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Wide Receiver Totals by Year

Year	Runs	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Targets	Comps	Receiving Yards	Receiving TD
2005	239	1,189	7	9,962	5,514	74,065	421
2006	246	1,463	5	9,719	5,349	72,546	431
2007	208	869	4	10,231	5,915	77,272	483
2008	240	1,642	9	9,690	5,563	73,039	416
2009	317	2,102	7	9,846	5,648	74,564	431
2010	331	2,108	7	10,098	5,764	76,403	485
2011	283	1,775	6	10,031	5,681	78,470	473
2012	265	1,572	2	10,481	6,040	80,755	491

And you thought 2011 was big for wideouts? Last year blew those numbers out of the water with high-water marks in targets, catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. However, as you’ll note later on the percentages aren’t changing much; wideouts are seeing increased numbers because the passing game overall is putting up bigger numbers. Yards per catch came back to the pack after spiking at 13.8 ypc in 2011; last year’s 13.3 was much more in line with the previous four seasons. And with the lowest number of rushing attempts in four years, rushing yards in five years, and rushing touchdowns in the last eight years it’s plain to see the end-around is dead.

Top Ten Wide Receiver Totals

Year	Targets	Comps	Receiving Yards	YPC	TD	FF Pts
2003	1,494	926	13,171	14.2	101	1,923
2004	1,433	869	12,808	14.7	119	1,923
2005	1,528	907	13,142	14.5	100	1,914
2006	1,521	853	12,552	14.7	90	1,795
2007	1,559	938	13,191	14.0	124	2,063
2008	1,420	845	12,778	15.1	93	1,836
2009	1,398	861	12,417	14.4	103	1,860
2010	1,409	835	12,337	14.8	105	1,871
2011	1,355	839	13,592	16.2	97	1,962
2012	1,541	963	14,233	14.7	91	1,975

The wide receiver position was a little more top-heavy last season, with 10-year highs in both completions and yardage and the second-most targets and fantasy points over that span as well. A fourth straight season of growth in fantasy pointshelps justify taking that elite wideout in the first round, though on average a top-10 wideout still falls about 2.5 fantasy points per game shy of a top-10 running back.

Tight End Totals by Year

Year	Targets	Catches	Yards	Touchdowns
2005	3,093	1,932	20,171	140
2006	3,104	1,911	20,282	158
2007	3,257	2,095	22,131	183
2008	3,250	2,085	22,658	139
2009	3,558	2,274	24,960	193
2010	3,554	2,252	24,902	190
2011	3,658	2,310	26,672	197
2012	3,746	2,397	26,122	197

The explosive growth in tight end productivity continues, building on last season’s peaks by exceeding them in targets and catches and matching the 197 touchdowns while fallying just shy in yardage. Since 2005 tight end targets have climbed more than 20 percent; more importantly, today’s tight ends have turned the extra looks into a 30 percent jump in yardage and 40% increase in TDs.

Top Ten Tight End Totals

Year	Targets	Catches	Yards	YPC	Touchdowns	FF Pts
2003	809	518	6,014	11.6	42	853
2004	997	669	7,688	11.5	62	1,141
2005	1,084	675	7,978	11.8	57	1,140
2006	1,027	629	7,483	11.9	58	1,096
2007	1,053	683	8,267	12.1	66	1,223
2008	961	652	7,524	11.5	55	1,082
2009	1,157	779	8,947	11.5	77	1,357
2010	959	628	7,551	12.0	70	1,176
2011	1,106	740	9,327	12.6	78	1,413
2012	1,088	749	8,328	11.1	66	1,088

While tight ends across the board saw their numbers rise, top-10 TE totals were down a bit from the torrid 2009 and 2011 seasons. In fact, fantasy-wise this is one of the less productive seasons over the past decade. If this trend holds, expect the value chasm between elite TEs like Gronk and Graham and the next tier of tight ends to expand greatly.

Breakdown of all receptions

	Catch %			Catches			Receiving Yards			Receiving TDs
Year	RB	TE	WR	RB	TE	WR	RB	TE	WR	RB	TE	WR
2003	27%	18%	55%	2,644	1,731	5,287	20,158	18,176	70,929	78	128	441
2004	25%	19%	56%	2,439	1,889	5,417	18,844	19,846	76,403	77	188	465
2005	24%	20%	56%	2,326	1,932	5,514	17,440	20,171	74,065	75	140	421
2006	26%	20%	55%	2,519	1,911	5,349	19,377	20,282	72,546	58	158	431
2007	24%	20%	56%	2,529	2,095	5,915	18,889	22,131	77,272	55	183	483
2008	24%	21%	55%	2,416	2,085	5,563	18,926	22,658	73,039	88	139	416
2009	24%	22%	55%	2,437	2,274	5,648	19,275	24,960	74,564	84	193	431
2010	24%	21%	55%	2,492	2,249	5,737	19,888	24,874	76,114	72	190	484
2011	23%	22%	55%	2,430	2,310	5,681	19,694	26,672	78,470	75	197	473
2012	22%	22%	56%	2,361	2,397	6,040	18,849	26,122	80,755	66	197	491

In 2011 this writeup highlighted the trend of tight ends taking over for running backs, and last year’s numbers follow that same vein; in fact, RB receptions hit a 10-year low at 22 percent of all receptions while both tight ends and wide receivers tied their 10-year highs. Even with the increase in overall passing, running backs recorded their second-fewest catches, third-fewest receiving yards, and third-fewest touchdowns over the past decade–all while wideouts hit 10-year highs across the board and tight ends posted the best or second-best marks in each category.

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The tables below show the split between all passes thrown to either a tight end or a wide receiver and what their respective percentages are. Their ranks are from their fantasy rank that year for the position against all NFL teams.

Arizona Cardinals

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	11%	25	210	0	32	89%	208	2671	10	15
2011	22%	53	579	4	24	78%	192	2761	15	10
2012	26%	72	655	0	28	74%	209	2334	11	18

(Rookie Watch) The arrival of Bruce Arians should make Arizona’s offense more vertical, but then again getting the wide receivers involved hasn’t exactly been a problem for the Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald has to like the 195 targets Reggie Wayne saw in this offense last year; he’ll also benefit if Michael Floyd steps up as a sophomore. Don’t overlook Andre Roberts, who was the clear-cut WR2 to Fitz last year and won’t give up that role without a fight; moreover, he’s the kind of diminutive deep threat Arians has turned into fantasy gold in the past–like Donnie Avery and TY Hilton in Indy last year. Just as Rob Housler was enjoying a mini-TE renaissance in the desert along comes Arians with an offense that is anything but tight-end friendly.

Worth Watching: Michael Floyd, Andre Roberts

Atlanta Falcons

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	30%	85	781	8	13	70%	203	2415	16	13
2011	31%	91	954	8	10	69%	204	2843	17	7
2012	32%	100	959	9	5	68%	214	2996	19	6

Consistency ruled the day in Atlanta; even as overall numbers climbed across the board, the distribution between Tony Gonzalez and perhaps the best wide receiver tandem in football remained essentially the same. Little if anything changes heading into 2013: Gonzo is back, as are Roddy White and Julio Jones as well as third man in Harry Douglas. Why mess with a good thing? The only tweak may be Jones usurping White as the WR1, though they’re still much closer to WR1/WR1A than WR1/WR2.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Baltimore Ravens

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	25%	52	752	6	17	75%	157	2119	17	18
2011	45%	94	933	8	11	55%	115	1848	10	28
2012	34%	82	894	7	9	66%	161	2422	14	21

(Depth Chart Change) Despite the presence of Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson and an improvement in their ranking among tight ends the Baltimore offense trended back towards its previous WR-reliant form–partially because Pitta stepped to the fore and Dickson missed a handfull of games, partially due to Jacoby Jones emerging as a decent WR3. The departure of Anquan Boldin makes for a depth chart shuffle: Torrey Smith takes over as WR1, but the Ravens may prefer Jones as the third man in and hope Tandon Doss steps up as Boldin’s replacement. Regardless of how the WRs sort out, much of Boldin’s production will fall back on the tight ends, with Pitta expected to be the lead dog. The pieces all seem to be here for Joe Flacco to start earning that big contract, but with each piece there remain question marks.

Worth Watching: Dennis Pitta

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Buffalo Bills

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	9%	22	179	1	30	91%	211	2764	20	9
2011	19%	49	468	6	23	81%	207	2488	15	15
2012	25%	56	701	8	22	75%	171	2035	13	26

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Change from the top down in Buffalo, where new coach Doug Marrone installs a new offense with a new quarterback (Kevin Kolb? Rookie E.J. Manuel?) and a bevy of new receivers. Stevie Johnson is still the go-to guy, but with David Nelson and Donald Jones gone the rest of the rotation is up for grabs. Can T.J. Graham hold off rookies Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, and Da’Rick Rogers for the WR2 gig or will it be one big committee? Mr. September Scott Chandler may not be ready for his annual torrid first month of the season as he works his way back from ACL surgery, plus he’ll have a new scheme he hasn’t worked in and a new quarterback he hasn’t practiced with–not that you can trust his productivity anyway.

Worth Watching: T.J. Graham, Robert Woods

Carolina Panthers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	29%	51	385	2	29	71%	123	1570	6	31
2011	35%	85	1008	9	6	65%	160	2478	11	18
2012	34%	77	951	6	11	66%	150	2357	10	28

With tight end-whisperer Rob Chudzinski calling the plays, tight end Greg Olsen was essentially the team’s No. 2 receiver–so it’s a bit disconcerting when you think what might happen to Olsen now that Chudzinski is in Cleveland. Outside of the play-caller everything else in the Carolina passing game stays the same, though Brandon LaFell should take on more of a wingman role alongside Steve Smith.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Chicago Bears

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	24%	48	478	7	23	76%	156	2229	13	21
2011	14%	25	256	7	27	86%	159	2369	9	25
2012	13%	29	297	3	32	87%	197	2526	17	15

Marc Trestman’s version of the West Coast offense will still lean heavily on Brandon Marshall, but Alshon Jeffery appears ready to step up into a WR2 role ahead of Earl Bennett. And after years of ignoring the tight end in Chicago, the Bears signed Martellus Bennett to reinvigorate the position. Also look for Matt Forte to take on a big chunk of what projects to be a large increase in overall passing numbers in the Windy City.

Worth Watching: Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett

Cincinnati Bengals

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	21%	65	543	4	27	79%	238	3052	19	7
2011	28%	72	755	7	17	72%	183	2403	14	17
2012	24%	72	838	5	19	76%	226	2779	22	5

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) A.J. Green remains the focal point of the Cincinnati passing game, but after that it’s all up for grabs. Nothing was settled in last year’s battle for wingman duties opposite Green, so Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones will duke it out again while Andrew Hawkins looks to carve out a role for himself. Of course, with first-round pick Tyler Eifert and erstwhile No. 2 target Jermaine Gresham potentially operating out of two-TE sets and monopolizing Andy Dalton’s attention it may be a moot point.

Worth Watching: Tyler Eifert, #2 wideout battle (again)

Cleveland Browns

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	41%	90	1147	5	10	59%	129	1438	6	32
2011	36%	91	898	7	13	64%	162	1935	9	27
2012	33%	82	774	4	16	67%	166	2310	11	23

(Depth Chart Change) A new coach (Rob Chudzinski), a new offensive coordinator (Norv Turner), and a new scheme should dramatically shake up the Cleveland passing game. Chud’s reputation as a tight end whisperer bodes well for Jordan Cameron, but the real centerpiece of this attack should be Josh Gordon–once he returns from suspension. Greg Little is still around as well, but unless he can shake the dropsies he could lose looks to Travis Benjamin (who will fill Gordon’s shoes during his two-game suspension) and Davone Bess. Plenty of moving parts here, but aside from Gordon’s breakout rookie campaign there hasn’t been much here worth hanging onto anyway.

Worth Watching: Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron

Dallas Cowboys

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	43%	128	1270	9	3	57%	169	2292	18	14
2011	38%	111	1187	6	7	62%	182	2698	27	5
2012	36%	126	1180	4	2	64%	224	3122	23	3

The song remains largely the same in Dallas: Dez Bryant is distancing himself from Miles Austin as the lynchpin in this passing game; meanwhile, Jason Witten still sees a ton of targets. About the only thing that’s different is rookie Terrance Williams and holdover Dwayne Harris battling for leftovers as the Cowboys’ WR3. Tight end Gavin Escobar was a second-round pick, but he’s no immediate threat to Witten.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Denver Broncos

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	11%	27	222	0	31	89%	230	3356	19	3
2011	11%	23	285	3	30	89%	183	2551	19	9
2012	29%	98	974	7	6	71%	235	3150	28	2

(Depth Chart Change) Passing numbers jumped last year with the switch from Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning. And much like his record-setting season in Indy, Manning will now have at his disposal a trio of talented wideouts: holdovers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker and, playing the role of slot machine Brandon Stokley, ex-Patriot Wes Welker. Expect Welker’s share of the workload to come directly out of last year’s oversized tight end tally, largely at the expense of Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen. Decker’s share should also decline, but Thomas seems set as Manning’s dynamic go-to weapon.

Worth Watching: Wes Welker

Detroit Lions

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	44%	120	1137	6	9	56%	153	1985	18	20
2011	34%	115	1166	11	3	66%	223	3135	25	3
2012	35%	118	1221	5	4	65%	222	3094	15	7

(Depth Chart Change) A second straight season of top-10 rankings for both the Detroit tight ends and wide receivers, thanks in no small part to an NFL record number of passing attempts by Matthew Stafford. Calvin Johnson continues to carry the Lions passing game with a large assist from the tight end tandem of Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. What both the Lions and fantasy owners are looking for this season is a second wideout to emerge as a worthy wingman to Megatron. If healthy Ryan Broyles projects to be that guy, but veteran Nate Burleson is still around. Also don’t overlook what Reggie Bush will bring to this passing game, likely at the expense of… well, everyone except Johnson.

Worth Watching: Ryan Broyles

Green Bay Packers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	20%	57	673	5	20	80%	228	3163	23	2
2011	22%	67	858	10	9	78%	235	3667	38	1
2012	25%	77	938	5	13	75%	237	2926	35	1

The Packers played half of last season without Greg Jennings, so this won’t be as big of an adjustment as you might think. All that’s left to be decided is just how the hefty Packers’ passing game pie will be divided. On the bright side, no Jennings and no Donald Driver leaves another 400-plus yards and half-dozen touchdowns on the table for James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley to grapple over.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Houston Texans

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	27%	74	989	6	11	73%	199	2516	16	11
2011	42%	83	1054	9	4	58%	116	1647	9	30
2012	34%	90	979	9	7	66%	177	2456	8	24

(Rookie Watch) Is this the year the Texans finally find a wingman for Andre Johnson? Early reports on first-round pick DeAndre Hopkins have been positively glowing, and it won’t take much for him to make people forget Kevin Walter or Devier Posey. The fallback plan would be big numbers from Owen Daniels a la 2011, or LeStar Jean filling a bigger role; in other words… c’mon, DeAndre!

Worth Watching: DeAndre Hopkins

Indianapolis Colts

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	28%	112	1029	8	8	72%	283	3250	25	1
2011	24%	64	584	3	25	76%	199	2421	11	20
2012	24%	74	825	5	17	76%	230	3215	16	4

(Depth Chart Change) Andrew Luck didn’t quite return the Colts to Peyton Manning glory years, but he was a far sight better than the Kerry Collins/Curtis Painter mess of 2011. He’ll be operating under a different offense in 2013, essentially the same one he ran in college under Pep Hamilton. That’s going to mean an uptick in the tight end share of the receptions–the past two seasons tight ends have accounted for roughly 40 percent of Cardinal passing game production–and fewer deep shots than the Colts took under Bruce Arians. Bottom line, you’ll see more Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen and maybe less long balls to TY Hilton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Oh, and another 195 targets for Reggie Wayne seems unlikely as well.

Worth Watching: Coby Fleener

jacksonville jaguars

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	40%	82	943	11	5	60%	123	1553	12	29
2011	31%	52	609	1	28	69%	118	1309	8	31
2012	24%	55	552	4	29	76%	174	2353	13	20

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) While it’s tough to work up much enthusiasm for a Blaine Gabbert-led passing game, the Jaguars were actually a little bit intriguing–right up until Justin Blackmon earned himself a four-game suspension. Now it’ll be Cecil Shorts carrying the load, with a possible uptick from Marcedes Lewis and castoffs like Mohamed Massaquoi and Jordan Shipley looking to carve out roles for themselves. A glimmer of upside for those in leagues where return yards matter: rookie Ace Sanders should handle most of the kicking game work and could also work his way into the receiver rotation as well.

Worth Watching: Cecil Shorts, Ace Sanders

Kansas City Chiefs

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	34%	60	663	5	21	66%	118	1646	17	26
2011	16%	34	325	1	32	84%	184	2436	9	21
2012	30%	44	587	2	30	70%	105	1405	4	32

(Depth Chart Change) It’s a radical philosophy shift for the Chiefs, from their boring run-heavy days under Romeo Crennel to the pass-happy ways of Andy Reid. But that should mean big things for the passing game, or at least a significant uptick in opportunities. Dwayne Bowe still rules the roost, but with more passing Donnie Avery, Jonathan Baldwin, and Dexter McCluster might actually matter. West Coast offenses like Reid’s also get the tight end more involved, but it’s a role the Chiefs look to be splitting multiple ways between holdover Tony Moeaki, free agent signee Anthony Fasano, and rookie Travis Kelce.

Worth Watching: the WR2 battle, the TE battle

Miami Dolphins

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	16%	41	572	4	26	84%	221	2645	10	16
2011	19%	40	576	5	22	81%	169	2319	10	24
2012	20%	41	332	5	31	80%	160	2227	3	30

(Depth Chart Change) Last year’s passing game numbers were awful across the board, partly due to breaking in rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill and partly due to a nondescript band of pass-catchers. There are expectations that Tannehill is ready for prime time this season, so the Dolphins paid big money for Mike Wallace to head up the receiving corps. Brian Hartline remains, though now he won’t have to be a WR1, and Miami added Brandon Gibson and tight end Dustin Keller as well. It’s gotta be an improvement, right?

Worth Watching: Mike Wallace

Minnesota Vikings

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	31%	68	708	2	24	69%	153	1837	8	28
2011	28%	64	667	6	19	72%	168	2123	10	26
2012	29%	69	614	9	20	71%	166	1927	8	29

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Percy Harvin played barely half the season yet dominated the Vikings’ receiving numbers last year, and now he’s gone; that means wholesale changes in the Vikings’ passing game. Greg Jennings arrives from Green Bay to head up a cast that also includes first-round pick Cordarrelle Patterson, a (hopefully) healthier Jerome Simpson, and emerging tight end Kyle Rudolph. The Christian Ponder-led passing game is still a distant second fiddle to Adrian Peterson’s ground game, but the new pieces–plus depth at quarterback in Matt Cassel–give hope that at least some fantasy value can be found here with a little digging.

Worth Watching: Greg Jennings, Kyle Rudolph

New England Patriots

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	39%	93	1161	18	1	61%	148	1800	15	25
2011	46%	169	2237	24	1	54%	197	2654	15	13
2012	34%	116	1479	16	1	66%	230	2708	14	11

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Tom Brady’s receiving corps has been gutted; even if Rob Gronkowski is healthy enough to start the season he’ll still be without more than three-fourths of last year’s passing game production. Danny Amendola was signed to replace the departed Wes Welker, and rookie Aaron Dobson and holdover Julian Edelman will be asked to pick up the slack created by the departures of Brandon Lloyd and Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots have a large stash of tight ends (Jake Ballard, Michael Hoomanawanui), but volume won’t replace the unique skills of Hernandez–and, potentially, Gronkowski as well. Brady has done this before, responding to more than 50 percent turnover in his receiving corps twice with top-10 fantasy seasons; this group presents his biggest challenge yet.

Worth Watching: Rob Gronkowski’s health, Aaron Dobson

New Orleans Saints

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	30%	103	995	10	6	70%	235	2967	21	5
2011	34%	108	1350	12	2	66%	206	2924	24	4
2012	34%	97	1065	13	3	66%	185	2943	20	10

While the numbers above indicate that two-thirds of the passing game production runs through the wide receivers, this unit still revolves around tight end Jimmy Graham; he’s the go-to guy, with an amalgamation of wideouts collaborating to keep the New Orleans passing game near the top of the charts. Marques Colston and Lance Moore return, but Devery Henderson is gone; Joseph Morgan, Chris Givens, Kenny Stills and Courtney Roby should conduct a spirited battle for complementary roles, with the potential to usurp Moore and provide low-end fantasy productivity.

Worth Watching: Status quo

New York Giants

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	21%	57	719	7	15	79%	219	2835	24	4
2011	20%	55	833	5	18	80%	214	3439	21	2
2012	22%	59	661	6	24	78%	214	2891	18	9

Now that Victor Cruz has a contract and Hakeem Nicks is next in line at the bank window the Giants can go back to business as usual. Because the Giants’ WR3 has proven to hold fantasy value in the past, the battle between Rueben Randle and Louis Murphy is at least mildly intriguing. Martellus Bennett left via free agency, but Brandon Myers is a talented pass catcher in his own right and should provide Eli Manning with a more than serviceable security blanket.

Worth Watching: the WR3 battle, Brandon Myers

New York Jets

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	26%	57	697	5	19	74%	159	2277	15	17
2011	33%	75	935	6	14	67%	152	1846	18	22
2012	33%	70	784	5	21	67%	144	1892	9	31

Last year we labeled this situation a mess, and little has changed to upgrade that opinion. Santonio Holmes might not be ready for the start of the season, Stephen Hill was disappointing as a rookie, and in a quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith there really are no fantasy winners. When the highlights project to be Jeremy Kerley–last year’s leading receiver despite just two touchdowns and one 100-yard game–and a desperate hope that Kellen Winslow can regain his old form… well, the phrase “grasping at straws” springs to mind.

Worth Watching: Jeremy Kerley

Oakland Raiders

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	39%	72	765	5	18	61%	112	1645	6	30
2011	20%	47	535	3	26	80%	190	2790	14	11
2012	35%	88	907	5	10	65%	167	2341	16	19

(Depth Chart Change) Oakland’s revolving door of receivers continues to spin. Darrius Heyward-Bey is gone, but Jacoby Ford returns from a season lost to injury to join Denarius Moore and Rod Streater on the outside. Brandon Myers, the team’s most reliable pass-catcher last year, is also gone and the Raiders don’t have a ready replacement; instead, David Ausberry and Richard Gordon will battle for the tight end gig. With Matt Flynn at the helm–and Darren McFadden back in the familiar power-blocking scheme–the fantasy relevance of Oakland’s passing game may be limited anyway.

Worth Watching: Rod Streater, Jacoby Ford

Philadelphia Eagles

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	22%	53	602	5	22	78%	187	2842	19	8
2011	27%	75	974	6	12	73%	203	2958	13	8
2012	28%	82	870	3	15	72%	211	2724	12	14

(Rookie Watch) It remains to be seen what exactly the NFL version of Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense looks like–or, for that matter, who the Eagles’ quarterback will be. For the most part, however, the receiving corps returns intact, with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson competing for WR1 honors and Jason Avant and Riley Cooper serving as the WR3/WR4 guys. Brent Celek returns at tight end, but the Eagles brought in athletic James Casey from Houston and spent a second-round pick on Zach Ertz and may run multiple-tight end sets to further muddy the situation.

Worth Watching: Jeremy Maclin

Pittsburgh Steelers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	23%	55	638	3	25	77%	185	2808	17	10
2011	23%	67	751	4	21	77%	225	3207	16	6
2012	29%	81	876	10	8	71%	194	2496	15	16

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Pittsburgh gave Mike Wallace’s contract to Antonio Brown last offseason, so this offseason Wallace took his talents to South Beach. The Steelers expect Brown–who was at least the Steelers’ WR1A last year–and Emmanuel Sanders to step up their games in Wallace’s absence, with veterans Plaxico Burress and Jerricho Cotchery to provide experience and depth. The intriguing receiver in the mix is rookie Markus Wheaton, the highly-regarded third-round pick out of Oregon State with the speed to replace Wallace as a deep threat. The Steelers would love for Heath Miller to reprise last year’s standout season, but he may not be ready Week 1 after tearing his ACL late last season.

Worth Watching: Emmanuel Sanders, Markus Wheaton

San Diego Chargers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	35%	80	1149	12	2	65%	151	2571	15	12
2011	39%	95	1081	7	8	61%	148	2566	17	12
2012	30%	68	684	10	14	70%	156	2158	16	27

(Rookie Watch) Year One after Vincent Jackson wasn’t an unmitigated disaster, but the Bolts did drop significantly in the receiver production rankings as a committee led by Malcom Floyd and Danario Alexander looked to fill the void. The hope in 2013 is that Vincent Brown returns healthy to join Alexander atop the depth charts, with Floyd and Eddie Royal contributing as well; a contribution from third-round pick Keenan Allen would be a welcome addition. Robert Meachem was–to the shock of almost no one–a bust last year and may not even make the final roster. Antonio Gates is hanging on, but he’s a mere shell of his former self.

Worth Watching: Danario Alexander, Vincent Brown, Keenan Allen

San Francisco 49ers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	41%	90	1272	7	4	59%	132	1956	10	27
2011	38%	87	1009	9	5	62%	143	1751	8	29
2012	28%	66	943	8	12	72%	171	2201	14	22

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Michael Crabtree’s injury scuttles the 49ers’ plans, leaving Anquan Boldin as the go-to guy and the remainder of the receiving corps in flux. Vernon Davis should benefit not only from the departure of Delanie Walker but also because he may be moved around more in Crabtree’s absence. Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams are still working their way back from injury and last year’s first-round pick A.J. Jenkins has yet to establish himself. With all this uncertainty, the opportunity exists for fourth-round pick Quinton Patton to move into the receiver rotation sooner rather than later.

Worth Watching: Anquan Boldin, Quinton Patton

Seattle Seahawks

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	16%	49	551	2	28	84%	251	3187	17	6
2011	19%	44	453	0	31	81%	184	2512	13	16
2012	28%	57	693	6	25	72%	150	2101	18	25

(Depth Chart Change) Sidney Rice and Golden Tate, step aside; the Seahawks acquired Percy Harvin to be the go-to guy in this passing game. Despite Russell Wilson’s breakout rookie season this is still a run-first team, so leading the charge in the passing attack has a ceiling. Of course, there was an even lower ceiling in Minnesota and Harvin carved out fantasy value there. Rice and Tate’s numbers are bound to drop with Harvin’s arrival, but the injury to Anthony McCoy opens up some looks that fellow tight end Zach Miller won’t be able to fill on his own

Worth Watching: All Harvin, all the time

St. Louis Rams

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	24%	70	697	7	16	76%	221	2328	10	23
2011	25%	46	508	0	29	75%	136	1603	3	32
2012	20%	54	634	5	27	80%	211	2603	17	13

(Rookie Watch) (Depth Chart Change) Despite Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, the Rams’ top two pass-catchers from last season, now wearing different uniforms there’s unbridled optimism surrounding the St. Louis passing game. Rookies Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey inject excitement alongside second-years Chris Givens and Brian Quick; third-year man Austin Pettis is the grizzled veteran of the group. The Rams also spent free agent money on tight end Jared Cook, looking to unleash the potential he flashed in Tennessee. Plenty of talent at Sam Bradford’s disposal–unproven talent, but definitely talent.

Worth Watching: Tavon Austin, Chris Givens, Jared Cook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	37%	87	971	6	12	63%	148	2064	17	19
2011	34%	91	895	2	20	66%	174	2205	15	19
2012	26%	66	618	6	23	74%	191	3089	20	8

Josh Freeman is looking to get paid, so he’ll be happy to know that his primary targets are both returning: leading receiver Vincent Jackson and fellow free agent-to-be Mike Williams, who accounted for roughly half of Freeman’s production last year. Even third receiver Tiquan Underwood is back, battling Kevin Ogletree and Derek Hagan for a supporting role. Luke Stocker and former Packer Tom Crabtree should be able to fill the void left by Dallas Clark’s departure; if not, it just means more for the wideouts.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Tennessee Titans

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	38%	76	801	7	14	62%	125	2008	16	22
2011	24%	60	950	5	15	76%	191	2443	17	14
2012	27%	73	844	5	18	73%	200	2441	12	17

(Rookie Watch) No more excuses for Jake Locker, as once again the Titans spent an early pick on a wide receiver; now they have former first-rounders Kenny Britt–playing for a contract this year, which might actually be enough to keep him healthy and out of police custody–and Kendall Wright and second-rounder Justin Hunter. Veteran Nate Washington is still around, and Tennessee replaced enigmatic Jared Cook with free agent Delanie Walker. That’s a bevy of targets; let’s see what Locker can do with them.

Worth Watching: Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright

Washington Redskins

	Tight Ends					Wide Receivers
Year	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank	%	Catch	Yards	TDs	Rank
2010	38%	100	1175	7	7	62%	162	2325	9	24
2011	33%	78	999	3	16	67%	159	2141	13	23
2012	23%	58	793	2	26	77%	192	2533	20	12

It’s not just the health of Robert Griffin III the Redskins need to worry about; a healthy Pierre Garçon is the closest thing RG3 has to a go-to target, and a similarly healthy Fred Davis provides a short-game security blanket. Washington fills in the rest of its receiving corps with talented role players–a category that now includes former go-to guy Santanta Moss as well as Josh Morgan, Leonard Hankerson and Donte Stallworth. All is not lost if Kirk Cousins has to take meaningful snaps in DC, but the entire cast looks a whole lot better with RG3 under center.

Worth Watching: Status quo

Other Positions:  Quarterbacks  |  Running Backs  |  Receivers