Often, in fantasy football, wide receivers from the same team finish top-12 in the same season. Typically, at least one duo pulls off this feat every year. Last season, this did not occur but there were some close finishes–DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett finished as WR12 and 13, respectively, and Mike Williams and Keenan Allen finished as WR10 and 14, respectively, in half-ppr scoring. In 2020, Metcalf and Lockett finished in the top-12 together and so did Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. In 2019, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were both top-12 finishers.
Now, it’s time to predict which WR duos are most likely to achieve this feat. I will rank my top-seven and then offer some honorable mentions that could pull it off if all things go right.
Top 7:
7. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett
Seattle Seahawks
As mentioned above, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are one of the duos that have accomplished this task in the past.This season, however, they will be catching passes from either Geno Smith or Drew Lock, most likely both, and this drops them to number 7 on this list. They are two WRs with different skill sets that complement each other perfectly, yet they are in an offense that didn’t even like to pass when Russell Wilson was under center. If Smith or Lock can play well enough to get these receivers the volume they need, considering there aren’t many other weapons on the team, they may surprise.
6. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and/or Julio Jones
Based on the passing volume from Tom Brady and the Bucs last season, I can see any of these receivers finishing in the top-12. Starting with the safest option, Mike Evans has finished as a back-end WR1 every year since 2018. He consistently contributes 1,000+ yards and is excellent at finding the end zone. Evans is extremely likely to finish in the top-12, so Godwin and Jones are the question marks. Chris Godwin has finished as a top-12 receiver previously and has the talent and perceived volume to do it again. His main issue is the injury he sustained last year, tearing his ACL. Although the reports out of camp have been positive around Godwin, it still seems unlikely he will be ready for week 1. We do not know when he will be back, but if it is early enough, he can still be a top-12 receiver. Julio Jones is Julio Jones, so I’m giving him an honorable mention before moving on. We all know the talent he has but he is getting older and was a major disappointment in Tennessee last season.
5. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen
Creator: Brad Rempel | Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Copyright: Brad Rempel
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are another example of a duo that have finished in the top-12 together previously. They did so in 2020 and, as of now, the only difference from that season to this one in the vikings offense is the age of the receivers. Justin Jefferson is a blooming star and,, barring an injury, is a lock to finish in the top-12. Adam Thielen is the concerning player, as he is aging and has not been as effective as he was in previous seasons. Thielen, however, continues to have a nose for the end zone, even as he ages. Despite missing 4 games last season, he scored 10 touchdowns. Moreover, Cousins is a very efficient quarterback, as he consistently finishes in the top 5 of true throw value and he has proved time and time again that he can sustain two wide receivers.
4. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle
A new duo for the 2022 season, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle could be one of the best duos in the NFL. We know how good Tyreek Hill is, as he has been a top-12 receiver many times before. The question with Hill is, of course, whether can he repeat this success with Tua Tagovailoa. Jaylen Waddle, on the other hand, had a fantastic rookie season with Tua. Waddle broke the record for receptions as a rookie and was leaned upon heavily by Tua last season. Essentially, Hill and Waddle’s successes depend on Tua and the jump he can make. With Mike McDaniel taking over as the head coach, coming from the 49ers organization, Hill and Waddle could find themselves with fantastic YAC opportunities as well.
3. Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson
The Los Angeles Rams took advantage of free agency and paired Allen Robinson with Cooper Kupp for the 2022 season. On paper, this is a great wide receiver duo. Last season, Cooper Kupp nearly broke the all time records for receptions and receiving yards in a season. He’s almost guaranteed to finish in the top-12. Allen Robinson, on the other hand, is more of a wildcard. He has been a very good wide receiver previously but has struggled to maintain his play. He struggled last season and has had down seasons in the past. Coming into the Rams organization gives Robinson a fresh start but it also requires that he fit into theMcVay offense. The Rams have supported two wide receivers previously with Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods both excelling in the system. If Allen Robinson can return to his previous form, he and Cooper Kupp can both finish inside the top-12.
2. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were very close to finishing in the top-12 together last season and this could be the year they do it. Mike Williams is coming off of a breakout year where he had explosive games, while Keenan Allen continues to be a safe, reliable receiver who is very consistent and gets the majority of the targets. Moreover, Justin Herbert is a fantastic quarterback who is capable of maintaining two WR1s. With Allen and Williams being two different types of receiver, it makes it easier for them to coexist and feed off of each other. Despite them being ranked second on this list, I would bet that Allen and Williams, along with the number one ranked duo, will finish together in the top-12.
1. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
Sports Illustrated
It should come as no surprise that Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are number one on this list–both are actually being drafted as top-12 WRs based on Sleeper ADP. This is for a good reason, as they are both young, talented receivers who still have room for improvement. As for their QB, Joe Burrow had a great bounce back year coming off a devastating knee injury. The further from the injury, the better Joe Burrow played last season, which is why the Bengals ended up in the Super Bowl. This offense has no limits.
Honorable Mentions:
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk
This all depends on how effective Trey Lance could be as a passer. Volume may also be hard to come by considering the 49ers run game, Lance’s rushing prowess, and George Kittle’s abilities as a TE.
AJ Brown and Devonta Smith
Brown and Smith are new teammates this season, which adds a wrinkle to projecting their effectiveness together. Brown has been a top-12 receiver in the past and Smith is coming off a really good rookie season. If Jalen Hurts and the Eagles can increase pass volume, Brown and Smith can make a big impact.
Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy
Sutton and Jeudy are an interesting duo because they are both fairly young and have never been top-12 receivers. Their potential as a duo, however, has skyrocketed due to the Broncos addition of Russell Wilson. Wilson has supported two top-12 WRs before, i.e. Metcalf and Lockett, and can certainly do it again. The only question is: how good are Sutton and Jeudy?
Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow
Another new duo makes an appearance, after the Raiders acquired Davante Adams from the Packers this offseason. Last year, both Adams and Renfrow finished as a top-12 receiver in half-ppr scoring, so they both have success under their belts. It is likely that Adams pulls this off again, as he may be the best WR in the NFL. The key concern is whether Renfrow will see the volume to join Adams at the top.
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By Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.