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Deebo Samuel Didn't Hesitate When Naming Best WR in the NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Dec 27, 2024 5:37 PM ET

When discussing the best players in the league at specific positions, the debate is often fluid and can change from year to year. However, right now, San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Deebo Samuel didn’t hesitate to name the best wide receiver in the NFL this season. According to Samuel, there are two players who have completely stood out from the rest of the crowd.

During his podcast, "Cleats and Convos with Deebo Samuel", he was asked who the best wide receiver in the NFL is this season. Without hesitation, Samuel named Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, who is on pace to win the Triple Crown with two games remaining. Chase leads all wide receivers in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns — a feat that’s been accomplished just twice since 2005.

However, Samuel also acknowledged that Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is right there with Chase, considering the two to be "1A and 1B" in the wide receiver conversation.

"If we’re speaking right now, I’m gonna go with Ja'Marr Chase. But they’re definitely like 1A, 1B. If we’re speaking right now, we’re going Chase."

This season, Ja'Marr Chase has been sensational, tallying 108 receptions, 1,510 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, while averaging 14.0 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson has posted 92 receptions, 1,387 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Both wide receivers were teammates on the LSU Tigers' 2019 national championship team. They entered the NFL a year apart, with Jefferson entering the league in 2020, followed by Chase in 2021.

Nonetheless, they have both been the two best receivers in the NFL this season, and it’s hard to argue otherwise when you look at the numbers and what these two stars have accomplished since entering the league with their respective teams. The gap between them and the rest of the field is significant.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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