Even with the NFL schedule expanded to 17 games in the past few years, there haven’t been too many long-time records that have fallen. When it comes to the NFL receiving yards record, former Detroit Lions great Calvin Johnson is still the king. He finished with 1,964 yards in 2012, and that record has stood ever since.
Cooper Kupp made a run at Johnson’s record in 2021, finishing 17 yards short. While it is possible that someone will accumulate enough NFL stats to set the record, it will be a difficult road to hoe for anyone trying. Approaching the 2,000-yard receiving mark requires someone staying healthy for an entire season and being able to consistently make plays.
While it is unlikely to happen this season, here’s a look at some potential players that could challenge Johnson’s mark.
| Player to Break the Record | Odds |
| Justin Jefferson | +800 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | +1000 |
| Tyreek Hill | +1400 |
| Cooper Kupp | +1600 |
| A.J. Brown | +2000 |
| Devante Adams | +2800 |
| Stefon Diggs | +2800 |
| Jaylen Waddle | +2800 |
| Garret Wilson | +3300 |
| Travis Kelce | +3000 |
Justin Jefferson (+800)
Looking at NFL odds for the 2023 season will show that Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson is the favorite to lead the league in receiving again. Jefferson (+800) led the league in receiving last season by catching 128 passes for 1,809 yards. One nice thing for Jefferson is that he has a consistent quarterback in Kirk Cousins.
While the Minnesota Vikings are hoping for more team success this season, Jefferson has carved himself as one of Cousins’ favorite targets, win or loss. If Cousins can maintain his level of play, Jefferson can make another run at the NFL receiving yards records.
Tyreek Hill (+1400)
Even with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out of the lineup for several games last season, Hill finished with 119 catches and 1,710 yards for the Dolphins. What makes Hill (+1400) such a threat to break Johnson’s record is how explosive he is.
Hill finished with a career-high 100.6 average receiving yards per game last season. If Tagovailoa is healthy for the entire season, Hill should be able to rack up yards in a dynamic Miami offense.
Ja’Marr Chase (+1000)
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (+1000) is another reliable target in a top offense. Chase will likely put up big numbers in many games on the NFL schedule. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow playing at the top of his game, Chase will have plenty of opportunities to catch the ball. Chase did miss time last season due to an injury. Burrow had 87 catches for 1,046 yards, but should be able to put up bigger numbers if he stays healthy. The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the more consistent offenses over the past few seasons.
Stefon Diggs (+2800)
Diggs, if he has his head on straight, could be one of the biggest challenges to the NFL receiving yards record. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen loves to throw the ball downfield and Diggs is his top target. Diggs (+2800) finished with 108 catches for 1,429 yards last season.
People making NFL picks will see that Buffalo is working on trying to capitalize on a championship window and win a Super Bowl. Diggs should have plenty of opportunities to make plays and try to rack up yards.
AJ Brown (+2000)
Few player transactions impacted the NFL standings like seeing the Eagles bring receiver A.J. Brown (+2000) over from the Tennessee Titans. Brown caught 88 passes for 1,496 yards. The Eagles had an explosive offense last season and will season quarterback Jalen Hurts return.
If Hurts can continue to progress, Brown should be in a position to make more plays. While the Philadelphia Eagles may see some hangover following their Super Bowl appearance, Brown has the talent to be immune from a slump.
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