AFC North Wide Receiver Power Rankings

NFL teams are gearing up for the preseason. Training camps are underway, with many teams joining soon. The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will meet in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, signaling the start of preseason, kicking off officially on August 13. As we count down to the regular season starting September 9, we explore key offseason narratives for the league’s teams. This includes ranking the wide receiver groups within the NFL’s divisions. We start with the AFC North.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ wide receiver lineup is led by Ja’Marr Chase, a top contender for the best wide receiver in the league, based on his five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and three back-to-back 100-catch years. Complementing him is Tee Higgins, considered among the top WR2 players. Andre Iosivas, known for his consistent performance with consecutive 33-catch seasons exceeding 435 yards, rounds out a formidable trio. This combination makes Cincinnati’s pass-catching unit the strongest in the division.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh features DK Metcalf, who had a tumultuous previous season with 59 catches totaling 850 yards and six touchdowns. His return to Pro Bowl form would greatly benefit the team. The Steelers have added Michael Pittman Jr., a receiver with two 1,000-yard seasons, and Germie Bernard, who recorded 64 catches, 862 yards, and seven touchdowns with Alabama last season. These additions notably upgrade Pittsburgh’s receiver group from last year and place them ahead of Cleveland and Baltimore.

3. Cleveland Browns

Last season, Cleveland’s passing game fell short, with Jerry Jeudy standing out as the only receiver surpassing 21 receptions or 338 yards. The Browns sought to rectify this by picking KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston early in the draft. This trio, teamed with Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end who achieved 72 catches, 731 yards, and six touchdowns as a rookie, could bolster the offense significantly. The Browns’ potential now edges out Baltimore’s lineup.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers leads the Ravens, having delivered seasons with over 74 catches and 1,000 yards. While Flowers is second only to Chase in the division, the question of depth remains for the Ravens. Rashod Bateman is one year removed from his peak 756 yards and nine touchdowns, yet his recent output declined. Rookies Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt offer substantial promise, though they remain untested pros.