Fantasy Football 2011: Week 1 Wide Receiver Rankings

Ranking the wideouts for week one was quite the daunting task. Since games have yet to played, I pretty much have to base it off of my own rankings sprinkled in with some match-ups. It is not without flaws, though, especially since defenses fluctuate each year. At this juncture of the season, don't get cute. Play the guys you drafted high.

Some key injuries to note: Sidney Rice has a shoulder injury and may not play against San Francisco. I have not ranked him. Lance Moore is out against the Packers in the Thursday Night Game. Check out the rankings after the jump.

Players I Like More Than You Do:

Dez Bryant - If Miles Austin is 100%, I expect him to be hanging out at Revis Island all night on Sunday. Bryant, along with Jason Witten, stand to benefit and will see his fair share of targets against the Jets. The Jets should have a strong run D again in 2011, so I expect Tony Romo and the Cowboys to pass, pass and pass.

Kenny Britt - Coach Mike Munchak has stated himself that he expects to turn Britt loose against an awful Jaguars secondary. Last time QB Matt Hasselbeck played the Jaguars, he exploded for 4 touchdowns...against the same exact cornerbacks playing this Sunday. Expect a healthy dose of targets for Britt while the Jaguars try to prevent being run all over by CJ2K. Britt should have himself a huge day.

Jeremy Maclin - I know Maclin is just getting healthy, but he's practiced all week and with focus likely to be on Desean Jackson, I expect Vick to look Maclin's way often (especially if the Rams bring the heat and blitz Vick all day).

Players I Don't Like More Than You Do:

Reggie Wayne - With Peyton Manning out for week 1 and possibly beyond, it's officially time to downgrade all Colts. While Kerry Collins can still throw a nice deep ball, he's no Peyton Manning. With a plethora of offensive weapons, I don't expect Collins to force-feed the ball to Wayne. The Colts will try to establish the running game and keep the explosive Texans Offense off the field.

Greg Jennings - Aaron Rodgers LOVES TE Jermichel Finley. I think people are expecting way too much from Jennings this year. Be careful not to overrate last year's statistics; you need to analyze how the statistics were produced. Look at the games in which Jennings and Finley both played...back? Now check out the games in which Jennings produced without Finley....see what I mean? With Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Donald Driver still around to steal targets, I don't think Jennings does much against the Saints.

Miles Austin - Austin is likely to be spending his Sunday Night under the palm trees of Revis Island, and his stats will struggle as a result. Tony Romo's favorite target is also currently nursing a hamstring injury. With the D focused on Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten stand to benefit.

Rankings are below, and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns with the list. You can follow me on Twitter or ask any questions there.

For all other rankings, go over to our friends at Fantasy Rundown.