Fantasy football drafts will kick off in full stride starting August 23rd and will continue through Labor Day Weekend. The wide receiver position in fantasy football has now elevated to a level that is almost equal to running backs in some situations. Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans is now a top ten overall pick in most fantasy football leagues. The following NFL wide receivers are the top 20 to be chosen in the upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Andre Johnson Houston Texans
Andre Johnson and his Houston Texans quarterback, Matt Schaub are a lethal combination. The two could set records in the 2010 NFL season and Johnson's fantasy football numbers should continue to dominate.
Randy Moss New England Patriots
Remember when Randy Moss and Tom Brady were the best combination in the NFL and scored outrageous fantasy football points? Watch out for a reincarnation of one the most potent NFL offenses ever to play in the NFL. Moss will score up to 16 touchdowns for fantasy football owners lucky enough to grab him.
Larry Fitzgerald Arizona Cardinals
With Matt Leinert lining up under center, Larry Fitzgerald's value has dropped in fantasy football drafts. The speculation is unwarranted and anyone lucky enough to have Larry Fitzgerald will be rewarded with top five fantasy football points at the wide receiver position.
Reggie Wayne Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne is yet another wide receiver being downgraded in fantasy football drafts prematurely. The emergence of Anthony Gonzalez after an injury will not affect Reggie Wayne's receptions. In fact Wayne's catches may increase with less attention on his side of the field.
Greg Jennings Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers loves to find Greg Jennings crossing the field or streaking to the end zone. Jennings is under rated in most fantasy football drafts this season and he will produce big time fantasy numbers this year.
Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford, the quarterback of the Detroit Lions will rely on his number one receiver this season to help him adjust in his second NFL season. Calvin Johnson will rack up some impressive fantasy football numbers in his second year.
Steve Smith Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith may have a few extra pounds of metal in his arm to start the season but that won't slow him down. Smith worked well with Matt Moore the Panthers QB, last season and he can still juke and fake the best defensive backs in the game. Fantasy football numbers will be solid also.
Miles Austin Dallas Cowboys
Although Miles Austin makes the top ten of this list, the Dallas Cowboys receiver will see a dramatic drop in receptions over last year. Dez Bryant and believe it or not, Roy Williams will see more balls in their direction, making Austin a weak fantasy football pick.
Brandon Marshall Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins wide receiver, Brandon Marshall is a great route runner and he can rack up big fantasy football numbers in big games. He will face Derrelle Revis twice this year and that could shut him down. Then again if Revis doesn't show this year, Marshall could light up the Jets too.
DeSean Jackson Philadelphia Eagles
For fantasy football owners that play in leagues that value returners and use the their special teams stats, move DeSean Jackson up the ladder.
Anquan Boldin Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are excited about their acquisition of Anquan Boldin and they feel Boldin can help Joe Flacco raise his game to another level.
Roddy White Atlanta Falcons
Roddy White will get more receptions now that Michael Jenkins is hurt. Fantasy football owners are currently drafted White higher than he was ranked in the off season.
Marques Colston New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees and Marques Colston are a good combination for the New Orleans Saints but Colston is still an inconsistent fantasy football pick.
Sidney Rice Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre and Sidney Rice were a potent combination and Rice was a decent number two fantasy football receiver. A cause for concern is Rice's hip injury that has limited his time in practice.
Dez Bryant Dallas Cowboys
A high ankle sprain is Dez Bryant's issue that could cause him problems all season long. Bryant could a third receiver choice on most fantasy football rosters.
Anthony Gonzalez Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning and Anthony Gonzalez are working on the side extra every day to get their timing down. Gonzalez is a fantasy football sleeper .
Dwayne Bowe Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy football owners loved Dwayne Bowe before the last few drafts and by mid season, most had dropped him. Bowe is a good late pick up.
Hines Ward Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward may be old but he is a solid fantasy football wide receiver.
Michael Crabtree San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree could be a monster of a fantasy football wide receiver but his quarterback is pathetic. Take Crabtree late and hope he can make progress despite his quarterback handicap.
Chaz Shillens Oakland Raiders
Chaz Shillens is a fantasy football gamble but in this spot a gamble can be fixed with a great free agent pick up.
Todd Jacobs - Todd Jacobs is a freelance writer with publishing credits including USA Today, Orange County Register and Speed TV.
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