Green's first NFL reception was a 41-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Bruce Gradkowski against the Cleveland Browns in the Bengals' 2011 regular season opener, a 27–17 victory. In the following game, Green recorded his first 100-yard game with ten receptions for 124 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in a 24–22 loss to the Denver Broncos. By the end of his rookie season, Green recorded four 100-yard games and led all NFL rookies in receptions and receiving yards, catching 65 passes for 1,057 yards in 15 games. His seven touchdown receptions was second among rookies – one behind Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. On December 18, 2011, Green and fellow rookie quarterback Andy Dalton surpassed the all-time NFL record for yards and receptions by a rookie quarterback/receiver tandem. One week later on December 24, 2011, Green's 1,031 yards surpassed Cris Collinsworth's franchise record of 1,009 yards set in 1981 for most receiving yards by a rookie. Green made his playoff debut in the against the Houston Texans. In the 31–10 loss, he had five receptions for 47 receiving yards. Green earned a Pro Bowl nomination for his rookie season in addition to being named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. He was ranked 77th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.