Receivers with Great and Bad Matchups: Week 3

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 considered, 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 Brandon Aiyuk (SF vs LAR) vs Tre'Davious White

The Rams' secondary has completely fallen flat so far this year. They have allowed a combined 9 catches for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jameson Williams so far this year. White has looked like a shell of the player he was in Buffalo and this defense is going to see a lot of extra work as the offense struggles with injuries to their star players. Aiyuk is also due a bump in targets with Debo Samuel expected to miss several weeks with a calf injury. The Rams have faced the 6th fewest targets for receivers but are still allowing the 11th most fantasy points. Capitalize on the struggle this week and start Aiyuk and the rest of the 49ers' offense.

WR Drake London (ATL vs KC) vs Jaylen Watson

London and the Atlanta offense woke up last week against the Eagles. Kirk Cousins led a 4th quarter game-winning touchdown drive during a prime-time game and London caught the pass. Watson and the KC secondary have allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing receivers so far this year and top corner, Trent McDuffie, continues to slide into the slot where he has excelled in coverage. London should see at least 50% of his routes covered by Watson and has a chance to put up a big game this week against the Chiefs.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr.. (ARZ vs DET) vs Carlton Davis

The panic surrounding Harrison from week 1 was short-lived as he went out and dominated in week 2. The rookie receiver found the endzone twice in the 1st quarter and was a prominent feature in the offense. This week he will have the pleasure of lining up against Davis and a struggling Lions' secondary. The veteran corner is currently allowing 0.56 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 32% of the time. Chris Godwin had a big game against the Lions last week and Harrison is in a position to do the same thing. Look for Kyler Murray to target his new weapon early and often this week.

WR Jerry Jeudy (CLE vs NYG) vs Cor'Dale Flott

The offensive struggles of Cleveland aside, Jeudy is in a prime spot to do damage this week. The Giants have struggled on all sides of the ball, but the defense continues to be overworked more than anyone else. With Deonte Banks shadowing Amari Cooper, Flott is slated to cover Jeudy. The young corner has allowed 0.61 fantasy points per coverage snap and is targeted 19% of the time. He is being targeted a relatively low amount, but continues to give up big plays and touchdowns. If you are looking for a deep sleeper this week, Jeudy has one of the more favorable matchups against the Giants.

WR DJ Moore (CHI vs IND) vs Jaylon Jones

The Bears offense continues to look like a trap, but the matchup against the Colts is too hard to pass up. The zone-heavy scheme plays right into Moore's strength, and all we need is for Caleb Williams to get him the ball. The Colts are currently allowing the 6th most fantasy points to opposing receivers and the 4th most to the outside. Moore has shown his catch-and-run ability last year and just needs a chance to catch a seam this week. Look for at least one big play for Moore and for this Bears offense to finally breathe some life into their season. Jones is currently allowing 0.46 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 26% of the time.

WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL vs BAL) vs Marlon Humphrey

Humphrey is one of the better cover slow corners in the league, but he has struggled with some tough matchups to start the season. He is currently allowing 0.53 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 19% of the time. Lamb continues to be the most consistent part of the Dallas offense and was set to have a much bigger game last week before Dallas was blown out by the Saints. Look for a quick bounceback for Lamb this week against Baltimore.

TE Brock Bowers (LV vs CAR)

Bowers has quickly emerged as one of the top tight ends this season. He is already commanding a 25% target share in this offense with just a single target fewer than Davante Adams. He has finished as a top 3 tight end in each of the first two weeks and is TE2 overall in total scoring. The rookie is having a phenomenal start to his career and is walking into a great matchup against Carolina.

TE Hunter Henry (NE vs NYJ)

It may feel too early and that there are not enough injuries or Bye weeks to be considering Henry, but he is quietly putting together a great start to the season. Henry led all tight ends with 12 targets last week and finished TE2. He currently leads the Patriots in targets, catches, and yards. That elite level of usage is impossible to ignore. Start Henry while he is hot and cash in on the Patriots not having any other offensive weapons.