2009 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings, WR

Kurt | August 16, 2009 8:10 pm

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PPR WR Rankings:

When searching for WR’s to draft in your PPR leagues (points per reception), make sure you do the math and have the right tools to find the right WR’s to lead your fantasy football team to a championship.

In PPR leagues the most important part of drafting WR’s is finding the right guys to target, if you have a look at Wes Welker who has been one of the hottest PPR commodities in fantasy football over the past couple seasons, you will find he has the tools and the system to add fantasy gold to your PPR roster.

Welker should benefit greatly from the return of Tom Brady!

Welker should benefit greatly from the return of Tom Brady!

1) Andre Johnson (HOU) - You could definitely make a strong case for Fitzgerald in this spot, but I can’t get over how many receptions this guy piles up in a season. Johnson has all the tools you are looking for in a PPR WR, he lead the league in receptions last year with 115, and has proved when healthy he can dominate DB’s anywhere on the field. He should maintain his reception totals, increase his TD’s and be the first or second WR taken……Take the ranking for what it is, he caught 19 more ball than Fitzgerald and doesn’t have Boldin on the other side. Remember, it’s always your choice that matters and either one is a good bet for production.

2) Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Fitzgerald has been one of the most dangerous WR’s in the league the last few years, he has the benefit of a strong passing game and should be considered as one of the best WR in the league. Fitz is about as reliable as they come and could improve on his 08 totals of 96 rec, 1,431 yards and 12 TD’s. If you are going to take anyone before Johnson it would have to be Fitz!….. As I am writing this right now I want to switch them, only because Johnson and Schaub are injury prone.

3) Calvin Johnson (DET) -He is the best WR prospect I have ever seen! I believe Megatron will be even better this year and continue his assault on any team that tries to stop him. His 78 receptions were tied for 15th in the league last year, but his ability to rack up yards and TD’s is uncanny. He should improve on his totals with better QB play and eventually take the top spot for WR’s in all leagues. This kid doesn’t need a QB to be elite, he could probably throw to himself and put up huge stats.

4) Randy Moss (NE) – With Tom Brady back and healthy Randy Moss should be on top of his game and post ungodly stats across the board. (98 rec in 2007 with Brady – 69 rec in 2008 without Brady) Moss is a superior WR on all fronts and should be a good bet to be one of the top five WR’s in the league this year. Don’t let last years reception totals fool you, he is among the best in the game and should increase his totals across the board this year. If he regains the chemistry of 07, he should produce more fantasy points than any WR in the NFL.

5) Reggie Wayne (IND) – Wayne is a top notch WR who should be in a good position to get a ton of receptions, yards and TD’s in 09. I believe Wayne is in for a huge year and seems determined to crush last years reception totals (82) and TD totals (6) to cement his status as one of the games elite WR’s. With Peyton Manning throwing the ball he should be a definite top ten WR in 09.You couldn’t ask for a more consistent WR than Wayne.

6) Greg Jennings (GB) -This guys ability to stretch the field is getting acknowledged in fantasy circles everywhere, he has proven to be a guaranteed top ten WR and could improve on his 08 totals (80 rec, 1,292 yards and 9 TD’s) and be a force withan improved Rodgers under center, I can see a huge year out of this fantasy phenom. Aaron Rodgers and Jennings should play catch for years to come, and finish with outstanding totals.

7) Roddy White (ATL) -White is quickly establishing himself as one of the best down-field targets in the league, his rapport with Matt Ryan has him and Jennings sitting in the exact same place in my fantasy rankings, obviously I had to rate one higher than the other, but I can’t see Roddy White dropping in production as a go to receiver in a really good offense. He should finish with good stat totals even with Tony Gonzalez on the team taking away some throws.

8) Steve Smith (CAR) -If there is a part of this guys game you don’t like, I wouldn’t hand you a franchise. Steve Smith is a little spark-plug that knows how to consistently get the ball, whether it be in traffic or down-field this guy can just go get it. The only problem is the coaching philosophy and the troubles at QB. If Delhomme can keep his focus after that horrendous playoff game then maybe Steve Smith can continue his yards (3rd in the NFL in 08 with 1,421) and improve on his receptions (78) and TD’s (6) this year.

9) Anquan Boldin (ARI) - Boldin has the wonderful luxury of having elite skills and having an elite sidekick. This offense’s weapons are scary and Boldin is a huge part of that, he should be projected as a top ten WR and produce excellent stats across the board. With Warner under center he should be set to continue putting up top-ten stats in a Cardinals high octane offense. He is tough as nails and will consistently try to make tough catches in traffic.

Brandon Marshall10) Brandon Marshall (DEN) – If any receivers in the league suffered the most this off-season, it was Marshall and Royal. Marshall is a superior talent in the NFL and his totals over the last two years are a staggering 206 balls caught, 2,590 yards and 13 TD’s (07-08 stats). You can’t ignore the talent, but you also can’t ignore the fact that this team has taken a step back at the QB position and doesn’t seem like they are going to put up the same kind of passing numbers without Cutler at the helm. I have him rated here, but people like Ocho Cinco, Bowe, Colston and Owens could surpass him this year for fantasy points….Then again, the Broncos will probably be playing from behind and should chuck the ball a ton. Some will rank him lower, but he is a big-time threat anytime he touches the ball.

11) Dwayne Bowe (KC) – I like a huge break-out year from 3rd year WR Dwayne Bowe, his offense got a major upgrade in the QB position and Gonzalez departed, leaving Bowe with the lions share of the work in KC. With new head-coach Todd Haley taking the reigns in KC, there should be plenty of work for Bowe this year, his TD’s, yards and receptions should be improved and he could possibly jump into the top-ten WR rankings by 2010. Bowe is a huge upside WR that could be targeted after some of the bigger names and out-produce a few of them.

12) Marques Colston (NO) -The only knock on Colston’s game is the fact that he can’t stay healthy, when healthy he is the focal point of one of the most potent throwing offenses in the league. Colstonnot only will get tons of receptions, he will be the primary WR target in the red-zone, with Bush and Thomas in the back-field the saints would rather throw the ball more often in the red-zone to their best target (Colston). I believe anyone who has seen this guy healthy and on his game knows that they are getting a premier WR, and a lock for huge reception totals. A risk, reward type of pick with monster upside.

13) Wes Welker (NE) – Wes Welker has been a PPR machine since his arrival in New England, posting an impressive 123 catches and 2,340 yards and 11 TD’s. His TD totals are nothing to write home about, but with Brady back his TD catches should be on the rise in an offense that has to account for every offensive weapon at Tom’s disposal. Welker is a reliable WR that Brady has a really good rapport with, so I think we should continue to see Welker produce at a high level in PPR leagues.

14) Terrel Owens (BUF) - With the addition of Terrell Owens, Trent Edwards will have some nice weapons at his disposal, and the offense should be way more attractive in the 09 season. I simply won’t write off  Owens just because of a change of scenery, if anything he should be very productive with a good compliment in Lee Evans. I like Owens getting his touches in the Bills offense, and based on the fact that popcorn sales have sky-rocketed in Buffalo, shows he will be the feature weapon. This move (acquiring Owens) helps everyone in the Bills offense, and they will be a better team this time around.

15) T.J Houshmanzadeh (SEA) -This is an interesting situation to watch, Matt Hasselbeck gets a sure handed #1 target in the highly skilled pass-catching Houshmanzadeh. This might have been one of the better moves in the off-season and T.J should be ready for a big year if Hasselbeck can maintain his health problems and return to form. Housh is great value as a PPR WR and should be considered a top 20 WR this year in drafts, if all goes well for the Seahawks passing game.

16) Braylon Edwards (CLE) – Edwards value has taken a huge hit in drafts this summer, with good reason, he had a terrible (disgusting might be a better term) year for what he is capable of producing. I personally think Edwards has the skills to return to his 07 campaign, there is not one WR on that team who is better than Edwards and getting him this late in a rebound year could be greatly beneficial, if he can regain the momentum he had in 07. I’m not writing off WR’s like Edwards and Ocho Cinco, I will rank them down here and draft them later! Huge risk, reward pick with tons of upside.

17) Chad Ocho-Cinco (CIN) -Chad is motivated this off-season and signs are pretty good out of camp. With the return of a healthy Carson Palmer, Chad should be the next WR to come back and win over fantasy owners. It gets to this stage in the rankings where your value is starting to really show, I think the Bengals will be a way better team this following year. Like Edwards, Ocho Cinco is another candidate for the comeback fantasy WR of the year, remember it wasn’t so long ago Chad was putting up 90 catches and 1,400 yards.

#1 WR of the Dallas Cowboys Roy Williams is gunning to get the ball alot this season.

#1 WR of the Dallas Cowboys Roy Williams is gunning to get the ball alot this season.

18) Roy Williams (DAL) -Speaking of comeback WR’s, here is a player with a ton of potential and got a No.1 gig handed to him in the off-season with the release of Terrell Owens. Roy is a phenomenal talent that must prove worthy of his new found status in Dallas, with that being said, I like his chances for a big year. He is the best WR on that team in terms of physical attributes, but he must show he can run his routes with consistency. His chances for 80 balls and double-digit TD’s are sitting on a platter, let’s hope he is hungry in 09.

19) Vincent Jackson (SD)-”V-Jax” is huge target for a more up-beat Chargers team, I like Jackson to continue to be a factor in the Chargers offense in 09, and continue to get more opportunities in the passing-game. The only problem with Jackson is L.T and Gates, those two are the focal point of what the Chargers are trying to do, even with the injuries suffered to L.T and Gates he only caught 59 balls last year, but he still hit the 1,000 yards mark, and his 7 TD’s helped owners. If he gets the ball more in 09 he could do special things in the Chargers offense, I think they know what they got this year. Do you?
20) Desean Jackson (PHI)-Although the Eagles drafted Maclin in the first round this off-season, I don’t see him taking much away from Jackson this year. “Fraction Jackson” is a No.1 WR on a team that likes to throw the ball allot, McNabb showed some trust in him last year and I am sure they will continue to produce better totals in their second year together. We will see if Jackson can continue to get better in 09 and show he is worthy of moving up in the rankings for 2010. The potential is their to be a top flight WR in the NFL, he should be a good bargain for PPR owners this summer.
21) Anthony Gonzalez (IND)- “Gonzo”should be in a position to bust out! In the off-season the Colts released Marvin Harrison to free-agency, leaving Anthony Gonzalez in prime position to improve his totals across the board. With Peyton throwing the ball to him, he should be a sought after target in fantasy circles this year. I like his chances for 70 catches and 1,000 yards. Manning is tricky at the goal-line, so expect his TD’s to come in bunches based on match-ups,
22) Eddie Royal (DEN)- If Eddie Royal had Cutler he would move up this list dramatically, but he doesn’t and the whole receiving core will be punished for it. Royal is an outstanding WR who may be short in stature, but he knows how to get open and catches the ball extremely well. There is no denying the fact that having Orton throwing the ball to him will not help his chances of posting better totals than last year. He could very well surprise everyone who passes on him in PPR leagues though, they should still throw more than run the ball under McDaniels in 09.
23) Santonio Holmes (PIT)-I can envision a role where Holmes is taking the majority of the balls that Roethlisberger will distribute in 09, I am throwing some love at the Super-Bowl MVP this season, and if he can build off the playoff rush he was on in 08, Santonio could be a bargain for fantasy owners this year. Holmes is an outstanding WR in his own right and should be counted on as the go-to guy in the Steelers passing-game sooner rather than later. Ward was 12thin the league in receptions with 81 last year, so if Santonio gets those balls he will produce as a valuable PPR WR. This ranking could go to Ward just as easy, so be weary when drafting either of them, they are still a run-first team.
24) Lee Evans (BUF)- We should be in for a good year from the Bills passing-game and the talented Evans. Though he has lost his status as a No.1 WR, he has never been the beneficiary of having anyone to take away the constant pressure he faces game in and game out. I think Evans will continue to contribute in 09 and probably surprise alotof doubters who question his role with Owens on board. He also has the talent to out-play his draft status and give owners something to talk about throughout the 09 season. Owens is a blessing in disguise for this deep threat.
25) Santana Moss (WAS) – Moss is an up and down WR that should be productive if Campbell can start distributing the ball faster, and make his reads quicker. I also like Devin Thomas’ chances and think he has a shot to step up this year. Moss is the No.1 guy in Washington as of right now, so he should be good for at least 70 balls and 1,000 yards. I am not a fan of Campbell, but if you think he will put up good stats this year, then take Moss and hope for consistent production.
26) Antonio Bryant (TB)- Don’t let last years totals get you caught up on this WR, he is a classic boom or bust player, with Winslow and an unsettled QB position, his chances are looking a lot slimmer to produce like he did in 08. If your a fan of  TB’s passing-game, you should probably target Winslow before Bryant this year. This year he has to prove what he’s worth!
27) Donald Driver (GB)-He may be getting older, but he knows how to catch balls and continues to play at a high level. Jennings is the No.1, but it never hurt Drivers stats last year when he totaled 74 catches, 1012 yards and 5 TD’s. As long as Driver stays the No.2 WR in Green Bay, he should have plenty of fantasy owners approval to draft this year and post similar totals to 08.
28) Jericho Cotchery (NYJ) – Cotchery’s pedestrian totals last year (71 receptions, 858 yards and 5 TD’s) could get a boost with the addition of Mark Sanchez. The Jets should boast some improved QB play this year (sorry Brett!) and the main beneficiary will be Cotchery, who has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays for their offense in 09. Sanchez will be a leader on that team from day 1.
29) Hines Ward (PIT) – Ward was a productive WR in o8, and should be considered a PPR target in drafts this summer. Although Pittsburgh likes to run the ball, Ward will get his share of catches and if he can post stats like last year, he will be a bargain where I have him ranked.
30) Donnie Avery (STL) – If he can maintain his health throughout the season, he should be leaned on heavily in the St. Louis passing-game to move the chains down the field. I like the upside this kid brings to the table, obviously I am not a fan of the offense, but he should be a PPR WR to target when rounding out your WR core. (If healthy)
Players who didn’t make the top 30:
Bernard Berrian (MIN) -With Favre now signed sealed and delivered, Berrian has to be climbing these rankings. I am high on this kids chances to produce some bigger stats in ’09. He should be ranked higher now that Favre is his QB this year.
Tedd Ginn JR. (MIA) – I hope this is the year he starts making some big plays in the passing-game, but I am still skeptical. He has to start showing toughness in traffic.
Lance Moore (NO)- Injuries, and the emergence of Robert Meachem drops him down the list. It’s your choice though. He could post impressive numbers in the Saints offense, but I want to see it happen again. He could out-play this spot easily.
Kevin Walter (HOU)-Underestimated, could play better than some WR’s ahead of him.
Domenik Hixon (NYG) – I am unsure about his role with the draft and depth at WR.
Devin Hester (CHI) – Things are looking up for the Bears passing-game, so you never know.
Steve Breaston (ARI)- The Cardinals will have an improved running-game, so Breaston should lose some touches. If injury were to plague the Cardinals, he could definitely play his way in the 20′s, his talent is outstanding.
Mark Clayton (BAL) – I could get allot of flack for leaving him on the outside, he is a good WR.
Patrick Crayton (DAL) – There are to many stars that will touch the ball before him, to unreliable for your fantasy teams.
Steve Smith (NYG)- The same reason Hixon was on this list, to cloudy a picture.
Derek Mason (BAL)-Could be good value with an improved Flacco at the helm.
Joey Galloway (NE) – High octane passing-game meets aging veteran, does anyone really know what to expect?
Sidney Rice (MIN)-It is unclear what his role is in the offense after Minnesota drafted Harvin.
Mushin Muhammed (CAR) – Age and inconsistency will be a frequent story with this WR in 09.
Kevin Curtis (PHI) – Is he going forward in his career, or backwards? I guess we will get a clearer picture in the 09 season.
Nate Washington (TEN) – I can’t wait to see exactly how he performs with a feature role, he has upside and downside.
Chris Chambers (SD) – He is the fourth option in .the Chargers offense behind L.T, Gates and Jackson.
Michael Jenkins (ATL) – With Tony Gonzalez in the fold now, he will lose some fantasy value this year.
Torry Holt (JAC) – He could produce, but his elite stats should be a thing of the past.
Laveranues Coles (CIN) – I am nervous about his role with Chris Henry starting to figure things out.
Players to watch for:
Josh Morgan (SF)- Starts as the No.1 WR on San Francisco team that lacks talent at the position, very underrated prospect.
Earl Bennett (CHI) – Gets the opportunity to start with his old college buddy Jay Cutler. Bennett will get plenty of chances to make plays this year.
Percy Harvin (MIN) – Has been the talk of training camp and should touch the ball often in 09.
Laurent Robinson (STL) – Is listed as the number two and has enough potential to put up some decent stats in 09.
Dwayne Jarrett (CAR) – 3rd year might be the charm for this WR, this year is a true test for Jarrett.
Robert Meachem (NO) -Has all the physical tools to be a top WR in the league and has been getting rave reviews, will this be the year for Meachem?
Brian Robiskie (CLE) – He has a chance to be the No.2 WR in his rookie season.
Jeremy Maclin (PHI) – An ultra-talented WR that should be targeted even as a rookie.
Hakeem Nicks (NYG) – If he wins a starting job we could have a special player to watch this year.
Kenny Britt (TEN) – Very talented pass-catcher and has a chance to earn a role in the offense early.
Mike Walker (JAC) – Could post decent stats if he gains the trust of his QB.
Devin Thomas (WAS) – He could take over the No.1 role from Moss by seasons end.
Chris Henry (CIN) – Finally starting to use his talent for something more than trouble, could be a really good value pick this year.
Chaz Schilens (OAK)- He is their best WR right now and should surprise allot of people with his skills this year. Could we be talking about the Schilens show in Oakland?
Michael Crabtree (SF) – Looks like he will be a dynasty league special this year. Hopefully he signs and gets to camp because his chances of starting in ’09 are not looking good.

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11 Comments

  1. Kurt says:
    August 16, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    Fabulous list for the 2009 PPR WR rankings! Sure to help me on draft day.

    I’m really feeling Josh Morgan, Earl Bennett and Chris Henry.. These guys should be available late and provide good enough stats if you lack clear number one wide receivers on your roster.

    • Chris Todish says:
      August 17, 2009 at 9:40 am

      I agree with those two as well, they should be in a good situation to produce better than most people think. Henry has been looking like a beast. Morgan and Bennett will show up this year, they should also be considered as gems for later picks. I think Morgan and Bennett are going to catch a ton of balls for their teams this season.
      I am surprised I have not been grilled over Lance Moore and his ranking! I will stick to my guns with Meachem their though. The people who call him a bust after two short years probably won’t draft him, so he could be a really nice pickup and surprise everybody. With Colston and Moore (injury prone!) ahead of him I can see him getting many opportunities to make plays this year. He has the ability, he just needs the chances!

  2. Kurt Turner says:
    August 17, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Why is Randy Moss #4? This has got to be a misprint.. Talk to us Chris =)

    • Chris Todish says:
      August 17, 2009 at 9:13 am

      I honestly don’t see Moss and Brady throwing the ball like they did in ’07. I think if Belichik and the Patriots are up on the scoreboard, he won’t risk putting Tom in passing situations like he did in 07, he knows Tom is to valuable to risk it now. Brady and Moss will put up their stats , but a repeat of ’07 is not in the cards for this team. I have him ranked at #4, he has the talent to be #1, I guess we will wait and see. Also I think Calvin Johnson is a freak specimen, who will have a huge season on a bad team that will throw the ball a ton. I also said in the article, if Brady and Moss can return to form he will have more fantasy points than any WR in the NFL. It all depends on if you think they will be back in ’07 form this year. I personally think Belichik will be smarter when they have a lead and run the ball. Limiting the chances of injury will limit their opportunity for big production (which means less attempts). Having Tom in the lineup is more important to their football team than monster stats, and Belichik will show that this year with his running-game.

  3. Rustyn Rose says:
    August 17, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    Good list. The two that stick out the most to me for PPR purposes are Wes Welker (111 receptions in ’08) and Eddie Royal (91 receptions in rookie year). Both should be higher IMO. Both ended in the top 5 in PPR leagues last year and both will have close to if not exceeding 100 receptions, and I don’t see Marques Colston, Greg Jennings and some of the other guys higher up getting that many chances. Welker is a PPR machine. I agree on Moss at 4, but I think Wayne at 5 is high considering how he did last season.

    • Chris Todish says:
      August 17, 2009 at 7:04 pm

      I like Welker, but he has never reached over 1,200 yards or double-digit TD’s. Remember when Tom Brady threw 50 TD’s? Well, he only caught 8 of those. Calvin Johnson was 17th last year in receptions, and in my PPR league he finished third in scoring (only behind Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson). I don’t understand what you mean about Colston not having as many chances? If healthy, he plays in one of the best air attacks in the NFL. In ’07 he caught 98 balls over 1,200 yards and double-digit TD’s (two things Welker has never done). Reggie Wayne in `07 caught over 100 balls, over 1,500 yards and double-digit TD’s. That is easily worth a top five ranking in any scoring format. I also don’t know why you don’t like Jennings? He finished top-ten in scoring last year in my PPR league. I think another year of Rogers should benefit an already super-talented WR.

      • Rustyn Rose says:
        August 17, 2009 at 10:34 pm

        Your PPR league and mine must have different settings. Jennings didn’t even crack the top 10 in mine. Here’s what I’m looking at, over the last two years in New England Welker has averaged 111.5 receptions and 1170 yards. Not quite 1200, but close. Even with Cassell under center instead of Brady. He’s consistent. I’ll give you he’s only gonna get a handful of TDs generally, but his extra receptions make up for that. Colston was on his way to 108 receptions and 1140 yards and 7.5 TDs before he got hurt. But his 3 year average is 72 receptions 1000 yards and 8 TDs. (Welker had 8 TDs in ’07) Granted in New Orleans the opportunity is there, but it’s no less an offensive jaggernaut than New England. Jennings 3 year average? 948 yards, 59 receptions and 8 TDs. Last season was his first over 1200 yards. He had 80 receptions last season, 31 less then Welker, which equates to 5 extra TDs for Welker. Steve Smith’s 3 year average; 83 receptions, 1196 yards, and 7 TDs. Reggie Wayne’s; 91 receptions 1322 yards and 8 TDs. Andre Johnson’s; 93 receptions, 1191 yards and 7 TDs. Even Randy Moss, Welker’s TD thief, averages less yards and receptions. TDs can fluctuate, but consistent receptions mean consistent yards and opportunity. And he never seems to get hurt, knock on wood. With the exception of Wayne, all the others above him have missed time to injuries. As to Royal, I don’t think Orton will hurt him like it will Marshall. I think if anything it helps him. Marshall is a big play guy, and Royal is like Welker, which is what Orton needs. Mark my words, Royal out performs Marshall this season. Likewise I think Schilens is the shit in Oaktown this season.

        • Chris Todish says:
          August 18, 2009 at 11:40 am

          I think you might be right about Royal and Marshall, Marshall has been a pain in the ass in Denver and Royal does have really good hands (also runs amazing routes). I will continue to praise Jennings though, he reminds me of Wayne and his situation is looking promising to post better totals. I think Marshall is better for dynasty leagues than for the ’09 season, the way things have went for that franchise this summer. What’s your opinion on Schilens totals? I think we should all take a stab at some bold fantasy predictions for Morgan, Schilens, E.Bennett and others that have a chance to make a name for themselves.

    • Chris Todish says:
      August 17, 2009 at 7:45 pm

      Sorry, I didn’t think my first response went through.

  4. Mike Sholty says:
    August 17, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Chaz Schilens (OAK) – Might be the biggest sleeper in the NFL this year…

    • Chris Todish says:
      August 17, 2009 at 7:59 pm

      I hope so, Jamarcus needs someone to catch passes in Oakland. I thought he looked good last year and should lead the Raiders in catches, yards and recieving TD’s this year (him or Zack Miller). Lets just hope Al Davis doesn’t pull a Jackie Moon and put himself in the lineup at WR, lucky his 40 time is nothing to brag about!