The Time Machine is a new feature which will run weekly — as long as there are enough story ideas — during the NFL offseason. If you have a topic that we should cover, please let us know.

In case fantasy owners were wondering who might be the No. 1 fantasy wide receiver heading into 2009, I encourage you all to re-watch the Cardinals three-game run to the Super Bowl. Keep a close eye on No. 11 in red and white.

Larry Fitzgerald absolutely dominated opposing secondaries during the 2008 playoffs. His three performances against the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles will not soon be forgotten by fantasy owners. So much so, in fact, that Fitz figures to be the consensus No. 1 wide receiver heading into 2009 — and highly overvalued, at that.

Yes, you read that right: Overvalued.

Not because he is not worth a steep price tag. But the numbers he threw down in Arizona’s three playoff games — 23 catches for 419 yards (a new NFL playoff record, surpassing the great Jerry Rice) and five touchdowns — are so gaudy and absurd that it is unlikely he could continue on such a torrid pace for the entirety of a season.

The lasting memory he left for football fans and particularly fantasy owners will vault Fitz to the top of the heap heading into 2009, which means someone in your league — possibly even you — is going to overpay for the guy. Chances are he goes late in the first round, which is far too high for any wide receiver in the fantasy game … unless, of course, you play in a points-per-reception (PPR) league. Only then would I suggest taking a highly-targeted wide receiver in the late first round.

Another factor to consider, when the time is right, is what happens to the Arizona offense this offseason. Anquan Boldin wants out, Kurt Warner needs a new deal and the running game is not clearly defined. It seems like Fitz is the only constant, but everything around him — including quarterback — could change next year. How does Matt Leinart-to-Larry Fitzgerald sound to you? Meh.

So when someone else snatches Fitz up in the mid- to late-first round of your draft next season, applaud the guy for jumping on the bandwagon. While Fitz is likely to have a great season, realize that what is done is done, and the chances of Fitz finishing as next year’s top wide receiver are as good as any number of other talented fantasy wide receivers, like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson or even Reggie Wayne.

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