Fansided

Ranking the 30 Best NFL QB-WR duos in the modern era

By Brad Weiss

ANAHEIM, CA - CIRCA 1991:Joe Montana (16) of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Jerry Rice (80) on his TD catch against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium circa 1991 in Anaheim,California on November 25th 1991. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - CIRCA 1991:Joe Montana (16) of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Jerry Rice (80) on his TD catch against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium circa 1991 in Anaheim,California on November 25th 1991. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 9: Ken Stabler
PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 9: Ken Stabler /

30 Best NFL QB-WR duos in the modern era

No. 10: Ken Stabler and Cliff Branch

If you were to look up what it meant to be a Raider in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Ken Stabler, who was the epitome of cool during his time in the Silver and Black. Known for his gritty play on the field, and his antics off of it, Stabler led the Raiders during a time when they were one of the best teams in the AFC.

In those days, the Raiders had a few elite options at the wide receiver spot, including Cliff Branch, a speedy wideout that could take the lid off a defense at any time. To see him play was to see the human version of Flash, and in those days, you could see banners with the term “Speed Kills” all over the stadium.

Together, they formed one of the greatest QB-WR duos in league history, and they certainly brought out the best in each other on the field. With Stabler as his quarterback, Branch elevated himself into being one of the best in the game, going to four straight Pro Bowls, and being named first-team All-Pro three seasons in a row.

The duo spent eight seasons together, and along the way, led the franchise to a victory in Super Bowl XI. Branch is a finalist for the Hall of Fame in 2022, where he is likely to join his quarterback posthumously.

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