Empty the Bench

The recuperative powers of Anquan Boldin are truly remarkable, but I still don’t think he’s going to play this week and thus haven’t ranked him. The receiver says he’ll be a game-time decision, so owners will want to be sure to check on his status Sunday morning just in case there’s been an update, but I’m operating under the assumption that Steve Breaston (who is also dealing with a sore knee, but should play) gets the start. Keep in mind this is a night game, so don’t wait too long to make a decision. If Boldin does play, insert him into the low-teens and bump Breaston down towards the bottom of this list. Even after that shellacking at the hands of the Saints last week, the Giants still boast the NFL’s best pass defense (148.8 YPG).

I miss the Titans secondary already. Come back soon, guys! The fantasy week just isn’t as fun without watching my players gauge you for obscene totals.

Those of you who caught the second half of the Vikings-Ravens game last week know just how important Antoine Winfield is to the Viqueens pass defense. The secondary just folded after he went out, allowing Joe Flacco & Co. to pick them apart with alarming alacrity and efficiency. Winfield has been in a walking boot this week and it doesn’t sound like the Pro Bowler will be ready to play in Pittsburgh this week. Start Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward with confidence, both should rack up yardage with a possible score. If you’re in a bye-week jam, it might be a good opportunity to take a gamble on speedy rookie Mike Wallace. Don’t expect more than 3-4 receptions, but the kid is capable of making big things happen even so.

This week should provide a lot of insight into the Giants passing game. They’ll face off against the fantasy-friendly Cards pass defense, and Eli Manning should have plenty of production to spread around. But what will the distribution be? Is Steve Smith a legit No. 1 fantasy wideout and the breakout story of 2009? And as we predicted a few weeks ago, the split end position has gotten a little murky between YAC machine Mario Manningham and talented rookie Hakeem Nicks. Will one emerge as a clear-cut better option? We’ll be starting everybody we can from the Giants attack and watching closely.

See also:
- Week 7 QB Rankings
- Week 7 RB Rankings
- Week 7 TE Rankings
- Week 7 DEF Rankings

1. Randy Moss, New England Patriots @ TB (in London)
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans vs. SF
3. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts @ STL
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals @ NYG
5. Vincent Jackson, San Diego @ KC
6. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints @ MIA
7. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengalsvs. CHI
8. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons @ DAL
9. Wes Welker, New England Patriots @ TB (in London)
10. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIN
11. Steve Smith, New York Giants vs. ARZ
12. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles @ WAS
13. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIN
14. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs vs. SD
15. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers @ CLE
16. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers @ CLE

WR rankings 17 through 44, after the jump…

17. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers vs. BUF
18. Kevin Walter, Houston Texans vs. SF
19. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears @ CIN
20. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys vs. ATL
21. Braylon Edwards, New York Jets @ OAK
22. Mario Manningham, New York Giants vs. ARZ
23. Hakeen Nicks, New York Giants vs. ARZ
24. Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals @ NYG (Check Status)
25. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Bucs vs. NE (in London)
26. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings @ PIT
27. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts @ STL
28. Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys vs. ATL
29. Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns vs. GB
30. Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints @ MIA
31. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins vs. PHI
32. Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts @ STL
33. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings @ PIT
34. Ted Ginn, Jr., Miami Dolphins vs. NO
35. Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears @ CIN
36. Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears @ CIN
37. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills @ CAR
38. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills @ CAR
39. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings @ PIT (Check Status)
40. Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams vs. IND (Check Status)
41. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles @ WAS
42. Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins vs. NO
43. Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CHI
44. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. MIN

See also:
- Week 7 QB Rankings
- Week 7 RB Rankings
- Week 7 TE Rankings
- Week 7 DEF Rankings