Fantasy football preview: Scouting the wide receivers

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Ran an offseason camp in his hometown near Minneapolis that attracted a number of current players, plus retired guys Jerry Rice and Cris Carter. Fitzgerald takes being football's best wide receiver seriously.

Andre Johnson, Texans: Love the chemistry he's developed with Matt Schaub. In fact, because Houston has a more reliable quarterback, bump Andre Johnson ahead of Calvin Johnson.

Randy Moss, Patriots: If you start your team with a high pick at running back, getting Moss late in the second round isn't so bad; early third round is even better.

Greg Jennings, Packers: Traditionally, the third season is when many players leap from good to great. That's what Jennings did in 2008 (80 grabs, 1,292 yards) and it's why the Packers gave him a new contract.

Calvin Johnson, Lions: How on earth did this guy catch 12 touchdowns last season? Even if you're not excited about Matthew Stafford, Johnson will get his numbers.

Steve Smith, Panthers: As long as the Panthers have that powerful run game, red-zone chances for Smith will be limited. Carolina's offense scored 45 touchdowns last year, 15 in the air, easily the lowest ratio in the league.

Roddy White, Falcons: Cashed in on his last two seasons, when he posted at least 80 catches and 1,200 yards each. Don't sweat that 8-day holdout it took to get his $50 million deal.

Marques Colston, Saints: Should get back to double-digit touchdowns now that he's healthy again.

Roy Williams, Cowboys: Notice how quiet Cowboys' camp has been this year? Getting rid of T.O., among others, will do that. Williams will be the primary guy and is a decent sleeper for a big year.

Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: hated the way he staggered to the 2008 finish line by missing the final two games after failing to record 100 yards or a score in Weeks 13 to 15.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks: Will be Seattle's top receiver, but should be your No. 1 only if you've already nailed down your running backs and quarterback.

Brandon Marshall, Broncos: Do you really want a guy who has more baggage than a Robinson Luggage warehouse as a No. 1 receiver? Roll the dice in the middle rounds only if you're feeling good about your first four picks.

Percy Harvin, Vikings: An intriguing prospect as a third wide receiver. Make sure your league credits wide receivers for rushing yards and return touchdowns, because the Vikings will use Harvin extensively.

Braylon Edwards, Browns: He was fantasy poison last year, prompting some to label Edwards as no better than a No. 3. Rubbish. It's a contract year and the guy does have remarkable talent. Don't be afraid to reach for him as a second receiver.

Santonio Holmes, Steelers: The Super Bowl aside, Holmes had a mediocre season last year with 821 yards and five scores. Don't dare make him anything higher than a No. 3.

DeSean Jackson, Eagles: A sizable portion of the fantasy population will never forgive Jackson for prematurely celebrating that touchdown against Dallas. Irrational fantasy fans. Isn't that redundant?

Terrell Owens, Bills: Take Lee Evans instead.

Eddie Royal, Broncos: Will be the biggest beneficiary if (when?) teammate Brandon Marshall has his meltdown.

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: Love the guy's talent, but have this feeling that a fallout with fiery coach Todd Haley is only a matter of time. Call it a hunch, a guess, women's intuition, whatever.

Devin Hester, Bears: There has to be concern about Hester's ability to get off the line consistently in press coverage. Want a deep sleeper from the Bears? Earl Bennett, who will start opposite Hester and played with Cutler at Vanderbilt.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 4

2. Andre Johnson, Texans 10

3. Randy Moss, Patriots 8

4. Greg Jennings, Packers 5

5. Calvin Johnson, Lions 7

6. Steve Smith, Panthers 4

7. Roddy White, Falcons 4

8. Reggie Wayne, Colts 6

9. Marques Colston, Saints 5

10. Roy Williams, Cowboys 6

11. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals 4

12. Wes Welker, Patriots 8

13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks 7

14. Brandon Marshall, Broncos 7

15. Vincent Jackson, Chargers 5

16. Anthony Gonzalez, Colts 6

17. Lee Evans, Bills 9

18. Braylon Edwards, Browns 9

19. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs 8

20. Santonio Holmes, Steelers 8

21. DeSean Jackson, Eagles 4

22. Santana Moss, Redskins 8

23. Eddie Royal, Broncos 7

24. Percy Harvin, Vikings 9

25. Lance Moore, Saints 5

26. Donald Driver, Packers 5

27. Devin Hester, Bears 5

28. Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers 8

29. Kevin Curtis, Eagles 4

30. Hines Ward, Steelers 8

31. Steve Breaston, Cardinals 4

32. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals 8

33. Derrick Mason, Ravens 7

34. Terrell Owens, Bills 9

35. Bernard Berrian, Vikings 9

36. Laveranues Coles, Bengals 8

37. Steve Smith, Giants 10

38. Kevin Walter, Texans 10

39. Torry Holt, Jaguars 7

40. Josh Morgan, 49ers 6

41. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets 9

42. Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins 6

43. Donnie Avery, Rams 9

44. Patrick Crayton, Cowboys 6

45. Nate Washington, Titans 7

46. Devin Thomas, Redskins 8

47. David Clowney, Jets 9

48. Domenik Hixon, Giants 10

49. Nate Burleson, Seahawks 7

50. Earl Bennett, Bears 5

* On the way down: Anquan Boldin, Cardinals

* Riskiest pick: Brandon Marshall, Broncos

* Sleeper: Braylon Edwards, Browns

* Please avoid: Terrell Owens, Bills

* Top rookie: Percy Harvin, Vikings

* On the way up: Greg Jennings, Packers

Note: Bye week is at the end of each line