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 DeAndre Hopkins (TEN vs TB) vs Carlton Davis III
In previous years, this would have been a marquee matchup of strength against strength. However, this season, everything is different, and Hopkins takes a major edge over Davis. Even with Will Levis under center, Hopkins has excelled with the rookie looking his way 10+ times per game. Davis is struggling mightily on the other side and currently allows 0.63 fantasy points per coverage snap while being targeted 22% of the time. Davis is being asked to shadow the opponent's top receiver, and his numbers are paying the price. If Levis can piece together again this week, Hopkins could easily have a top-10 finish at receiver.
WR DK Metcalf (SEA vs WAS) vs Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
Seattle had a tough showing against Baltimore last week, and everyone seems frustrated. Geno Smith could not find his mark against a stout Ravens defense, but that could all change this week against Washington. The Commanders are not playing well in the secondary, and the weakest link has been Forbes by far. He currently allows 0.57 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 27% of the time. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also has a great matchup in the slot against Benjamin St-Juste. Look for Seattle to right the ship this week with a strong performance from their receivers.
WR Michael Pittman Jr (IND vs NE) vs J.C. Jackson
The Colts continue to be a mystery. They have scored a lot of points in recent weeks and have thrown the ball well with Garnder Minshew under center. This week, Pittman gets a great matchup on the outside against Jackson. The New England secondary falls in the middle of the pack as a whole, but Jackson has been picked on to the tune of 0.47 fantasy points per coverage snap and being targeted 27% of the time. The Colts have the better offense and should be able to put up points against this defense. Look for Pittman to lead the way again in what had become a high-scoring aerial attack.
WR Christian Watson (GB vs PIT) vs Levi Wallace
Green Bay is struggling in the Jordan Love era so far. He has not been consistent, and accuracy has been the biggest issue. Watson has also struggled since returning from injury and has not found the end zone at the same clip he did as a rookie. That could change this week with a great matchup against Wallace on the outside. Wallace is currently allowing 0.51 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted a team-high 27% of the time. If Love can get the ball out accurately, this could be the breakout game we have been waiting for.
WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF vs JAX) vs Tyson Campbell
The numbers for Jacksonville appear all over the place. They currently allow the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers but the most to outside receivers. They have faced low volume this year but have struggled mightily against the outside. Campbell has allowed five different receivers to surpass 19 fantasy points and is allowing 0.35 fantasy points per coverage snap. The outside receivers for the 49ers should be upgraded this week in a great matchup for the perimeter.
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