As the start of the regular season approaches, the NFL’s defenses are preparing for their toughest assignments. With many teams strengthening their wide receiver cores, this could be a tough year to do so. From established pairs to new threats, these wide receiver duos will be deadly against NFL defenses.

Honorable Mentions

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were among the best NFL duos last year with 140 receptions, 1,860 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Other duos, like the Cincinnati Bengals’ AJ Green and Tyler Boyd and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, also barely miss the cut with questions marks concerning their season. 

5. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones was the face of the Falcons’ Super Bowl run three years ago. With 1,677 receiving yards, Jones had the second-best year of his career and the most receiving yards in the NFL during the 2018 season. Combine this with Ridley, one of the most promising young wide receivers in the NFL, and this duo could have a scary season. Ridley became one of just nine rookies to score 10 touchdowns since the AFL/NFL merger 

4. Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams

It would be hard to discredit the wide receiver tandem from last year’s Super Bowl runner-up. With Jared Goff continuing to show promise, Cooks and Woods may only get better. The Rams run a balanced office that trusts its players to perform. With over 2,400 yards and 11 touchdowns between these two, the results speak for themselves.

3. Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, Oakland Raiders

Brown’s offseason was filled with headlines regarding everything from Steelers drama to strange foot injuries and helmet issues. But we can’t forget he’s one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Tyrell received the ball 41 times for 653 yards and five touchdowns with the Chargers. Although Brown may get most of the attention, his pairing with Tyrell is tailor-made for a great run with their new team.

2. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

With 69 receptions from the slot, Adam Thielen is coming off a record-setting season. He was in the top 10 for receptions, yards, and touchdowns, and he’s only looking to get better going forward. Pair this with Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a career-best 1,021 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, and the duo could give Minnesota an even better year. 

1. Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns

Perhaps no move was louder than the Browns’ acquisition of superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Although he’s had a few injury-ridden seasons, he wants to come back strong with his new team. Paired with his best friend Jarvis Landry, the two are a nightmare for opposing teams to guard.

This pair will complement each other well, and if Baker Mayfield can prove his worth as a quarterback, they could have the type of mutually beneficial relationship that lasts for years. Beckham had 77 receptions last year in 12 games for 1,052 yards. Landry had 81 receptions for 976. It could be a new era for a Browns team desperate for a positive season.