Receivers with Good and Bad Matchups: Week 5

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 Dontayvion Wicks (GB vs LAR) vs Tre'Davious White

Wicks had a big game against the Vikings last week, and it is expected that his role will grow even further with the injury to Christian Watson. White and the Rams’ secondary has struggled mightily so far this season and are currently allowing the 9^th most fantasy points overall to opposing receivers and the most to outside receivers. White has struggled since coming over from Buffalo and is currently allowing 0.86 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 27% of the time. Look for Jordan Love to target Wicks early and often this week as Green Bay tries to rebound from a loss to the Vikings last week.

WR George Pickens (PIT vs DAL) vs Caelen Carson

Pickens will have to contend with Trevon Diggs on roughly 24% of his routes this week but will likely contend with Carson on the other side for the rest. The young corner for the Cowboys has struggled early this season and is currently allowing 0.69 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 25% of the time. Pickens is the main weapon in this offense right now and has seen his value sore with Justin Fields under center. Look for another strong week from the young receiver as the Cowboys' defense continues to struggle.

WR DK Metcalf (SEA vs NYG) vs Deonte Banks

This is a projected shadow matchup coming into the weekend, but Metcalf should still have the upper hand. Banks has been tasked with following the likes of Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb so far this season and has mixed results to show for it. The young corner is currently allowing 0.59 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 23% of the time. The offense has done him no favors and kept the defense on the field at a high rate. Opposing quarterbacks have not been afraid to target Banks, and Metcalf is used to seeing the shadow treatment. Upgrade Metcalf and the rest of the Seahawks offense in what is a good matchup against the Giants.

WR DJ Moore (CHI vs CAR) vs Jaycee Horn

The connection between Caleb Williams and Moore took a big step forward last week, and they are walking into another great matchup this week against Carolina. Horn has struggled with injuries and coverage in general since coming to the league and has not had the best start to the season. He currently allows 0.59 fantasy points per coverage snap despite being targeted 18% of the time. Carolina has faced a low volume of passes due to a negative game script, but as things start to even out through the season, these numbers are likely to get worse. Upgrade the Bears receivers in a solid matchup this week against the Panthers.

WR Allen Lazard (NYJ vs MIN) vs Byron Murphy II

This is a matchup that will be very interesting to follow. The Vikings have been leading their opponents for 85% of the season so far, and that has caused this defense to face the most targets, yards, and fantasy points through four weeks. It is hard to pinpoint how good the defense is due to the overall volume faced. However, with the strong defensive play of the Jets, we are likely to see a more even matchup. Lazard has become one of Aron Rodgers' favorite targets again and is highly targeted in the red zone. Murphy is allowing 0.34 fantasy points per coverage snap in the slot and will face his toughest test this season with Rodgers and Lazard. Give the advantage to the Jets and Rodgers as they look to rebound from a crushing loss to the Broncos last week.

WR Michael Pittman Jr. (IND vs JAX) vs Montaric Brown

Pittman saw a huge increase in production last week with Anthony Richardson giving way to Joe Flacco due to injury. It is still unclear if Richardson will play this week, but Pittman has a great matchup regardless of who is under center. Brown currently allows 0.49 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 22% of the time. The Jacksonville offense has not done the defense any favors regarding time of possession. Give Pittman a much bigger boost if Flacco is under center again, but he is also playable in any format due to the matchup this week.

TE Jake Ferguson (DAL vs PIT)

Since returning from injury, Ferguson has shown the elite tight end he can be. He has 18 targets over his past two games and reached double-digit fantasy points in each contest. He is currently the second receiving option on the team and could see an even bigger boost with Brandin Cooks ruled out this week. Dallas is currently throwing the ball 68% of the time and shows no signs of slowing down. Start Ferguson with confidence this week with a top-5 TE performance within grasp.

TE Evan Engram (JAX vs IND)

Engram is projected to return this week against the Colts and is walking into a great spot. The offense has struggled mightily, and Trevor Lawrence has sorely missed the security blanket that is Engram. The Colts allow the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and are tied for the most touchdowns allowed. Engram is a must-start this week as long as he is cleared from injury.