These 2012 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2012 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2012 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 2):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-95
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Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens. Bye: 8.
Anquan Boldin struggled in 2011, catching 57 balls for 887 yards and just three touchdowns. He looked done for most of the year, but had a shocking two-game playoff stretch in which he hauled in 10 passes for 174 yards and a score. a sign of things to come? Maybe. But probably not. Boldin will be 32 in October and doesn’t have the same type of explosion.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 63 catches. 830 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 125.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 188.
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Lance Moore, WR, Saints. Bye: 6.
Lance Moore isn’t a particularly talented receiver, but there’s no denying that Drew Brees loves targeting him in the end zone. Moore has eight touchdowns or more in the past three seasons (excluding 2009 because he missed most of that year). Unfortunately, like most Saint players, Moore’s production could be down because of Bountygate.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 70 catches. 830 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 125.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 195.
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Austin Collie, WR, Colts. Bye: 4. 
AUG. 28 UPDATE: Austin Collie suffered a concussion a week ago and consequently has seen his ADP drop into the middle of the 12th round. However, Collie’s concussion apparently wasn’t too bad and it looks like he’ll be able to suit up Week 1. He’s worth a shot in Rounds 11 or 12, given that Andrew Luck prefers throwing to him over anyone else.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Austin Collie hauled in a 19-yard reception at Pittsburgh, but then was hit in the head and dropped the ball. He then went into the locker room to be tested for a concussion. If he has another concussion, his season (and maybe even his career) could be over.
Austin Collie was Andrew Luck’s favorite target in the preseason opener, as he was thrown to more times (4) than any other Colt. Collie caught three of those balls for 45 yards and a touchdown. With Luck looking awesome, Collie is now very relevant in fantasy again.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 72 catches. 810 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 123.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 187.
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Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 5.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Mike Williams really looks like he could have a bounce-back season. Josh Freeman seems way more comfortable throwing to his familiar target. Williams caught a 2-yard touchdown versus the Titans.
AUG. 11 UPDATE: The Buccaneers were partying in the preseason opener like it was 2010. In addition to LeGarrette Blount running really well, Mike Williams also appeared in shape. Williams saw two targets compared to Vincent Jackson’s zero. He caught one of them, an 18-yarder in which he avoided the arms of the pathetic Sean Smith.
We reported that Mike Williams slacked off in 2011. He didn’t care about being in shape and often fell asleep in team meetings. Of course, you just had to watch him play to know that; he couldn’t get any sort of separation. Williams clearly doesn’t take football seriously, so I would not buy him as a bounce-back candidate.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 64 catches. 810 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 123.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 187.
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Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 7.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: I liked Jonathan Baldwin earlier in the summer. He had an outstanding training camp, but hadn’t lived up to it in two preseason contests. That changed against Seattle, as Baldwin was targeted nine times. He caught six passes for 37 yards and also drew two pass-interference flags. He’s worth a late-round flier.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Matt Cassel has not looked like he’s clicked with Jonathan Baldwin through two preseason games. Baldwin saw three targets from Cassel against the Rams, catching only one for seven yards. Making matters worse, he lost a fumble after making that reception. With Dwayne Bowe back and Dexter McCluster getting lots of targets, Baldwin’s fantasy value has diminished a bit.
AUG. 1 UPDATE: Jonathan Baldwin has been taking full advantage of Dwayne Bowe’s holdout. He’s had a great training camp thus far and is poised to have a solid second season.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Jonathan Baldwin had a breakout year in 2012. With Dwayne Bowe holding out, the talented, second-year receiver will get extra reps in practice. Baldwin has worked really hard this offseason, reportedly studying the playbook and watching as much film as possible. Baldwin’s talent has never been in question. If he gets it mentally, he could flirt with fantasy-WR2 status this season.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 63 catches. 860 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 122.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 185.
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Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears. Bye: 6. 
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery was targeted once by Jay Cutler, which turned out to be a 16-yard reception. He was tackled at the 1-yard line, so it’s a shame it wasn’t a 17-yarder. Jeffery went on to do most of his damage with Jason Campbell, finishing with three catches for a team-high 62 yards. Jeffery is really impressive physically, and it’s beginning to look like he’s starting to get it. He could be a decent producer in the second half of the season.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery had a really good debut. Playing with the second-string offense, he caught four balls for 35 yards. He also drew a pass-interference penalty. He should be able to break into the starting lineup sometime soon.
Alshon Jeffery would have been a first-round pick if it weren’t for work-ethic concerns. He has the quarterback to make him a solid fantasy receiver, though I wouldn’t expect much until 2013.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 800 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 170.
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Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 11.
AUG. 8 UPDATE: Surprise, surprise. Many are now speculating that Sidney Rice won’t be ready for the regular season because of shoulder surgery. That would also explain why the Seahawks were so desperate to sign Terrell Owens.
I hated Sidney Rice last year. My reasoning: “Rice is a one-year wonder chasing money with absolutely no quarterback to work with in Seattle. I don’t know what he was thinking when he signed with the Seahawks. He’s not a starting-caliber fantasy player right now.” The only difference now is that Matt Flynn is an upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson. Unfortunately, Rice is still injury-prone, so it would be difficult to count on hm as a starting fantasy wideout.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 850 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 115.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 171.
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Lestar Jean, WR, Texans. Bye: 8.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Lestar Jean looks like a stud. The young wideout saw three targets from Matt Schaub against the 49ers, finishing with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, though he dropped a ball from T.J. Yates in the middle of the third quarter. Schaub acknowledged him later in an interview, telling the reporter that Jean is “going to be a big player for us.” Jean is definitely worth taking in the final round as a high-upside flier.
Lestar Jean has been the talk of the Houston OTAs. He’s been extremely impressive, both mentally and physically. He’s learned every position, and the Texans apparently believe that he can unseat Kevin Walter as the No. 2 wideout. Receivers coach Larry Kirksey went on to compare Jean to Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens. It’s worth noting that all three happened to go to smaller schools. Draft Jean in the late rounds as a sleeper.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 800 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 110 (115).
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 164 (169).
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Rod Streater, WR, Raiders. Bye: 5. 
AUG. 26 UPDATE: It’s time to really take this Rod Streater thing seriously. Streater once again led all Raider receivers in targets with seven, finishing with five catches for 56 yards against the Lions. He should have had an even better night, but Carson Palmer missed him on a couple of passes that would have given him about 40 more yards. The Raider play-by-play guy addressed Streater twice: “It’s quite obvious the Raiders are gameplanning for Rod Streater to be a part of their offense.” And then: “This guy’s going to be a chain-mover. It’s obvious they’re going to look for him on third downs this year.” Streater absolutely has to be considered as a late-round sleeper at this point.
Rookie receiver Rod Streater led the Raiders with a whopping 10 targets against the Cardinals, two of which were in the end zone. Streater came up with seven balls for 43 yards. He dropped a touchdown, but played pretty well otherwise. He may not be much a factor this year once Denarius Moore returns from his injury, but he’s someone worth monitoring in the event that one of the starting wideouts gets hurt.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 830 total yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 113.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 180.
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Robert Meachem, WR, Chargers. Bye: 7. 
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Another quiet outing by Robert Meachem. He saw two targets in one half of action versus Dallas. He caught one for seven yards. The other was underthrown in his direction, which resulted in an interception. Philip Rivers and Meachem just haven’t been on the same page all summer. Meachem is someone to avoid in your fantasy draft.
AUG. 7 UPDATE: Reports out of Chargers’ camp indicate that Robert Meachem has not been clicking with Philip Rivers. We’ll see how this plays out in the preseason, but this should not be a shock to anyone. Meachem flopped in New Orleans and he’ll likely continue to disappoint on his new team.
Robert Meachem never lived up to being a first-round pick in New Orleans. Contrarian belief will tell you that he was never utilized properly in New Orleans, but Meachem quite simply is an underachiever. There’s no reason that will change, especially now that he has $14 million guaranteed in his back pocket.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 49 catches. 760 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 112.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 161.
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David Nelson, WR, Bills. Bye: 8.
David Nelson was frustrating to own last year. He’d have some great games, but disappear the following week. He finished with 61 receptions for 658 yards and five scores. Expect slightly better numbers from Nelson in his third season if Ryan Fitzpatrick can stay healthy.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 66 catches. 760 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 112.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 178.
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Mario Manningham, WR, 49ers. Bye: 9.
Mario Manningham was a cheap signing for the 49ers, so he didn’t exactly chase the money like some other free agents. However, he’ll be in a new offense catching passes from a far inferior quarterback. It makes you wonder why he didn’t just re-sign with the Giants.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 60 catches. 810 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 111.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 171.
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James Jones, WR, Packers. Bye: 10. 
James Jones is the third receiver on the Packers, but he’s worth starting as a flex/WR3 each week because of his touchdown potential. He’s scored 17 times in the past three seasons as part of Green Bay’s high-octane offense. He’ll get even more targets this year with Donald Driver fading away.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 740 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 110.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 158.
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Devery Henderson, WR, Saints. Bye: 6.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: I said it before, but I think Devery Henderson is a nice late-round flier. Henderson has always produced well when one of the other receivers was out, and Robert Meachem, of course, is gone. Henderson had more targets from Drew Brees (4) than any other Saint versus the Jaguars. He hauled in all four balls for 31 yards and a touchdown.
I’ll give my friend and forum member Body Burner credit for talking me into this one. Devery Henderson has proven that he can produce when he’s on the field for an ample amount of time. He did this during the first three weeks of the 2011 season when either Marques Colston or Lance Moore was out of the lineup, catching 12 balls for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Robert Meachem is gone, so Henderson no longer has to rotate with him. He has the potential of posting WR3/4 numbers this season, so he makes for a quality late-round pick.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 52 catches. 790 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 109.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 161.
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Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. Bye: 10.
AUG. 17 UPDATE: With Greg Jennings out against the Browns, Randall Cobb had a chance to prove himself offensively to the coaching staff. Unfortunately, Cobb fumbled on his first catch in the opening quarter. That was the only time Aaron Rodgers targeted him.
JULY 31 UPDATE: Randall Cobb has been the most impressive Packer receiver at training camp thus far, per reports. And that includes Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Cobb is fourth in the Rodgers’ target pecking order, but he’s so talented that he almost has to become a big part of the offense soon.
Randall Cobb is a very talented player who will be featured more frequently in Green Bay’s offense in his second season. The problem is that he’s behind Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley in the pecking order.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 730 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 103 (108).
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 151 (156).
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Steve Smith, WR, Rams. Bye: 9. 
AUG. 13 UPDATE: Steve Smith could be a nice PPR option late in the draft. He saw more targets from Sam Bradford in the preseason opener than any other Ram (3). He caught two of them for 14 yards.
Someone has to catch passes from Sam Bradford. Brian Quick seems to be the consensus choice, but he’s playing behind fellow rookie Chris Givens. Meanwhile, numerous reports have Steve Smith emerging as the lead target. Steve Smith? It seems crazy, but I can buy into it. He had no chance of producing last season because he was coming off a nasty knee injury. He’s now two years removed from it though, so he could be back to his old self.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 770 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 101.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 168.
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Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets. Bye: 9.
AUG. 16 UPDATE: Surprise, surprise, Santonio Holmes has suffered yet another injury. This time it’s his back. Holmes reported to OTAs and training camp out of shape and is getting banged up because of it. Stay away from him in your fantasy draft.
AUG. 3 UPDATE: Despite being uninjured, Santonio Holmes sat out one of the recent training camp practices, claiming to be sore. This wouldn’t normally be a big deal, but he’s done similar things in OTAs, and he already has been guilty of being a terrible locker room presence. The Jets should cut him to improve team morale. As for fantasy, just stay away from him.
JUNE 10 UPDATE: As Emmitt Smith once said, “you can’t change the stripes of a leopard.” Santonio Holmes had what ESPN New York called a “mini-meltdown” in Thursday’s practice, walking off the field because he didn’t like how hard the coaches were pushing him. He then yelled at the receivers coach. Holmes is a bum; all of this talk about working harder this offseason was a farce. Avoid him until further notice.
Santonio Holmes caught eight touchdowns in 2011, but had an otherwise miserable campaign. With Mark Sanchez regressing and Rex Ryan promising to go back to the “Ground and Pound” offense, there’s no reason to think that Holmes will rebound in 2012.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 710 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 101.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 155.
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Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 10.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Michael Floyd didn’t catch a single pass in his second preseason game. He was targeted just once, dropping a ball from Ryan Lindley. It’s a concern that he hasn’t gotten anywhere close to the starting lineup yet.
AUG. 6 UPDATE: Michael Floyd made a really nice 15-yard reception in the Hall of Fame Game, but caught that from third-stringer Richard Bartel. He did nothing else, and he was clearly playing behind Andre Roberts. Floyd will pass Roberts eventually, but that may not happen until the middle of the season. Don’t draft him as a fantasy sleeper.
JULY 24 UPDATE: It appears as though Michael Floyd may not open up as Arizona’s starter across from Larry Fitzgerald in Week 1. Multiple reports cite that he’s had work ethic-related issues, and that he’s expected to be the fourth receiver when training camp commences.
Michael Floyd will benefit from opposing defenses paying lots of attention to Larry Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, Arizona’s quarterbacking situation is pretty dubious, so Floyd won’t produce much this year.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 44 catches. 710 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 101.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 145.
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Danny Amendola, WR, Rams. Bye: 9. 
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Rams’ color analyst Marshall Faulk said it best: “Someone alert the NFC West and tell them that Sam Bradford has his blanky back!” Faulk was referring to Danny Amendola, Bradford’s favorite target. Amendola saw three balls go his away against the Rams (tied for a team-high from Bradford), catching all of them for 58 yards and a touchdown. Amendola has PPR upside and is worth a look in the final rounds.
Danny Amendola caught 85 balls in 2011, but missed all but one game in 2012 because of a triceps injury. Sam Bradford will love having his favorite target back. He’ll continue to target Amendola more than any other receiver. This makes Amendola somewhat appealing in PPR formats.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 82 catches. 760 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 100.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 182.
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Dexter McCluster, WR/RB, Chiefs. Bye: 7.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: I mentioned Dexter McCluster last week as a possible PPR flex option. I’m going to bring him up once again because he led the Chiefs with 10 targets versus the Seahawks. McCluster, who caught seven balls for 61 yards and a touchdown, is finally being utilized correctly in the slot. Matt Cassel loves throwing to him, so make sure you get McCluster in the final couple of rounds in your PPR league.
It’s really nice to see that Dexter McCluster is finally being utilized correctly. Stationed in the slot during the preseason opener, McCluster caught three balls for 45 yards. He was his explosive self, breaking big gains after catching the football. He could be worth drafting as a reserve, especially in a PPR league.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Stats: 68 catches. 690 rec. yards. 60 rush. yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2012 Fantasy Points: 99.
Projected 2012 PPR Fantasy Points: 167.
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 2):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-95
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More 2012 Fantasy Football Articles:
2012 Fantasy Football: Home
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Downloadable Spreadsheets - 9/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Auction Values - 7/28 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Re-Draft) - 5/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Dynasty) - 5/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings - 1/2 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Rankings - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Injury Reports - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 17 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/27 (Walt)
Week 16 Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em - 12/20 (Walt)
WalterFootball.com $1,000 Contest on FanDuel.com - 11/4
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Traditional Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: PPR Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Touchdown Scoring - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: 2-QB Format - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Traditional Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: PPR Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Touchdown Scoring PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: 2-QB Format PRINTABLE - 9/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2012 Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/23 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/16 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum 2-QB PPR Mock Draft - 8/9 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Auction Mock Draft - 8/2 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 7/27 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum 2-QB Mock Draft - 7/17 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Standard 14-Team Mock Draft - 7/12 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 7/6 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Touchdown-Format Mock Draft - 7/4 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Standard Mock Draft - 7/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum PPR Mock Draft - 6/22 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Forum Mock Draft - 6/14 (Walt)
The Four-Man PPR Fantasy Mock Draft - 5/18 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Articles:
2012 Fantasy Football Stock: Training Camp, OTAs - 9/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Targets - 8/31 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: 20 Sleepers - 8/28 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: Round-by-Round Strategy - 8/21 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Busts - 6/5 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Sleepers (Early-Middle Rounds) - 6/5 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football All-Value Team - 5/26 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Quarterbacks - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Wide Receivers - 5/8 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Quarterbacks, Tight Ends - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Wide Receivers - 4/3 (Walt)
2012 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/17 (Walt)
Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/17 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Oct. 30
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 30
NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 28
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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