This article highlights 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.) and 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 Matchup
WR Terry McLaurin (WAS vs. PHI) vs. Darius Slay
Despite the overall inequality of teams, McLaurin has had the Eagles’ number since coming into the league. The young receiver is averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game in 9 contests, and it has not mattered who they put in coverage. James Bradberry and Slay have worked to shadow McLaurin in the past, but neither has succeeded. McLaurin has also exceeded 20+ fantasy points in four of the nine matchups and should see a combination of Slay and Bradberry on the outside for 80% of his perimeter snaps. The Eagles’ defense has been elite against the run but is currently allowing the 2nd-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Start McLaurin with confidence this week.
WR Zay Flowers (BAL vs. ARZ) vs. Marco Wilson
Arizona has struggled in the secondary all season. Between poor play and injuries, they allow the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Last week, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo had 16+ fantasy points against this secondary. Flowers has quickly become the favorite target of Lamar Jackson and is excelling at both stretching the field and the quick underneath plays that have his volume at an all-time high. We saw a taste of what this offense can do last week and expect it to continue with another great matchup against the Cardinals this week.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs. LAC) vs. Michael Davis
The trend of starting receivers against the Chargers continues this week with Moore. Even with Tyson Bagent under center again this week, the holes in the secondary have been enormous. The Chargers are currently allowing the most fantasy points to opposing receivers, with Davis leading the way with 0.48 fantasy points per coverage snap. Moore has shown what he is capable of on the outside and has a great opportunity to go off again this week.
WR George Pickens (PIT vs. JAX) vs. Tyson Campbell
Jacksonville has been an enigma on defense so far this year. They have had some very good games and other games where the secondary has totally collapsed. They are currently allowing the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including the 3rd-most to perimeter receivers. Campbell has been picked on regularly and allows 0.35 fantasy points per coverage snap. Tre Herndon has been the best at slot corner and should lock up Allen Robinson. Look for both Diontae Johnson and Pickens to have big days on the outside.
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