Talent abounds at wideout, and here is my list of “the best of the best.”
The NFL has become a passing league, and QB-WR combos propel teams to the Super Bowl. Just think of last season with Stafford-Kupp in LA and Burrows-Chase in Cincy. Wide receiver is a premium position, a difference-maker for any team, and paying attention to who’s catching passes–and how well–can be profitable, too. To find the best in spread betting on the NFL, you can find that here.
So, who are the best wide receivers? Here is my list of the top seven in the league.
Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: Adams has been at the top, or near-top, for wide receiver rankings over the past six years. Some evaluators might wonder if his production will dip as he moves from the Green Bay Packers to Las Vegas, reuniting with college teammate Derek Carr and joining a talented pass-catching duo of Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller should keep defenses honest, however. Last season, he was top five in all major receiving categories: 123 receptions, 1,533 yards, and 11 touchdowns. This season Adams’ numbers have regressed a little, owing to the slow-starting offense, but the talent is there should the Raiders start figuring it out.
Cooper Kupp: What a player! (photo, New York Times)
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: Kupp achieved the triple crown for receivers last season, leading the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16). It would be prudent to anticipate a certain level of regression coming off, scoring the second-most points per game (25.9) for a wide receiver in league history. Despite that, he is in a strong position to continue being a top-end wide receiver. While the Rams’ offense has fumbled out of the gate this season, Cooper Kupp is not the reason for that.
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: With an electric first year in the NFL, Chase burst onto the scene with 81 catches, 1,455 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He started his rookie season making big catches on low-percentage targets downfield, posting 11.5 yards per target and 13 catches for 30+ yards, with both ranking second in the NFL. Chase unlocked his full arsenal later in the season, showing an ability to work underneath and torch defenses. He has managed to get into a groove this season, but a serious injury has him sidelined. That’s bad news for the Bengals, who need this talented wideout to win.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings don’t hide their intentions to get Jefferson the ball, no matter the coverage. A big concern coming out of LSU in 2020 was his ability to defeat press-man coverage on the outside. But after two years in the league, that concern can be put to bed. His steady improvement from his rookie to the sophomore campaign saw him record elite numbers recording 108 catches, 1,616 yards, and ten touchdowns. New Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has introduced an improved offensive scheme, and Jefferson has been the focal point of the division-leading Vikings.
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: Hill is the type of talent that elevates a quarterback’s performance. The Dolphins signed him to a huge four-year, $120 million deal after making the trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the past three seasons, Hill has averaged 95 catches, 1,331 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Known for his big splash plays and insane top speed. Since 2020, he has had 15 catches in which he hit at least 20 mph, more than double any other receiver. He has also adapted his game to show how underrated a route runner he is. Hill is on his way to surpassing last year’s totals, with nearly 1000 yards and a 14-yard per catch average.
“Flair” is Diggs’s middle name (photo. Testudo Times)
Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills: Diggs’ numbers dipped slightly in 2021, but his 103 catches for 1,225 yards were still in the top eight for wide receivers. An underrated aspect of his game fits perfectly with Bills QB Josh Allen. It’s his ability to get open and give Allen an opportunity to make a play. Since 2020, Diggs’s 26 receptions on plays outside the structure of the offense are six more than any other pass-catcher in the NFL. His ability to break down coverage and beat a corner is elite. The Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL, and Diggs has played an instrumental role in Allen’s ascension as an elite QB. His seven TDs this year are only three off what he scored all last year. Continue to expect big things from this not-so-big receiver.
Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers: The self-dubbed “wide-back,” Samuel makes plays both as a receiver and a runner, and that makes him an elite YAC player. Samuel is among the game’s best with the ball in his hands, a unique offensive talent that gives the 49ers an opportunity to use schemes to get him the ball. After that, Samuel goes to work. He is the NFL’s ‘Mr. Do it All.’
