Fantasy Football | Wait a bit, then nab these WRs

I seem to change my mind every year about how to handle drafting my fantasy-football wide receivers.

And this season, considering the lack of full-load running backs, I'm resisting the temptation to nab a receiver too early, which basically translates to any pick before the start of the third round.

I'd rather just go running back, running back with my first two picks — or even get a quarterback, Peyton Manning or Carson Palmer, to go with a back — than use a second-rounder on a wideout.

So there, I've unveiled my philosophy. Now take a look at my receiver rankings:

1. Steve Smith, Panthers: Explosiveness aside, he's the only receiver who's his team's clear No. 1 option.

2. Marvin Harrison, Colts: Never mind that he's about to turn 35, there's no reason to think he won't get 1,200-plus yards and double-digit scores.

3. Chad Johnson, Bengals: Five of his seven touchdowns and 450 of his 1,396 receiving yards came in two games, so I'm betting he's motivated to be more consistent.

4. Torry Holt, Rams: Once again a safe pick in a good situation.

5. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Getting better and better at making defenses pay for Harrison-provoked single coverage.

6. Terrell Owens, Cowboys: Don't let personal feelings get in the way.

7. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Visions of Matt Leinart touch passes around the goal line once the running game bogs down.

8. Roy Williams, Lions: Most athletic WR around, meaning you'll enjoy his highlights a little more if he's on your team.

9. Javon Walker, Broncos: Denver's running game will move the ball, and that means opportunity for big plays from the passing game.

10. Lee Evans, Bills: Intriguing, but inconsistency makes it hard for me to buy the hype.

11. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals: Count on double-digit TDs, 1,200 yards for red-zone star.

12. Marques Colston, Saints: I'm not real worried about a sophomore slump, just don't love him yet.

13. Donald Driver, Packers: Never bad to be a never-retiring future Hall of Fame gunslinger's favorite target.

14. Randy Moss, Patriots: Think Tom Brady won't give him plenty of deep-ball chances? Me neither.

15. Plaxico Burress, Giants: Ability around the end zone always makes him very tempting.

16. Andre Johnson, Texans: Just can't see him getting 10-plus TDs.

17. Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Also doesn't score enough, and I don't see that ever changing.

18. Reggie Brown, Eagles: Love his chances in Philadelphia's pass-first scheme.

19. Hines Ward, Steelers: Pittsburgh is expected to pass more, so 10 TDs are not out of the question.

20. Calvin Johnson, Lions: Rookie receivers are scary, but Williams' presence should mean plenty of single coverage.

21. Darrell Jackson, 49ers: He's top 15 if not for constant health issues.

22. Deion Branch, Seahawks: Just hope he gets some looks around the end zone.

23. Braylon Edwards, Browns: If only the QB choices were better than Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn.

24. Laveranues Coles, Jets: Lots of catches and yards, but throws in a lot of dud performances.

25. Santana Moss, Redskins: Fearful that QB situation (Jason Campbell) will hurt.

Sleeper watch

More unexpected performances come from the league's receivers than from any other position, so I'd be remiss not to mention a few down the list who I like.

He might not qualify because he has been getting a lot of ink, but Vincent Jackson of the Chargers could be huge.

Santonio Holmes of the Steelers has significant upside.

The Titans' Eric Moulds should benefit from QB Vince Young's scrambling ability.

As for a late-round flier, go with 49er Arnaz Battle.

Got questions about fantasy football? Send them to Jerry Faull: jfaull@seattletimes.com, or Jerry Faull, Seattle Times Sports,

1120 John St., Seattle, WA 98109.