The AFC West has quickly become one of the best divisions in terms of offensive talent. All four teams have the chance to field explosive offenses next season as they are loaded with playmakers at receiver.
Today, we are ranking the top five receivers in the AFC West, and it’s arguably the best group of five in any division in the NFL. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the list!
5. Tyrell Williams, Raiders
Initially, I had Sammy Watkins of the Kansas City Chiefs on the list. But after rewatching these two players in 2018, it was pretty clear that Williams was the better player last season and has been more consistent and reliable over the last several seasons.
Playing as the No. 2 receiver in Los Angles, Williams put up another highly efficient season with the Chargers in 2018. He caught 41 passes for 651 yards and five touchdowns as he split time with youngster Mike Williams, who also deserved consideration for this spot.
Williams is a pure deep threat who is tough to stop down the field. Opposite of Antonio Brown, Williams could be in for a monster season in Oakland this year. Look for him to set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2019.
4. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos
Sanders has had one interesting career. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers but caught just 161 passes in four years with the team. He was then signed by the Denver Broncos to be the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
It wasn’t long before it was clear that Sanders was the best receiver on the team. During his first year with Denver, he caught 101 passes for 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns, winning with elite separation skills and route running.
Sanders is a versatile receiver who can play in the slot or the outside and has no problem winning against press coverage. He has struggled to stay healthy over the last two years, and subpar quarterback play has hurt his production, but Sanders is still one of the most challenging receivers to cover in all of the NFL.
Look for him to bounce back in 2019, even after suffering a torn Achilles late last season.
3. Keenan Allen, Chargers
One of the league’s most underrated receivers continues to be Keenan Allen of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Early in his career, he struggled to stay on the field, as he failed to start all 16 games in each of his first four seasons. But over the last two years, Allen has been healthy and dominant.
Since 2017, Allen has caught 199 passes for 2,589 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Chargers. He’s not overly fast or dynamic, but Allen knows how to get open and has a special connection with Phillip Rivers.
Allen doesn’t make many splashy or highlight plays, but he is consistent and reliable in the middle of the field. It’s not hard to make the case that he is the best slot receiver in all of the NFL.
2. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
On the field, Hill is a special receiver. He is the most dangerous receiver in the league with the ball in his hands and can impact an entire offense without even getting a target due to his exceptional speed.
In his third year in the NFL, Hill caught 87 passes for 1,479 yards and 12 touchdowns in the Chiefs’ top-ranked offense. With a few more seasons under his belt like this, it wouldn’t be hard to make the case that he’s the best receiver in football.
However, his off-the-field issues are incredibly worrisome. With his latest incident causing him to be suspended from all team activities, it’s uncertain when Hill will play his next game in the NFL. But as a talent alone, he is one of the best receivers in all of football.
1. Antonio Brown, Raiders
Without a doubt, Brown will walk into the AFC West and easily be the best receiver in the division. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection has switched teams, but that won’t prevent anyone from stopping him.
Brown has been a four-time All-Pro selection, and you can make a case that he has been the best receiver in the league in each of the last five years. With instant speed and easy separation skills, he’s impossible to cover one-on-one. He’s arguably the best route runner in the league and dynamic after the catch.
Brown is a perfect fit in Jon Gruden’s offense and could put up historic numbers in Oakland. Look for him to catch at least 100 passes in his seventh straight season and continue to be the best receiver in the division.
