Wide Open

The first ranking of 2010 receivers and why:

1. Andre Johnson – Houston Texans
Johnson is one of only two no-doubt receivers. He had 101 receptions for 1569 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Look for the same this year.

2. Randy Moss – New England Patriots
Moss is the other no-doubt receiver. Even with QB Tom Brady not at 100 percent, Moss still managed 83 receptions for 1264 yards and 13 TDs in ’09. Now it’s 2010, and Brady is back to normal, oh, and it’s Moss’ contract year…

3. Reggie Wayne – Indianapolis Colts
Wayne is the best receiver on a team that has Peyton Manning as its quarterback. That makes him a great selection. Last season, Wayne netted 100 receptions and 10 TDs. He may be getting a little older, but he can still run, and Manning can still find him open.

4. Miles Austin – Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo’s best friend is Miles Austin. The speedy wideout gained 1320 yards with 11 TDs in ’09, all of which were career highs for the New Jersey native. The ‘Boys appear to have another high octane offense, and there isn’t a reason to believe Romo won’t have Austin as his number-one target in 2010.

5. Greg Jennings – Green Bay Packers
Jennings only registered four touchdowns in 2009, which was his lowest total since his rookie season in 2006. He did, however, total 1120 yards and is still Aaron Rogers’ favorite option. Look for a nice comeback year from Jennings.

6. Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals
This far down for Larry Fitz? Yes and here’s why: a mix of no more Kurt Warner and the new starter is Matt Leinart. Let’s put it this way: Leinart is entering his fifth season in the NFL and has 3893 yards, 14 TDs and 20 INTs. Warner had 3753 yards, 26 TDs and 14 INTs in 2009 alone. Plus, the Cards no longer have Anquan Boldin lining up on the other side of the field, which means extra protection on Fitzgerald.

7. Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions
Johnson only caught five TDs last season, but had to do it without starter Matthew Stafford for almost a third of the season. Look for Johnson to be open more this year with the additions of Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler on the field, along with a healthy Brandon Pettigrew.

8. Brandon Marshall – Miami Dolphins
After an off-season trade, Marshall is ready for a new start in Miami. Even with the mediocre skills of Denver Broncos’ QB Kyle Orton, Marshall still managed to bring in 10 TDs. While the Dolphins don’t offer a Pro Bowl caliber QB yet, Chad Henne finished strong late last season. Keep an eye on this combination.

9. Marques Colston – New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees likes to throw the ball, and Colston is one of his favorite receivers. Marques caught 70 passes for 1074 yards and nine TDs in the Saints’ Super Bowl season. Look for Colston to continue his solid play this season.

10. Roddy White – Atlanta Falcons
White had to deal with the up-and-down play of QB Matt Ryan last season and still had 1153 yards and 11 TDs. If RB Michael Turner can get healthy again, the passing game will open up, and White can possibly top even those numbers.

11. DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles
If your league gives more points for receptions, you will want to wait on Jackson. He only caught 63 passes last season, but he did rake in 1167 yards and nine TDs. Keep in mind he is still getting used to new QB Kevin Kolb throwing to him and not Donovan McNabb.

12. Anquan Boldin – Baltimore Ravens
Boldin sprinted out of Arizona to his new home in Baltimore this offseason. No longer in the shadows of Larry Fitzgerald, will that prove to be beneficial to Boldin and his owners, or display possible flaws that were covered by the normal single coverage in the desert? Like Fitz, Boldin will no longer have the accuracy of Kurt Warner throwing to him to rely on.

13. Michael Crabtree – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are going to be competing for the division, and this guy is one of the main reasons. The stud of the ’09 class of receivers is entering his first full season starting with the ‘Niners and has something to prove. Look for Crabtree, Gore and Davis to give QB Alex Smith plenty of options out West.

14. Chad Ochocinco – Cincinnati Bengals
Ochocinco should have a nice year with T.O. joining him in black and orange. Teams can’t double him without risking Owens being wide open or Cedric Benson plenty of room to run. If Carson Palmer can stay healthy all season and regain some of his old magic, the Bengals could be a lot of fun to watch this year.

15. Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants
Like him or not, Eli Manning can throw the ball. He can also spread the ball around and hit different targets. Steve Smith will be closely watched by the defenses, so take a look at Manning’s other favorite target in Nicks. The second-year stud can be drafted a little later, so you will be getting excellent play and production out of a later-round pick.