Getcha Popcorn Ready

It's never too early to look ahead towards next football season. With all the Terrell Owens news the past two days, it got me thinking about why all teams but the Raiders and 49ers have declared non-interest in signing TO. Sure, he's a tremendous headache, but he's an even more tremendous redzone target. I personally think a trip back to San Francisco could be the perfect fit for TO, primarily because of the way that head coach Mike Singletary handles his team. Remember last year that Singletary sent one of his stars, tight end Vernon Davis, to the locker room in the middle of the game for his complaining. If Owens makes his way back to the Niners, expect Singletary to lay down the law and keep TO on a short leash. Singletary will not hesistate to bench the star at the slightest distraction. There's no denying that Owens is an elite wide receiver in the league, specifically because of his ability to find the endzone. For fantasy purposes, finding a wide receiver that can score double digit touchdowns in a season is hard to come by. In leagues that award 6 points for receiving touchdowns, getting an elite wideout with a nose for the endzone is even more important. My top wideouts in terms of touchdowns scored for 2009 (receptions and yardage not considered):

1.) Larry Fitzgerald- The most dominant postseason for a wideout in NFL history. With Warner returning to the Cards, there's no reason that Fitz shouldn't find the endzone in nearly every contest. The status of Anquan Boldin certainly will affect Fitz' production, but even if Boldin departs, Steve Breaston is talented enough to keep some attention off of Fitz. Prediction: 17 TDs.

2.) Calvin Johnson- If there was one word to describe the potential that Johnson has going into his third season in the NFL (typically a wideout's breakout season) it would be "terrifying." Johnson found the endzone 12 times last season, but that doesn't even describe how amazing his season was. The Lions were the worst team in the history of the NFL, had absolutely nothing at the quarterback position, and Johnson was double-teamed every play from scrimmage and occasionally triple-teamed. Now, Johnson inherits the cannon attached to the body of rookie Matthew Stafford. Assuming Stafford lives up to even half the hype of his arm, the Lions and Johnson have nowhere to go but up. Prediction: 16 TDs

3.) Randy Moss- Assuming Tom Brady's return goes as planned, there's no reason to think that Moss won't put up ridiculous touchdown numbers next season. After all, the Brady/Moss combination was the highest single-season scoring duo in NFL history just a season ago. However, Moss is a little bit older and teams have made stopping him the first priority on defense. Remember that Moss didn't have nearly the success in the post-season 2 years ago that he did during the regular season once opponents put all the focus on him. Prediction: 14 TDs.

4.) Andre Johnson- Perhaps the most talented wide receiver in the NFL, Johnson hasn't put up the touchdown numbers he is capable of primarily due to injuries and a less-than-stellar offense. But the Texans' offense is looking up with the solid play of Matt Schaub and rising star Steve Slaton. If the Texans are able to find a way to keep teams from double-teaming Johnson every play, it's likely that Johnson has a career year. Prediction: 13 TDs.

5.) Anquan Boldin- This is assuming he re-signs with the Cardinals and their high-flying offense. With Fitzgerald's ridiculous post-season play, people seem to have forgotten that Boldin was the better receiver for the first 12 games of the regular season before he was sidelined and slowed by injuries. Had Boldin stayed healthy, he may have put up around 15 regular season touchdowns. He has a nose for the endzone and is one of the hardest receivers to bring down after the catch in the NFL. Prediction: 11 TDs.

6.) Terrell Owens- No idea where he will end up, but his athletic ability is too good to keep him off of this list. Assuming he doesn't get benched or suspended for being a liability to his team, he will find the endzone often. He has too many touchdown celebrations prepared not to. If he signs with one of the Bay Area teams, he will be stuck with a young quarterback. Whether it be Jamarcus Russell in Oakland or Shaun Hill/Mark Sanchez in San Francisco, a big reliable target like TO is a nice go-to-guy to have. Both teams have strong running games, so it will be hard to stack everyone against Owens. In San Francisco, the presence of Vernon Davis should keep safeties from over-playing to Owens' side. Prediction: 10 TDs

Next best: Greg Jennings, Steve Smith, Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Marshall

The defending champ,
Chinn