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Super Bowl 58 Passing Game Report: The best receivers in 58 distinct categories

2WA8Y2N Landover, United States. 31st Dec, 2023. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) at the line of scrimmage against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover MD on December 31 2023 (Alyssa Howell for Image of Sport) Credit: Newscom/Alamy Live News

• A comprehensive look at the passing game: PFF breaks down the highest-graded receivers in a variety of situations ahead of Super Bowl 58.

• A battle between two top-tier tight ends: George Kittle and Travis Kelce are among the best receiving threats in the league and have performed well in various metrics.

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Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Highest receiving grade

Regular Season: WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (92.3)

Aiyuk produced a career-high 1,342 yards over the regular season. No player who will appear in Super Bowl 58 recorded more yards, first-down gains (61) or catches of 15-plus yards (41). 

Postseason: WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (90.1)

Samuel has essentially played only one game this postseason after being limited to nine offensive snaps in the divisional round. He still enters the Super Bowl as San Francisco’s leading receiver (113 yards) and has four explosive gains of 15-plus yards across just 10 catches. 

Highest Catch Rate

Regular Season: RB Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (88.0%)

Pacheco's 50 targets led Kansas City’s running back group, and he caught 44 of those passes for 244 receiving yards. He forced eight missed tackles and picked up 12 first downs.

 Postseason: WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (90.9%)

Samuel has caught 10 of his 11 targets. His only non-catch came from an ill-advised throw by Brock Purdy that resulted in an interception.

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Most Yards Per Reception

Regular Season: WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (17.9)

Aiyuk led all 49ers skill position players in yards per reception and average depth of target (14.3). He is averaging 16.7 yards per reception and has a 15.6-yard average depth of target this postseason. If San Francisco is going deep, they’re likely looking for Aiyuk.

 Postseason: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City Chiefs (21.6)

MVS has caught five of his eight postseason targets for 108 receiving yards and four first downs. He came down with his only contested target and has yet to drop a pass in the playoffs.

Most Yards after the catch per reception

Regular Season: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (13.5)

Clyde Edwards-Helaire caught 17 targets and gained 230 yards after the catch. He was able to force seven missed tackles and gain seven first downs. His greatest impact came in the screen game, where he was able to force four missed tackles, record three gains of 15-plus yards and gain 168 yards after the catch. 

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