USA TODAY International Edition
Broncos’ Thomas, Sanders top wideout duo
Lions, Falcons also boast elite pairs of receivers
Had Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson not suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the preseason, he and teammate Randall Cobb would top the list of the league’s top receiving tandems.
With that said, here’s a look at the five best wide receiver duos in the NFL entering the 2015 season.
1. DENVER BRONCOS
Demaryius Thomas ( 111 catches, 1,619 yards, 11 touchdowns in 16 games) and Emmanuel Sanders ( 101 catches, 1,404 yards, nine TDs in 16 games)
Sure, it helps to play with Peyton Manning, but both Thomas and Sanders have shown they have the tools needed to be considered one of the elite groups in the NFL. Thomas is explosive and sure- handed. Sanders is a crisp route runner, crafty and speedy. The result was the only tandem in the NFL in 2014 with two players to each catch at least 100 passes. Their 3,023 combined passing yards led the NFL and was 217 yards more than the next closest pair. 2. DETROIT LIONS Calvin Johnson ( 71 catches, 1,077 yards, eight TDs in 13 games) and Golden Tate ( 99 catches, 1,331 yards, four TDs in 16 games)
Johnson and Tate are truly different talents who make up a lethal combination. Johnson, entering his ninth season in the NFL, is still the prototype at the position with his 6- foot- 5, 236pound frame built with speed and power. Tate blossomed last season when Johnson was forced out with ankle and elbow injuries and is a relentless target always fighting for position. 3. ATLANTA FALCONS Julio Jones ( 104 catches, 1,593 yards, six TDs in 15 games) and Roddy White ( 80 catches, 921 yards, seven TDs in 14 games)
Arguably no other receiver in the NFL makes big plays look so effortless. Jones is just a natural at the position, and he seems to be getting better. This duo would be higher if White was a few years younger. But make no mistake, even though he’s 33 years old and entering his 11th season in the league, White is still an above- average wideout who has big plays left in him. 4. NEW YORK GIANTS Odell Beckham Jr. ( 91 catches, 1,305 yards, 12 TDs in 12 games) and Victor Cruz ( 23 catches, 337 yards, one TD in six games)
After a monster rookie season, it became clear Beckham was one of the few players in the NFL capable of ripping off a touchdown on any given play. Expectations are now through the roof, and if he can avoid nagging hamstring injuries, he should continue his ascent. For Cruz, meanwhile, it’s all about seeking his old form af- ter a torn patellar tendon sidelined him for most of last season. If both can stay on the field, fourth might be too low for this pair by season’s end. 5. DALLAS COWBOYS Dez Bryant ( 88 catches, 1,320 yards, 16 TDs in 16 games) and Terrance Williams ( 37 catches, 621 yards, eight TDs in 16 games)
Bryant is arguably the best wide receiver in the league and without question one of the most competitive. This duo is featured on this list based on the potential Williams has. He’s entering his third season in the league and has the size ( 6- 2, 208 pounds) and speed to build on a solid 2014. If Williams can take the next step in 2015, Dallas’ duo could compete for the top spot on this list by next season.