Fantasy Football Week Day 3: Receivers

First thing to remember about wide receivers in fantasy: you can never have enough of them. You never know when an no-name receiver is going to bust out for 7 catches and 113 yards like Detroit's Shaun McDonald did in Week 11 of the 2007 season. Every week there will be at least 2-3 receivers bursting on to the scene, and it's up to you to watch the waver wire for them. If you develop a keen eye in the waiver wire, you don't have to waste high picks on brand name receivers.

However, if you choose to go for the brand names you can certainly reap the benefits. Receivers come a dime a dozen in the NFL, but there are about a dozen dimes amongst them. Grab one these studs and he'll produce week after week.

The great thing about wide receivers is that they are usually used for kick/punt returns as well. And if your league allows for individual players to receive points for their special team duties, well, then you're in luck. This strategy makes a player like Devin Hester more valuable. Grab a versatile receiver and you'll be thanking me for the tip. (See Hester-CHI, Percy Harvin-MIN, DeSean Jackson-PHI, Santana Moss-WAS).

• The Improper Truth- OAK 3rd-year wideout Johnnie Lee Higgins raised eyebrows in the final four games catching 14 receptions for 196 yards and 3 TDs. He also led all fantasy wideouts with 4 return TDs.
  

An easy way to double your points is to get a great QB-WR combo. In 2007, Tom Brady(422) and Randy Moss(322) combined for 744 fantasy points in my league. If you can get your hands on a good combo don't think twice about it. Do it. You won't regret the spontaneity. (See Moss/Brady-NE, Larry Fitzgerald/Kurt Warner-ARI, Reggie Wayne/Peyton Manning-IND, T.J. Houshmandzadeh/Matt Hasselbeck-SEA).

• The Improper Truth- Despite going 6-10 in his first year as a starter, Aaron Rodgers & the offense was the not problem. Rodgers found a favorite target in WR Greg Jennings; hooking up for 1,300 yards and 9 scores. Expect the bond to grow and the numbers to show in year 2.

Run far away from damaged goods. While you may be sure that Braylon Edwards will learn how to catch a ball this year, you'll be kicking yourself when he doesn't. It's a high risk/high reward for this year's crop of damaged goods. These guys have miles of talent but their legs can't last after the first lap. (See Edwards-CLE, Marques Colston-NO, Deion Branch-SEA, Chad Ochocinco-CIN).

• The Improper Truth- In '07 Colston was assumed to have a stellar year, but after missing 6 weeks due to a thumb injury he was still able to put up 700 yards and 5 TDs. He's off to a healthy start this year so I'd take my chances on his damaged goods. Plus, he graduated from Hofstra University so the kid knows about adversity.
  

Did you miss out on all the brand name receivers? No worries, there's plenty of under-the-radar guys you can pick up in the later rounds. These are the receivers who take advantage of their superstar better halves and thrive in single coverage. So you took QB Matt Hasselbeck in the 4th round, passing up Reggie Wayne? No problem. Slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez is building quite the report with Peyton Manning tallying 20 more receptions and a 100 extra yards in 2008. Here are some more under-the-radar guys. (See Steve Breaston-ARI, Lance Moore-NO, Donnie Avery-STL, Dominick Hixon-NYG, Kevin Walter-HOU).

• The Improper Truth- Under the large shadows cast by Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, slot receiver Steve Breaston was able to steal the spotlight long enough to get 77 receptions 1,006 yards and 3 TDs. Hey, defenses can't cover all three of them and Breaston comes a lot cheaper.

It's easy to get caught up in the antics that wide receivers do for attention, but it's up to you--the coach--to see past all that. Receivers need attention just as much as they need they ball, but don't fall for it. Terrell Owens should be getting to know his offense and get of the same page as Trent Edwards. Instead we are blessed with VH1's The T.O. Show. Anyone who spends their off-season filming a reality TV show is going to be a bust. Here's more. (See Brandon Marshall-DEN, Dwayne Bowe-KC, Santonio Holmes-PIT).

• The Improper Truth- I will never forget the job that Matt Cassel did filling in for Brady, that's not what this is about. I just think that Cassel was a career Belichick-system guy who flourished when given the opportunity. But with a lackluster ground game and an o-line that gave up 37 sacks last year, will he have time to get the ball to Bowe? Not when d-backs are double covering him. Pass.You got the breakdown now here's my top ten fantasy wide receivers. Get your notebooks ready because tomorrow we delve into tight ends.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
2. Andre Johnson, HOU
3. Randy Moss, NE
4. Calvin Johnson, DET
5. Greg Jennings, GB
6. Reggie Wayne, IND
7. Steve Smith, CAR
8. Anquan Boldin, ARI
9. Marques Colston, NO
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN