Receivers with Great or Bad Matchups Week 8

Photo: Robert Hanashiro, USA Today Sports

This article attempts to highlight 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 to call out some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.

Favorable Matchups

WR Tyreek Hill (MIA vs DET) vs Jeff Okudah

The great start to the season has all but vanished for Okudah. Locking up Justin Jefferson a few weeks ago feels like a distant memory now as the team is limping to the 12 most fantasy points against wide receivers. That point total may not feel alarming, but they have also faced the second-fewest pass attempts as teams have throttled them on the ground. Hill lines up all over the place, and Okudah is unlikely to shadow this week. He will likely see equal parts Okudah and Amani Oruwariye. Hill is one of the top-rated receivers this year, while Oruwariye is one of the worst-rated corners. The advantage this week goes to Hill and the entire Dolphins’ offense.

WR Davante Adams (LV vs NO) vs Paulson Adebo

The Raiders offense has been the Josh Jacobs show lately, but Adams has one of the best matchups of the week. Adebo currently allows 0.93 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 30% of the time. The return of Hunter Renfrow has given Adams some breathing room on the other side, and Darren Waller is expected back this week. Adams has the matchup and supporting cast to put up big numbers this week.

WR Chris Godwin (TB vs BAL) vs Damarion Williams

The Tampa Bay offense has not been clicking so far this season, but the return of Godwin to the lineup has helped some in the past few weeks. He is already one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, and he is walking into a matchup against a revolving door at slot corner in Baltimore. The Ravens are currently allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing slot receivers, and Williams is making just his second start. Look for Brady and Godwin to try and capitalize as they look to right the ship this week against Baltimore.

WR A.J. Brown (PHI vs PIT) vs Levi Wallace

The Steelers' secondary has allowed the most yards and the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers so far this season, and those numbers are only going to increase this week against Brown and company. Wallace is allowing 0.53 fantasy points per coverage snap on the left side and is being targeted a team high 28% of the time. Jalen Hurts loves to run the ball but should have an easier time through the air this week. Both Brown and Devonta Smith can be upgraded in the matchup with the Steelers this week.

WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL vs CHI) vs Kyler Gordon

The return of Dak Prescott was uneventful against the Lions last week. However, this week Lamb is walking into the best matchup on the team against Gordon. Gordon currently allows 0.49 fantasy points per coverage snap from the slot position. Jaylon Johnson continues to play well on the outside despite letting up a few big plays in recent weeks. Ezekiel Elliot is banged up this week, and the Cowboys will need to throw the ball more. Look for Prescott and Lamb to connect early and often in what is an advantageous matchup for Lamb.

TE Irv Smith (MIN vs ARZ)

Smith has been unreliable most of the season but is walking into one of his best matchups of the season. The Cardinals are currently allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and have allowed six touchdowns to the position. Smith is best used in the red zone and as a quick outlet for Kirk Cousins on third down. Smith has produced when the matchup is right, and this will be the best one of the season for him.