Player Spotlight: Reggie Wayne (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Player Page Link: Reggie Wayne Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[travdogg]

I expect him to be used more often in the redzone than last year and I'm not expecting Harrison to be much of a factor, if any:

100-1400-13

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Basically in Reggie Wayne's first season as the man without Marvin Harrison around he puts up Harrison-type numbers. He's on that type of stud level right now. Of all the stud receivers available he's the safest selection when you take everything into account (age, qb, etc.)

 

[5-ish Finkle]

#1 WR on a potent offense. Top 2 QB throwing him the ball. Hasn't missed any significant time since.....ever(or at least since his rookie year.) At 29 is in the middle of his prime years. Showed he could take the heat as a #1 last season when Harrison was sidelined. Finally stopped getting tackled at the 2 yard line all the time. What's not to like?

98 catches for 1,421 yards and 12 TDs(with enough wiggle room for those numbers to spike up a little bit)

Probably a lock for top 5 WR, really good chance for top 3.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

His avg over the past 4 years is 88/1,250/9...I think those numbers are pretty safe with him being the WR1 with a prolific QB throwing him the ball.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

he's the man now. 90/1300/12

 

[pizzatyme]

With the Colts tough schedule this season I expect an uptick in Wayne's numbers. 102/1435/16. He'll finish neck and neck with Moss as WR#1 this season.

 

[Jason Wood]

In PPR leagues, I have him effectively tied with Moss for the top fantasy spot. A few years ago I wasn't so sure Wayne wasn't simply a byproduct of a fantastic offensive system and the benefactor of having a Hall of Famer commanding defenses best defensive backs on the other side of the field. Yet, few receivers have shown such steady improvement in their careers. Last year, with Marvin Harrison finally succumbing to age and injury, Wayne not only maintained his level of play, but reached a new pinnacle. There really are no holes in his game. Crisp routes. Great hands. A student of the game. Excellent body control. Rapport with his QB. Add all that up and factor in his age and the stability of his situation, and I can't think of many safer bets to provide WR1 numbers this year.

 

[a_troll00]

What's there not to love about Reggie Wayne? He's a very good WR in a very good situation. He stepped into the #1 position without a hitch.

100/1450/12

 

[Jon_Moore]

He's young enough you don't have to even consider him falling off. He's never really had any attitude problems. He's now the #1 guy for arguably the #1 QB in NFL History, on one of the top offenses in the league. Peyton NEVER misses. You consider all of these, Wayne is easily the safest pick as a WR1. That's not to say the upside isn't there, 1500 Yards in his 1st year as "the man" at receiver. He's grabbed 12 TDs before, and it's just hard to see Dallas Clark repeating his double digit TD season considering he's never broken 6 before last season. The offense ranked 3rd in passing, and 6th in points...there are going to be TONS of catching opportunities and scoring opportunities for him.

103 Receptions

1462 Receptions

12 TDs

 

[Eviloutsider]

98/1650/16

He starts becoming a deep(er) threat as well this year.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

95/1500/14

 

[djcolts]

The 2nd safest fantasy bet on the Colts - right behind Peyton. I'll keep the numbers slightly lower in hopes that other Colts receivers step up their games. So, 90 - 1390 - 11.

 

[rzrback77]

Regardless whether Marvin Harrison plays in 08 or not (and I think that he will play at least some), Reggie Wayne looks to be the man at WR in Indianapolis. He has played in 16 games for six straight seasons. He has finished in the top ten three of the last four years, averaging 1271 yds over those four years and 1410 over the last two, ranking 3rd and 4th. He is a very good receiver in an absolutely great spot. He's even better in ppr leagues as his receptions have climbed in every year of his NFL career, averaging 95 for the last two. His only issue is that his ADP is WR3 and 17 overall so you have to take him no later than the second round. He should provide equal to the slot though.

Reggie Wayne 150 targets 100 catches 67% for 1480 yards 14.8 ypc and 12 TDs

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Reggie Wayne is an elite wide receiver and should be drafted just after Moss and Owens. Last year he caught over 100 balls, reached double digit TD's and had over 1500 yards. He is going to be counted on to do the same this year and should come very close to doing it.

102 receptions for 1450 yards and 9 td's

 

[southeastjerome]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

 

[Jon_Moore]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

 

[pizzatyme]

In PPR leagues, I have him effectively tied with Moss for the top fantasy spot. A few years ago I wasn't so sure Wayne wasn't simply a byproduct of a fantastic offensive system and the benefactor of having a Hall of Famer commanding defenses best defensive backs on the other side of the field. Yet, few receivers have shown such steady improvement in their careers. Last year, with Marvin Harrison finally succumbing to age and injury, Wayne not only maintained his level of play, but reached a new pinnacle. There really are no holes in his game. Crisp routes. Great hands. A student of the game. Excellent body control. Rapport with his QB. Add all that up and factor in his age and the stability of his situation, and I can't think of many safer bets to provide WR1 numbers this year.

Jason, I'm on board with everything you said except the bolded. How did his age have anything to do with a RB rolling up the back of his legs?

 

[rzrback77]

In PPR leagues, I have him effectively tied with Moss for the top fantasy spot. A few years ago I wasn't so sure Wayne wasn't simply a byproduct of a fantastic offensive system and the benefactor of having a Hall of Famer commanding defenses best defensive backs on the other side of the field. Yet, few receivers have shown such steady improvement in their careers. Last year, with Marvin Harrison finally succumbing to age and injury, Wayne not only maintained his level of play, but reached a new pinnacle. There really are no holes in his game. Crisp routes. Great hands. A student of the game. Excellent body control. Rapport with his QB. Add all that up and factor in his age and the stability of his situation, and I can't think of many safer bets to provide WR1 numbers this year.

Jason, I'm on board with everything you said except the bolded. How did his age have anything to do with a RB rolling up the back of his legs?

I'm not Jason, but ion my opinion age had nothing to do with the injury. But it definitely has played a significant role in the recovery.

 

[void]

Coming off his best year, Wayne looks to improve his efforts this year. Questions about Harrison's on and off the field health only add to the reasons Wayne will be a top 3 WR this year. Wayne and Peyton clicked last year and even if Harrison plays I see Wayne taking over as the main target in that offense. Look for 100 receptions 1350 yards and 10 TDs.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

I would agree with you if Moss were still in Oakland, but he's not. With him playing in New England, he's as safe as safe gets when drafting a WR.If Moss gets 10 Td's this year, which is what Wayne caught last year (his 2nd highest total of his career), I would consider Moss to have had a down year. He is virtually unstoppable with Brady throwing him the ball.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

I would agree with you if Moss were still in Oakland, but he's not. With him playing in New England, he's as safe as safe gets when drafting a WR.If Moss gets 10 Td's this year, which is what Wayne caught last year (his 2nd highest total of his career), I would consider Moss to have had a down year. He is virtually unstoppable with Brady throwing him the ball.

I don't too many that would take Moss over Wayne in a dynasty format, but it's understandable in a redraft league.

 

[The Jacket]

95 rec., 1450 yards, 16 TD

WR1 on the year. Trade for at any (non-raping) cost.

 

[gianmarco]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

I would agree with you if Moss were still in Oakland, but he's not. With him playing in New England, he's as safe as safe gets when drafting a WR.If Moss gets 10 Td's this year, which is what Wayne caught last year (his 2nd highest total of his career), I would consider Moss to have had a down year. He is virtually unstoppable with Brady throwing him the ball.

I don't too many that would take Moss over Wayne in a dynasty format, but it's understandable in a redraft league.

Why would you select Wayne over Moss in a dynasty format? If you see Moss's production as higher than Wayne's, what would be the reason?

 

[foxco]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

I would agree with you if Moss were still in Oakland, but he's not. With him playing in New England, he's as safe as safe gets when drafting a WR.If Moss gets 10 Td's this year, which is what Wayne caught last year (his 2nd highest total of his career), I would consider Moss to have had a down year. He is virtually unstoppable with Brady throwing him the ball.

I don't too many that would take Moss over Wayne in a dynasty format, but it's understandable in a redraft league.

Moss is 31, Wayne is 30. One year difference in age. I'm curious as to why Wayne is less valuable than Moss in a dynasty league, considering his ceiling is much, much higher and there is a small age difference.

 

[gianmarco]

Wayne is the safest WR pick out there in my mind. He's the #1 receiver with a team that has thrown the ball well for almost the past decade. He now takes the throne from Harrison. 96 rec, 1488, 12 TDs

Define safest? You'd choose who if you had to draft a WR and everyone was on the board.I think the safest pick is Moss. I don't think he'll catch 23 Td's this year but he more than doubled Wayne's TD's last year. Although I think Wayne is an outstanding fantasy receiver, Randy Moss is in another league and to me the safest pick at WR considering the teams their on again this year.

If everyone's on the board, I'm picking Wayne around 5th. He's still the safest. Not everyone picks the safest guy. Moss has shown attitude issues in the past, and a willingness to just flat out quit. Wayne has yet to do that. I'm still taking Moss 1st, the upside is insanely good, but Wayne is less likely to give you any headaches.

I would agree with you if Moss were still in Oakland, but he's not. With him playing in New England, he's as safe as safe gets when drafting a WR.If Moss gets 10 Td's this year, which is what Wayne caught last year (his 2nd highest total of his career), I would consider Moss to have had a down year. He is virtually unstoppable with Brady throwing him the ball.

I don't too many that would take Moss over Wayne in a dynasty format, but it's understandable in a redraft league.

Moss is 31, Wayne is 30. One year difference in age. I'm curious as to why Wayne is less valuable than Moss in a dynasty league, considering his ceiling is much, much higher and there is a small age difference.

Exactly. I can understand the argument for guys like Fitz, Edwards, Colston, or even AJ because they are considerably younger than Moss. But when you talk about Wayne, I see no reason to rank him above Moss in either redraft or dynasty.

 

[KingEl]

In a ppr league, I'm considering taking Wayne over Owens as the 2nd WR off the board behind Moss.. Manning being slow to start after the layoff has me a little worried... It just seems like Wayne is a safe pick- esp in PPR.

 

[Otis]

Moss is a bigger risk than Wayne, due to his attitude, not his age, and that is why he is more valuable -- especially for dynasty purposes. We've seen Moss get injured, quit, get annoyed, and have a crappy attitude. We've never seen anything but professionalism from Wayne.

Moss may have the bigger upside due to his freakish ability, but Wayne is the "safer" pick. No question.

 

[sterjs]

I don't too many that would take Moss over Wayne in a dynasty format, but it's understandable in a redraft league.

I would. Moss is only a 1.5 years older than Wayne and projects better. Moss's risk is overrated--he has 7 top 5 seasons and 2 top 20 seasons in 10 years. Oakland 2006 was an aberration.

 

[kerpow]

Moss is a bigger risk than Wayne, due to his attitude, not his age, and that is why he is more valuable -- especially for dynasty purposes. We've seen Moss get injured, quit, get annoyed, and have a crappy attitude. We've never seen anything but professionalism from Wayne.Moss may have the bigger upside due to his freakish ability, but Wayne is the "safer" pick. No question.

Wayne '08 to '10 is Harrison '00 to '06. A lock for top 5 WR, if not top 3. What more can you ask for?

 

[KingEl]

In a PPR league, I am torn between Wayne and Owens as the 2nd wr off the board.. Pro's for Wayne is he should end up with more catches though I think last year's #'s are about the best you can hope for with Harrison back. Also, Wayne never misses games while Owens is always good for a missed game or two.. Wayne is def a safe lock for top 3. Pro's for Owens is while not as many catches, he will make it up in TD's, and he is explosive! Dallas also has a better schedule IMO. Con's are the getting nicked up issue. He's also as consistent as they come in overall #'s. I've had Owens the past couple of years and while I road him to the playoffs, he killed me with subpar games during the playoffs.

So, is Wayne #2?!

 

[LOCO]

In a PPR league, I am torn between Wayne and Owens as the 2nd wr off the board.. Pro's for Wayne is he should end up with more catches though I think last year's #'s are about the best you can hope for with Harrison back. Also, Wayne never misses games while Owens is always good for a missed game or two.. Wayne is def a safe lock for top 3. Pro's for Owens is while not as many catches, he will make it up in TD's, and he is explosive! Dallas also has a better schedule IMO. Con's are the getting nicked up issue. He's also as consistent as they come in overall #'s. I've had Owens the past couple of years and while I road him to the playoffs, he killed me with subpar games during the playoffs.

I like TO cause he scores more Td's.

If it's PPR though, I would go Wayne.