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 simply to call out some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Rondale Moore (ARZ vs. NYG) vs. Adoree Jackson
The Giants are coming off an embarrassing loss, and the Cardinals are not built for success early this season. However, Jackson is struggling with the adjustment to slot corner and is allowing 0.58 fantasy points per coverage snap. This came in a game where there were only 14 WR targets and 120 yards allowed, with Dallas scoring on defense and putting the game away early. Marquise Brown could also be considered this week, with two rookie corners playing on the outside. It would be a much bigger jump for this WR group if Joshua Dobbs was not the quarterback, but look for Moore to put up a solid line this week in what is a very favorable matchup.
WR Amari Cooper (CLE vs. PIT) vs. Patrick Peterson
With the Vikings, Peterson was a big reason behind the team giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. He is looking to pick right back up where he left off with 0.75 fantasy points per coverage snap so far this season. Peterson was torched by Brandon Aiyuk in Week 1, and Cooper should have a field day in this rivalry game. Deshaun Watson has come to favor Cooper, and he is the best weapon on the team, not named Nick Chubb. The elite defensive pressure may limit the deep shots to Cooper, but we should expect plenty of targets early and often in this one.
WR Nico Collins (HOU vs. IND) vs. Darrell Baker Jr Jr.
The major storyline in this game is the young quarterbacks starting. However, the edge has to go to Collins with his matchup with Baker on the outside. It has not been a great start to the season for Baker as he is currently allowing 0.83 fantasy points per coverage snap. He was outmatched last week and will have to turn around and contend with the speedster Collins this week. C.J. Stroud is still going to be the quarterback and drops the expectations some, but Collins could be a sneaky cheap option this week to score big points.
WR Jahan Dotson (WAS vs. DEN) vs. Damarri Mathis
The main attraction in this game will be Patrick Surtain II on Terry McLaurin. The other side of the field will feature Dotson on Mathis, with the edge going to Dotson. Mathis was blown away by Jakobi Meyers last week and is currently giving up a league-high 1.33 fantasy points per coverage snap. Surtain is projected to travel with McLaurin and will leave Mathis primarily on Dotson. If Sam Howell can protect the ball, he should be looking for Dotson early and often this week.
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