Receivers with Good and Bad Matchups: Week 14

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 Calvin Ridley (TEN vs JAX) vs Ronald Darby

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a sure bet for a touchdown over the past several weeks, but Ridley has not been far behind in this offense with Will Levis back under center. It is better to take the consistent target option in Ridley than the touchdown-dependent option in Westbrook. Both players may have enough upside to start against a Jacksonville defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Darby is currently allowing 0.39 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 19% of the time. Ridley has been averaging five catches per game over the past six weeks, recording catches of 20+ yards in each contest.

WR Malik Nabers (NYG vs NO) vs Alontae Taylor

The Saints have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers so far this season and have lost Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore in the past six weeks. Both Taylor and Ugo Amadi have not played well in replacement roles. The Giants have struggled with replacement-level quarterback play, but Nabers is a good young receiver with a matchup that is too good to ignore. Taylor is currently allowing 0.39 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 20% of the time. Look for double-digit targets for Nabers this week.

WR Brandin Cooks (DAL vs CIN) vs Cam Taylor-Britt

The Bengals’ defense has not played well at all this season. They are currently allowing the most fantasy points to perimeter receivers. Cooks has returned healthy, and CeeDee Lamb is dealing with a shoulder injury. There should be plenty of room for Cooks to operate this week in what could be a high-scoring matchup. Taylor-Britt is currently allowing 0.50 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 21% of the time. Cooper Rush is throwing the ball 40+ times per game right now, and there should be plenty of targets going toward Cooks.

WR Calvin Austin III (PIT vs CLE) vs Greg Newsome II

Austin is coming off back-to-back games with a touchdown, one of which came against Newsome 2 weeks ago. George Pickens is still the main read in this offense, but Austin is proving to be very valuable in the slot. Newsome was one of the best slot corners last season but has struggled mightily this year. He is currently allowing 0.44 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 20% of the time. Marvin Mims Jr. made a big play against Newsome for a long touchdown on Monday Night. There is no reason to fear Newsome right now, making Austin a sleeper pick this week against Cleveland.

WR Ladd McConkey (LAC vs KC) vs Chamarri Conner

The Chiefs have played great defense overall, but their biggest weak spot is in the slot. They are allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to receivers overall but the most to the slot. McConkey lines up in the slot roughly 76% of the time and beat Kansas City for 5 catches, 76 yards, and a touchdown in week 4. Conner currently allows 0.35 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 19% of the time. Look for Justin Herbert to try to exploit this hole against the division-rival Chiefs.

WR A.J. Brown (PHI vs CAR) vs Jaycee Horn

Horn has been asked to shadow a few times this season, but it has not gone well. The young corner currently allows 0.34 fantasy points per coverage snap and is targeted 19% of the time. The entire defense has not played well against the pass, and we should upgrade all Philadelphia receivers accordingly. Brown has one of the best matchups on the outside and can be started with confidence this week. DeVonta Smith continues to struggle with injuries, and the entire offense opens up when Saquon Barkley is running well.

TE Jonnu Smith (MIA vs NYJ)

Smith has turned into a must-start. He is currently TE5 in PPR scoring and has been TE1 over the past month. Smith has 21 points in three straight games and four of his last seven. The strength of the Jets’ defense is on the outside. This will affect Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill more than Smith. Look for the high volume of targets to continue as Miami looks to make a late push for the playoffs.

TE Pat Freiermuth (PIT vs CLE)

Freiermuth is back to being a startable tight end right now. He has scored 9.9 or more fantasy points in 3 of his last four games and had a season-best 18.8 against the Bengals last week. The Browns have allowed the most points per game to opposing tight ends over the past month. With all the teams on a Bye this week, Freiermuth should be in your lineup.