We’re still a couple weeks away from the start of regular-season battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This summer, we launched a new series here at Nerdy Football known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.
Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Nerdy Football. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.
Earlier this week, we discussed and debated which running back would lead the NFL in rushing yards in 2015, with Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy, Eddie Lacy, and Jamaal Charles among the players receiving votes. While picking the league’s leading rusher isn’t easy, identifying the receiving champion may be even trickier. After all, for the most part, we can predict which backs will get 20 or so carries a game — it’s sometimes harder to determine how quarterbacks will spread the ball around to their various receivers.
Still, there are some strong candidates at the wide receiver position, and many of them are the same players who were at the top of the league’s receiving-yard leaderboard a year ago. Betting site Bovada.lv lists Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, Odell Beckham, Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb, T.Y. Hilton, and A.J. Green as the favorites to lead the NFL in receiving in 2015, and all nine of those players ranked among the league’s top 13 in receiving yards per game a year ago.
Among the dark horses, there are some intriguing second-year wideouts, such as Mike Evans, Jordan Matthews, Brandin Cooks, and Amari Cooper. Alshon Jeffery and DeAndre Hopkins, who lost key WR teammates in the offseason, are also viewed as reasonably strong candidates to battle for the crown. Unfortunately, two other potential contenders – Jordy Nelson and Kelvin Benjamin – have already gone down with season-ending injuries.
What do you think? Will one of the players listed above lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2015, or will a deeper sleeper emerge and earn that honor? Who will lead the league in receiving yards this season? Weigh in below with your thoughts!