As everyone knows, today’s game in the NFL is all about pass catchers. In an era where the traditional north and south run game is nearly obsolete, the name of the game is getting your receivers in space against one on one matchups. When you have an elite duo of receivers, it makes things especially strenuous for a defense. As we head into the 2024 season, I wanted to take a look at the best receiving duos in the league. Be sure to turn the channel when these guys are on the field, as fireworks are likely to ensue.
Honorable Mention- Minnesota Vikings (Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison)
Everyone knows how much of a difference maker Justin Jefferson is. However, the casual fan may not realize how much of an impact Jordan Addison makes in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. In his rookie year out of USC, Addison ranked 20th in EPA/game among all wideouts with at least 70 targets, according to nfeloapp.com. With 9 TDs in year one, Addison looks to ascend in his sophomore NFL season. One thing is for certain, JJ McCarthy will have no shortage of weapons in his first year under center.
#5- Philadelphia Eagles (AJ Brown & Devonta Smith)
Two years removed from a Super Bowl that saw this duo combine for 196 yards, we enter year three of the pair catching passes from Jalen Hurts, with new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. Brown and Smith ranked fourth as a duo in 2023 in terms of yards/route (PFF). In a division with DBs like Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland, these two will look to elevate to new heights.
#4- Cincinnati Bengals (Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins)
Despite injury issues for these two, as well as their Quarterback Joe Burrow in 2023, the Bengals seem primed to once again have one of the most ferocious pass catching tandems in the league. Higgins and Chase combined for 9 missed games last season, so with more health, the Bengals could once again challenge the back to back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Similar to another duo on this list, the one question is what will pan out for Tee Higgins and his contract situation.
#3- Houston Texans (Nico Collins & Tank Dell)
While some may think this duo ranks too high, it’s a matter of “name value” that they may disagree. When you look at the production, Collins and Dell excelled with CJ Stroud. With the addition of Stefon Diggs, this core will thrive in 2024 assuming they stay healthy. While Dell is coming off of an injury where his rookie year was cut short and he only played in 11 games, he ranked 17th in EPA/game among WRs with at least 70 targets, and 14th in yards/route. Collins himself ranked 5th and 2nd in those metrics, respectively. With these pass catchers, one of the more appealing preseason bets is CJ Stroud for MVP (+850-Fox Sports).
#2- San Francisco 49ers (Brandon Aiyuk & Deebo Samuel)
Despite the recent news that Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade, this article is working under the constraints of rosters as they currently are. While I still personally think San Fran and Aiyuk will work things out, he and Deebo are one of the most electric playmaking duos in the NFL regardless. What sticks out is the insane production while sharing touches with all-world teammates Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. Aiyuk is one of the most sure-handed guys in the league to accompany his twitchy, crisp routes. His counterpart is possibly the league’s best swiss-army knife. After falling in Super Bowl LVIII, the Niners are primed to be at the top again, with heavy contributions from these two.
#1- Miami Dolphins (Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle)
When it comes to pure speed, you may confuse a Miami Dolphins offensive series for an olympic track race. The Cheetah, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both have reached speeds north of 20 MPH. Combine that with Mike McDaniel’s pass-friendly scheme and you have the best pass catching duo in the league. While there are questions about Tua Tagovailoa, the ability in the receiving room is unquestionable. The pair of wideouts ranked first in EPA/game, EPA/target, EPA/route and yards/route. In Tyreek’s third year in South Beach, expect the two to continue putting up video game numbers.