Wide receiver is the latest position in the NFC North rankings that I will be reviewing, following my previous examinations of QB and RB. The division is absolutely stacked at WR with little to choose between the four teams.
NFC North WR Rankings for 2026
Since last season, one big name has left the division with DJ Moore swapping Chicago for Buffalo for the 2026 season. The biggest new addition came to Minnesota, helping them retain the top spot I gave them in my 2025 rankings. The main focus is on the top 3 WRs on each squad, with the depth after them considered afterwards.
Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings
Justin Jefferson is the difference-maker, and it will take an incredible trio for me to drop the Vikings from the top of these rankings while Jefferson is still at the peak of his powers. Even in a season of turmoil, with several injuries to Vikings quarterbacks and generally poor play by whoever was out there, Jefferson still put together a 1000-yard season, something that is seen as the benchmark for a top receiver, but was a “down season” for Jefferson.
There was some doubt on whether the Vikings would pick up Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option – mostly due to his off-field issues in previous years. However, Addison is back for 2026 and will continue to be the Robin to Jefferson’s Batman and should continue to put up respectable WR2 numbers. Minnesota added Jauan Jennings to the mix this year (which I believe to be a great addition) as someone who has called for the Vikings to add a big physical receiver for years. Tai Felton is the wildcard, and if he can emerge in his second season as an extremely speedy deep threat, then the Vikings will have a formidable quartet.
Detroit Lions – Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa
Amon-Ra St. Brown continued to be one of the league’s best in 2025, and I don’t expect that to change this year. The good news for Detroit is that, after a slow start to his NFL career, Jameson Williams has become good after recording back-to-back 1000-receiving yards seasons. It gives the Lions a very strong duo who will be backed up by Isaac TeSlaa. Last season, a third-round rookie had an interesting season. There wasn’t a huge amount of opportunity, but he turned what he did get into insane numbers. TeSlaa caught 16 of 27 targets for 239 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 14 first downs. It will be interesting to see if he is used this season and whether he can keep up that level of production.
Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond
With Moore out of Chicago, they are left to trust in their two high draft picks in Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Both men went over 600 receiving yards last season; one, if not both, will need to go up a level in 2026 if the Bears hope to keep the top spot in the NFC North. Ben Johnson brought in Kalif Raymond, who he worked with in Detroit, who will be a solid veteran depth option, but the Bears’ WR room is a story of potential at the moment, and they need to prove themselves this year.
Green Bay Packers – Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed
The Green Bay Packers being in last place is an indication of the strength at the position inside this division. Newly signed $27 million a year WR Christian Watson is leading the way and second-year first-rounder is Matthew Golden alongside him. The Packers don’t lack talent. Watson has all the attributes to be a top receiver, but injuries in all four seasons he’s played have hampered his ability to have a true breakout season.
Golden had a relatively quiet rookie year, coming in at under 400 receiving yards and failing to score a touchdown. Green Bay will need more from him in Year 2, and they will also need a healthier year for Jayden Reed. The former second-round pick had impressed in his first two seasons in the league, but a broken collarbone in Week 2 saw him miss a big chunk of last season. If the Packers can get all three firing, they will be a dangerous trio, but all three have doubts lingering over them at the moment.
