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 Drake London (ATL vs CAR) vs Jaycee Horn
It is hard to ignore the explosion of points for London and Darnell Mooney last week against Tampa Bay, and this week, they are in an even better spot against a struggling Carolina secondary. Both London and Mooney should be started in all formats as they face off against the secondary allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to outside receivers and the 3rd most touchdowns (8). Horn has struggled with containing big plays and is currently allowing 0.44 fantasy points per coverage snap while being targeted just 18% of the time. The entire Atlanta offense is in a great spot again this week and should have more than enough targets to go around.
WR Malik Nabers (NYG vs CIN) vs Cam Taylor-Britt
The Bengals have struggled at corner so far this season with a combination of injuries and poor play. Taylor-Britt has already been benched once and is pressed back into action due to injuries on defense. Nabers is expected back after clearing concussion protocol and the Giants are riding high after a win against Seattle last week. Taylor-Briss is currently allowing 0.48 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 21% of the time. Darius Slayton should also be upgraded on the other side against D.J. Turner and can be viewed as a sleeper this week with a high upside. Nabers should be all systems go as he looks to continue the hot start to his rookie season.
WR Terry McLaurin (WAS vs BAL) vs Brandon Stephens
The Washington offense is playing extremely well right now and the Baltimore secondary is struggling. Ride the hot hand with Jayden Daniels as the Ravens' defense has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers and was dismantled by the Bengals last week. Stephens and rookie Nate Wiggins have struggled on the outside and are currently allowing 0.26 and 0.31 fantasy points per coverage snap respectively. Marlon Humphrey continues to play well at the slot corner spot and is keeping this defense afloat at the moment. McLaurin is the only receiver to consider this week and also has the best matchup on the team.
WR Jameson Williams (DET vs DAL) vs Caelen Carson
Dallas has struggled this season on offense and defense, but no one has struggled more than Carson. The young corner is currently allowing 0.67 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 23% of the time. Opposing teams are not afraid to target Carson, and they have found resounding success. He is apt to give up the big play and is being picked on opposite Trevon Diggs. Amon Ra St-Brown will get his targets, but Williams has the best matchup of any Lion this week.
WR Zay Flowers (BAL vs WAS) vs Benjamin St-Juste
Baltimore has been a fantasy nightmare for pass catchers so far this season. They have run the ball so well and Lamar Jackson has spread the ball around to everyone. However, the matchup against the Commanders and St-Juste is too good to pass up for Flowers. St-Juste is currently allowing 0.51 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 24% of the time. Flowers is the most targeted player for the Ravens and has a great matchup to add to his numbers this week.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs Jax) vs Montaric Brown
The Jaguars have struggled against receivers so far this season. They have already surrendered 15-plus fantasy points to 7 different receivers to start the season and are coming off a disappointing game against the Colts. Brown is currently allowing 0.44 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 25% of the time. Moore is coming off a big game with Caleb Williams and is in line to lead all Bears in receiving categories again this week.
TE Tucker Craft (GB vs ARZ)
Craft is coming off another big week and has scored a combined 40+ fantasy points over the past 2 weeks. He has turned into a viable option each week at the tight-end position and continues to find targets in a crowded Green Bay receiving room. The Cardinals have been tough against tight ends but did allow 20+ points to George Kittle last week. Chase the points and start Craft while he is hot.
TE Trey McBride (ARZ vs GB)
Similar to Craft above, McBride is walking into what has been a tougher matchup for tight ends. However, the Packers just allowed double-digit points to Colby Parkinson last week and the overall scoring line is set at 50 for this game. McBride will be another week removed from his concussion and is one of the best young tight ends in the game. Start McBride with confidence this week against Green Bay.
Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.
"Footballguys is the best premium
fantasy football
only site on the planet."
Matthew Berry, NBC Sports EDGE