Ranking the NFL’s Top 20 QB-WR Duos: Who Reigns Supreme?
Back in mid-October, I ranked the top five quarterback-wide receiver connections in the NFL on “Get Up!” with the help of Harry Douglas. But let’s face it, the NFL is a fast-moving league, and a lot has changed in just two months. So, I decided to revisit and expand my list to include the top 20 QB-WR duos in the league right now.
To create this updated ranking, I leaned heavily on what we’ve seen so far during the 2024 season and what I expect to unfold as we head into the playoffs. Injuries, of course, play a big role here. For example, you won’t find Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on this list because Prescott is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Similarly, Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice are absent since Rice is out for the year with a knee injury. But don’t worry, Mahomes still makes the cut with another receiver.
Also, this isn’t just a list of WR1s. I focused on chemistry, reliability, and how these duos are performing right now. So, let’s dive in, starting with the undisputed No. 1 pairing in the league.
1. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals
2024 stats: 79 completions, 1,142 yards, 13 touchdowns
Let’s keep it simple: Burrow and Chase are unstoppable. They lead the NFL in touchdowns and came into Week 14 as the league leaders in yards. Burrow’s QBR when targeting Chase is an eye-popping 94.3, and Chase has racked up a league-best 544 yards after the catch. This duo can do whatever they want against any defense.
2. Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, Eagles
2024 stats: 48 completions, 836 yards, 4 touchdowns
When Brown gets a 1-on-1 matchup, it’s game over. His size and strength make him nearly impossible to stop, and Hurts knows it. Together, they average 12.5 yards per attempt, the best among duos with at least 50 targets. This connection is as reliable as it gets.
3. Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson, Vikings
2024 stats: 75 completions, 1,170 yards, 7 touchdowns
Darnold and Jefferson are one of only two duos to surpass 1,000 yards this season. Darnold’s deep ball accuracy and Jefferson’s ability to dominate crossing routes make them a nightmare for defenses.
4. Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
2024 stats: 81 completions, 892 yards, 10 touchdowns
Need a first down? Look no further than Goff and St. Brown. This duo leads the league with 53 first downs and has zero drops. Goff’s 81.8% completion rate when targeting St. Brown is 13.2% above expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
5. Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers, Ravens
2024 stats: 60 completions, 863 yards, 4 touchdowns
Flowers has been a revelation this season, especially against man coverage. Their 863 yards rank eighth among all duos, and 303 of those yards have come against man-to-man looks. This pairing is only getting better.
6-10: Other Standouts
- 6. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins, Texans: 48 completions, 807 yards, 4 touchdowns
- 7. Russell Wilson and George Pickens, Steelers: 29 completions, 487 yards, 3 touchdowns
- 8. Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, Dolphins: 51 completions, 629 yards, 5 touchdowns
- 9. Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin, Commanders: 56 completions, 801 yards, 9 touchdowns
- 10. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, Buccaneers: 43 completions, 590 yards, 7 touchdowns
From Burrow and Chase’s dominance to the emergence of rookies like Zay Flowers and Jayden Daniels, this list showcases the best of the best in QB-WR chemistry. As the playoffs approach, these duos will be the ones to watch.
Originally Written by: Dan Orlovsky
