Spread the word: the spread is here to stay. Say what you will about how the "Wildcat" is bringing the single-wing back to prominence, the reality is that the system merely could be a one-year fad. The spread, however, has seen its visibility steadily increase throughout the decade and has the inertia and track record to maintain its status as an offensive staple.

Granted, the "spread" is an ambiguous term, as 10 different offensive coordinators are likely to give you 10 different answers as to what it actually entails (as I learned when writing a story on it a year ago). But the most common characteristic is this: a third wide receiver replaces a fullback in the lineup.

The fantasy implications of this are, of course, tremendous. The pool of receivers to choose from has deepened considerably, with some teams boasting as many as five legitimately draftable players at the position. Many fantasy leagues have jumped onto the bandwagon as well, instituting three-WR weekly lineups.

Identifying just which No. 3s will emerge as fantasy forces is no easy task, however, in large part because the three most prolific passing attacks — New England, Indianapolis and New Orleans — have a couple players with legitimate shots at grabbing their club's third job. Nevertheless, let's take a look at some No. 3 candidates that could pay big-time dividends in your quest for a fantasy title.

Steve Breaston, Cardinals: The only No. 3 to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving in 2008, Breaston is in prime position for a worthy encore. The return on your investment looks all the sweeter if Anquan Boldin gets shipped out of town.

James Jones, Packers: Jones was awash in a sophomore slump throughout '08, which should give owners pause, especially because Jordy Nelson could supplant him on the Packers' pecking order. But a more seasoned Aaron Rodgers still has Jones' arrow pointing up.

Joey Galloway, Patriots: With Tom Brady back in the saddle, the seasoned vet should be in line for a statistical surge in the role vacated by the departure of Jabar Gaffney to Denver. It appears unlikely that fellow newcomer Greg Lewis will steal the No. 3 title from him.

Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie, Colts: The club has high hopes for both, with Garcon being lavished with a particularly thick coat of praise from team brass. With Anthony Gonzalez being utilized more heavily out wide, the slot job is ripe for the picking. Consider Roy Hall a definite dark horse.

Nate Burleson or Deion Branch, Seahawks: You can't go wrong with this tandem considering they're battling for the No. 2 job, not the No. 3. The runner-up will be a vital member of the passing attack manned by a healthy Matt Hasselbeck.

Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem, Saints: Henderson, the deep threat, will team up with Drew Brees for some yardage-guzzling completions but Meachem, a former first-round pick, also has game-breaking ability.

Jeremy Maclin or Jason Avant, Eagles: Maclin's the explosive option, Avant the sure-handed safety valve. For fantasy purposes, roll the dice on Maclin emerging as the guy and reap some sweet rookie rewards.

Limas Sweed, Shaun McDonald or Mike Wallace, Steelers: Sweed's the best pure athlete in the WR corps, McDonald has been very productive in the slot in St. Louis and Detroit and Wallace is a rookie with great promise. The one who emerges could have a serious numerical say if the Steelers get back to more of the spread principles they showcased two seasons ago.

A must-have for your fantasy draft
Pro Football Weekly returns with its recipe for fantasy success: the 2009 fantasy football draft kit, an electronic publication available in PDF format. This in-depth yet tidy package is jam-packed with information, including player reports, draft strategies, sleepers and busts, team value charts and much more. Before heading to your fantasy draft, be sure to order this must-have item. You can purchase the kit at PFWstore.com for only $5.99.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.