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; therefore, the values could shift depending on where you are playing. The main intent of this article is to highlight players whose situations could significantly impact their performance each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Puka Nacua (LAR vs TEN) vs Roger McCreary
Even with the addition of Davante Adames, Nacua is the clear number 1 target in this offense. Matthew Stafford will target him early and often, with double-digit targets very possible. Nacua also has one of the better matchups of the week against McCreary. The young corner is being targeted 17.6% of the time and is allowing 0.27 fantasy points per route run against him this season. Tennessee did a respectable job against the Broncos' offense last week, but Nacua and co. are a much different beast. Look for a solid return from Nacua, even with a higher price tag.
WR Zay Flowers (BAL vs CLE) vs Myles Harden
The Cleveland defense made a valiant effort against the Bengals last week and came up short in the end. Baltimore, on the other hand, played extremely well despite the late loss to Buffalo, and Flowers emerged as the top receiving option for Lamar Jackson. He will be facing Harden in the slot, who is currently allowing 0.30 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 17.1% of the time. Flowers has shown flashes of greatness but has struggled with consistency. He is in a prime spot this week to build on the big week 1 and cement himself as WR1 for this team.
WR Emeka Egbuka (TB vs HST) vs Kamari Lassiter
Egbuka is making every effort he can to carve out a role while Chris Godwin is injured. The rookie receiver had a big week 1 with 4 catches for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was able to find gaps all over the defense and is walking into a solid matchup against Houston this week. Lassiter is currently allowing 0.25 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 16.1% of the time. Tampa Bay looks like a throw-first offense, and Egbuka should get plenty of opportunity on the left side. Look for a solid follow-up performance in week 2 from the rookie.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. Jr. (WAS vs GB) vs Javon Bullard