Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Early 2009 Version

FanHouse's crack squad of savvy fantasy football personnel put our five heads together and amassed consensus rankings for non-keeper, standard scoring leagues. We'll update as the season gets closer, but this is our "incredibly early yet still fun" version.

Thus far, we've examined our incredibly early yet still relevant fantasy football rankings for quarterbacks and running backs. At the top of both positions, our staff reached a consensus. Wide receivers were a completely different story. Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald nearly split the vote, while Calvin Johnson garnered one vote for the top spot as well. There was also a very clear divide between the top eight and the next tier -- which means you need to get one of those eight in the early rounds.

Player	Team
1. Andre Johnson	Texans
As long as he stays healthy, there's no reason to expect anything less than last season's numbers. In fact, expect the touchdowns to increase.
2008: 115 rec, 1,575 yds, 8 TD
2. Larry Fitzgerald	Cardinals
His position up here was cemented when Boldin decided to stay in Arizona. We couldn't blame anyone for putting him above Johnson, actually.
2008: 96 rec, 1,431 yds, 12 TD
3. Calvin Johnson	Lions
The only issue for Megatron is the low percentage of targets he catches (78 grabs in 151 targets last season) due mostly to a poor offensive line and spotty quarterback play -- causing many out-of-reach passes. This will improve in 2009, though.
2008: 78 rec, 1,331 yds, 12 TD
4. Randy Moss	Patriots
The biggest impact of Tom Brady's injury last season is how it killed Mr. Moss. Brady's back, therefore, so is Moss.
2008: 69 rec, 1,008 yds, 11 TD
5. Greg Jennings	Packers
Just keeps getting better and better. 2009 marks his second year with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, and their rapport makes Jennings an elite wideout.
2008: 80 rec, 1,292 yds, 9 TD
6. Reggie Wayne	Colts
The 2008 numbers represented a step back for Wayne, which shows just how good he is. He's only 30 and there's plenty of gas left in the tank.
2008: 82 rec, 1,145 yds, 6 TD
7. Steve Smith	Panthers
His team leans heavily on the run, but when they look downfield, it's to Smith. He won't be slowing down just yet.
2008: 78 rec, 1,421 yds, 6 TD (14 games)
8. Anquan Boldin	Cardinals
Unfortunately, he's had problems staying on the field. When he's on it, though, he's one of the best. Expect big per-game numbers -- just have bench depth.
2008: 89 rec, 1,038 yds, 11 TD (only 11 starts)
9. Roddy White	Falcons
His first year with Matt Ryan was a rousing success. Now Tony Gonzalez joins the fray to bring more defensive attention to the middle. No regression is in the cards here.
2008: 88 rec, 1,382 yds, 7 TD
10. Dwayne Bowe	Chiefs
Last season, there weren't many more consistent fantasy players around. The problem was that Bowe never really exploded. Now that he'll have a reliable quarterback around for an entire season, expect Bowe to add the dominant game to his repertoire.
2008: 86 rec, 1,022 yds, 7 TD
11. Terrell Owens	Cowboys
We know the potential -- explosive numbers or an explosive meltdown. Considering he's playing for a worse quarterback, in much worse weather conditions in Buffalo, and is now 35 years-old, the latter is a bigger possibility. Still, enough talent for a gamble is there.
2008: 69 rec, 1,052 yds, 10 TD
12. T.J. Houshmandzadeh	Seahawks
He'll need a healthy Matt Hasselbeck. If so, he's a very reliable low-end WR1.
2008: 92 rec, 904 yds, 4 TD
13. Wes Welker	Patriots
Elevate him a bit in points-per-reception leagues, as he'll easily garner upwards of 110 catches again.
2008: 111 rec, 1,165 yds, 3 TD
14. Brandon Marshall	Broncos
Well, let's see: 1. He might face a suspension for legal troubles; 2. He's coming off hip surgery; 3. He lost a quarterback who throws a beautiful deep ball and gained one who sucks at throwing it; 4. He led the NFL in targets last season and Kyle Orton checks down more than he chugs Jack Daniels. Translation: I'll be letting someone else take Marshall this season.
2008: 104 rec, 1,265 yds, 6 TD (15 games)
15. Marques Colston	Saints
Easily the most talented pass-catcher on a team who threw for more than 5,000 yards last season -- and you may be able to get him on the cheap, since he's coming off such an injury-riddled campaign.
2008: 47 rec, 760 yds, 5 TD (only 6 starts, 11 games)
16. Vincent Jackson	Chargers
Still think the Chargers are a running team? They threw for 4,000 yards last year, and Jackson led the way. The 26-year-old is quickly becoming Philip Rivers' favorite target (he got 9 more targets than Antonio Gates). Do note it's possible he'll be suspended for a past DUI.
2008: 59 rec, 1,098 yds, 7 TD
17. Roy Williams	Cowboys
The Cowboys need someone to take over as a WR1. Williams showed he could do that in 2006 with a much worse supporting cast. He's still only 27, so there's some hope.
2008: 36 rec, 430 yds, 2 TD (11 starts after transition due to trade)
18. Santonio Holmes	Steelers
Be weary of the stellar postseason, and instead pay more attention to the regular season numbers and possible suspension. He's no WR1.
2008: 55 rec, 821 yds, 5 TD
19. Lee Evans	Bills
The presence of T.O. will help the speedy Evans. He's still far too inconsistent to count on as more than a WR2, though.
2008: 63 rec, 1,017 yds, 3 TD
20. Chad Ochocinco	Bengals
With a healthy Carson Palmer, the 31-year-old loud mouth is in line for a huge bounce-back season. Don't give up on him just yet, especially since he has something to prove.
2008: 53 rec, 540 yds, 4 TD
21. Braylon Edwards	Browns
We saw the impact he could have in 2007, but he greatly regressed in 2008 due to drops and inconsistent quarterback play. We can't be sure those things are solved at this point, so he's a high-risk, high-reward guy.
2008: 55 rec, 873 yds, 3 TD
22. DeSean Jackson	Eagles
As the season progressed, the Eagles involved Jackson more in the their offense, finding more creative ways to get him the ball. He'll progress into a quality WR2 this season.
2008: 62 rec, 912 yds, 2 TD; 1 rush TD; 1 PR TD
23. Jerricho Cotchery	Jets
Well, he's now the WR1, but the quarterback situation is creaky at best right now.
2008: 71 rec, 858 yds, 5 TD
24. Antonio Bryant	Buccaneers
What a ridiculously unpredictable season 2008 was for the journeyman. With a new coach and three new quarterbacks, this season is very unpredictable. Be cautious.
2008: 83 rec, 1,248 yds, 7 TD
25. Torry Holt	Jaguars
His name carries tons of value -- likely too much in most leagues. Don't jump the gun, because he's likely to go far too high.
2008: 64 rec, 796 yds, 3 TD
26. Santana Moss	Redskins
He's got a good rapport with Jason Campbell and will be a big part of the 'Skins offense in 2009. Expect similar numbers to '08 and enjoy when he slightly surpasses them.
2008: 79 rec, 1,044 yds, 6 TD; 1 PR TD
27. Laveranues Coles	Bengals
Though his team will be worse, Cincinnati is a better situation than the Jets for Coles' fantasy value -- as long as Palmer is healthy.
2008: 70 rec, 850 yds, 7 TD
28. Lance Moore	Saints
Having Colston and Reggie Bush around full-time will take away some of the looks for Moore, but the Saints throw plenty.
2008: 79 rec, 928 yds, 10 TD
29. Hines Ward	Steelers
Aging, yet still reliable. You could do much worse with a fantasy starter.
2008: 81 rec, 1,043 yds, 7 TD
30. Anthony Gonzalez	Colts
It's his third year and Marvin Harrison's out of the way. Still, Harrison didn't do a ton last year, so we should be careful not to overrate Gonzalez.
2008: 57 rec, 664 yds, 4 TD
31. Bernard Berrian	Vikings
He's a WR3 and that's it. He'll never emerge as an elite receiver, especially in that running-oriented offense, but he can help in deeper leagues.
2008: 48 rec, 964 yds, 7 TD; 1 PR TD
32. Ted Ginn	Dolphins
It's his third pro season, and second with Coach Sparano and Chad Pennington. The table is set for a breakout. Take him as a WR3 and watch him grow into a WR2.
2008: 56 rec, 790 yds, 2 TD; 2 rush TD
33. Donald Driver	Packers
His number of looks will continue to dwindle as he ages and Rodgers gravitates more toward Jennings and a host of younger receivers.
2008: 74 rec, 1,012 yds, 5 TD
34. Donnie Avery	Rams
We need to see more consistency, but he's the Rams' top wideout.
2008: 53 rec, 674 yds, 3 TD (15 games)
35. Eddie Royal	Broncos
A deep threat with Orton? Did anyone watch Devin Hester burn defensive backs routinely without much payoff down the stretch last season?
2008: 91 rec, 980 yds, 5 TD (15 games)
36. Steve Breaston	Cardinals
An ideal handcuff for Boldin, Breaston does well when Boldin's around and thrives when he's gone.
2008: 77 rec, 1,006 yds, 3 TD
37. Michael Crabtree	49ers
Still working back from injury, but dynamically talented. High-upside late selection here.
2008 (college -- Texas Tech): 97 rec, 1,165 yds, 19 TD (13 games)
38. Devin Hester	Bears
Really loving the potential for a breakout season here. Cutler throws a beauty of a deep ball and Hester will take full advantage in his third season of playing offense. It's time.
2008: 51 rec, 665 yds, 3 TD
39. Steve Smith	Giants
Despite their running-and-defense attack, the Giants have to throw to someone. Smith is their possession receiver and will see an increase across the board to his stat-line.
2008: 57 rec, 574 yds, 1 TD
40. Derrick Mason	Ravens
Then-rookie quarterback Joe Flacco loved Mason last season, so some of that will carry over to 2009. Still, at 35, Mason will start to deteriorate a bit.
2008: 80 rec, 1,037 yds, 5 TD

41. Chris Chambers, Chargers
42. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys
43. Deion Branch, Seahawks
44. Kevin Walter, Texans
45. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
46. Devone Bess, Dolphins
47. Nate Washington, Titans
48. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
49. Isaac Bruce, 49ers
50. Percy Harvin, Vikings
51. Mark Clayton, Ravens
52. Bryant Johnson, Lions
53. Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers
54. Nate Burleson, Seahawks
55. Laurent Robinson, Rams
56. Brian Robiskie, Browns
57. Devery Henderson, Saints
58. Bobby Engram, Chiefs
59. Joey Galloway, Patriots
60. Domenik Hixon, Giants
61. Justin Gage, Titans
62. Devin Thomas, Redskins
63. Mark Bradley, Chiefs
64. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders
65. Michael Clayton, Buccaneers
66. James Jones, Packers
67. Kevin Curtis, Eagles
68. Miles Austin, Cowboys
69. Antwaan Randle-El, Redskins
70. Chris Henry, Bengals
71. Kenny Britt, Titans
72. Earl Bennett, Bears
73. Michael Jenkins, Falcons
74. Limas Sweed, Steelers
75. Malcom Floyd, Chargers
76. Juaquin Iglesias, Bears
77. Dennis Northcutt, Jaguars
78. Jordy Nelson, Packers
79. Sidney Rice, Vikings
80. Javon Walker, Raiders
81. Jerheme Urban, Cardinals
82. Greg Camarillo, Dolphins
83. Bobby Wade, Vikings
84. Jabar Gaffney, Broncos
85. Chansi Stuckey, Jets