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 Davante Adams (LV vs. GB) vs. Jaire Alexander
There is nothing like a revenge game in the NFL. Adams’ tenure in Green Bay was great, but they did not part on the best terms. He will have the chance to show up his former team this week. If Alexander is healthy and able, he should shadow Adams all over the field. Otherwise, the zone-heavy Packers will have a lot of trouble locking down Adams. Even with Alexander in coverage, Adams gets the upgrade this week. There has been a lot of turmoil in Vegas to start this season, but Adams is a solid bet for a big game against his former team.
WR Zay Flowers (BAL vs. PIT) vs. Patrick Peterson
Baltimore has found their WR1 in rookie Flowers. He has played extremely well to start the season and walks into a great matchup against a Pittsburgh secondary that is allowing the fifth-most points to opposing receivers. Peterson continues his struggles on the outside, allowing 0.45 fantasy points per coverage snap. Levi Wallace is doing worse on the other side, allowing 0.56 fantasy points per coverage snap. There is nowhere for Pittsburgh to hide the secondary this week, and they should struggle against Flowers and Mark Andrews. Look for a big week from the rookie.
WR Skyy Moore (KC vs. MIN) vs. Byron Murphy Jr.
It has been hard to trust any receiver for the Chiefs so far this year, as none rank in the top 50 for receivers. However, this group will take on a Minnesota secondary that is the worst against opposing receivers. They allow points at an alarming rate and are continuing the trend from last season. Moore looks to have the best matchup of the group against Murphy, who has allowed 0.57 fantasy points per coverage snap. No one in this group can be considered more than a flex option right now, but this is the week someone is going to separate themselves. Look for a lot of points to be scored this week.
WR Michael Pittman Jr (IND vs. TEN) vs. Kristian Fulton
Tennessee has seen the highest volume of passing against in the league to start the season. Their strong run defense has forced teams to throw the ball, and their corners are struggling to keep up. Even the threat of Jonathan Taylor returning this week does not do enough to dissuade them from throwing the ball. Expect Pittman to see the bulk of the targets on the outside and to find success against Fulton. Fulton is currently allowing 0.49 fantasy points per coverage snap and will see a lot of volume again this week.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs. WAS) vs. Emmanuel Forbes
Not a lot has gone right in Chicago so far. The first half against Denver looked great last week before everything fell apart, and they lost another game. They have the chance to jump out early this week against Washington on Thursday Night. Moore has the best matchup against Forbes on the outside. The young corner is currently allowing 0.74 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being picked on every week. Moore is the best weapon this offense has and should see the bulk of the targets again this week. He found success against Patrick Surtain II last week and should see an even bigger role this week against Washington.
Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE