star of Philip Rivers rises. As Antonio Gates ages, Jackson also becomes the favorite target of the hot-headed Rivers.

14. Wes Welker -- There were 108 instances where he caught a pass and didn't score a touchdown last season. Love to see more scores, considering that alone is worth 60 yards. Still, he's worth it at this point.

15. Eddie Royal -- He burst on the scene as a rookie, but was largely inconsistent. Hey, that's a rookie for ya. He'll grow. That Broncos passing attack is going to develop into a juggernaut.

Difficult to leave off: Terrell Owens, Antonio Bryant, Santonio Holmes, Bernard Berrian, Lance Moore

Keep an eye on: Donnie Avery, DeSean Jackson, Anthony Gonzalez (Marvin Harrison will be gone from Indy)

I realize the one I need to explain is T.O. He's gonna turn 36 next season. There are reports that the Cowboys might end up cutting him because of his divisive locker room presence. I'm not here to talk about whether or not I think that's true or just. For fantasy purposes, I'm a data analyst. His numbers on the field are good enough to make the list. What knocks him off the list is his age and the fact that I'd be worried he'll finally wear out his welcome on good teams with decent quarterbacking.

Any other questions on this subject, feel free to post and you know we'll reply.