Receivers with Great or Bad Matchups Week 18

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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 Justin Jefferson (MIN vs DET) vs Cameron Sutton

These teams met in week 16, and Jefferson had no issue finding space against Sutton. He finished with 6 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown against the corner. The Lions have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers over the past 2 months and Jefferson is going to be motivated to try and reach his goal of 1,000 yards this season after missing 7 games due to injury. Detroit does not have much to play for this week while the Vikings have a very small chance to still make the playoffs. Look for Jefferson to take advantage of the matchup against Sutton again this week and try to close out the season on a high note.

WR Davante Adams (LV vs DEN) vs Patrick Surtain II

Surtain is a great cover corner in the NFL. However, Adams has his number and has walked away as the winner of almost every matchup. When they met earlier this season, Adams finished with 6 catches for 66 yards against Surtain. He ended last season with two touchdowns, both against Surtain. The biggest wild card in this matchup will be the play of Aiden O'Connell. Adams has not struggled against Surtain and should be slightly upgraded against a Denver team with not much to play for.

WR Jayden Reed (GB vs CHI) vs Tyrique Stevenson

Green Bay has a win-and-they-are-in-the-playoffs scenario. This offense will be all cylinders firing this week in a push to sneak in. Jordan Love has played much better down the stretch, and the Chicago defense has been shaky at best. Stevenson is currently allowing 0.43 fantasy points per coverage snap, and the only bright spot in this secondary has been Jaylon Johnson, who should match up with Christian Watson. Reed has played extremely well down the stretch and is finding the end zone at a high rate. This will be one of the biggest games to watch this weekend as it directly affects the playoff picture.

WR Calvin Ridley (JAX vs TEN) vs Tre Avery

Tennessee has nothing to play for outside of pride this week, while Jacksonville is fighting to win the division. There is currently a 3-way tie for the top spot at 9-7, and we should expect Jacksonville to play 100% this week. Ridley gets one of the best matchups of the week against Avery. The young corner is allowing 0.56 fantasy points per coverage snap on the outside and is being picked on nearly 30% of the time. Avery also has an affinity for allowing touchdowns. Look for Ridley to have a big game this week as the Jaguars look to lock up the division and head into the playoffs on a high note.

WR DK Metcalf (SEA vs ARZ) vs Starling Thomas V

Seattle lost control of their playoff destiny with a loss to the Steelers last week. However, they still have a chance to sneak in if they can win and Green Bay loses or ties. There will be a fair amount of scoreboard-watching during this game, but the starters should still be in regardless. Metcalf has been up and down in recent weeks after drawing tough coverage down the stretch. He will get a much more favorable matchup against Thomas, who is currently allowing 0.51 fantasy points per coverage snap this season. Look for Geno Smith to push the ball down the field to Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this week, and Seattle fights for one of the last wild card spots.

WR DeAndre Hopkins (TEN vs JAX) vs Tyson Campbell

Tennessee has nothing to play for outside of pride this week. That does not change the matchup that Hopkins has on the outside against Campbell. The young corner is allowing 0.47 fantasy points per coverage snap despite being targeted just 17% of the time. This means he is giving up big plays left and right. Look for Hopkins to be targeted early and often this week as the Titans try and keep one of their rivals from winning the division.

TE Dallas Goedert (PHI vs NYG)

Goedert has been on a tear the last two weeks, recording 14+ fantasy points in each contest. He has been targeted a combined 15 times and is filling the void left by a banged-up DeVonta Smith. The Giants fall near the middle of the pack in points allowed to tight ends but also have nothing to play for this week. The Eagles are trying to right the ship after losing to the Cardinals last week. Look for Goedert to be heavily targeted again this week.

TE Tucker Kraft (GB vs CHI)

Kraft continues to excel as other Green Bay receivers have been dealing with injuries. He has surpassed 10 fantasy points in each of the past four games and has a solid matchup against the Bears this week. Chicago has allowed 6 total touchdowns and the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.