There is and always has been a special connection between a quarterback and their wide receivers, and a good match can make or break a team. Here’s the top ten QB – WR duos in the NFL:
10. Joe Burrow and AJ Green
Obviously they haven’t played together yet, but there is so much potential here. Green has publicly stated he’s looking to get some one-on-one practice in with the former LSU quarterback, and the veteran WR will undoubtedly help the rookie adjust to his new spot.
Having Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins to draw their own attention will help Green even more, and present more options the Heisman winner has in his offense.
9. Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper
Cooper didn’t really have an awesome season, but Prescott had some impressive performances. Although he’s not worth $40 million a year, he did come in 2nd for total passing yards and 4th in TDs.
If Cooper can bounce back from a rough 2019, this will be a scary combo next season. Having CeeDee Lamb in the fold too will help as well, as he can create new dimensions in the offense.
8. Matthew Stafford and Kenny Golladay
After spending lots of time on the bench due to injury last year, Stafford is coming back to a revamped Lions offense with a new O-line and backfield. Most important though is Kenny Golladay. Last season, he quietly led the entire NFL in touchdown receptions with 11.
Also placing 7th in total receiving yards, Golladay can only get better with Stafford healthy for the whole season.
7. Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett
As he rose to the #1 receiver slot and helped Wilson lead the offense, Tyler Lockett put together an awesome season. The emergence of DK Metcalf was shadowed by Wilson’s MVP caliber season, so expect this duo to improve even more this season.
With Wilson’s elusiveness and Lockett’s ability to catch difficult throws, NFC West secondaries are going to have a tough time with these two next season.
6. Tom Brady and Mike Evans / Chris Godwin
While Godwin outplayed Evans last year, it is fair to put them on the same elite level, as Evans has been one of the league’s top receivers in the past. Brady didn’t have any star receivers last year (Edelman had an off season), so having actual stars will certainly help the Hall of Fame quarterback.
Having solid trio of tight ends will also help the already stacked Tampa offense.
5. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins
Recently acquired Hopkins is arguably the best wide receiver in the league. His new QB just won Offensive ROY, so this will be an exciting pair to watch next season. Although Arizona has a new pass-thrower system Hopkins isn’t used to yet, Murray holds some similarity to his former QB in Deshaun Watson.
A reliable star like Hopkins can be a huge help for Murray’s development. Other weapons like veteran Larry Fitzgerald and the rookies will help Murray shape his playing style.
4. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams
Even though the recent talk on the Packers has been about Jordan Love, Rodgers is still QB1. Last appearing in the NFC Championship game, Green Bay still has a deadly combo in Rodgers and Adams.
The Pro Bowl WR is the best in the NFC North, and Rodgers is a lock-in for the Hall of Fame one day.
3. Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill
Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is regarded as the best QBs in the league, maybe with an exception of MVP Lamar Jackson. Hill is the fastest WR in the NFL, and his speed also makes him one of the best kick/punt returners.
If this year is anything like the last, Mahomes and Hill will be right back near the top of the AFC.
2. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones
Jones, a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade team, is also one of the league’s best WRs. Since 2014, he’s led the NFL in average yards per game. Some forget that Ryan won MVP just three years ago after taking the Falcons to the Super Bowl.
Over the last few years this has been a premier duo, as well as one of the most reliable.
1. Drew Brees and Michael Thomas
Drew Brees is easily one of the best quarterbacks of all time, and Thomas just broke the single season reception record. Take every aspect of a good QB and WR, and you have Brees and Thomas. Thomas has been setting new reception records left and right, and it helps Brees might be the most accurate passer ever.
Right now, there isn’t anyone better than this elite duo, and this season is going to be another for the books.
Photo credit: Jeff Roberson/AP
