Who will win the triple crown?
By: Jeremy Trottier
The NFL triple-crown, an illustrious award that has only been handed out 17 times in the history of the sport. A wide receiver leading the sport in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns all in the same season is an enormously difficult task to accomplish, and one that only comes around once in a long time in most cases. We have been lucky enough to see two in the last four seasons, and three in the 2000s, after a span from 1967 to 1992 where only two were able to complete the task.
The question becomes, which wide receiver (or tight end) is most likely to live up to the task next, and complete the triple crown? This factors in a ton of components, as it is not only on the receiver producing, but also the quarterback to get them the ball in good scenarios, and the offensive line to protect that quarterback long enough to make decisive throws.
When it comes down to it, the wide receiver position has a ton of talent across the NFL currently, but there are only a few truly elite options who are highly likely to end up having a shot at the title. Among those are Ja’Marr Chase (one triple crown), Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, and factoring in the touchdown component, Mike Evans. While these five may not have been the most productive out of every wide receiver in the NFL, they bring what is needed to the table, a huge sample size, a clear path to substantial targets, and good touchdown capabilities.
Chase has already completed the triple crown, so his path is clear considering he is still in a similar situation to 2024.
Jefferson is far and away one of the best receivers in the game at this point, and while he has to contend with a new young quarterback, that may just help his chances as he could be utilized as a safety net.
Lamb has already shown the receptions and receiving yards components, and he did put up double digit touchdowns in 2023, he just needs to be able to put it all together with Dak Prescott now and really make an elite run.
Brown is a difficult one, as he has DeVonta Smith vying for targets alongside him at a substantial rate, but he is the clear RedZone threat for the team, and with a large frame to contest catches, has a different role to play than Smith which gives him opportunities for touchdowns.
Evans is a bit of an underdog here as his receiving yards are tough to come by at times considering just how many receiving options there are in Tampa Bay. While he is a clear favorite in the touchdown category most years, picking up enough receptions and receiving yards to hit the triple is the tough part.
All things factored in, for 2025 the most likely of the bunch has to go to Jefferson. While Chase should be a shoe-in, the even worse defensive unit for the Bengals puts them in a tough position where they may not have the ball as much as previous years, especially if Trey Hendrickson doesn’t end up staying. Jefferson is working with a solid defense, a great offensive line, and while the quarterback position is a tad questionable, he has already displayed the ability to work with others and become their safety net at all times, due to truly strong hands and exceptional YAC abilities. Getting to the touchdowns number will be the biggest snag as he is going to be learning on the fly, but he should be next up if triple crown is handed out this year.
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