All 32 NFL teams' best QB and receiver duo

Arizona Cardinals: Sam Bradford and Larry Fitzgerald

The Cardinals look to solve their quarterback woes with the signing of Sam Bradford, who has become quite the journeyman going from St. Louis, Philadelphia, Minnesota and now Arizona. With the retirement of Carson Palmer, Arizona looks to stay afloat in an NFC West that is heavily on the rise.

Bradford has never been one to wow people with high touchdown passes and receiving yards, but if he has been one thing, it has been consistent. The Cardinals don’t have the greatest receiving corps, but Larry Fitzgerald has the ability to make any quarterback look good. It also helps when you never drop a pass, like ever. Remember his Sportscenter commercial?

Needless to say, Fitzgerald will be Bradford’s go-to-guy on the field, and perhaps for the last time as Fitzgerald nears possible retirement.

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan and Julio Jones

Julio Jones clearing the air and saying he wants to be a “Falcon for life" bodes well for one of the best receivers in the game, and one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Matt Ryan. While Jones had a drop last year hauling in just three touchdowns from six in 2016, Jones is still a lethal weapon for the Falcons.

Perhaps one of the more complete teams in the NFL, it’s OK for Jones not to haul in double-digit touchdowns — it doesn’t hurt if he does — as  long as his presence on the field is noticed by opposing defenses.

Ryan, now two seasons removed from his first Super Bowl appearance, can lead this team back to the promised land. Jones just has to catch that pass in the corner of the end zone.

Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco and Michael Crabtree

You never know what you’re going to get out of this Ravens offense week in and week out. Adding in a sure-handed receiver in Michael Crabtree can help some of the offensive woes this team has suffered through. But can Joe Flacco deliver when it counts?

This team was on the verge of making the playoffs until the Bengals decided “nah.” With the threat of Lamar Jackson waiting in the wings, you have to wonder how much of a “show me” season this is for Flacco.

Still, adding a weapon who can stretch the field and come up huge in the red zone can help this team in the right direction on offense. Crabtree has come up big for San Francisco and Oakland, can he for Baltimore?

Buffalo Bills: A.J. McCarron and Kelvin Benjamin

Now at this point in time, Buffalo hasn’t decided on a starting quarterback since trading Tyrod Taylor to Cleveland. They acquired McCarron from the Bengals — as a thank you, perhaps? — and have Nathan Peterman along with first round draft pick Josh Allen as options under center. It’ll be a quarterback battle all off-season to see who emerges from that bunch.

Not to mention, all will get a shot during the preseason to make their final case. However, with Kelvin Benjamin catching passes from either one of them, Benjamin should take off as their No. 1 receiver on the field.

There are a lot of moving pieces in play this summer as the Bills look to remain in contention — most likely as a Wild Card like last season. They’ll have to shock people again in 2018, if they’re to be taken seriously.

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey

Now this may look a bit odd to anyone outside of the Panthers organization, considering Christian McCaffrey is a running back, but McCaffrey registered 80 receptions out of the backfield last season. He’s become one of Newton’s most trusted pass-catchers, and it was only his rookie season.

Carolina has never had a spectacular group of receivers, and Newton’s only real alternative is tight end Greg Olsen. But injuries have cost Olsen a good chunk of games of late. Adding Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith helps, but expect Newton to target McCaffrey a lot in 2018.

If all else, Newton will carry his team’s offense with his legs, like we’ve seen in the past. But a quarterback can take only so many hits before you think twice about leaving the pocket.

Chicago Bears: Mitchell Trubisky and Allen Robinson

The one constant complaint about Mitchell Trubisky during his rookie season last year wasn’t about him, but about him not having any weapons to throw to. Chicago finally moved on from the Jay Cutler era and looks to forget about that as soon as possible.

An OK rookie season that showed glimpses of what the future could look like in Chicago, Bears general manager Ryan Pace decided the time was now for his young quarterback. Pace went out and got former Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson.

Despite coming off an ACL tear last season, Robinson is an incredible asset for the Chicago Bears. A 1,000-yard receiver in 2015, Robinson brings a new dimension to the stagnant offense a year ago. First thing’s first, Robinson has to be 100 percent cleared in the coming months.

Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton and A.J. Green

Name a longer duo than Andy Dalton and A.J. Green in Cincinnati. Their eights year together in the league has produced 57 touchdowns and 8,213 receiving yards. In fact, Green hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season one time.

Their production is there, and if you want to judge them based on playoff appearances and wins, then that’s fine, but it’s hard to argue their chemistry. They’ve had their share of heartbreaks over the years, and it’s tough playing in the AFC North, but the two have remained a constant for Cincinnati.

Dalton, 30, and Green, 29, feels like they’ve been with the Bengals seemingly forever. Can the duo exercise demons of the past? They’ll go only as far they take them.

Cleveland Browns: Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry

When you go 0-16, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would want to play there. Despite their 1-31 record of the past two years, they still managed to attract a high number of players for the 2018 season.

They traded for Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry looking to shake up their foundation and win their second game in three seasons. The two aren’t coming to save Cleveland, per se, but they can help — among with other signings — a much improved team in 2018.

Is this the year that the Browns finish with more than one victory, and perhaps … do I dare say, a playoff spot?

Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott and Allen Hurns

Denver Broncos: Case Keenum and Demaryius Thomas

The Denver Broncos went and got their man in Case Keenum, who led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game just a season ago. Keenum, who took over for the oft-injured Sam Bradford in Minnesota, showed he could compete with other quarterbacks and become a full-time starter.

GM John Elway struck gold when he landed Peyton Manning, and won a Super Bowl in his final season. Since then, they’ve struggled at the quarterback position. And because of that Thomas’ production has declined steadily.

However, with a consistent quarterback, Thomas should return to form, and the Broncos might be able to make some noise in the unstable AFC West.

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate

An argument could be made for Marvin Jones Jr., but Tate has been Stafford’s go-to-guy since he landed in Detroit. The Lions are always a mystery to me. They have a gunslinger in Stafford, but it never really amounts to anything other than touchdowns and passing yards.

Which is fine, but fine doesn’t get you Super Bowl titles. Always looking up at the NFC North, the Lions have their word cut out for them every season it seems.

This duo should produce in 2018, but they need to stay consistent from the get-go and not fall behind other teams in the NFC.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers and Devante Adams

When you lose your BFF in Jordy Nelson like Rodgers did, it can be a tough thing to overcome, but not as tough when you have Adams who has been rising as a star player.

Rodgers and Adams have combined for 26 touchdowns the last two seasons, and should account for another stellar season in 2018. With Nelson gone, that does open the window for Adams to become their true No. 1 for the foreseeable future.

It helps when you have arguably the league’s best quarterback throwing you the rock at Lambeau Field. Rodgers has only gotten better with age, and with revenge on his mind for being knocked out due to injury, the NFL should be worried come September.

Houston Texans: DeShaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins

Watson was on absolute tear last season as a rookie before going down with an ACL injury. And Hopkins was the beneficiary of that. A strong argument could be made that if Hopkins had a Rodgers or Tom Brady throwing to him, that he’d be the game’s greatest receiver.

He’s that good, folks.

With a healthy Watson for the 2018 season, and avoiding the sophomore slump, Watson should be even better with Hopkins. And that’s a scary, scary thought for the Texans. Expect great things out of this team.

Indianapolis Colts: ??? and ???

The world, especially Indianapolis, awaits the return of Andrew Luck. Luck was the true successor to Peyton Manning for the Colts, but injuries galore, has caused Luck to miss the past two seasons under center.

As a result, the Colts have been god-awful on the field. And the only thing worth talking about is when Luck will come back, and can he light it up like before when healthy?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles and Marqise Lee

Jacksonville lost a pair of top receivers in Hurns and Robinson to free agency this offseason. In addition, they lost longtime vet Mercedes Lewis to the Packers.

So it’s slim pickings for the Jags on offense in 2018. Lee should become the target of Bortles’ passes, but they’ll be a run-heavy team first.

This was a team that was minutes away from reaching the Super Bowl, if they’re going to compete again, then they’ll do it with fewer offensive pieces.

Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes and Tyreke Hill

The Alex Smith era is over in Kansas City, and marks the era of Patrick Mahomes. Luckily, for Mahomes, he was given some great offensive weapons with Smith’s departure.

Hill is an explosive player that should make life easier for Mahomes in his first year starting. A nightmare for opposing defenses when trying to match his speed, and talent galore. The two should blossom as a connection for years to come.

Mahomes has the key to the car, now it’s time to put it into drive and feel this baby purr.

Los Angeles Chargers: Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen

If you ask Allen who he thinks is the best receiver in the game, he’ll immediately say himself. That’s the kind of confidence you want in a player. Combined with Rivers who can sling it with the best of them, and you have one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL .

However, what has plagued this team’s production is their horrendous slow starts to a season. If Rivers and Allen can right the ship early, then they’re a team to be reckoned with.

Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff and Brandin Cooks

The Rams signing Cooks is a monster signing for the young Rams. They get a player who has played with both Brees and Brady and put up monster numbers with both.

Now joining a Rams team that has a huge Super Bowl window, it’s a win-win situation. Goff will continue to grow with a receiver who has become a big name offensive weapon the last two seasons.

The only thing holding Goff back is his experience. But a strong sophomore season should lead to an even better junior outing.

Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill and Danny Amendola

With Tannehill returning from an ACL injury, it’s all about easing him back into the fold. Especially after watching Cutler and Matt Moore struggle in his place. With the addition of Super Bowl champion Amendola, Tannehill gets a veteran receiver that can make plays for you in tight spots.

But it all depends on the health of Tannehill going into this season. The Dolphins have proven they’re good enough to qualify for the playoffs despite playing in the AFC East.

Health is important, and it’s more important when talking about your starting quarterback. We know what Amendola brings, can Tannehill use him effectively?

Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins and Stefon Diggs

After Minnesota decided to release all three of their previous starters this offseason, they landed their man in Kirk Cousins. Cousins is a big gamble for the Vikings, because he’s expected to have instant impact right away.

While Cousins does have that rocket arm capable of putting up points, is it fair to say it’s Super Bowl or bust in his first year?

After all, miracles do happen. Right, Diggs?

New England Patriots: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski

Perhaps no more of a dominant duo than Brady and Gronk. Despite the two having news circulate about their playing time left in the NFL, one thing is for sure: they’re coming back for the 2018 season.

Losing Amendola to Miami, and awaiting the return of Julian Edleman, Gronk is Brady’s target anywhere on the field. Even when you know it’s coming, it’s still near impossible to stop.

The Patriots came up short in last year’s Super Bowl, but it’s hard to count them out when they’re both playing and both healthy.

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees and Michael Thomas

Drew Brees might not be the young pup he used to be, but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Combined with explosive Thomas, and the Saints have an offense that gives every team a nightmare.

Despite coming up just short against the Vikings a season ago, the Saints have the right pieces in play to make another deep run in 2018.

The question becomes: how long will Brees play for as he nears age 40? But with the team coming together on both sides of the ball, Brees and Thomas will lead the way as much as they can.

New York Giants: Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.

It’s no secret that Manning loves Beckham. Especially when you have a dominant player like Beckham who hauls in everything thrown at him, either with two hands or one.

Manning’s iron man streak came to an end at the hands of a benching, and Beckham was lost due to injury. But when both are on the field, there’s no doubt that they’re a dangerous combo.

The question for the Giants is: can they avoid slow starts and keep key players healthy?

New York Jets: Josh McCown and Robby Anderson

The Jets are in rebuild mode, and it’s a matter of time before either Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Darnold become the team’s starter of the future.

Robby Anderson came on strong late last season when he posted a touchdown reception in five straight games. With a team lacking receivers, he should develop a connection with one of his quarterbacks sooner than later.

It’ll be awhile before Gang Green puts out winning talent, but some pieces are in play.

Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr and Jordy Nelson

I thought I’d go out in a limb this one and change it up. It’s not that Amari Cooper is a bad player, he just necessarily hasn’t produced like he should.

While Nelson is going from Rodgers to Carr, he still brings experience onto the field, especially in the red zone. Plus he can help mentor Cooper like he did with Adams and Cobb in Green Bay.

Jon Gruden loves veterans players, and I expect him to get Nelson and Carr going early and often.

Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz and Alshon Jeffrey

While Wentz didn’t play in the Super Bowl and Foles did, that doesn’t take away the amazing season the Eagles had. Wentz is the future of this team, and being surrounded with talent such as Jeffrey, it’s only going to keep their window open for a long time.

Jeffrey signing with the Eagles helped give them an explosive offense to put the Eagles up there with the elites.

What’s next for the Super Bowl winning duo? More winning. A lot more winning.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown

Ask anyone who has the best quarterback and receiver duo, and many will point to these two. A lethal combination in any game situation, Big Ben and Brown can attack you a lot of different ways.

Quick hits, flat, slant, deep, these all are routes that can be completed by the two at any given moment.

Once Brown has the ball in his hands, look out, because it’s usually a big play waiting to happen.

San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo and Marquise Goodwin

The world was taken by storm when the Patriots traded Jimmy G to the 49ers midseson last year. The world continued to burn when Jimmy G won all of his starts to close the season.

The 49ers are going to contend with the NFC West in 2018, and it starts with him. Goodwin with his athleticism and speed will help both of their games elevate to the next level.

Can Jimmy G replicate his success as a starter in 2018?

Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson and Doug Baldwin

When you think of the current Seahawks, what often comes to mind is Wilson scrambling to buy time and hitting a big play. 

Other than that, there isn’t much help for Wilson, and their Super Bowl window may have closed for now. Wilson and Baldwin have won a Super Bowl together, and obviously have a lot of chemistry.

Is it too little, too late for this Seahawks bunch?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jamis Winston and Mike Evans

The Bucs have their long-term QB, and a receiver in Evans who can produce good number, but have yet to put it together on the field.

Their inconsistent play in a division that had three playoff teams a season ago has to be fixed if they’re going to be a contender not only in the South, but the NFC.

Another losing season or two, and that’s when this team will start to break apart.

Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota and Rishard Matthews

The Titans stunned the Chiefs last year during Wild Card Weekend when Mariota and Co. notched heir first playoff win in decades. Mariota and Matthews are the young bucks on this team that are going to be the face of the franchise for seasons to come.

While Mariota struggled last season, like having more interceptions than touchdowns, he’s still the man in Tennessee. The upside is there for the former Oregon quarterback, and the more playoff experience he gets, the better he’ll become.

For now, I would expect a similar season in 2018.

Washington Redskins: Alex Smith and Jordan Reed

Washington and Cousins couldn’t agree on a long-term deal, and so they decided to move on. Acquiring Smith from the Chiefs, they get a battle-tested quarterback who’s been around the block.

Travis Kelce is definitely better than Reed, but Reed is dominant in his own right … when healthy. Perhaps a change of scenery and players will be a win both Washington and Smith.

In the end, all you can ask for is effort. And Smith has effort.