* Players appearing in Thursday games are not included in this week’s WR rankings1. Randy Moss (NE) – In his last 2 games, Moss had 19 receptions for 273 yards and 5 TD’s. On the season, he has scored at least 1 TD in all but one game, totaling 16 in all. Moss is a super stud and a rock solid lock for your starting roster.
2. Andre Johnson (HOU) – He returned from an extensive knee injury last week and did not miss a beat. Johnson produced huge fantasy numbers in his first game since week 2, hauling in 6 passes for 120 yards and a score. In 3 starts this season, he has 20 receptions, 382 yards, and 4 TD’s. That is more than many WR’s do in a season. He is a must start against a horrible Browns pass defense.
3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (CIN) – With last week’s score, Houshmandzadeh now has 11 on the season, ranking him behind only Randy Moss (16) and T.O. (12). He has also scored at least 1 TD in 9 of 10 starts. He has yet to practice this week with a sore back, so check on his status before starting him against Tennessee.(Check injury report: back)
4. Braylon Edwards (CLE) – After 3 fairly tough match ups in a row, Edwards should put up star numbers once again versus Houston. While he only has 1TD in his last 3 games, he does have 6 in his last 5 games, and 10 TD’s total. Edwards should have little trouble with a very average Texans secondary that has allowed 13 TD’s on the season.
5. Torry Holt (STL) – Even with a bad knee, Holt is still one of the most dangerous WR’s in the NFL. In his last 3 starts, he has 21 catches for 289 yards and 2 TD’s. Holt will face the Seahawks 20th ranked pass defense in week 12, and caught 8 passes for 82 yards in a week 7 meeting with them. If there are no serious setbacks with his knee, Holt should have a big game at home against Seattle. (Check injury report: knee)
6. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – After 2 huge games in a row, accumulating 16 receptions for 167 yards and 3 TD’s, Fitzgerald is poised for a 3rd against San Francisco. While the 49er pass defense ranks a very respectable 9th in the league, they have allowed 14 passing TD’s on the season, which is not so respectable. There is no question that Fitzgerald is the go to guy in the Cards passing game, so do not hesitate to put him in your starting line up for week 12.
7. Marques Colston (NO) – After a lack luster beginning to the season, Colston has proven that he is no fluke. While he is not finding the end zone as often as fantasy owners would like, he is always a threat in that capacity, and has more than made up for it with staggering reception and yardage statistics. In Colston’s last 3 games alone, he is averaging 9 catches and 135 yards per game. He does not have a great track record against Carolina, but he is on fire right now, so start him while he is still hot.
8. D.J. Hackett (SEA) – After missing the first 8 weeks of the season, Hackett has been blistering opposing defenses for the last 3 weeks. During that span, he has 23 catches for 295 yards and 3 TD’s. At this point, he is obviously QB Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite target, and he should be targeted early and often in week 12 when the high powered Seahawk passing attack meets up with a mediocre Rams pass defense. He is a must start.
9. Wes Welker (NE) – He has proven to be a very consistent fantasy performer in recent weeks, and is always a threat to find pay dirt in the Pats high powered passing attack. Welker also adds value as a dangerous return specialist for those of you in leagues that account for return stats. He should provide solid numbers once again this week at home against the Eagles.
10. Joey Galloway (TB) – He only managed to haul in 2 passes last week, but as usual, this deep threat receiver made them count as he was able to score on a 44 yard strike from Garcia. Galloway will be looking to score a TD for the 4th straight game when the Bucs take on the Redskins and their 23rd ranked pass defense in week 12. The Washington pass defense was lit up by big ply WR Terrell Owens last week. While Galloway is no T.O., he is the go to guy for Tampa, and should be able to do some damage.
11. Hines Ward (PIT) – After a fairly poor week 11 showing, Ward should bounce back this week against Miami on Monday night. His chances for a great week 12 got much better this week with the news that fellow star WR Santonio Holmes will most likely be out for this week’s game. If Holmes is not available, which appears to be the case, Ward will become “Big Bens’ go to guy, and should have a big game.
12. Anquan Boldin (ARI) – Despite the fact that he is still battling a hip injury he suffered earlier in the season, Boldin is still one of the better fantasy options at his position. He pulled in 4 catches last week for 74 yards and a TD. This week he faces a pretty good pass defense in the 49ers who rank 9th in that category, but in 5 career starts against San Fran, Boldin has 4 TD’s, including 1 in an earlier meeting this season. We like his chances for another in week12.
13. Chad Johnson (CIN) – He continues to put up decent reception and yardage numbers on a consistent basis, but Ocho Cinco has not made an appearance in the end zone since week 2, and only has 3 TD’s on the season. While he can’t really be considered a complete bust this season, Johnson has been a big disappointment to fantasy owners. He will try to get on track against the Titans in week 12. At the very least, he should continue to post decent reception and yardage numbers.
14. Steve Smith (CAR) – Smith will return this week after sitting out week 11 with a shin injury. To this point, he has had a less than stellar season by his standards, and has not been highly recommended for fantasy play in recent weeks. Despite his recent shortcomings, he has played pretty well with Testaverde under center, and that appears to be the case for week 12. In addition, Smith has an extremely promising match up against the Saints 28th ranked pass defense. He has played brilliantly against the Saints throughout his career, and scored a TD against them in a week 5 meeting. If he is going to turn it around, this will be the week. He is a solid starting option for your roster.
15. Plaxico Burress (NYG) – The injury to his ankle has had an obvious effect on his ability to make plays. He has had 4 lack luster performances in a row, and shows a complete lack of being able to stretch the field which is typically his strong suit. Burress will be facing his best fantasy match up of the season this week when his Giants face the Vikings and their cellar dwelling pass defense, but if his ankle is not up to the task; the promising match up may go to the way side. If the ankle is better this week, he could have a monster game, but at this point, keep your expectations below par. (Check injury report: ankle)
16. Chris Henry (CIN) – In his 2 games back from suspension, Henry has posted very solid numbers, even surpassing those of fellow star WR Chad Johnson. Henry is on a roll, and there is no reason to believe that he won’t get it done again in week 12 against Tennessee. He should be in your starting line up.
17. Dwayne Bowe (KC) – Despite the potential stumbling block of a new QB, Bowe did not skip a beat last week with 7 catches for 64 yards and a TD. Since being shut out in week 9, he has posted 2 consecutive strong efforts. He faces a tough match up against the Raiders 6th ranked pass defense in week 12, but he did put up 83 yards against them in an earlier meeting, and he appears to have good chemistry with Brodie Croyle. Bowe remains a bit of a risk, but he is capable of a huge game, and you just may kick yourself if you don’t have him in your line up, so start him.
18. Deion Branch (SEA) – He had a mildly disappointing come back last week catching 4 passes for a lack luster 31 yards. The good news is that his ankle held up. Also good news, he plays in a pass heavy offense. The bad news is that Hasselbeck spreads the ball around a lot, and you never know for sure who will be the big beneficiary any week. That being said, we look for Branch to bounce back with a solid week 12 at St. Louis. In a 2006 meeting with the Rams, he had 95 total yards and 2 TD’s.
19. Lee Evans (BUF) – Evans was not spectacular last week with a 4 catch 40 yard performance against New England, but then again he was not expected to be. This week he will face a Jacksonville secondary that ranks a low 27th. Unfortunately, that number is a little misleading, and this secondary is better than their ranking suggests. In addition, Evans will likely be matched up against RaShean Mathis for much of the game, who is one of the league’s better cover corners. In spite of that, we still believe Evans will have a solid day, and is worth consideration for your starting roster.
20. Donte’ Stallworth (NE) – He has not produced overwhelming fantasy stats in recent weeks, but he is definitely capable. Stallworth is well overdue to find pay dirt, and he couldn’t pick a better week to do it than against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have a decent secondary, but they have yet to face a passing attack anywhere close to the caliber of the Patriots, and Stallworth should be a big part of that attack. We like his chances for a strong game.
21. Brandon Marshall (DEN) – He found the end zone for only the 3rd time this season last week against the Titans. He does not find the end zone often, but he puts up respectable numbers on a consistent basis, and a TD is just a bonus for fantasy owners. He has a favorable match up again this week against Chicago’s 22nd ranked pass defense. He may lose some touches if Javon Walker returns from injury as anticipated, but then again, Walker’s return may take the heat off of Marshall. This week will say a lot for both players. Until then, consider Marshall a decent start as the go to guy for at least 1 more week.
22. Bernard Berrian (CHI) – He does not have “big games” on a consistent basis, but he has had a solid season. The return of Rex Grossman also seems to have had a positive effect, as Berrian pulled in 9 passes for 102 yards last week. In week 12, he will face a Denver secondary that looks great on paper, but they have struggled in recent weeks, even top flight corners Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly have been giving up a lot of big plays of late. You can’t consider Berrian a lock, but we like his chances. (Check injury report: toe)
23. Bobby Engram (SEA) – He is not the most consistent receiver out there, but he does produce on some level every week. He is now considered the #3 WR in the Seahawks arsenal, but in a pass heavy attack such as Seattle’s, Engram is still targeted often. He is also a threat to find the end zone any week, but then again, so are the 4 other receivers Hasselbeck uses on a regular basis. Engram had 6 catches for 73 yards in an earlier meeting with the Rams. He does not have great fantasy appeal this week, but he will be a decent fit for most fantasy line ups.
24. Chris Chambers (SD) – Since he arrived in San Diego, the Chargers offense has not played very well, and Chambers numbers, while still respectable, have suffered a bit. He did have a solid week 11, and despite the struggles of QB Phillip Rivers, he does seem to target Chambers on a regular basis. He probably won’t have a monster game, but he should, again, put up respectable numbers against a beat up Baltimore secondary that has struggled in recent weeks.
25. Derrick Mason (BAL) – After a pair of fairly disappointing weeks, Mason bounced back with a solid week 11 performance. He is not a strong contender for the end zone any week, but he provides solid reception and yardage numbers on a fairly consistent basis. Expect more of the same against San Diego’s 25th ranked pass defense.
26. Santana Moss (WAS) – Moss finally decided to grace fantasy owners with his presence in week 11, accumulating 9 catches for 121 yards and a TD, top flight numbers for any receiver. Unfortunately, only 2 or 3 hardcore Skins fans probably had him starting. Before missing week 10 with a heel injury, Moss was starting to show signs of turning things around, but last week’s huge game, served as a reminder that he still has the tools to play on a high level. It may have very well been a fluke, but that kind of production bodes well for the rest of the season. He is, no doubt, a risk against a tough Bucs secondary, but the pay off could be big after a nice confidence and momentum builder. (Check injury report: heel)
27. Isaac Bruce (STL) – He has not wowed fantasy owners with his recent production, but he has shown impressive consistency in posting decent weekly stat lines. Bruce should provide fantasy owners with another decent effort this week at the very least. He faces a Seattle pass defense that ranks 20th, and while you can not expect overwhelming production, he could be a nice fit on most fantasy rosters.
28. Ronald Curry (OAK) – He is obviously a more productive fantasy receiver with Culpepper running the show, as is evident in his stat line. Curry had 120 receiving yards last week, after several sub par performances with McCown calling the signals. That being said, Curry’s numbers are capable of taking a nose dive any week, no matter who is taking the snaps. He is capable, but risky this week against a decent Kansas City secondary.
29. Javon Walker (DEN) – He has fully participated in practice this week, and is listed as probable for this week’s game against the Bears. It would be his first game back since going down with a knee injury in week 3. Before the injury, Walker was off to a great start, posting at least 100 yards in each of his first 2 games. While Walker says his knee is game ready, he also admits that it is not at 100%. For this reason, Walker may only be given limited reps. If he plays the entire game he could do some real damage against a mediocre Bears secondary. The Broncos have not released any details on the amount they expect him to play as of yet. While you are probably better served just watching his progress this week, Walker could well be worth the risk for those of you who have little to lose and a lot to gain. Keep expectations low this week, but do not be surprised if he comes up big. (Check injury report: knee)
30. Kevin Curtis (PHI) – While Curtis has provided fantasy owners with a couple of monster games this season, he has been a mild disappointment overall, especially if you take into account the hype surrounding him heading into the season. He should be targeted fairly often this week, but he faces a very tough New England secondary, so keep expectations low.
31. Justin Gage (TEN) – He is quickly turning into a favorite target for Vince Young, and he is gaining fantasy value each passing week. In his last 2 games, Gage has totaled 13 catches for 156 yards and a TD. The bad news is that Vince Young and the Titans offense is fairly inconsistent and unpredictable. The good news is that he is hot, and has a very favorable match up this week against a horrible Bengals pass defense. If the Titans come out throwing, like they have the last 2 games, Gage stands to have another productive afternoon.
32. Brandon Stokley (DEN) – Stokley has had a pretty good run as a starting WR for the Broncos, even scoring the occasional TD. With the likely return of Javon Walker this week, Stokley will go back to the slot and become the #3 guy once again. While he should continue to produce on some level, you should probably expect to see his numbers suffer a bit. He has a good match up this week, but he is kind of in wait and see mode.
33. Joe Jurevicius (CLE) –. Jurevicius was an early season waiver wire favorite based on his ability to find the end zone, but now his fantasy value is based more on receptions and yardage. Unfortunately, TD’s are more important in the fantasy world, so his value is somewhat limited, but he has shown good consistency, and that certainly has its place in the fantasy world as well. He has a pretty good match up against Houston this week, and he has become more involved in the offense outside of the red zone, but do not expect much more than his usual.
34. Arnaz Battle (SF) – He has really been the lone bright spot in a terrible 49er passing game, and that still isn’t saying much. Battle has put up fairly respectable numbers in the last few weeks, but he has not scored a TD since week 7. He faces a pretty good Arizona secondary this week, but he did have 5 catches for 60 yards and a rushing TD against them in an earlier meeting.
35. Amani Toomer (NYG) – He has done little to write home about for most of the season, but considering he faces the league’s worst pass defense in week 12, and Plaxico Burress is still nursing a bad ankle; he may have some sleeper value. If you desperately need a receiver this week, Toomer might be a good guy to look to, but his potential is based mostly on the favorable match up against the Vikings.
36. Nate Washington (PIT) – He has had already had 1 big fantasy outing this season, and with Santonio Holmes expected to miss Monday nights game against the Dolphins, a 2nd is a possibility. At the very least, Washington should see his targets increase dramatically. The potential is certainly there, but do not get too excited about putting him in your starting line up, he is still a bit of a long shot.
37. Drew Bennett (STL) – He has a favorable match up against Seattle’s 20th ranked pass defense, and he has the tools to have a solid game, but he is very risky. Consider him a desperation starter for week 12.
38. Ike Hilliard (TB) – He has had his moments this season, but he is coming off of a poor 1 catch performance, and shows a lack of reliability. Also, Hilliard has only 1 TD on the season, so he really only has value in reception heavy leagues. He is capable of a nice game, but not highly recommended for your starting roster.
39. Muhsin Muhammad (CHI) – Muhammad is not likely to produce stud numbers any week, in fact, there is a small chance he could produce nothing at all, but he has posted fair numbers over the last couple of games, and he has the potential for more. Muhammad is not a safe start against Denver this week, but he is capable.
40. Reggie Brown (PHI) – After a pretty solid 5 week run of success, Brown suffered a set back in week 11. You can probably attribute the bad game to McNabb leaving early with an injury. If McNabb is healthy enough to play, Brown should restore some of his fantasy value, but do not count on much against a defense as polished as New England’s. If Feeley starts in place of McNabb, Brown has little value.
41. Kevin Walter (HOU) – He was able to provide fantasy owners with several nice games this season, including 2 that could be considered huge. Unfortunately, his value dropped significantly with the return of Andre Johnson. While he retains some fantasy appeal, and has a great match up against Cleveland’s 31st ranked pass defense, Walter is probably no better than an emergency fill in for your line up.
42. Drew Carter (CAR) – Carter is coming off of a huge game last week catching 5 passes for 132 yards and a TD. It was his second TD game in 3 weeks. He also has a promising match up against the Saints 28th ranked pass defense. He has played well in recent weeks, especially with Testaverde taking the snaps, but he is still pretty unreliable, and with Steve Smith returning this week, his chances for a repeat of last week are slim to none.
43. Antwaan Randle El (WAS) – On a positive note, he produces fair reception and yardage numbers almost every week. Unfortunately, he has yet to score even 1 TD this season, and that is the money maker in fantasy football. If you want a guy who will almost definitely get you a few points this week, then he is your man, but if you have high expectations, he is probably not for you. (Check injury report: chest)
44. Mark Clayton (BAL) – He showed great promise in week 10 after an otherwise disappointing season, but he could not back it up in week 11 with another big let down. He does not come highly recommended, but keep expectations low if you decide to start Clayton against San Diego.
45. Ted Ginn (MIA) – Ginn could make for a nice sneaky start in week 12, especially for those of you in leagues that account for return yardage. He had a very solid week 11, and was new QB John Beck’s go to guy. Ginn had 4 catches for 52 yards and an 89 yard punt return for a TD. If Beck continues to target him, he may be worth a look.
46. Reggie Williams (JAC) – He has proven that he has the potential for a big game any week, but he has been all or nothing for the better part of the season. Williams has a favorable week 12 match up against Buffalo’s 29th ranked pass defense, but he is a big gamble for your roster, and not highly recommended.
47. Keenan McCardell (WAS) – The aging McCardell has proven he still has a little left in the tank by posting decent numbers for 2 consecutive weeks now. He faces a tough Tampa secondary in week 12, and he is the teams #3 option at receiver, so while he has shown promise recently, do not expect much.
48. Brandon Jones (TEN) – You can not expect a great deal from him based on his stats to this point, but in all fairness, he is just now completely healthy after being injured, and he is coming off a TD last week. Jones is a bit of a stretch for your starting roster, but he is capable of making big plays down field, and has a favorable match up against the Bengals.
49. Jerry Porter (OAK) – He has had a couple of bright spots in his ’07 campaign, but for the most part, he is barely worth consideration unless you are in a tight spot.
50. David Patten (NO) – He has produced some solid games here and there, but has not proven to be reliable enough to be considered a good starting option. Roll the dice at your own risk.
* Other WR’s for consideration in week 12 include (in ranked order): Santonio Holmes (PIT) – (check injury report: unlikely to play with an ankle sprain), Nate Burleson (SEA), Roydell Williams (TEN), Dennis Northcutt (JAC), Andre Davis (HOU), Cedric Wilson (PIT), Kerry Colbert (CAR), Bobby Wade (MIN), Eddie Kennison (KC), Roscoe Parrish (BUF),Vincent Jackson (SD), Willie Reid (PIT), Marty Booker (MIA), Devery Henderson (NO), Darrell Jackson (SF), Joshua Cribbs (CLE) - return specialist, and Lance Moore (NO),
