In what is arguably a golden age of wide receivers in the NFL, it can be tough to choose who’s the best.
But according to Ja’Marr Chase, there’s no debate.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Cincinnati Bengals star was asked if he feels like he and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson — who he played with at LSU — are the two best wide receivers in the NFL. In his response, Chase made it clear that at least half of that equation is right.
“I feel like I’m the best,” Chase said, according to Fox 19’s Jeremy Rauch. “I don’t feel like we’re the two best. I feel like I’m the best.”
Asked who he feels is the second best, the two-time Pro Bowl selection declined to give the nod to his college teammate, who he will see on Sunday when the Bengals face the Vikings.
“That’s for everybody else to debate,” Chase said. “We do this every year with each other. It’s pointless arguing back and forth with [Jefferson].”
"I'm the best. I don't feel like we're the two best. I'm the best."
Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson top two? Ja'Marr would only say he's No. 1.
(Don't @ Tyreek Hill)#Bengals @fox19 pic.twitter.com/RnSXJnxMKb
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) December 13, 2023
In addition to Chase and Jefferson, a strong case could be made for Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill, who is currently on pace to become the first NFL player to amass 2,000 receiving yards in a single season and has even garnered MVP buzz. Factoring in the likes of A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams, Keenan Allen and Amon-Ra St. Brown and it will be tough to pick out this year’s Pro Bowl rosters — let alone choose who the very best at the position is.
As for Chase, the 23-year-old has certainly made a strong case through his first two-plus seasons in the NFL. After being selected by the Bengals with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — reuniting him another former LSU teammate in Joe Burrow — the Harvey, Louisiana, native has tallied 257 receptions for 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns through his first 42 regular-season games.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.