Each week at Field Vision, we put together The Matchup Index: our proprietary tool that rates every player in the NFL's matchup on a scale of -100 to 100. We're partnering with Footballguys to bring the best of our Matchup Index to you weekly. In our Matchups of the Week article, we'll look at Footballguys' top three players at each major position group and tell you who has the best and worst matchups for the week. Then, we'll throw in our Field Vision bonus pick for each position: a player not ranked at the top who might be worth a start based on a favorable matchup that week.
The Matchup Index for the Top 3 QBs
Jayden Daniels, Washington
Jayden Daniels enters week 7 with a Matchup Index of +12. He is projected 3.8 percent over his passing yards and just slightly under his total on rushing yards. We still project for a healthy total of over 48 rushing yards in the game. However, Carolina has only given up over 300 passing yards one time this season and has yet to relinquish a rushing touchdown to a quarterback. Daniels will need to change that trend if you want to see a #1 quarterback performance from him as the Footballguys project.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore
Lamar Jackson has a Matchup Index of +1 in week 7, projecting to be virtually right at his Vegas over/under in both passing and rushing yards. We see a disadvantage for Jackson throwing the ball down the field against the Buccaneers secondary, which could limit his opportunities for deep touchdown passes. On the flip side, the Bucs defense has given up 4 rushing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this season, creating a big opportunity for Jackson to add some fantasy value in that area.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
Jalen Hurts has a Matchup Index of -1 this week, also projected nearly right at his Vegas number in total yards. But, for the second straight week, we have Hurts projected well over his rushing total with an expected output of 42 yards on the ground, 3 yards higher than the Footballguys number of 39. We all saw the Giants defense give up a 47-yard touchdown scamper to Joe Burrow, of all quarterbacks, last week. If Hurts can open up for an explosive or two, he could rise to the top of the heap in week 7.
Bonus QB - Kirk Cousins, Atlanta
If you want to go down the list a bit at QB for a possible DFS bargain, look no further than Kirk Cousins, ranked 12th by the Footballguys. Cousins enters week 7 with a Matchup Index of +23, projected more than 5 percent over his passing total. He has a huge advantage against the Seahawks defense in the short and intermediate part of the field. Seattle has given up over 250 yards passing and multiple touchdowns through the air in each of their last three games. Cousins is two weeks removed from a 500-yard game. Atlanta turned it over to the run game against Carolina last week. If this one is competitive, it could come down to an Atlanta passing onslaught yet again.
A look at the Field Vision App
The Matchup Index for the Top 3 RBs
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia
Saquon Barkley falls just outside of the Footballguys top 3 at number 4, but since Alvin Kamara played Thursday night, we added Barkley here. Barkley has a Matchup Index of +5 this week against the Giants. The Giants have given up only two rushing touchdowns to running backs this season, including a garbage-time run by Chase Brown at the end of last week's matchup with the Bengals. However, they have given up a big number of receptions to backs this season, so you can look for Barkley to potentially do some damage in the receiving game in this one.
Kyren Williams, LA Rams
Kyren Williams has a Matchup Index of +4 this week, projected for 107.6 yards from scrimmage. He is the Footballguys number 1 ranked back on the week, facing a Raiders defense that has given up three 100 yard rushers and two 50 yard receiving running backs in just 6 weeks this season. Williams has only 4 explosive carries (over 10 yards) this season, so he'll need that number to go up if he's going to check into the top spot this week. The Raiders might provide the perfect opportunity to add to that total.
Ken Walker III, Seattle
Ken Walker III enters the game against the Falcons with a Matchup Index of -3. Walker has been slow to get his touches up this season after dealing with an oblique injury that popped up week 1. He's averaging just 12.8 carries per game on the season. We think he'll need more volume than that to hit the Footballguys #3 ranking for him in week 7. They are banking on receiving production from Walker, projecting him for 4 catches for 27 yards, but we have him slightly lower with a projection of 21 receiving yards in week 7.
Bonus RB - Bijan Robinson, Atlanta
For our bonus running back pick, we'll stick in a familiar game, but look at the other side with Bijan Robinson against the Seahawks. Robinson is ranked 7th by the Footballguys this week, but has a Matchup Index of +30, projected 6.7 percent over his yards from scrimmage total. The Seahawks were blitzed in the run game the last two weeks, with the Giants and 49ers both going well over 100 rushing yards. That was with Tyrone Tracy Jr. leading the way for the Giants and a host of San Francisco backs after Jordan Mason left early with an injury. The Falcons should move the ball in the air and on the ground against the Seahawks, and Robinson could be a big part of both.
A look at the Field Vision App
The Matchup Index for the Top 3 WRs
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota
It's hard to go wrong with Justin Jefferson, ever, but this is a particularly strong play in week 7 with a Matchup Index of +50, projected nearly 10 percent over his receiving total. Jefferson has a huge advantage over the Lions secondary in the intermediate area of the field. Couple that with the Aidan Hutchinson injury, which may give Darnold more time to look down the field, and Jefferson should have a big day. The Lions have given up a 100-yard receiver in three of five games this season.
Malik Nabers, NY Giants
Malik Nabers has a Matchup Index of +10 against the Eagles in week 7, projected 2.6 percent over his receiving total. Nabers is returning after two missed games due to a concussion. Daniel Jones has not been shy about using his rookie weapon when he's in there. Nabers is averaging 8.8 receptions per game on the season. His 39.8 Yards after the catch per game is 5th in the NFL. With the exception of last week and the putrid Cleveland offense, the Eagles have given up production to the Wide Receiver position, and if any Giants pass catcher is going to do damage, Nabers will be the guy.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay
Chris Godwin has a Matchup Index of +5 against the Ravens, projected about 1 percent over his receiving total. Two weeks ago, the Ravens gave up 193 yards to Ja'Marr Chase, largely on huge YAC plays. Coincidentally, Godwin leads the NFL in YAC per game with 53.7 yards each contest. The Bucs offense has been cooking with over 600 yards of offense against the Saints. They'll need more of the same to keep up with the Ravens in week 7.
Bonus WR - Diontae Johnson, Carolina
Look a little further down the Footballguys rankings and you'll find Diontae Johson at number 9. Johnson has a Matchup Index of +16, projected 4 percent over his receiving total for the week. Johnson has gone for over 75 yards and scored a touchdown in 3 of 4 weeks since Andy Dalton took over as the quarterback in Carolina. The Commanders have been in high scoring affairs and it should be an opportunity for Johson to find the end zone against a defense that has given up 8 touchdowns to wide receivers so far this season.
A look at the Field Vision App
That's it for now. Be sure to check out the Field Vision App for our view on every player in every game via the Matchup Index, and check out our proprietary Threat and Havoc ratings that rank offensive (Threat) and defensive (Havoc) players relative to their position groups. Until next time, enjoy week 7.
