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.) as well as 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 taken into account 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 Matchup
WR Marquise Brown (ARZ vs LV) vs Amik Robertson
The Raiders did a great job limiting Mike Williams on the outside against the Chargers last week, but they lost their top corner in Anthony Averett to injury. This is going to put Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin on the outside against A.J. Green and Brown. This should be a much better matchup for both than the Chiefs last week and should give Kyler Murray a chance to attack down the field. Rondale Moore draws the tough coverage from Nate Hobbs in the slot which means we should see a lot more targets go to the perimeter this week. Brown has the edge over Green in this offense right now and should be able to display his speed and attack the defense over the top.
WR Michael Pittman (IND vs JAX) vs Shaquill Griffin
It was a slow start for Matt Ryan and the Colts last week, but Pittman ended up with a dominant 9 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta. Pittman absolutely worked A.J. Terrell on the outside and he gets an even better matchup this week against Griffin. The constant threat of Jonathan Taylor running up the middle has opened up things for the receivers on the outside and should spell another very productive week for Pittman. Griffin has allowed .6 fantasy points per coverage snap so far this season.
WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF vs SEA) vs Tariq Woolen
While the score may have looked very close in Seattle’s win against the Broncos last week, the secondary did not play well, and the team benefitted from two Denver fumbles on the goal line. Woolen specifically struggled on the outside in limited snaps, and the team was burned by Jerry Jeudy for a long touchdown. Aiyuk had a down week against the Bears in large part due to a struggling Trey Lance and monsoon-type rain. The weather should not be a problem this week and we should see much more than the 2 catches for 40 yards. Look for both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to play better on the outside against a struggling Seattle secondary.
WR Jakobi Meyers (NE vs PIT) vs Arthur Maulet
Not a lot went right for the Patriots in their Week 1 loss to the Dolphins. Mac Jones looked more like a rookie quarterback than he did a season ago and the defense let up several big plays. However, Meyers has a chance to right the ship this week in a prime matchup against Maulet in the slot. Maulet allowed the touchdown to Tyler Boyd last week and was routinely picked on last season. This should be a much better showing for the Patriots' offense as a whole. With T.J. Watt expected to miss time, Jones should have a better pocket and time to push the ball down the field.
WR Braxton Berrios (NYJ vs CLE) vs Greg Newsome
The Jets did not have the greatest showing again the Ravens in Week 1, but they will have a great chance to redeem themselves in Week 2. Newsome and the Browns looked great against the Panthers until the second half and a big play from Robby Anderson. Berrios is in the same position this week and has a chance to exploit the softer coverage from Newsome. It may still be early in the season, but Newsome is allowing .6 fantasy points per coverage snap so far. Berrios is not the biggest name, but he is in line for a productive week with a great matchup.
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