The Los Angeles Chargers ended last season with a promising 11-win record, driven by quarterback Justin Herbert’s impressive performance. In his first year working under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Herbert threw for 3,870 yards and delivered 23 touchdown passes against just three interceptions. Despite this, the Chargers lacked a definitive No. 1 wide receiver, relying heavily on rookie Ladd McConkey, who exceeded 1,000 receiving yards. As the 2024 season approaches, the revamped Justin Herbert Chargers receiving corps faces pressure to elevate the team to the top of the AFC West division.
Evaluating the Strength of AFC West Receiving Units
The Chargers’ receiving corps has often faced criticism, at times considered one of the weaker groups in the league. Comparing their unit with AFC West rivals reveals a clear hierarchy in receiving talent and depth. Understanding this landscape will help assess whether the Chargers’ improvements will translate into divisional dominance.
Bottom Tier: Las Vegas Raiders’ Struggles Continue
The Las Vegas Raiders rank last among division receivers, with a group led by Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Dont’e Thornton, and Jack Bech. Pro Football Focus places the Raiders slightly ahead of the Chargers, but this lead is marginal given the overall lack of consistency beyond Meyers. The Raiders’ offense leans heavily on tight end Brock Bowers to compensate for their weak receiving front, signaling ongoing struggles in their passing attack.
Mid-Tier: Chargers Show Depth but Seek Breakout Performers
Los Angeles holds the third position within the AFC West, with its receiving corps featuring Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Mike Williams, and Tre Harris. The competition between the Raiders and Chargers is close, with McConkey showing more promise than Meyers. Quentin Johnston, despite not living up fully to early expectations, managed 711 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season, outpacing the Raiders’ second option, Tre Tucker, who had 539 yards. Mike Williams brings valuable experience, having posted 895 yards and four touchdowns in 2022, although he encountered difficulties in the prior campaign. With Herbert’s leadership, Williams could reclaim his role, but new talent like Tre Harris threatens his spot, adding a competitive edge to the group.
Second Place: Denver Broncos’ Balanced Receiving Corps
The Denver Broncos’ receiving group, led by Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Devaughn Vele, ranks just above the Chargers. Sutton remains the unit’s standout player, while Mims’ growth—highlighted by 503 yards and six touchdowns in his sophomore year—gives Denver a slight edge. The Broncos’ more top-heavy receiver distribution presents a challenge for the Chargers, though the competition remains tight.
Top of the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs’ Versatile Receiving Depth
The Kansas City Chiefs boast the division’s strongest and deepest receiving corps, featuring Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and rookie Jalen Royals. Despite lacking a traditional No. 1 receiver, their collective talent offers quarterback Patrick Mahomes multiple dynamic options. Rice, limited to four games last year, showed significant potential as a game-changer, while Worthy led the team with 638 yards and six touchdowns, setting the stage for further development. Hollywood Brown adds skill despite injury setbacks, and Smith-Schuster’s clutch performances solidify the group’s reliability. This formidable depth makes the Chiefs the team to beat in receiving strength.
The Road Ahead for the Chargers’ Receiving Corps
As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for the 2024 season, the upgraded receiving corps will be crucial in boosting their standing within the AFC West. Justin Herbert’s talent combined with emerging players like McConkey, Johnston, and Harris offers hope for greater offensive production. Challenging the Broncos and Chiefs will demand consistent breakthroughs by these receivers against top-tier defenses. Success in this area could translate into sustained division dominance and position the Chargers as serious contenders moving forward.