As crazy as it might be to think about, Dez Bryant was the top fantasy receiver in the final half of the 2012 NFL season.

Throughout the Dallas Cowboys final eight games, Bryant hauled in 50 passes for 879 yards and 10 touchdowns. For comparison’s sake, Calvin Johnson’s stat line during that span was 74/1,187/3. The primary difference between Bryant’s performance and that of Johnson was the seven-touchdown differential.

We are not going to indicate that Bryant is a better fantasy option than Johnson, that would be utterly insane. Instead, it does appear that the former is on an upward trajectory that will make him a top redraft and dynasty receiver for the foreseeable future.

Let’s take a look at what the former first-round pick will bring to the table in 2013 and beyond.

2013 Outlook 

Bryant ranked sixth in receiving yards, third in receiving touchdowns and third among receiver in fantasy points last season. He did this despite putting up average or below-average fantasy production in four of his first eight games.

Through the first half of the season, Bryant had tallied just 42 receptions and two scores. This wasn’t good enough to make him a decent WR1 option during that span.

What followed in the final eight games of the season was pretty ridiculous. As I mentioned before, Bryant put up the best fantasy second-half for any receiver.

Indications are that Bryant will continue to trend upward this upcoming season.

Bryant was targeted only nine times per game throughout the last half of the 2012 season, but did come down with the ball over 70 percent of the time. Common sense seems to indicate that Bryant’s target numbers will increase this season, and we have had somewhat of a preview of that during the preseason.

Just an increase of three targets per outing, which would still put Bryant below Megatron numbers, would allow the former to make up the 0.72 point-per-game difference that we saw in terms of fantasy production last season.

I am looking for Bryant to put up 100 receptions for 1,500 yards and 15-17 scores. That could easily make him the No. 1 fantasy receiver when all is said and done. 

Dynasty Outlook 

With Tony Romo locked up for the future, Bryant will have that franchise quarterback that every receiver needs in order to make a long-term impact. 

Dallas did bring in Terrance Williams in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft and still has oft-injured Miles Austin at wide receiver, but it goes without saying that Bryant is going to be Romo's favorite target at wide receiver over the next few seasons. 

In addition, Jason Witten is a 10-year veteran and may be in the process of declining (though numbers suggest otherwise). 

Outside of injury or contract issues, there is no reason to believe that Bryant won't be a viable top-tier fantasy option for the next five-plus seasons. If you take part in dynasty PPR leagues, he's someone to seriously consider right up there with Calvin Johnson near the bottom of the initial round.