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 NFC grades and see who stood out in 2024.
Arizona Cardinals: C
Primary Contributors: Marvin Harrison Jr; Michael Wilson
This room is all about potential unrealized. Unfortunately, I’m not certain they realize that potential with Kyler Murray leading this offense. Harrison Jr. could be all world in the right situation. Dortch is a nice fit in the slot, but Michael Wilson at the WR2 is just mehhhh for me.
Atlanta Falcons: A
Primary Contributors: Drake London; Darnell Mooney
Despite the poor and inconsistent play from its QBs, this team nearly fielded two 1,000-yard receivers (London and Mooney). And call me crazy, but London played like a Top 5 wideout this season. Super curious to see his evolution with Penix Jr. under center in 2025. Oh, and solid depth here with Ray-Ray McCloud productive as a third option.
Carolina Panthers: D
Primary Contributors: Adam Thielen; Xavier Legette
Hot mess. Bryce Young played so much better after being benched, but he didn’t get much help from this group. Thielen has fewer years in front of him than he does behind him, and the jury is still out on Legette. They’ll need to add in the draft, free agency, or both, though, because there’s not much to build on here.
Chicago Bears: C
Primary Contributors: DJ Moore; Keenan Allen
Before the season began, this group was in discussion for best in the league. That absolutely didn’t come to fruition. Caleb’s struggles and the lack of an offensive identity factor in here. And it’s hard for me to forgive Moore for quitting on his team in the Cardinals game. If Allen stays, I do expect more from this group in Ben Johnson’s first season calling plays.
Dallas Cowboys: B+
Primary Contributors: CeeDee Lamb; Jalen Tolbert
CeeDee is in the discussion for the best wideout in the NFL, and rightfully so. And he went up a peg in my book by playing through hampering injuries all season. Tolbert is an up-and-comer and was impressive in his third season. Big potential for this group when Dak returns next season.
Detroit Lions: A+
Primary Contributors: Amon-Ra St. Brown; Jameson Williams.
I don’t think this grade surprises anyone, and they’d actually challenge the Bengals for the top spot if Williams would just grow the hell up. Amon-Ra is literally good at everything, ranking in the top 5 across almost every measure. Potentially the deepest room in the NFL, with key contributors as far down as WR4. It’s fun to see Tim Patrick play meaningful snaps (finally).
Green Bay Packers: C
Primary Contributors: Romeo Doubs; Christian Watson; Jayden Reed
I wrote articles this season about my love for this group and, in particular, Dontayvion Wicks. Egg, meet face. Throw Bo Melton in with this talented quartet, and you’d think they were one of the most explosive units in the league. Well, four games into 2024, this offense shifted to run first. What does that tell you?
Los Angeles Rams: A
Primary Contributors: Puka Nacua; Cooper Kupp
Friends, I’m afraid Cooper Kupp’s best seasons are behind him, and he almost certainly has played his last snap as a Ram. Nacua, however, is a Top 5 guy for me, and he’s not going anywhere. Injuries derailed him a bit also, but when he’s on the field, there’s no denying his impact on this offense. Demarcus Robinson and TuTu Atwell battle for the WR3 role, with both maybe having a ceiling a bit higher than that.
Minnesota Vikings: A+
Primary Contributors: Justin Jefferson; Jordan Addison
Justin Jefferson is WR1, in my opinion. Let’s face it – Sam Darnold would have just been, well, Sam Darnold without him. He literally does everything at an elite level – route runner, chain mover, yardage beast, and touchdown target. Addison proved to be a dangerous compliment here as well. Curious to see how the QB position plays out and impacts this room here in 2025.
New Orleans Saints: D+
Primary Contributors: Injuries
A lot of potential here, but injuries completely decimated this team – at every level of the offense. As a result, it’s a tough team to grade. Olave and Shaheed are productive when they’re on the field, but that was the issue this season – they weren’t on the field. And the lack of depth plays a factor here also. When the top two went down, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was next man up. Ouch.
New York Giants: B
Primary Contributors: Malik Nabers; Wan’Dale Robinson
Malik Nabers is the truth. Still crazy to me that he was as productive as he was with the mess the Giants fielded at the QB position. Wan’Dale was productive also, and looks well-suited for that slot/chain-mover role. But honestly, after these two, that’s it. Slayton isn’t going to be anything but a JAG, and there’s nobody else behind him. However, if this team adds an impact QB, this room could easily move up a notch.
Philadelphia Eagles: A
Primary Contributors: A.J. Brown; DeVonta Smith
The Eagles offensive identity shifted to run first in 2024, and that definitely impacted this room. Brown and Smith – on paper – are easily a Top 2 combo for me, and there are several teams where Smith would flourish as a WR1. But with the Eagles throwing less this season, production, ego, and relationships suffered. Talented youth for depth, but no real WR3 to speak of.
San Francisco 49ers: C
Primary Contributors: Deebo Samuel; Jauan Jennings
The 49ers offense just took a hit after hit this season due to injuries, including the WR group. Aiyuk is a fantastic receiver but was lost for the year to a knee injury early. Deebo was expected to be the next man up, but he disappointed for much of the season. Jennings stepped up nicely and truthfully deserves to overtake Deebo on the depth chart once Aiyuk returns. Pearsall looks legit. Depth is definitely a strength here, and I’m excited to see what a healthy unit could do.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
Primary Contributors: Jaxson Smith-Njigba; DK Metcalf
DK started this season as the WR1 in this room but was overtaken by JSN as the year went on, and maybe rightfully so. JSN is a smooth route runner, and the kind of target monster a QB falls in love with. DK is still a physical specimen and a YAC beast capable of taking any catch to the house. Lockett, while not as prominent, was still productive.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
Primary Contributors: Mike Evans
Mike Evans will always be one of my favorite receivers. Love, love, love that he got his 1,000 despite missing time to injuries. Godwin was looking fantastic prior to being lost for the season, and rookie Jalen McMillan filled in nicely, and it looks like he has the chops to stick. Keep them all three on the field, and Baker will be a happy fella.
Washington Commanders: C+
Primary Contributors: Terry McLaurin
What a year for Terry McLaurin. Nice yardage total, and a league leader in touchdown grabs. And until Jayden Daniels levels up in the passing game, I kind of think this is his ceiling. As far as the rest of the group, throw a dart. Credit to Daniels, though, for getting the production he did from the Brown, Brown, and Zaccheaus.
