Jordan Love’s impressive late-season performance in 2023 has solidified his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, even without a traditional WR1 in Green Bay. The Packers’ offense thrived with a dynamic, committee-based approach, raising questions about the very definition of a WR1.
In fantasy football terms, a WR1 is simply a team’s top receiving threat, regardless of position. For the Chiefs, it’s tight end Travis Kelce. In Green Bay, the answer is less clear-cut.
So, can any Packers receiver break the coveted 1,000-yard mark in 2024? It’s a traditional benchmark for a top target, though not a given for every team every year. The Packers haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Davante Adams’ departure in 2021.
Last season saw the Packers spread the wealth, with Jayden Reed leading the pack at 793 yards, followed by Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. But with a year of development under their belts, could one or more of these receivers hit that milestone?
Christian Watson, with his explosive playmaking ability, is a prime candidate to emerge as a true WR1 if he can stay healthy. His skill set is undeniable; he just needs to find consistency and availability.
Reed, the 2023 yardage leader, is another contender. His knack for big plays makes him a constant threat. Wicks, too, showed flashes of brilliance and could develop into a key component of the Packers’ passing game.
Tight ends like Luke Musgrave, while less likely to reach 1,000 yards due to their blocking duties, are still vital to the offense. Musgrave’s recovery from injury and overall progress will be a storyline to watch.
Under Matt LaFleur’s offensive scheme and with Jordan Love’s continued growth, it’s not inconceivable that multiple Packers could surpass 1,000 receiving yards in 2024. Such an outcome would be a testament to the depth and versatility of this receiving corps, ushering in an exciting new era of offensive firepower in Green Bay.
The question isn’t whether the Packers have a WR1, but whether they need one. With a young, talented quarterback and a diverse group of playmakers, this offense might just redefine what it means to be a top-tier receiving unit in the NFL.