Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) prepares to catch a pass before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders. Source: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

The fantasy football season is almost underway and wives across the country are already getting sick of constant fantasy football chatter.  Some teams have drafted, while others still have yet to draft.  To help you this fantasy football season, here are my complete wide receiver rankings for the upcoming season:

1. Calvin Johnson, DET – “Megatron” has completely transformed the wide receiver position in fantasy football.  Johnson’s 15-touchdown performance was utterly dominating from the wide receiver position.   Johnson has become the ultimate red-zone receiver, due to his combination of raw speed and size (6-5 236).  The Lions are completely dedicated to throwing to Johnson 20 times a game, something that fantasy owners always like to see.  Johnson may not repeat his 15 touchdowns and nearly 1,700-yard performance from 2011, but he will still be the top wideout in all of fantasy in 2012.

2. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the game at catching the ball at its highest point, as he seemingly snatches the ball out of the air.  Fitzgerald is averaging a very impressive 9.13 touchdowns per season throughout his career, but was obviously at his best with future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner throwing him the ball.  He has very long arms and could be the perfect red-zone target, but only if the Cardinals can figure out who will be throwing him the ball.   Fitzgerald is still an elite receiver and a bonafide number one fantasy option, but he could be so much better with a capable NFL quarterback.  Expect around 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns from “Fitz” in 2011, but the potential is there for so much more.

3.  Wes Welker, NE – Welker has become the poster child for 100-plus-reception seasons over the last couple years.  Over his last five seasons, Welker has averaged 1,051 yards and a league-leading 110.8 receptions per season.  He is the ultimate weapon out of the slot and quarterback Tom Brady has complete faith in Welker, even if Brady’s supermodel wife does not agree.  Welker knows how to read a defense and is perfect at finding a spot to sit in the zone.  Welker is an amazing number one wideout, because he continues to do it year after year.

4. Andre Johnson, HOU – Johnson is not the guaranteed top-tier fantasy receiver that he was a couple seasons ago.  He has missed 12 games over the last two years and is still not 100% healthy following lingering hamstring injuries.  However, when healthy, Johnson is hands down one of the best in the game.  He can rack up yardage in bunches, evident by his 79.15 yards per game through his career.   Johnson may not be the guaranteed number one wideout, but he is still an elite receiving option.  He will likely fall into the second round this year, but if he remains healthy he could be the steal of the middle rounds.

5. Roddy White, ATL – White is the most underrated wide receiver every fantasy season, which is ironic because all he does is fill the stat sheet.  White has hauled in 215 passes for an insane 2,685 passes over his last two seasons, including at least 83 receptions and 1,200 yards for the last five seasons.  He is as consistent as it gets from the receiver position and has not missed a game in his entire seven-year career.

6. Greg Jennings, GB – With Jordy Nelson hauling in a ridiculous 15 touchdowns in 2011, Jennings is being somewhat disregarded in the first couple rounds this fantasy season.  However, Jennings is the number one option for MVP quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and with that title, comes more red-zone looks then a wide receiver can handle.   Jennings’ 2011 season was cut short by a torn MCL, and he has had some concussion problems this off-season, but the fact remains that Jennings is one of the elite receivers in the entire game.

7.  Julio Jones, ATL – Jones has more pre-season hype than any other player in the entire league, as he has completely skyrocketed up the draft board this off-season.  Jones is a very physical wide out downfield, and combines it with the speed to outrun most corners in the game.   However, the youngster is still the number two option on the team and is a little raw in his route running.  With that being said, Jones is the next elite receiver, but fantasy fans have to realize that Jones still has a couple things to work on before he is in the same league as Calvin Johnson.  He will be a great wideout in 2012 and will easily have a career season, but do not let his hype cause him to be drafted ahead of the aforementioned “Megatron” and Jennings.

8. Dez Bryant, DAL – Bryant may be a bit of a headache for fantasy owners just as much as owner Jerry Jones.  However, the Cowboys’ receiver is a true star in the making.  The 23-year old has improved in each season and his 9 touchdown receptions last season was tied for ninth best in the NFL.  Bryant is back from his knee tendonitis issues and will be quarterback Tony Romo’s main red-zone target with tight end Jason Witten still recovering from a spleen issue.

9. A. J. Green, CIN – Green is one of the best up and coming wideouts in the game.  He went over 1,000 yards in his freshman season and was able to haul in a very respectable 7 touchdowns.  Green has built a strong rapport with quarterback Andy Dalton from day one and their chemistry together will only help Green post bigger fantasy numbers as they mature together. Green is easily a number one wideout, and fantasy owners should expect him to easily match his numbers from last season.

10. Brandon Marshall, CHI - Marshall is finally reunited with his favorite quarterback, Jay Cutler.  The duo played together in Denver in 2007-08, and averaged an amazing 1,295 receiving yards per season.  Expect Marshall to have another Pro Bowl season in 2012, as he already has a proven track record with his new quarterback.

Just Missed: Hakeem Nicks (NYG), Marques Colston (NO), and Mike Wallace (PIT)

Predictions:

MVP: Calvin Johnson, DET

Rookie of Year: Justin Blackmon, JAC

Bust: Steve Smith, CAR

Mega Bust: Brandon Lloyd, NE

Sleeper: DeMaryius Thomas, DEN

Super Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK

Fantasy Over/ Under:

Calvin Johnson TD: 15 – Under

Wes Welker Rec.: 100 – Over

Kenny Britt Suspensions: 2 – Over

Andre Johnson Games Played: 12 – Over

Terrell Owens Personal Workouts: 1 – Over

Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Jaguars’ 2012 training camp like I never have before. All of us here at B&T have been watching this team like a hawk in recent days. Most of the stories coming out of camp are about our quarterback. The local writers mostly refer to what the coaches say about Blaine. He’s been noted as, “the most improved player on offense.” The national writers with the big time jobs…let’s just say they don’t agree.

I was reading a recent post by Mr. Sims. It’s titled Talking About an Improved Blaine Gabbert. It’s a great read and you should definitely check it out. In the article, Mr. Sims raised a good point…what is exactly going on with everyone else? I’ve done some research since, gathering information here and there and this is my point of view.

Whether it’s fair or not, the quarterback is ultimately responsible for the success of an NFL offense. Certain things, however, have to happen for a quarterback to do his job. Playing the part of Captain Obvious I will now state that in order for a quarterback to be successful he must have both reliable targets and reliable protection. Besides wouldn’t you like to read an article that’s not centered completely around Blaine Gabbert?

Alfie Crow from Big Cat Country believes that Justin Blackmon should start out in the slot. I can see his logic, but didn’t we draft him to be a “X” or “Z” receiver? I’m all about easing someone into a new offense, giving him time to learn and whatnot. Blackmon will not play this Friday, and maybe when we play the Saints in our second preseason game let him see some time in the slot…just to get him on the field.

Anything after that would seem a bit too conservative. Doing any kind of job, ANY job, don’t you need to perform the task you were hired to do? I certainly hope we didn’t trade this high up for a #3 receiver. Overall, I don’t believe Blackmon’s skill set fits the needs of a slot receiver.

There’s a lot of guarded skepticism regarding Blackmon. Many fans and some of the coaching staff seem to believe that he is going to struggle early, and that’s certainly a possibility. Eventually you have to give the man a chance to play and that’s just how it is. You can’t not play someone because you’re afraid they aren’t going to be very good. You won’t know until he sets foot on the field.

Is anyone familiar with Laurent Robinson? He was a 2007 3rd round draft choice for the Atlanta Falcons who didn’t pan out. He did some time on the Rams active roster, where he was buried underneath…well no one really. He just wasn’t very good. He went into training camp last year with the Chargers and was cut only to be picked up by the Cowboys where he had his only credible NFL season playing alongside the likes of Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Tony Romo.

Cecil Shorts has once again become a training camp hero. He was taken in the 4th round of the same draft in which Gabbert was taken. He had a strong camp last year, but once the regular season started he ended his rookie campaign with two catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. Now Mr. Alfie Crow believes we should start Shorts over a highly touted pick such as Blackmon. I understand it especially takes wide receivers time to learn the NFL game, and I hope that Shorts continues his progress. I’d just feel better about drafting a slot guy in the 4th round rather than the first.

Mike Thomas has become the training camp scapegoat. Everyone is really mad at Mike Thomas and I can understand. But Thomas is one of the only receivers in which we really know what we have. Would I ever trust starting Thomas again? No. But as a 4th receiver and punt returner? Yes.

The biggest story regarding this year’s wide outs are the drops. How can the passing game improve if your targets are consistently dropping the ball? These receivers must HOLD ON TO THE BALL unless we’re trying to make ESPN’s Not Top 10.

It’s time for the fruition of the 2009 bookend tackles, Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton. As soon  as we get ready to see 2009′s 1st and 2nd round picks lock down pass rushers, it seems one of them gets hurt and we’re forced to throw in Guy Whimper. But injuries are a part of the game and I wonder just how Cameron Bradfield is doing because judging by past seasons, he will be called into action at some point. Either way, all of our tackles better be ready and prepared. Facing a defense like the Texans twice a year will be difficult and we have to be able to protect our quarterback.

What about the interior of the line? Brad Meester is a staple along the offensive line. He’s old faithful. Another player along the line who doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion though is OG Uche Nwaneri. The 2007 5th round draft pick hasn’t been spectacular, but he’s definitely been solid. With Rackley and Spitz out, look for back up center to man the other guard position for now.

How much of MJD’s success can be attributed to the offensive line? How much of it is because of MJD? Running backs have been successful before without stellar line play. Quarterbacks, however, have not.

Regarding the O-Line, injuries have been the biggest story. The depth will be tested early, and we can only hope that the big guys have been getting stronger and conditioning and that our back ups stay ready. I will be keeping a close eye at how our second and third team linemen perform this Friday. They could be called in to play at any given moment in 2012.

In the end the success of the offense will come down to Gabbert in one way or another and that’s just how it is. That’s part of what it is to be an NFL quarterback. Just don’t forget that there are other factors at play.

-David R. Johns

This was my call,I just want to play football I told him to make it happen. I wasn’t even all caught up with the money because this is just my first contract. I’m so happy to be here. Dallas is the team I wanted to play for, and having the chance to play for the Cowboys makes me want to work even harder

Next will probably be the 25th selection, Denver Quarterback Tim Tebow. Tim packed a suitacase and headed to Denver to start work and had to be told he couldn’t do that until he had a contract. Only OTA’s on OTA days.  Tim will sign quickly. Denver will probably land receiver Demaryius Thomas quickly as well. He was chosen at the 22nd position.

The top ten are always tough to sign, but Dez said what they others should say as well, it is my call. Too often the players hide behind the agents as the excuse for not signing. This is disingenuous (lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or insincere).  The player owns the call when they want to sign once an offer is on the table from the team. 

I can’t believe the Jaguars, if asked, wouldn’t produce an $18 million guaranteed money offer for Tyson Alualu. This deal could be done in time for camp.

I have no patience for holdouts, none. As fans, we shouldn’t either. Tyson, show up for work on time! There is no excuse for not doing so.

To those that want to write and tell me I don’t understand the process, I do understand it. There is no excuse for it and the player can make the call. Tyson Alualu can be here at the start of camp. Dez Bryant did, so can all of the others.

- Terry O’Brien