Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.

Top 5 Passing Matchups

Cleveland at Cincinnati

The Browns' decision to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback is far from ideal for their passing attack. In his limited 2023 starts, Thompson-Robinson struggled to establish consistency, though a favorable matchup against the Bengals offers some hope for better production. Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland's primary receiving option, has evolved into a reliable weapon, averaging an impressive 112 yards over his last seven games. While his breakout stats are bolstered by a 235-yard performance in Week 13, Jeudy's recent surge is no fluke. He has drawn a hefty 24% target share during this span and has consistently delivered, never dipping below 64 yards in a game. Facing a weak Bengals secondary, Jeudy could be the centerpiece of Cleveland's offense, particularly if tight end David Njoku remains sidelined. Quick, high-percentage throws to Jeudy will likely dominate Cleveland's game plan, and the wideout is well-positioned to exploit Cincinnati's subpar cornerbacks.

The Bengals' defense has struggled mightily against the pass throughout the season, often failing to contain even average aerial attacks. Despite the presence of Defensive Player of the Year candidate Trey Hendrickson (12.5 sacks), Cincinnati ranks a mediocre 17th in pressure rate. The lack of a consistent pass rush leaves the Bengals' depleted secondary vulnerable. While cornerbacks Cam Taylor-Britt and Mike Hilton are serviceable, the unit is hampered by rookie Josh Newton, who has allowed numerous big plays in recent weeks. The departure of Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell has left the safety position in disarray, with coverage lapses frequently exploited. This leaky defense has been a fantasy boon for opposing pass-catchers, with 14 different players reaching 70+ receiving yards this season. Tight ends, in particular, have torched the Bengals over the middle, as recent games have seen season-best outings from the likes of Will Dissly and Pat Freiermuth. If Njoku is active, he could build on his strong Week 7 performance against Cincinnati, where he hauled in 10 passes and a touchdown. Together, Jeudy and Njoku could feast in a matchup that has consistently yielded big fantasy numbers.

Chicago vs Detroit

Caleb Williams continues his upward trajectory, showcasing improvement in decision-making and efficiency. Since Week 11, his passer rating of 99.1 ranks among the top 10 in the league, highlighting his ability to manage games effectively while limiting mistakes. Impressively, Williams hasn't thrown an interception since Week 6, a testament to his growing poise. The Bears have relied on his ability to stay controlled and create big plays when necessary. Williams excelled against the Lions three weeks ago, throwing for 256 yards and three touchdowns in a near-upset. With a trio of dynamic pass-catchers in Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze, he's poised to capitalize on another favorable matchup. Allen has established himself as Williams' go-to target, commanding a 29% share over the past five games, while Moore continues to provide explosive playmaking opportunities downfield.

The Lions' pass defense, once a strength, is now in disarray due to a mounting injury crisis. Already playing without star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit's defensive line has been further weakened by Za'Darius Smith's limited availability. In Week 15, injuries to defensive tackle Alim McNeil and cornerback Carlton Davis dealt crushing blows to the unit. The loss of Davis, one of the most improved players of 2024, leaves the Lions with a patchwork secondary struggling to contain opposing offenses. Against the Bills, this undermanned defense allowed 362 passing yards and two touchdowns, and the outlook isn't any brighter against the Bears. Detroit's current cornerback rotation includes Terrion Arnold, Kindle Vildor, and Amik Robertson, none of whom have stepped up effectively in Davis' absence. Arnold, in particular, struggled last week, frequently beaten on intermediate and deep routes. Safety Brian Branch offers some hope with his standout play in the slot, but he can't compensate for the lack of depth and the absence of a consistent pass rush. Without Hutchinson or Smith at full strength, Detroit's ability to pressure the quarterback is limited, further exposing its secondary.

Detroit at Chicago

Jared Goff and the Lions' offense are firing on all cylinders, even more so with David Montgomery sidelined. Goff has stepped up, averaging 336 passing yards and tallying 14 touchdowns to just one interception over his last five outings. Efficiency has been key for Goff, who ranks among the top three quarterbacks in several metrics. His impressive supporting cast includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team's top target with a commanding 27% share. St. Brown's versatility allows him to dominate at all levels of the field, as evidenced by last week's performance: 14 catches on 18 targets for 193 yards and a touchdown. Jameson Williams complements St. Brown as a big-play threat, earning seven or more targets in three of his last four games, while tight end Sam LaPorta remains the wild card. LaPorta has shown the ability to produce at elite levels, though his weekly output is inconsistent.

The Bears' pass defense began the season strong but has regressed significantly since Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary in Week 8. Their average yards allowed per game have risen from 219 to 241, placing them among the league's worst. Two of their last seven opponents surpassed the 300-yard mark, and Brock Purdy nearly joined them if not for a favorable game script. Jaylon Johnson is the lone bright spot in a secondary that otherwise struggles, particularly Tyrique Stevenson, who continues to be targeted successfully. The absence of safety Jaquan Brisker since Week 5 has further destabilized this unit. Kevin Byard III has been tasked with filling the gap but has shown signs of decline at age 31. Tackling issues have exacerbated their woes, as speedy receivers like Jordan Addison (8 catches, 162 yards, and a touchdown) and Christian Watson (4 for 150) have exploited mismatches for big gains. In their meeting three weeks ago, Detroit posted respectable numbers with 221 yards and one touchdown but narrowly missed on several deep throws. With the Lions' offensive rhythm and the Bears' declining secondary, there's ample reason to expect those opportunities to materialize this time around.