This article attempts to highlight some of the best and worst matchups for wide receivers and tight ends each week. Using player tracking data from various sources (NFL.com, Pro Football Focus, ESPN, etc.) as well as reviews of recent trends, I look for situations to exploit or avoid when setting your weekly lineups. Given that this article is intended to help across all sites (both DFS and season-long), variations in pricing and scoring systems are not taken into account, so obviously, the values could shift depending on where you are playing. The main intent of this article is simply to call out some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Mike Evans (TB vs MIN) vs Andrew Booth Jr
The departure of Tom Brady is going to be the biggest storyline with this offense, but the matchup against the Vikings’ secondary is too good to pass up. This defense allowed the 2nd most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers last season and is transitioning almost the entire secondary. Booth allowed a paltry 0.56 fantasy points per coverage snap last season and will likely see the most of Evans this week. Chris Godwin also figures to get a lot of work this week but draws the tougher matchup against Byron Murphy in the slot. Baker Mayfield is the quarterback this week and is a big reason why there is not a bigger boost for this offense.
WR Jaylen Waddle (MIA vs LAC) vs J.C. Jackson
Anyone lined up opposite Tyreek Hill is likely to get good looks in the offense, with the defense providing help to the other side of the field. Waddle also has the benefit of a great matchup this week. Jackson had a down season while allowing 0.55 fantasy points per coverage snap and will look to bounce back this year. A healthy Tua Tagovailoa and an offense that is going to lean on the pass due to health concerns in the backfield should bring about big days for both Waddle and Hill this week.
WR Tyler Lockett (SEA vs LAR) vs Cobie Durant
The Rams struggled against the pass under the best circumstances last year, and this season, they are without Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill. There has been a near-full transition in the secondary for the Rams, and that should set up both Lockett and DK Metcalf for big days to open the season. In limited appearances last season, Durant allowed 0.26 fantasy points per coverage snap. This is a much better number than both perimeter players, but Lockett lines up all over the field and should see a good mix of all three starting corners. Either receiver should be considered this week, with Lockett getting the slight edge due to price and or availability.
WR Marquise Brown (ARZ vs WAS) vs Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
The outlook in Arizona does not look great to start the season, but with a team that is constantly playing from behind, they are going to have to throw the ball to someone. Joshua Dobbs was named the starter, and he is going to look for Brown in a matchup against rookie Forbes. Kendall Fuller was the lone bright spot in this secondary last season, and he spent more than 74% on the right side of the field. Brown and Forbes will be lined up most of the night, and the edge should go to the veteran Brown, even with the downgrade at quarterback.
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