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Detroit's Herman Moore has done his TD dance 31 times in the past 3 seasons. He edges out Jerry Rice as the top fantasy receiver for '98 according to FSM.During the year of the running back, 17 wide receivers broke the 1,000-yard barrier. And none of them were named Jerry Rice, Carl Pickens, Isaac Bruce or Curtis Conway.

The fact that so many receivers can put up such great numbers is a testimony to the depth of the position. What that means for fantasy-leaguers is that you shouldn't be in a hurry to fill out your receiving corps on Draft Day. There are a few receivers who are worth a first-round pick, such as Rice, Herman Moore and Cris Carter. Rice will make a successful comeback from his knee injury because he is Jerry Rice. He works harder than anyone in football and has the records to prove it. Rice will once again catch 100 passes and score his usual 10+ touchdowns and everything will be right with the world. Moore and Carter will provide similar numbers for their teams But after them, the picture gets muddled.

Can you count on any of the other receivers to put up huge numbers every year? Tim Brown comes close, racking up 1,000 yards every season, but he scored only five touchdowns last year. Is that reason for concern? Probably not, but it assures that Brown won't be more than a mid-second round pick in most fantasy drafts.

Robert Brooks had a big comeback season after missing most of 1996 with a knee injury. But he was bothered by nagging injuries again in 1997, limiting his production. Can you count on him? Most likely, but be sure to have a contingency plan in place if you draft him.

Last year's big injuries (besides Rice) were suffered by Bruce and Conway. They each put up good numbers when they returned, but should you be worried about future injury problems this season? Not more than you would worry about any other player.

Then there are guys like Rob Moore and James Jett, who came out of nowhere to have seasons most receivers only dream about. Can either of them be counted on to repeat? Neither of them will duplicate last season's feats, but Moore will come closer than Jett.

What about two of last season's stars ­ Yancey Thigpen and Bert Emanuel? They each move to teams with poor passing attacks (Tennessee and Tampa Bay, respectively) and should be considered longshots to repeat their accomplishments from last year.

This article will give you plenty to think about when evaluating the wide receivers before your draft. Much is up in the air since training camps haven't even started and the June free agent bonanza is yet to come, but this will give you a head start on your competitors.

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RANKINGS BEGIN HERE.

1. Herman Moore, Lions: Jerry Rice may be the most dominant receiver in NFL history, but Herman Moore is the most physically dominant wide receiver in the NFL today. He possesses excellent size, speed, strength, leaping ability and hands.

But lots of receivers have great physical attributes and never pan out. What separates Moore from the rest is his determination. If the ball is near him, it belongs to him. The best example of this occurred in Week 16 versus the Vikings. Moore hadn't practiced all week due to a painful foot injury, yet caught six passes for 65 yards. On the final drive of the game, Moore caught a 20-yard pass to the Viking 12, then after a pass interference call, man-handled Minnesota corner Dewayne Washington and caught the game-tying touchdown with three seconds left to keep Detroit's playoff hopes alive. If not for Barry Sanders, and more importantly Scott Mitchell, Moore would finish every season with 150 catches for 2,000 yards. With the emergence of Johnnie Morton, Moore's numbers may slip slightly this season, but a season of 100+ catches, 1,500 yards and 12-15 touchdowns should still be within reach.

2. Jerry Rice, 49ers: Jerry Rice, second? Sounds strange, but for the first time there is reason to doubt Jerry ­ just a little doubt, but it's still there.

Rice's comeback from a horrible knee injury was well chronicled, and his return on Monday Night Football in Week 16 was one of the most electric moments of the season. His subsequent re-injury, however, was one of the most painful moments of the year. But was Rice on the slide already? In 1996 he recorded only eight touchdowns and 11.6 yards-per-catch. Sure, he had over 100 catches and 1,200 yards, but when you are Jerry Rice, people are going to talk about any perceived decline.

Now for the big question: How well will Rice return from injury this time? Our answer is a simple one: He should be fine and ready to step back into Pro Bowl form. With help from the emerging Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes, Rice should remain the most dangerous receiver in the league. Another 100-catch, 1,400-yard and 12-14 touchdown season will be in the cards.

3. Cris Carter, Vikings: There is a much over-used phrase that goes something like this: ³All Cris Carter does is catch touchdown passes.² Carter led the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions last season and now has 40 TD receptions over the last three seasons. But Carter does so much more than that. He finished last season with 89 receptions for 1,069 yards after seasons of 96 catches, 122 and 122. Last year's numbers are a little lower than his normal production, prompting some questions about his age (32). But the main reasons his numbers dropped were Robert Smith finally playing almost a full season and the continued emergence of Jake Reed.

Carter is still the go-to-guy in Minnesota and he will finish with at least 85 catches, 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. With the addition of Randy Moss to Minnesota's already dangerous air attack, the Vikings will open things up even more, possibly going to a three-wideout formation with Carter in the slot. That would put Carter against the other team's nickel back. That just means more chances for Carter to touch the ball and, yes, catch more touchdowns.

4. Antonio Freeman, Packers: Here's the best receiver on the team with the best quarterback in the league. Freeman may seem like a reach as the fourth wideout, but he has become Brett Favre's main weapon and that means he will put up outstanding numbers. In only his third year, Freeman recorded 81 catches, 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has tremendous athletic ability and a knack for making spectacular catches. He also seems to have put his problems with dropped passes behind him.

Freeman signed only a one-year contract with Green Bay during the off-season, making him an unrestricted free agent following this year. Expect him to put up numbers comparable to last year's breakthrough season as he pushes for a huge payday.

5. Tim Brown, Raiders: Brown had a great start last season with four touchdowns and 33 catches through the first four games, but his production leveled off as teams shifted coverages his way. This led to the emergence of Rickey Dudley and James Jett, which in turn should help Brown this season. Brown still had plenty of catches (104 for 1,408 yards), but he was held to only five touchdowns, three of which came in Week 1.

The Raiders will switch to the West Coast offense now that Jon Gruden is head coach, but the long ball will still be an important element of the Raiders' offense. This offensive scheme spreads the ball around, but it always has a go-to-guy. Brown will be that guy in Oakland, so expect a repeat of last year's numbers, with the TD total rising to around 10.

6. Joey Galloway, Seahawks: After only three seasons, Galloway has become one of the most dangerous receivers, having caught at least one TD pass of 50 yards or longer each year he's been in the league. He can score from anywhere on the field at any time. The arrival of Warren Moon last season also helped Galloway tremendously as he was Moon's target on an amazing 147 pass attempts. This year, Ricky Watters will take some pressure off the passing game, drawing the safeties up and making it easier for Galloway to catch more long balls. Expect 75 catches, 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns from this emerging star.

7. Carl Pickens, Bengals: One so-so season and Pickens drops to seventh on our list. That's what happens when there are so many good receivers in the league and a suddenly iffy quarterback situation in Cincinnati. Pickens' numbers fell last season due to injuries and Jeff Blake's troubles. But Pickens is too good not to rebound from his disappointing season and Blake should bounce back as well. Watch Pickens slip in your draft, then pick him up and enjoy the 80 receptions, 1,200 yards and 10-12 touchdowns he will provide this season.

8. Michael Irvin, Cowboys: Speaking of receivers who will slip but shouldn't, nobody fits the bill better than Michael Irvin. Love him or hate him, the guy wants to win as much as anyone in the league, and he will put up great numbers because of it. He had better numbers than Galloway, Andre Rison and Jake Reed last year, but nobody noticed due to the Cowboys' much-publicized offensive struggles. The Cowboys should have more success with Chan Gailey restructuring the offense, and Irvin will be a key figure. Expect 80 catches, 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.

9. Isaac Bruce, Rams: Here's another receiver who struggled due to a hamstring injury and problems with the offense last season. He will probably slip in many drafts this season as well, but he shouldn't. Bruce has too much talent and desire not to come back successfully. Unfortunately, Tony Banks and Eddie Kennison both need to rebound as well. If all three can work together, Bruce should return to the 90-catch, 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown level.

10. Robert Brooks, Packers: When Favre is the quarterback, there will be plenty of receptions and yards to go around. Robert Brooks is always one of the main beneficiaries of Favre's talent and the Packers' offensive scheme. In 1997, Brooks made a successful return from a severe knee injury, recording 60 catches, 1,010 yards and seven touchdowns despite acting as a decoy for Freeman and suffering from badly injured ribs most of the season. Brooks seemed a step slow last year and many athletes say it takes two years to fully recover from the type of knee injury he had. If that's true, Brooks may surpass last year's numbers by the end of November.

11. Tony Martin, Chargers: Martin's numbers fell off drastically last year, but that really wasn't his fault. With Stan Humphries battling concussions and Craig Whelihan struggling to learn the offense, Martin's numbers dropped to 63-904-6 after leading the NFL in touchdown receptions in '96 (14). Ryan Leaf will likely take over at quarterback right away this season and Martin will probably be his security blanket. Expect a Jake Plummer-Rob Moore type of relationship between the two, with Martin posting numbers in the 90-1,300-10 range.

12. Rob Moore, Cardinals: Thanks to the emergence of Plummer, Moore finally got a chance to show what he's capable of last season. Toiling for years without a decent quarterback to get him the ball, Moore was considered a decent second or third wideout for fantasy teams. But a rookie QB and no running game forced Moore to step up, and he did, leading the league with 1,584 receiving yards. Now with another year of experience for Plummer, and Adrian Murrell providing a big boost to the running game, some of the heat will be taken off Moore. His numbers will drop slightly, but a 90-catch, 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown performance is a reasonable expectation.

13. Jimmy Smith, Jaguars: Mark Brunell's favorite target finished third in the AFC in both receptions and yards last year. It was Smith's first full year as a starter in Jacksonville. He had only four touchdowns, but that number has to go up if he catches more than 80 balls again. Smith is the Jaguars' deep threat, averaging 16.1 yards per catch last season, so he will provide a few long touchdowns for teams in fantasy leagues that give bonuses for such things. Expect another big year from Smith (85-1,200-8) as the Jaguars turn to a pair of rookies to carry the running game.

14. Terry Glenn, Patriots: Glenn had a miserable second year in New England, playing in only nine games due to injury. He finished the year with 27 catches, far from the 90 he had as a rookie in 1996. Even if Glenn stays healthy, he will have a hard time competing for receptions with a loaded receiving corps that includes Ben Coates, Shawn Jefferson, Troy Brown and Tony Simmons. But Glenn will be the featured receiver, and with no real running game since the departure of Curtis Martin, Drew Bledsoe will be throwing plenty of passes for everyone. A season of 75-1,100-8 is a reasonable expectation from Glenn.

15. Rod Smith, Broncos: Smith came out of nowhere to record a season of 70-1,180-12. The Missouri Southern product has become a favorite of John Elway because of his speed and ability to make acrobatic catches. He does have problems with drops (15 last year) and that probably prevented him from having an 80+ catch season last year. Denver has too many weapons for Smith's numbers to improve dramatically, but a season of 80-1,250-10 is very likely.

16. Irving Fryar, Eagles: How long can the 36-year-old Fryar continue to excel? His touchdown total dropped to six last season, but he still finished with 86 catches and 1,316 yards. This will be a transition year in Philly, with Bobby Hoying taking over full-time at quarterback and Charlie Garner finally getting his chance in the backfield. Fryar can still be counted on for 70 catches and 1,000 yards, but don't overdraft Fryar expecting much more.

17. Keyshawn Johnson, Jets: Keyshawn should vault into the upper echelon of receivers this season, his third in the NFL. The former No. 1 pick has plenty of size (6'3², 210) and talent. What he doesn't have right now is a proven quarterback throwing him the ball. Glenn Foley will be the starter and he should have a decent year. With Curtis Martin bolstering the running game, Keyshawn should have a breakthrough season to the tune of 75-1,000-9.

18. Andre Rison, Chiefs: Rison finally got a chance to resurrect his career in Kansas City last year. Rison was one of the top four receivers in the NFL through the early '90s, but he had two bad seasons and was written off by many observers. Accused of having a bad attitude his entire career, Rison proved people wrong and became a fan favorite in Kansas City, on his way to a season of 72-1,092-7. Rison will have some help this year with the addition of Derrick Alexander, but expect the Chiefs to throw the ball more often due to the loss of Marcus Allen and Greg Hill. Rison will finish the year with numbers a little better than last season.

19. Yancey Thigpen, Oilers: Yancey made a strong comeback from a disastrous 1996 season in which he started only two games because of a leg injury. He finished 10 yards behind Tim Brown for the conference high and his 79 catches placed him fourth. He then signed a $21 million contract with the Oilers, but his move to Tennessee will cost him some numbers since Steve McNair has struggled with the offense. If McNair becomes comfortable enough with the offense to throw to his receivers, Thigpen will finish with 70-1,100-8. If not, his numbers could be drastically reduced.

20. Curtis Conway, Bears: It's hard to draft anyone from a team that's as messed up as the Bears, but their offense won't be as terrible as last season. The main reason for that will be the return of Conway for a full season. Conway, who missed most of last season with a broken collarbone, is the only Bears' player with explosive offensive potential. He will be double and triple-teamed often, but Eric Kramer will dump the ball to players like Edgar Bennett enough to draw the coverage away. Conway will put up good numbers for a bad team this year, so expect a season of 65-1,200-8.

21. Derrick Alexander, Chiefs: Alexander was a consistent performer for the pass-happy Ravens the past two seasons, recording just over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns each year. Now he moves to the Chiefs, who may also become pass-happy given the loss of their top two running backs. Alexander should put up numbers similar to his years in Baltimore, which means a season in the 65-1,000-7 range.

22. Johnnie Morton, Lions: Morton stepped up during his first year as a starter, producing a Pro Bowl caliber season (80-1,057-6). The former first round pick out of USC has tons of talent. The only thing holding him back is quarterback Scott Mitchell. But Detroit returns all of its weapons, so there is no reason to believe Morton and the offense won't put up similar numbers this season.

23. Jake Reed, Vikings: Reed's reception total has dropped the last four years (from a high of 85 to 68 last year), and it will probably drop again this season. With the arrival of Randy Moss, Reed's and Carter's numbers will fall off slightly. Reed is still a Pro Bowl caliber wideout, but Minnesota now has four legitimate offensive weapons (Carter, Reed, Moss and Smith) to spread the ball to, so someone's numbers have to drop. Nonetheless, Reed is a solid choice as your No. 2 receiver and he will record a season of 60-1,000-6 this year.

24. Keenan McCardell, Jaguars: Carter and Reed get all the publicity as the best receiving combo in the NFL, but Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell surpassed them in every number except touchdowns last season. McCardell, a sixth-year pro out of UNLV, quietly had an outstanding year, racking up 1,164 yards and five touchdowns on 85 catches. McCardell is a possession receiver who accumulated four 100-yard games last year, but Smith will get most of the attention near the goal-line. Still, McCardell has 12 TD receptions over the last three years and he should be good for 6-7 TD receptions in '98.

25. Michael Jackson, Ravens: This will be a difficult season for Jackson. He is injury prone, so that's enough reason for concern. But with Alexander bolting to the Chiefs and Jim Harbaugh or Eric Zeier stepping in at QB, Jackson may have a difficult time matching last year's numbers (69-918-4), let alone coming close to his outstanding 1996 totals (76-1,201-14).

26. Eddie Kennison, Rams: Many fantasy-leaguers were burned by Kennison last season. In 14 games, Kennison had 25 receptions for 404 yards, no touchdowns, and pretty much zero fantasy points. Kennison's biggest problem was getting off the line when corners played him tight, especially when Bruce was out of the lineup. He should have less pressure this year with Bruce healthy and return to his rookie numbers (54-924-9). He's due for a comeback season if the Rams don't give up on him.

27. O.J. McDuffie, Dolphins: McDuffie has increased his number of catches and yards in each of his five seasons in the league. But last season, his touchdown total dropped from eight to one. Yes, McDuffie caught only one TD pass last year despite collecting a career-high 76 receptions. McDuffie will still be Marino's top receiver this season, but Jimmy Johnson wants a more run-oriented system, so beware. McDuffie's number of receptions will drop, but he has to score more touchdowns. Expect a season of 65-900-7.

28. Frank Sanders, Cardinals: Sanders and teammate Rob Moore were the top receiving combo in the NFL in 1997. Sanders has improved his stats every year of his three-year career, finishing last season with career highs in the three main categories (75-1,017-4). He was the best clutch receiver in the NFL last season, recording 31 receptions for 492 yards on third-down plays, including a 70-yard touchdown. The improved running game will cost him some numbers, but a season of 65-900-5 is well within reach. Sanders isn't well known, but don't let him go lower than 28th in your draft.

29. Charles Johnson, Steelers: The last time Pittsburgh was without Thigpen (1996) Johnson recorded 60 catches for 1,008 yards. Now with Thigpen gone to Tennessee, Johnson again has the opportunity to become the go-to-guy for the Steelers. It's a little risky, but expect him to step up and become Stewart's main target. Johnson, who was also Stewart's teammate at the University of Colorado, should finish 1998 with 65-1,000-6.

30. Bert Emanuel, Buccaneers: Emanuel has been a top receiver in the league for the last three years, but almost no one has noticed. That will happen when you play in Atlanta, however. His three year totals are very respectable, with 20 touchdowns and almost 3,000 yards. Now in Tampa Bay, he will get recognition, but his numbers will drop because of the Bucs' run-oriented attack. Still, Emanuel should finish the season with 50-55 catches, 800 yards and six touchdowns.

31. Marvin Harrison, Colts: Harrison has been a solid performer during his first two pro seasons, finishing last year with 73 catches, 866 yards and six TDs. As the team improves with Peyton Manning at the helm, Harrison will become a star in this league, but that won't happen this season. With a shabby offensive line allowing the QBs to be decimated, Harrison won't put up great numbers whether Manning or Kelly Holcomb is in. A ³setback² season of 60-800-6 is the probable outcome.

32. Terrell Owens, 49ers: Owens is big (6'2², 213), fast and a perfect complement to Rice. He started 10 games as a rookie, then emerged as a top receiver last season after Rice was injured. His 60 catches, 936 yards and eight TDs should be his typical output for the next few years as he fills the role left vacant since John Taylor's departure.

33. James Jett, Raiders: Jett emerged as one of the top big-play receivers in the league last season, catching a career-high 12 TD passes. The arrival of Jeff George spurred the speedy wideout to a career year (46-804-12), but he may struggle this season with the West Coast offense. He will still be the number two receiver in Oakland, however, which should be good for 50-800-6.

34. Ike Hilliard, Giants: Hilliard missed almost all of last season with a neck injury suffered early in the season, a tough way for the first round pick to start his NFL career. The 6'0², 189-pounder will bounce back and should earn his spot in the starting lineup. With the emergence of Danny Kanell, Hilliard will actually have a Giant QB who can get him the ball. Expect at least 50-700-5 from Hilliard in his debut season.

35. Reidel Anthony, Buccaneers: Hilliard's former receiving partner at the University of Florida, Anthony had a respectable rookie season in Tampa Bay (35-448-4). The addition of Emanuel and Jacquez Green gives the Bucs a crowded pool of receivers, but Anthony will start this year and his numbers should increase as he and Trent Dilfer improve. A season of 50-700-6 can be expected from Anthony.

36. Terance Mathis, Falcons: Mathis has had huge seasons in the past, with career-highs of 111-1,342-11 in 1994 and 78-1,039-9 in 1995. With the departure of Emanuel, Mathis will be asked to return to that level of production. Mathis is a good receiver with limited talent who works best as the second or third option. He won't be as comfortable as the number one guy in Atlanta, but he should be able to produce 70-900-6 this year.

37. Leslie Shepherd, Redskins: Shepherd has great speed and talent, but the 'Skins have always considered him a number three receiver at best. But he emerged as a star last year before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 12. He should be Washington's top receiver this year, so expect 55-900-7 if he can stay healthy.

38. Quinn Early, Bills: Early had a great year for a terrible offense last season. He put up almost identical numbers to Andre Reed (60-853-5 to 60-880-5) and could challenge Reed as the number one option in Buffalo. Early still has great speed, but at age 33 he is bound to lose a step soon. If you pick him, expect production similar to last season.

39. Andre Reed, Bills: Reed returns for his 14th season. The potential Hall of Famer doesn't seem to be slowing down as he again put up respectable numbers last year despite all of the QB problems. Either Rob Johnson or Doug Flutie will shore up the quarterback spot, so Reed should put up numbers slightly better than last year.

40. Darnay Scott, Bengals: When you pick Darnay Scott, you should know what you are getting. He has finished each of his four NFL seasons with around 50 catches, 800 yards and five touchdowns, although he did finish strong last year after Pickens was injured. There's no reason to expect any more or less from Scott this time around now that Pickens is healthy.

41. Jermaine Lewis, Ravens: Lewis was explosive last season as the Ravens' kick returner and third wideout. Lewis had great receiving numbers (42-648-6) and returned two kicks for touchdowns while averaging 15.6 yards per punt return. He also had three carries for 35 yards. Lewis is very fast but very small (5'7², 172), so it will be interesting to see how he handles full-time duty this season. Lewis should have a good year and finish with numbers in the 45-700-6 range.

42. Chris Calloway, Giants: Calloway had a good season as the go-to receiver for the Giants' unspectacular offense last year, finishing with 58-849-8, all career-highs. Hilliard will take away some of Calloway's catches this season, but a full season with Kanell at quarterback should balance that out. Calloway should finish this year with 50-750-6.

43. Ed McCaffrey, Broncos: McCaffrey has become a solid point producer for fantasy teams since he joined the Broncos in 1995. He has 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons, more than Jimmy Smith, Frank Sanders and Yancey Thigpen have had in the last three years. McCaffrey will still provide at least five touchdowns this year, but the addition of first round pick Marcus Nash may cost ³Easy Ed² some numbers this season.

44. Wayne Chrebet, Jets: Chrebet was the Jets' second-leading receiver in 1997, despite starting only one game. Chrebet should break into the starting lineup this year, but he will have to battle Alex Van Dyke for the spot. Even if he is reduced to number three again, Chrebet can still finish the season with 50-750-3.

45. Rae Carruth, Panthers: Carruth was the only top rookie wideout to come through last season (granted, the others were injured), leading the Panther wideouts in receiving. Carruth is small and has a tendency to drop passes, but he's also a potential game-breaker. If Muhsin Muhammad stays healthy, he will take over the top receiver roll from Carruth. But this second-year pro will still be the team's deep threat and he will finish with numbers similar to last season (44-545-4).

46. Mike Pritchard, Seahawks: Pritchard wasn't expected to do much last season in Seattle, but he came through with decent numbers after Warren Moon took over at QB. He finished with 64-843-2, his best totals since he left Atlanta. Ricky Watters will take numbers away from the passing game this season, but Pritchard should still finish with at least 50 catches and three touchdowns.

47. J.J. Stokes, 49ers: Stokes filled in admirably for Rice last season, finishing the year with 58-733-4. He will be demoted to third receiver this year, but in the West Coast offense, that isn't much of a demotion. Stokes will still get plenty of playing time and finish with numbers in the 45-600-3 range.

48. Ernie Mills, Cowboys: Mills rejoins Chan Gailey, his former receiving coach in Pittsburgh, in an attempt to resurrect the Cowboys' offensive attack. Mills is 30, but he still has speed and should have more success as the number two receiver than Anthony Miller did last season. The Cowboys do have some talented, young receivers, so don't be surprised if they develop and Mills slips down the depth chart as the season progresses. But Mills will begin training camp as the starter opposite Irvin and has the potential to match his previous career high numbers (39-679-8).

49. Sean Dawkins, Saints: Dawkins set career highs in receptions (68) and yards (804) last season with Indianapolis, but he had only two touchdowns. Over his five-year career, Dawkins has averaged 50 catches and 700 yards, but only two TDs, with a high of five. Dawkins has good speed and size (6-4, 215) and will now be the top receiving option in New Orleans this year. But the Saints' quarterback situation is atrocious, so don't expect Dawkins to top last season's totals.

50. Michael Haynes, Falcons: Haynes still has good speed, but he has definitely lost a step since he started in the NFL. He played in only 12 games last year and caught 12 passes. But Haynes should have a starting job in Atlanta, where he has racked up huge numbers in the past. Don't be surprised if Haynes cracks the 800-yard barrier, but a season of 50-700-6 is more likely.