Which team has the best wide receivers in the AFC West?
By Grant Tuttle
Today, we continue our series breaking down and ranking each position in the AFC West with the wide receiver position. At this position, there has been a lot of turnover all throughout the division with either new starters or key contributors in the fold for every team—including the Kansas City Chiefs.
We will be examining each wide receiver group to determine which is the best overall. To do this, we will mostly focus on the top three receivers for each team. Once again, we will assume that each player is healthy, but in the case of a player being out for the year as is the case with Broncos' receiver Tim Patrick, we will list another starter in their stead to analyze.
Without further ado, here are the rankings for the wide receiver position.
1. Los Angeles Chargers: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Quentin Johnston
Other wide receivers: Joshua Palmer, Jalen Guyton, Derius Davis, Terrell Bynum, Keelan Doss, John Hightower, Milton Wright, Pokey Wilson, and Darrius Shepherd
To me, this is one is clear-cut. The Chargers have the most talented receivers in the division. Further, they could be considered one of the most talented groups if not the most talented group of receivers in the NFL. With Kellen Moore calling the plays, we can expect the Chargers to get more creative offensively. This could mean that these receivers make big plays on every level of the field, if they can stay healthy and on the field.
Keenan Allen is no spring chicken. Believe it or not, he is 31 years old. With that in mind, he is a tremendous route runner with deceptive long speed. To go along with Allen, they have two huge targets for Justin Herbert: Mike Williams and rookie Quentin Johnston. Both of these receivers have an elite size and athleticism combination that could make them very difficult to stop in the red zone or in short-yardage situations. We expect them to have a huge year.
Keenan Allen
2022: 66 receptions, 752 yards, 11.4 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns
2023: 89 receptions, 1,121 yards, 12.5 yards per reception, 5 touchdowns
Mike Williams
2022:: 63 receptions, 895 yards, 14.2 yards per reception, 4 touchdowns
2023: 71 receptions, 902 yards, 12.7 yards per reception, 8 touchdowns
Quentin Johnston
2022: (Rookie, N/A)
2023: 45 receptions, 619 yards, 13.7 yards per reception, 2 touchdowns