Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase crowned No. 1 WR in NFL rankings

By Joshua Watt | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Ja'Marr Chase has officially been named the best wide receiver in the NFL by executives, coaches and scouts.

He tops the list that places him in front of stars like Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb. The rest of the top 10 includes A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, Nico Collins, Mike Evans and Garrett Wilson. This is a massive honor for Chase, who has steadily been climbing the ranks since being drafted by the Bengals in 2021.

In 2024, Chase had his best season of his career. He finished with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He led the league in all three major categories, making him the Triple Crown winner, a feat achieved only twice since 2000. He was a massive part of the engine that runs the Bengals' offense, producing at a high level despite being double-covered and blanketed all season long.

OH MY JA'MARR CHASE. ELECTRIC 63-YARD TD.

: #CINvsCAR on FOX
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/KwYspR7roj
— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024

The Bengals locked in their young superstar with a four-year, $161 million extension on March 18. This contract made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. While the price tag may be high, it is hard to argue against paying a player who is both a statistical outlier and one of the most impactful players on their roster.

What separates Chase from other elite wideouts is his unique versatility. He can win in a variety of ways, from both the slot and on the outside. He can make incredible plays after the catch, and he is also a significant threat in the red zone. He is one of only a few players in the league who can truly take over a game and completely change the momentum with a single play.

There will always be some debate about who is the actual best wideout in the NFL, especially when you consider how tight the competition is. Jefferson has been one of the hardest covers in the league since being drafted. Hill has the speed and athleticism to take over a game completely. Lamb has a unique versatility that makes it challenging to stay ahead of him.

But as we head towards 2025 and now enter into the prime of his career, if he can stay healthy, this may not be the only time that Chase sits at the top of the wide receiver mountain.

Joshua Watt

Joshua is a Yardbarker Contributor specializing in diving deep into the world of the NFL. Whether it is breaking down a massive trade or making bold predictions, he delivers insights with high energy and expertise.

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