1. Andre Johnson – Houston Texans – Bye Week 11
2010 Points: 164
2011 Projections: 105 receptions, 1500 yards, 9 TD’s
2011 Points: 204
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Very Low
Analysis:
Andre Johnson was a beast again last year, although he did let fantasy owners down in the playoffs, and should remain the #1 ranked fantasy WR. Andre Johnson is sometimes labelled injury prone but the truth is he has only missed 13 games in his 8 year career. He’s been remarkably consistent and there are no signs of him slowing down anytime soon.
2. Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants – Bye Week 7
2010 Points: 165
2011 Projections: 95 receptions, 1280 yards, 11 TD’s
2011 Points: 194
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Medium
Analysis:
Nicks is a stud and should put up monster numbers this year. The problem is, he’s a bit injury prone. He hasn’t played a full 16 games yet in his brief NFL career. It’s pretty concerning but last year he dominated while still missing 3 games. He’s the go to guy in that offense and with Steve Smith possibly missing some time, it just adds to Nicks’ value.
3. Miles Austin – Dallas Cowboys – Bye Week 5
2010 Points:Â 150
2011 Projections: 85 receptions, 1320 yards, 10 TD’s
2011 Points: 192
Injury Risk: Low
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
Austin’s numbers suffered last year as a result of Tony Romo’s injury. In his breakout year he could have easily reached over 100 catches if he started every game. That’s the potential we are talking about here. I don’t think he’ll get that high with the addition of Dez Bryant, but he’ll still put up great numbers.
4. Roddy White – Atlanta Falcons – Bye Week 8
2010 Points: 193
2011 Projections: 95 receptions, 1350 yards, 9 TD’s
2011 Points: 189
Injury Risk: Very Low
Bust Potential: Very Low
Analysis:
The addition of Julio Jones doesn’t really hurt Roddy’s value. He may take away some redzone looks but Roddy is still the man in Atlanta. The Falcons are probably going to stretch the field out more this year and Roddy’s average yard per catch should go back up to where it was for most of his career. He’s incredibly consistent though and won’t disappoint fantasy owners. Don’t let Julio Jones cloud your judgement.
5. Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions – Bye Week 7
2010 Points: 182
2011 Projections: 80 receptions, 1200 yards, 11 TD’s
2011 Points: 186
Injury Risk: Medium
Bust Potential: Low
Analysis:
If only Stafford can stay healthy. That’s really the only thing holding Calvin back. He’s played with sub-par QB’s his whole career and has still produced. The Lions offense figures to be more explosive this year. Titus Young should free up Calvin some more and if Stafford can stay healthy he can finally develop that good rapport with him. Calvin always seems to be banged up but he’s a warrior and has played through numerous injuries with no ill effects. The guy is a beast.
