Most years, I have told myself that Terrell Owens is not worth a top notch pick. His antics could lead to suspension, his play is sporatic, and even though this shouldn’t have anything to do it, I honestly can’t stand the guy.  But when the time came in the third round to pick a receiver, I pulled the trigger on Skip Bayless’s priceless nickname, Team Obiliterator. When it came down to it, I had limited it to Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and Terrell Owens. Did I make the wrong choice? I think so.

Andre Johnson- 1484 Receiving yards, 6 Touchdowns, 100.6 yards per game

Steve Smith-      1240 Receiving yards, 6 Touchdowns, 100.3 yards per game

Terrell Owens-   886 Receiving yards, 9 Touchdowns, 63.3 yards per game

With those numbers, Owens remains at the back end of the top tier reveivers fantasy wise. But will he be drafted as high next season?  Who really knows. But it seems that we could see a new group of receivers going high next season. Randy Moss, who many consider the best fantasy wide receiver, only averaged just shy of 65 yards per game. Granted a man not named Brady was throwing him the ball, and he got to the back of the endzone 10 times. Take for instance a draft in 2004. Who would of been your top reveivers. I’m willing to bet Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Randy Moss, Joe Horn and Muhsin Muhammad were quite the targets. Now, a new mold of craft receivers are making the push toward being the cream of the crop. Here are some young Receivers to watch for in next season’s fantasy draft (also known to some as the second Christmas).

Andre Johnson, HOU- He has been on the radar for quite some time, but if he wasn’t solidified as the number one or two receiver going into the season, then I have to believe that he will be going into next season. This man is the Houston offense. He has 103 receptions on the year. That is 20+ more than any other receiver in the league. He is also consistent and burn you deep or go up the middle if need be. He will need to score a bit more in the future to be the premiere wide out, but with a better offense, more scores will come.

Calvin Johnson, Detroit- All I can say is if you haven’t seen him play, you are missing out. He is a true gamer, with size and speed. With his reach, Johnson can go up and get balls that some others at the position wouldn’t dream about grabbing. He will be the focus of the Lion’s offense for years to come.

Greg Jennings, Green Bay- As the Donald Driver era fades into the sunset in cheese land, Jennings is really coming into his own. Like Johnson, he has good size and will find the end zone. He has progressed significantly year by year in his first three seasons.  I might be willing to take a fourth round pick on him, especially in reception leagues.

Roddy White, Atlanta- Am I insane? I don’t like to think so, because in all reality, White has become an elite receiver. Two straight seasons over the 1,000 mark. He isn’t quite near elite yet, but I think it is safe to say he is at least a second tier receiver in next year’s draft.

Dewayne Bowe, Kansas City- I really believe he has the talent to propel into a top receiver. One thing I like is his ability to hold onto the ball. He has not fumbled once in his short NFL career. If he can get someone to constantly throw him the ball, he would become an even bigger threat. At 24 though, he has the talent to be a top receiver in this league.

Saints vs. Lions-

It comes down to the last two games of the season for the Lions to pick up their first victory of 2008. Expect Calvin Johnson, Jason Hanson and Kevin Smith to show up. But the true question is if Dan Orlovsky is worth a pick up in championship week? No Way. Sure, he put up pretty solid numbers last week, and he will control the ball without turning it over. The chances are though, that they quarterback you have will put up just as good of numbers. So why take the Chance? Unless Orlovsky connects with Calvin Johnson 25 times, its not worth the pickup.

-Speaking of Calvin Johnson, How productive has he been? He already has 1165 yards receiving and ten touchdowns. Did I mention the fact that FIVE different quarterbacks have thrown him the ball this season? He should easily be considered in the first two rounds next season.

Anyways, the Lions have the worst defense in the league, while the Saints bring the best offense to the table. SO follow the K.I.S.S. method (keep it simple stupid) and start Pierre Thomas, Drew Brees (duh) Marques Colston and company. Reggie Bush though, we most likely sit out. If he is available, pick up Lance Moore. He will most likely be all over the Lions Defense.

Top Player Rankings out of this No/Det-

1. Calvin Johnson 2. Drew Brees 3. Pierre Thomas 4. Kevin Smith 5. Marques Colston/Lance Moore 6. Jason Hanson.

Thursday Delight-

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville:

This does not look pretty for offensive players on the Jacksonville side. Matt Jones, a top target for David Garrard will be out. Dennis Northcutt will take his place this Thursday. Bob Sanders could miss the game, but still the Colts are one of the top defenses against the pass. It is still Uncertain whether Joseph Addai will play as well.  For the Jaguars owners, It might be wise to sit  Maurice Jones-Drew, who decided to not take advantage of being the feature back last week. The only match up I do like is Reggie Wayne and Co. against the Jaguar defense. With Addai out though, it will be predictable for the Jags defense.

Top Player Rankings out of IND/JAC:

1. Peyton Manning 2. Reggie Wayne 3. Marvin Harrison/Anthony Gonzalez 4. Dominic Rhodes 5. Jacksonville Defense 6. Maurice Jones Drew

Saturday: BAL@DAL

Baltimore is the number one pass defense in the league, hands down. Terrell Owens struggled last week to put anything on the board. So, why not bench him this championship week? I might as well. Owens might be the biggest bust of this draft. He was a round two potential type receiver going in, but others such as Santana Moss, Antonio Bryant, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White and Greg Jennings have all performed better. I believe it is safe to say that I will never gamble on T.O. again. That is until he is with another squad, racking up the dough and ruining another quarterback and coach’s chances.  It will be interesting to see how much of an effect Marion Barber will have on the game, but this could be an ugly defensive battle. There has been some talk that DeMarcus Ware has the potential to be the MVP of the league. I can get down with that.

For Baltimore, Offensively it will be just as much of a challenge to put points on the board. Le’Ron McClain might be a valuable start. The Ravens will look to maintain possession. Against the second best rushing defense in the league last week, McClain put up 87 yards.  He could be the most valuable out of this game.

Top Player Rankings out of BAL@DAL:

1. Le’Ron McClain 2. Tony Romo 3. Terrell Owens 4. DeMarcus Ware (In Defense leagues) 5. Ravens/Cowboys Defense 6. Marion Barber

Sunday:

CIN@CLE-

Do you want to talk ugly? this has to be it. Jamal Lewis will face a defense that gives up just shy of 125 rushing yards a game. Both quarterbacks are not worth your time and Chad Johnson has been really upsetting this season. T.J. Houshmandzadeh should get a look, considering the Browns also give up over 200 yards a game in the air. As weird as this sounds, I think that Chris Henry might be worth your time in this matchup. He has pretty good numbers against Cleveland, and is starting to form with Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. This game is going to be ugly. Both coaches will be fighting for their jobs and it will probably come down to the running game. Cedric Benson could be a nice fit as well if you weak at the RB position. Braylon Edwards finally got back on track, going over the century mark receiving for the first time in a VERY long time. Remember, Chad Johnson put up 211 yards receiving and two touchdowns in his last game against the Browns.

Top Rankings out of CIN@CLE:

1. Jamal Lewis 2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh 3. Braylon Edwards  4. Cedric Benson  5. Chad Johnson 6. Chris Henry

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Stay tuned tomorrow, as we continue to breakdown Week 16 action.