Ja'Marr Chase enters the 2026 season with another major honor to his name.

CBS Sports' writer Zachary Pereles released a list of the top 10 players at every offensive position, and the Bengals star has been recognized as the NFL's No. 1 wide receiver.

"Like Josh Allen, Chase was just one vote shy of being the unanimous No. 1 at his position in our voters' eyes. There's almost nothing he can't do," Pereles wrote. "He runs excellent routes; he can win deep, intermediate and short; he is absolutely terrific with the ball in his hands; and he wins 50/50 balls with strength, athleticism and excellent hand-eye coordination."

According to CBS Sports writer Zachary Pereles, Chase received just one vote that didn't place him at No. 1. Behind him, Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua were second and third, respectively.

Chase was the NFL’s premier wide receiver in 2024 when quarterback Joe Burrow was fully healthy, leading the league with 175 targets, 127 receptions, and 1,708 receiving yards.

These numbers dropped last year to 125 catches and 1,412 yards, but this was in a season when Burrow was sidelined by injury. Now, the QB is coming back healthy this season.

Whether making contested catches, creating separation, or turning short passes into explosive plays, Chase continues to give Cincinnati one of the league's most dangerous passing attacks.

That reputation isn't just reflected in one evaluation. Another major ranking reached a similar conclusion ahead of the 2026 season.

What is the biggest thing Ja'Marr Chase wants in 2026?

Ja'Marr Chase isn't worried about how many times the ball comes his way. He is thinking about what happens after it does.

Even though he saw a career-high 185 targets last season, Chase finished with just 15 catches of 20 yards or more, while Cincinnati ranked 27th in the NFL in explosive play rate.

"I still can be better on my tendencies, on how I run routes, on how I see the coverages," Chase said, according to the Dayton Daily News. "Those are the two biggest things of how to get me open. The run after the catch just talks for itself, but the biggest thing is how I’m gonna get myself open and see the defense."

Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher stressed the importance of getting the Bengals back to producing more big plays, and Chase knows he can play a big role in that.

During their 2021 Super Bowl run, Chase produced 23 explosive receptions, including eight catches of at least 40 yards, helping turn Cincinnati into one of the league's most dangerous offenses.

Do you agree Ja'Marr Chase is the NFL's best wide receiver entering 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore