Betsided

Chase Claypool vs. Diontae Johnson: Who Has More Receiving Yards in 2022?

By Donnavan Smoot

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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This season is going to look very different for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tomlin and that great defense of theirs is still in the building, but Ben Roethlisberger is out and Mitch Trubisky is in.

Nobody is expecting Trubisky to be an elite player this season, but an upgrade over the shell of Roethlisberger would be nice. 

His job will be made easier by Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson, two of the best young receivers in the league. Last season, Johnson outgained Claypool by 301 receiving yards and caught 48 more passes. 

Now that Roethlisberger and JuJu Smith-Schuster are gone, these two are going to have a lot on their plates. At the end of the season, who finishes with more yards?

Let’s examine.

Steelers' Regular Season Receiving Yards Props (DraftKings Sportsbook)

  • Chase Claypool – Over 725.5: -120/Under 725.5: -110
  • Diontae Johnson – Under 1000.5: -115/Over 1000.5: -115

At the end of 2022, I expect Johnson to be the leading receiver for the Steelers, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Claypool wound up as the leading receiver. 

Today, FanSided’s Tommy Jaggi wrote how Claypool’s potential could be unlocked with a move to the slot. 

“Playing Claypool from the slot will allow the Steelers to get their most athletic pass-catcher in some easier situations. They can put him on a drag, dump him the ball, and allow him to blow by linebackers or safeties with his long strides. They could also use him as a field stretcher from the seam — something that worked quite well last season,” Jaggi wrote.

Claypool would likely see a higher catch percentage with a move to the slot, therefore allowing him to capitalize on his targets better. 

Nevertheless, Johnson is going to be the No. 1 guy from Day 1 for the Steelers. He’s already a versatile piece, and saw nearly 170 targets last season. With Trubisky coming into a new system, he’ll look towards Johnson as his security blanket underneath while Claypool remains as the deep threat. 

I don’t think the gap is going to be as big as the odds suggest between Claypool and Johnson, so take the OVER on both of these props. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

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