This article is dedicated to all those fantasy freaks who play in leagues that account for return yardage. Suddenly, those unknown WR’s become top flight producers, and everyone rushes to pick up Devin Hester and DeSean Jackson. Well, before you add those guys in your draft, make sure you take a look at the list of the actual top return men in the NFL. Please remember all these stats are projected for the upcoming season.
Hit that register button up top, it only takes a moment, and then you can receive personalized fantasy advice from our experts in the forums
These projections were updated September 3rd, 2012
This article only incorporates those players who return both kickoffs and punts, if you would like the list of guys who specialize in one or the other please click here
2012 Return Men
| Name | Team | Yards | TD | Fum |
| Brandon Tate | CIN | 1490 | 1 | 4 |
| Darren Sproles | NO | 1395 | 2 | 1 |
| Leon Washington | SEA | 1397 | 2 | 3 |
| Ted Ginn Jr. | SF | 1311 | 2 | 1 |
| Joshua Cribbs | CLE | 1318 | 2 | 3 |
| Brandon Banks | WAS | 1365 | 1 | 4 |
| Randall Cobb | GB | 1248 | 2 | 2 |
| Devin Hester | CHI | 1136 | 4 | 3 |
| Stefan Logan | DET | 1120 | 2 | 5 |
| Darius Reynaud | TEN | 1140 | 1 | 2 |
| Chris Rainey | PIT | 1022 | 1 | 0 |
| Jacoby Jones | BAL | 913 | 2 | 4 |
| Jacoby Ford | OAK | 871 | 1 | 2 |
| Trindon Holliday | HOU | 860 | 1 | 2 |
| Javier Arenas | KC | 835 | 0 | 1 |
| Preston Parker | TB | 738 | 2 | 5 |
| Lavon Brazill | IND | 795 | 0 | 1 |
| Jerrel Jernigan | NYG | 696 | 0 | 1 |
| Mike Thomas | JAC | 671 | 0 | 1 |
CHICAGO – OCTOBER 17: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt 89 years for a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
News and notes
- It will probably surprise a great many owners that Brandon Tate is the top return man in fantasy football, but the numbers don’t lie, and the Bengals will give him plenty of opportunities once again in 2012
- Darren Sproles is once again listed as a KR/PR for the New Orleans Saints, while he also receives a great many carries in the offense. He is still a top pick, but you just have to wonder how long can he keep it up?
- 2 of the top names fantasy owners think of when drafting return men are Josh Cribbs and Devin Hester. Hester usually goes as one of the top guys, but as you can see he actually comes in at #8 on our list. Coaches have figured Hester out, and a lot of the time they won’t even let their guys kick to him. While everyone else scrambles to add him, you can concentrate on the lesser names like Leon Washington.
- There are a number of new names on this list for 2012, including Chris Rainey (PIT), Trindon Holliday (HOU), and Darius Reynaud (TEN). These are all unproven guys coming in fresh that will be eager to show their coaches what they can do as special teams contributors. If you are looking for a WR who can rack up return yards, you may want to keep looking as guys like these three don’t figure to see many snaps in the offensive sets.
