2021 NFL Receiving Yards Leader Predictions

TheSportsGeek has predictions for the NFL passing yards leader in the 2021 season. We’re also going to take a look at the wide receivers, and we can’t forget about a certain tight end. The bet is simple: find the receiver that you believe is going to finish with the most receiving yards in the regular season. It’s a season-long prop bet that measures individual success. If you like playing fantasy football then you have to like these prop futures.

The winner of this bet last season was Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills. He racked up 1,535 yards and 8 touchdowns to surpass Travis Kecle’s 1,416 yards, though Kelce had more touchdowns with 11. The next closest wide receiver to Diggs was DeAndre Hopkins with 1,407 yards. Justin Jefferson grabbed 1,400 yards, while Davante Adams reeled in 1,374 yards to round out the top-5. Adams will have Aaron Rodgers back in his corner after much speculation in the offseason.

The familiar names will be up at the top of the receiving list in December. However, I think we could have a new receiver or two competing for top honors on the yards list. There is one receiver in particular that might be lost on some lists, at least to lead the league in receiving. That’s fine by me because all that does is improve the value. Head below for our free NFL receiving yards leader prediction for the 2021 season. If you are looking for the best sportsbooks for the NFL in 2021, check out our NFL betting page.

Davante Adams – Green Bay Packers

Davante Adams wants more money from the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers wanted a new team, while Adams wanted a new contract or a new team. Adams makes a good argument for being the best wide receiver, and as a result, the highest paid in the NFL. He is in the final year of a four-year $58 million contract.

Let it be known that Adams is not playing for the Packers this season. Or at least in his mind this season isn’t about Green Bay. He’s playing for himself and his future. It just so happens that Adams is going to have to put up big numbers and help his team win if he wants to be treated as the best receiver in the league.

I’m not anticipating Adams sitting around pouting and not putting in the work. He has a contract to play for. Despite missing two weeks last year, Adams still managed to rack up 1,374 receiving yards. He was the most dominant player in the league at times. Adams eclipsed 100+ yards in seven games, including a season-high 196 yards against the Houston Texans.

Calvin Ridley – Atlanta Falcons

When I was referring to a newcomer finishing at the top of the receiving board, Calvin Ridley is who I had in mind. Ridley has already introduced himself to the rest of the league, but he hasn’t established himself as a go-to receiver in the NFL. He was playing second fiddle to Julio Jones in Atlanta the last three years.

It’s crazy that Ridley has already been in the league since 2018. Ridley hasn’t gotten the same attention as some of the other receivers in the public because he hasn’t been a clear No. 1 yet. Having said that, Ridley progressively became Matt Ryan’s favorite target last year. Ryan became comfortable with targeting Ridley more often in 2020.

He recorded 1,374 yards for a tie with Adams, along with 9 receiving touchdowns. This is an improvement from the 821 and 866 yards he brought in from 2018 and 2019. The best might be yet to come for Ridley. Julio is off to Tennessee to play for the Titans, so Ridley is going to finally have an opportunity to take centerstage for the Falcons. He certainly has the potential to improve on his 1,374-yard season with more balls going in his direction.

Terry McLaurin – Washington Football Team

This is another wide receiver that has a big chance to become a household name and finish amongst the best receivers in the NFL this season. Terry McLaurin is the most underrated wide receiver in the league. He isn’t one of the most underrated, but I’m confident in saying that McLaurin is the most underrated in the league. The Ohio State product had a productive rookie campaign with 919 yards and 7 touchdowns.

He outdid himself last season as a sophomore. McLaurin hauled in 87 receptions for 1,118 yards and 8 touchdowns. McLaurin does just about everything right. He can run a 4.3, gets open as a terrific route runner, and has an excellent attitude. McLaurin will give his full effort and even finishes blocks on running plays. With McLaurin’s work ethic, the sky is the limit for this 25-year-old.

He was targeted an average of 8.9 times per game last season. Keep in mind that McLaurin had 1,118 yards in a terrible quarterback situation in Washington last year. Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith, Kyle Allen, and Taylor Heinicke all saw time at quarterback. Despite having no time to develop a rapport with a quarterback, McLaurin still excelled. Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t Tom Brady, but he does provide a steady and consistent arm under center. Expect Fitzpatrick to look in McLaurin’s direction without hesitation.

Final Verdict and Receiving Yards Leader Predictions

How can you not like Terry McLaurin in 2021? The Washington Football Team is positioned to have a breakout season in the NFC East. If it’s going to happen, McLaurin is going to play a big role in leading Washington. He may not have the name recognition as a Devante Adams, Stefon Diggs, or DeAndre Hopkins, but McLaurin may be the receiver with the room for most improvement and upside this season.

You don’t have to question whether he worked hard in the offseason to become a better player. That you can guarantee. Washington should have a more stable quarterback situation in 2021. That should only help elevate McLaurin to reach his full potential. Along with all of that, the value is certainly there on the odds board as well. This is an underrated bet for an underrated player.