In this article, I grade the top wideouts based on their performances throughout the season, factoring in key metrics, statistical production, and overall impact on their team’s passing game. Whether they were hauling in highlight-reel touchdowns or moving the chains with consistency, these receivers made their presence felt every Sunday. Let’s dive into the AFC grades and see who stood out in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens: B-
Primary Contributors: Zay Flowers; Rashod Bateman
Wait. A productive WR group in Baltimore? Didn’t Derrick Henry just rush for 1,900 plus? What is happening??? Lamar Jackson’s evolution, that’s what. Lamar leveled up in 2024 and brought this room with him. Zay Flowers is a star, and Bateman can stretch the field with the best of them. It’s a desert after that, though, hence the minus designation.
Buffalo Bills: C+
Primary Contributors: Khalil Shakir; Keon Coleman
While there’s no alpha in this room, that doesn’t mean it lacks playmakers. Shakir is a bonafide chain mover, and Coleman flashed the big play ability we all expected when he was drafted. Cooper, oddly, was a ghost.
Cincinnati Bengals: A+
Primary Contributors: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
For my money, it’s the top WR room in the NFL. Two true WR1s and a decent compliment in Iosivas. It helps to have Joe Burrow under center, for sure. And they’ll almost certainly lose Tee Higgins in free agency.
Cleveland Browns: D+
Primary Contributors: Jerry Jeudy
Yet another group was negatively impacted by terrible QB play. Trading for Jeudy was a nice addition, and moving on from Cooper wasn’t a terrible decision. Tillman flashed a bit as well. The pass catchers are the best part of the Cleveland offense, but overall, this room was pretty meh.
Denver Broncos: C+
Primary Contributors: Courtland Sutton; Marvin Mims Jr.
Courtland Sutton is a dawg. I didn’t really think that before this season, but man, he’s really assumed the WR1 role on that team. Mims Jr. was also a pleasant surprise and seems to have the ever-important chemistry with Bo Nix. 2024 was decent for this group, 2025 is going to be even better.
Houston Texans: B-
Primary Contributors: Nico Collins; Tank Dell
Nico Collins is ridiculous, and maybe the best WR in the NFL not named Justin Jefferson. But Stroud took a demonstrable step back in 2024, and this room suffered. Injuries also factored here, with Nico missing four games and Tank suffering a season-ender. Hopefully, they all rebound because the NFL is fun with a competitive Texans team. Also, I’m convinced I’d never want Stefan Diggs on my team.
Indianapolis Colts: C-
Primary Contributors: Josh Downs; Michael Pittman Jr.
If you read my QB grades (bless you), you know what I think of Richardson. He’s just not good at being a QB, and that hurts this room. Josh Downs is special, and Pittman Jr. is no slouch, but until they improve at the QB spot, these talented playmakers are going mired in mediocrity.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B-
Primary Contributors: Brian Thomas Jr.
Injuries really wrecked this group in 2024, with both Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis being lost to season-enders. BTJ is a superstar, who shined all season regardless of who was under center. Lawrence will be back, and Liam Coen is a mad scientist with QBs. This bodes well for this offense in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs: C
Primary Contributors: Xavier Worthy
Crazy for me to have both the RB room and the WR room of the Super Bowl favorite graded out as “C’s”, but here we are. Worthy was more impressive as the season wears on, but losing Rashee Rice early hurt. And the production from the veteran group was mehhhhhh. With a full season of Rice and Worthy, I bet Mahomes gets back to 4,000 yards and 35 tuddys.
Las Vegas Raiders: D-
Primary Contributors: Jakobi Meyers
Do you notice a theme? Bad QBs impact WR groups. Jakobi Meyers had a nice season (specifically after Davante was traded), but no one else really stepped up from this room. Tre Tucker was ok, but not impressive. The Raiders will absolutely have a different signal caller next season, and my guess is they’ll also add WR help.
Los Angeles Chargers: C+
Primary Contributors: Ladd McConkey
What’s funny surprise Ladd McConkey was, am I right? Herbert gets credit for a bounceback season, but Ladd deserves some flowers as well. He would absolutely be in the mix for ROY if it wasn’t for Jayden Daniels. The supporting cast is decent also, but I can’t be the only one abundantly disappointed with Quentin Johnston’s inconsistency.
Miami Dolphins: B
Primary Contributors: Tyreek Hill; Jaylen Waddle
On potential and athleticism alone, this duo would rank right there with Chase/Higgins and Jefferson/Addison. But the results were brutal. Yes, Tua’s injuries impacted them. But even when Tua was on the field, they just lacked the explosiveness we’re accustomed to. And walking out on your team during a game will never sit well with me.
New England Patriots: F
Primary Contributors: Kayshon Boutte
Folks, this is my least favorite WR room in the league. And this is absolutely a case where the lack of WR playmakers impacted the quarterback. Sure, Maye was a rookie and not spectacular (see my QB grades), but this group was simply brutal. Dumpster fire floating down the river brutal.
New York Jets: B+
Primary Contributors: Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams
The Jets offense was uber disappointing this season, but my money places the onus on Aaron Rodgers, who – despite the stats – was absolute garbage this season. Wilson has the talent to be Top 10, and Adams isn’t going anywhere just yet. You could also do worse than Lazard and Corley as a supporting cast. Losing Wilson or Adams (or both) to a trade would be devastating.
Pittsburgh Steelers: D
Primary Contributors: George Pickens
I want to like George Pickens. I really do. And this grade is as high as it is because of him. But the lack of maturity is a problem for me. I think we all realize Mike Williams isn’t going to be special, and aside from Calvin Austin III, this room lacks weapons. And unless this team addresses the QB position, expect more of the same in 2025.
Tennessee Titans: C
Primary Contributors: Calvin Ridley; Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Calvin Ridley enjoyed a nice season but was bit by inconsistency throughout the campaign. I’d venture to say that’s not all his fault, as the QB sitch on this team was brutal. A new QB would almost certainly send him to the next level (ahem, Cam Ward). There’s not much to speak of after Ridley, sadly. NWI was good for a bunch of touchdowns, but that’s about it. Boyd is a good receiver, but that potential won’t be realized until someone else is slinging the rock.
