Other positions: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Tight ends
The new NFL has become all about quarterbacks, pass attacks and of course, scoring tons of points. That's not only been great for the fantasy value of signal-callers, but it also makes wide receivers more valuable. Case in point -- in 2011, three different wideouts scored more fantasy points than last season's top scorer, Brandon Lloyd. Overall, the top five wide receivers of 2011 also scored 83.6 more points than the previous year. As a result, you're going to see far more wideouts taken in the first five rounds in 2012.
Fantasy owners also need to keep in mind that the top five to 10 players at the position shuffle from season to season. In fact, no wideout who finished in the top five in 2010 also finished at that level in 2011. The same held true with the positional leaders from 2009 -- none of them made it back into the top five the next year. What does that mean in fantasy land? It's simple -- no one is going to pass up the big names at the position in the first two rounds, and this year's breakout stars are no lock to repeat their success.
Here's an early look at how the top of the position will look in 2012.
1. Calvin Johnson, Lions (2011 - 263.20 points):Megatron put up enormous numbers in 2011, finishing ahead of the second-best player at his position by almost 50 fantasy points. The athletic playmaker will no doubt be the first wideout taken in 2012 drafts, and he's likely to selected somewhere in the late first round across the board.
2. Andre Johnson, Texans (2011 - 62.00 points): One of the biggest disappointments this past season, Johnson missed nine games with hamstring problems and finished with a mere two touchdowns. While it's true that his injury issues are a concern, it's going to be tough to pass on Johnson based on his immense statistical potential.
3. Wes Welker, Patriots (2011 - 213.90 points): Welker had the best fantasy season of his career in 2011, posting personal bests in yards (1,569) and touchdown catches (9) while putting up the second-most fantasy points at the position. He might struggle to duplicate those totals again, but Welker remains a very attractive option.
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (2011 - 189.10 points): Despite the fact that the Cardinals didn't have a consistent option at quarterback, Fitzgerald still posted over 1,400 yards with eight touchdowns. If the team decides to make a push for another signal-caller (Peyton Manning, anyone?), Fitzgerald would move up on this list.
5. Roddy White, Falcons (2011 - 177.60 points): White had some inconsistent stretches, but he still led all wide receivers in targets and finished seventh in fantasy points among wide receivers in 2011. Overall, White has finished no worse than seventh at his position in each of the last four years. He'll be a second-round pick.
6. Greg Jennings, Packers (2011 - 148.90 points):Jordy Nelson might have finished with more fantasy points than Jennings, but I don't see that happening again in 2012. With a stud quarterback in Aaron Rodgers at the helm of the offense, Jennings will remain a threat to post monster numbers and is a cinch No. 1 fantasy wide receiver.
7. Hakeem Nicks, Giants (2011 - 161.20 points): Nicks failed to lead the Giants wideouts in fantasy points last season -- that accomplishment went to Victor Cruz -- but I would still take the North Carolina product between the two in 2012. Nicks, who has been a statistical monster during the postseason, will improve on his 2011 totals.
8. Mike Wallace, Steelers (2011 - 171.00 points): Despite the fact that his yardage and touchdowns decreased compared to his 2010 totals, Wallace still finished in the top 10 in fantasy points at his position. With Ben Roethlisberger back at 100 percent heading into next season, I expect Wallace to have another impressive campaign.
9. A.J. Green, Bengals (2011 - 153.00 points): Green had a solid rookie season, posting 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. With a full season of NFL experience under his belt and a plethora of statistical upside, Green should better those totals in his sophomore campaign. He's one of the league's most impressive young wideouts.
10. Jordy Nelson, Packers (2011 - 216.30 points): The second-highest scoring wide receiver in fantasy football last season, Nelson benefitted from the powerful right arm of Rodgers to finish with career bests across the board. While a decrease in his touchdown totals should be expected, Nelson will be tough to pass on in Rounds 2-3.
11. Victor Cruz, Giants (2011 - 205.90 points): Cruz, who had an average draft position of Round 15 this past season, came out of nowhere to finish in the top four in fantasy points among wide receivers. While I do expect a decline in his totals (much like Nelson), the Massachusetts product will remain a No. 1 or 2 fantasy wideout.
12. Percy Harvin, Vikings (2011 - 174.90 points): There are a lot of players to consider at this spot, a list that includes Steve Smith, Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall. I'm siding with Harvin, though, who will be a bigger part of the Vikings offense, especially if the team is without Adrian Peterson to start the year.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
