Fantasy Football 2010: The Top 15 Receivers to Draft

Now that NFL teams are turning more and more to multiple back systems, the Fantasy Football value of wide receivers is on the rise, especially when those receivers have the physical size to make themselves a viable red zone option, or the speed to break a game open with a long touchdown reception. Here then is a list of the top 10 receivers available for the 2010 Fantasy Football season.

Andre Johnson (Texans)

For the second year in a row, Johnson went over 1,500 yards receiving, compiling 6 games of +100 yards in the process. Add to that the fact that he has caught over 100 passes in three out of the last four seasons (He was limited to 9 games in 2007 and fell short of the mark) and you have to place Johnson at the pinnacle of elite receivers in Fantasy Football. At 6-3, 225 lbs, Johnson is also a large target around the goal line, which should make it even easier for you to draft him as the first receiver over all in a 2010 Fantasy Football Draft.

Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)

Will Fitzgerald's numbers suffer due to the departure of Kurt Warner? Only time will tell. Still what is not to like about Fitzgerald, who last season went over the 10 touchdown mark for the third year in a row. Fitzgerald has also posted three seasons of +1,400 yards since 2005. Though his numbers looked rather average during the last month 2009, Fitzgerald should be good for another +100 catch, +1,400 yard season in 2010. Look for him to also catch his fair share of touchdowns.

Randy Moss (Patriots)

Moss is entering his thirteenth season in the NFL, and though he posted great overall numbers last season, his second half marks were average at best as his five +100 yard games were all recorded within the first 10 games of the season. Still, with Brady as his quarterback, it is not a stretch to think that Moss will once again break the +1,200 yard plateau. In the process, look for him to net another dozen touchdowns. No longer the best Fantasy Football receiver in the league, Randy Moss nevertheless remains an elite receiver.

Miles Austin (Cowboys)

Almost a non factor in Dallas' first four games of the season, Austin used a 10 catch, 250 yard performance in week 5 against the Chief to firmly implant himself among the best Fantasy Receivers of 2009. By season's end, Austin's numbers more than made up for the departed Terrell Owens, as he finished the season with 81 receptions for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Look for Austin to remain Tony Romo's favorite long ball option in Dallas and for Austin's trajectory to continue on an upward slant. At 6-3, 215 lbs, Austin also presents a decent size target in the red zone.

DeSean Jackson (Eagles)

The most explosive receiver in the league in 2009, Jackson led the league in touchdowns catches over 40 yards. And even though the current quarterback situation in Philadelphia might call for you to exercise caution before drafting Jackson, Fantasy Football wise there is little downside to selecting the Eagle's primary receiver. Last season Jackson averaged 18.5 yards per reception, scored 11 total touchdowns, and amassed over 1,600 total yards. The fact that he occasional runs with the football or can break a punt return for a touchdown is an added bonus with Jackson, so draft him as early as you can.

Roddy White (Falcons)

Roddy White had a monstrous game against San Francisco in 2009. After lackluster performances in the first 3 games of the season, White torched the 49ers for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was the type of performance that illustrates this receiver's fantasy upside. White would finish the year with his third straight +80 catches, +1,000 yard season, scoring 11 touchdowns along the way. As Matt Ryan continues to develop in Atlanta, look for White's numbers to rival those of the elite receivers in the league.

Reggie Wayne (Colts)

As long as Peyton Manning keeps quarterbacking the Colt's, look for Wayne to rank among the premier receivers in the league. Last season Wayne caught 100 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns, marking the sixth season in a row for that the Colt's primary receiver went pass the 1,000 yard barrier. The continual development of the Colt's younger receivers will only help Wayne's fantasy numbers this season, and there is little reason to believe that he can't post another 1,000 yard season.

Brandon Marshall (Broncos)

Few receivers have been as consistent as Brandon Marshall over the past three seasons. Last year Marshall posted his third straight +100 catch, +1,000 yard season, and he did it with the help of a superb 21 catch, 200 yard performance in a week 14 loss to the Colts. At 6-4, 230 lbs, Marshall presents an excellent red-zone target, and another 100-1,000-10 season is not out of the question, though a move out of Denver may loom ahead, so pay close attention to where he's playing come draft time.

Vincent Jackson (Chargers)

Last season Jackson proved that his breakthrough performance in 2008 was not a fluke, as the 6-5, 230 lbs receiver went over the 1,000 yard barrier for the second year in a row. Though not the primary target in San Diego, Jackson nevertheless posted 6 games of +100 yards, and found the end zone 9 times in 2009. Since the Chargers no longer have the luxury of the great running attack they have had in the past, look for Jackson's Fantasy Football numbers to continue to take an upward turn.

Marques Colston (Saints)

As long as Drew Brees keeps posting +4,000 yard passing seasons in New Orleans, Colston should remain a safe Fantasy Football pick. Last season the 6-4, 225 lbs receiver was back to posting the type of numbers he posted his first two seasons in the league. Though he barely touched the ball the last game of the season, Colston finished the year with 74 catches for 1,074 yards and 9 touchdowns. Look for Marques to improve on those numbers this season and come close to the 98-1202-11 he posted in 2007.

Next Best Five:

Sidney Rice (Vikings)

Rice had a nice breakout season in 2009, catching 83 passes for 1,312 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Calvin Johnson (Lions)

Injured last season, Johnson's numbers should grow with the development of QB Matt Stattford in Detroit.

Steve Smith (Panthers)

Smith missed the 1,000 yard plateau in 2009, but should be back to posting big numbers in 2010.

Greg Jennings (Packers)

Aaron Rodgers' favorite target in Green Bay, look for Jennings to continue to be a Fantasy Football top 15 receiver pick this year.

Michael Crabtree (49ers)

Despite a holdout that cost him cost him five games, Crabtree compiled decent numbers last season. Look for him among the top tier receivers this season.

Sleeper Picks:

Mike Sims-Walker (Jaguars)

Break through season in 2009, Sims-Walker should go over the 1,000 yard barrier this season.

Hakeem Nicks (Giants)

A rookie in 2009, Nicks should improve on the numbers (47-790-6) he posted last season.

Statistical Sources:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/