It’s that time of year again. The time in which fantasy gurus from all around the country get together to pick their teams so that they can compete for cash, pride, but most importantly bragging rights. Alright I lied, the cash is always most important; just thought that bragging rights sounded cooler. Once Drew Brees and Arian Foster are gone, what are you going to do???? The Beef says pick up a top flight wide receiver ASAP! Who can you count on to get an easy 20 points a game??? The following 5 receivers are so good that even fantasy dummies can’t miss with them:

1.) Calvin “Megatron” Johnson: Hands down the best receiver in the league. He is a monster! You cannot put a limit on this guy’s talent. He is good for at least 1 touchdown a game and 5+ receptions. All of this = mega-points for Megatron owners.

Pros: Runs a route well. A menace on the fly route. Tall as hell, plus a great vertical leap which makes him damn near impossible to cover.

Cons: Has a quarterback whose shoulder dislocates every time they mention the Chicago Bears. Also, since he is on the cover of Madden 13, historically, says that this season could very well become a disaster of monumental proportions ( see Donovan Mcnabb for details ).

Verdict: If Stafford stays healthy, Megatron will definitely be the centerpiece of many a fantasy champion’s roster. Based on his combination of size, speed, hands, and simply God-given talent, Johnson is a sure-fire first round pick. Expect him to be gone by the 3rd pick of round one, period.

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2.) Larry Fitzgerald : Let’s be honest: Arizona(the state) sucks. It’s hot as hell, old people go there to die, and “driving while Latino” will get your ass deported faster than you can holler “Yee-Haw”. The silver lining for this miserable truck stop on the way to California? Larry Fitzgerald. He is hard to cover, lengthy, and pretty much does what he wants to opposing defenses. In an NFL without Megatron, Larry Fitzgerald would be hands down #1 wide receiver in the game. Still, being #2 is no slap in the face.

Pros: Athletic, quick and is great on the slant route.

Cons: Doesn’t have a great Quarterback to utilize his talents. Plays for the Cardinals.

Verdict: The Beef says that Larry Fitzgerald is the undisputable #2 wide receiver and worthy of a late second round pick. He was great with Kurt Warner under center, and managed to maintain elite receiver status during the train wreck that was the Matt Leinhart era. Not many receivers can say that. The Beef has spoken!

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3.) Andre Johnson: You don’t mess with Texas! The Texans have become a power house in the AFC, due in part, to the offensive excellence of Andre Johnson. He runs the slant route like a master, and can outrun even the best defensive backs. His combination of size and speed often requires opposing safety’s to double him, creating openings for his teammates. This in itself doesn’t help you as a fantasy team owner(unless you also have Arian Foster, in which case your are one lucky S.O.B.) but you can always count on Johnson for at least 5 receptions per game and close to 100 yards.

Pros: Proven to be fast and tough. Not scared to beat up opposing teams players (ask the Tennessee Titans) and skills make double team a routine strategy for opposing teams.

Cons: Coming off of an injury riddled 2011/2012 season. Add a hurt Matt Schaub and it was a recipe for disaster.

Verdict: If he comes out healthy and has a healthy Quarterback he should be good for at least 15 points a game. Too good to pass up, take him when you can.

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4.) Greg Jennings: How can you not pick this guy?! He is the top play-maker in what is arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL. Did we mention he plays with the best Quarterback as well? The presence of fellow WR Jordy Nelson and TE Jermichael Finley keep Jennings from being a top 3 receiver. Not by much, however, as he is better than most teams top receivers.

Pros: Big, fast, athletic, and a proven threat.

Cons: Plays on an offense with serious weapons at every skill position; could be hampered by Aaron Rodgers spreading the ball around.

Verdict: between 10-15 points per game. If Rodgers stays healthy, Jennings should be good for 6+ receptions/game and 10-12 touchdowns next season. Take him between rounds 4 to 6.

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5.) Steve Smith: Surprised??? Last year, Steve Smith flew under even the most sleuthy fantasy guru’s radar. Rookie QB, craptacular offense sure to feature the run…playing for Carolina was tough. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went undrafted in the majority of leagues. It was that bleak. Then, to the surprise of everyone, Cam Newton happened. Add a strong armed quarterback that can throw the ball down field and Steve Smith became real relevant, real quick. You can’t mess with his speed and talent. He will be a threat again this year.

Pros: super-fast, master of the fly route, frightens defenders with his athleticism.

Cons: Getting older every day; injury risk; value hinges on Cam Newton avoiding a sophomore slump.

Verdict: If Cam Newton shows up like he did last year (which I think he will) expect this guy to get 5+ catches a game along with at least 10 touchdowns next season. I didn’t rank him higher because due to the fact that he is older than dirt and his Quarterback has only done it for one season. A steal if he is there past round 8.

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Honorable mention: Wes Welker, Brandon Marshall, Jordy Nelson, Dez Bryant, & Julio Jones. The Beef has spoken!