Risers
1. Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings season began with an injury and he never really found his stride over the course of the year. While he still managed over 1,100 receiving yards, his caught just 4 TDs. He’ll revert back to his normal self and top 10 TDs in 2010.
The Packers are loaded offensively, and Aaron Rodgers, one of the brightest QBs in the game, will look to his No. 1 deep threat early and often. Look for his return to a top 10 fantasy football receiver.
2. Calvin Johnson
There were two reasons for Megatron’s drop off in 2009: injuries and rookie QB Matt Stafford. Breaking in a rookie QB is never a positive for a fantasy receiver and Johnson’s numbers reflected it. Overall, he finished with just 124 fantasy points. Expect a 180 degree turnaround in 2010. Stafford’s game should improve in year two and his main strength, throwing the ball down the field, is where Calvin Johnson excels.
3. Santana Moss
On second thought, Moss is actually a nice fantasy sleeper prospect entering this season. He did about all one can do playing in a Jim Zorn offense with Jason Campbell as the QB, and finished with 98 fantasy points. Mike Shanahan is now running things in Washington.
His presence alone lends credibility to the offense and Donovan McNabb, who’s a substantial upgrade over Campbell, will target Moss a lot this season. He shouldn’t be drafted as anything more than a No. 2/high No. 3 in your fantasy draft, but his upside is intriguing.
Fallers
1. Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne proved his worth as a No. 1 in his first season without Marvin Harrison. He caught 100 passes for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs. The Colts inability to run the ball well helped his – and the passing game’s – overall stats.
This year, his outlook isn’t so promising. The Colts have already said they plan to commit more to the running game and have two former 1st rounders in their backfield, and they’re loaded at all skill positions. Wayne’s still a No. 1 and will be Peyton’s go-to guy, but a drop off in numbers should be expected.
2. Steve Smith (NYG)
The Giants found a replacement for Plaxico Burress as Steve Smith stepped up as the team’s No. 1. The 3rd year possession receiver caught 107 passes and finished with 158 fantasy points as Eli’s go-to guy. Things won’t pan out so nicely this year. While plenty of balls will still be thrown his way, both Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will figure prominently in the passing game throughout. Look for Smith to be a solid No. 2 receiver on fantasy football squads in 2010.
3. Chad Ochocinco
Ochocinco’s desire to win will come at a cost from a fantasy perspective. As Carson Palmer’s main receiving threat in 2009, he reeled in nine TDs and finished with 148 fantasy points. This year he has plenty of company at the offensive skill positions which will make the Bengals more lethal but affect his overall numbers. Expect his numbers to warrant no more than a No. 2 WR on fantasy rosters.
