Top 5 Passing Matchups Week 4

TOP PASSING MATCHUPS

To view all of our Week 4 Matchup content, please see the links below:
Top 5 Passing Matchups Week 4
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups Week 4
Top 5 Rushing Matchups Week 4
Bottom 5 Rushing Matchups Week 4
Rushing Matchup Chart Week 4
Passing Matchup Chart Week 4

Houston vs Minnesota

Deshaun Watson and the Texans passing offense have been far from spectacular to start the season, but after facing the defenses like the Ravens and Steelers, it is tough to expect outstanding performances. The absence of DeAndre Hopkins is undoubtedly having an impact on this offense, but Watson still has weapons in Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, and Randall Cobb--presuming they can all stay healthy. Fuller is the de-factor WR1 in this offense and garnered 10 targets in Week 1, but a hamstring injury limited him in Week 2 while Watson spread targets evenly throughout last week’s game. Cobb has consistently contributed, whereas Brandin Cooks has been on and off to start the season. David Johnson is a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield if used to his full potential--which has been questionable to start the season as Johnson is only being targeted 3-4 times per game.

Fortunes for the Texans should turn around this week given a premium matchup against a struggling Vikings pass defense. Minnesota has given up the third-most passing yards per game (292.3) and yards per attempt (8.5). Two quarterbacks have passed for over 320 yards against the Vikings, and wide receivers are scoring the fourth-most fantasy points per game (PPR scoring) against them. Cornerback is a true weakness as none of their starters have been particularly effective. Right-side cornerback Holton Hill has been particularly exploitable and should create positive opportunities for Brandin Cooks and--who normally lines up on that side. Safety Harrison Smith is the best defensive back on this team, but he cannot carry the entire secondary. The injuries at linebacker have also played a part in affording opportunities to opposing offenses--particularly tight ends as Mo Allie-Cox logged 111 receiving yards in Week 2 while Titans tight ends logged 77 yards last week.