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 Zay Flowers (BAL vs DET) vs D.J. Reed
Flowers has emerged as the top receiving option in Baltimore, as was always intended when drafted. He has 14 catches for 218 yards through two games this season and currently ranks fifth in the league. He has a great matchup against Reed in the slot. Reed is currently allowing 0.28 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 14% of the time. His target percentage may not be as high as others in the league, but he is giving up large chunks of yards when targeted. Look for Flowers to continue his dominant start to the season.
WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL vs CHI) vs Tyrique Stevenson
Lamb was likely a top 5 pick in most season-long drafts and is always a must-start. However, this week the matchup will also make him worth the price tag in daily lineups. He will be facing Stevenson at least 40% of the time, and the Chicago corner is currently allowing 0.47 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted over 20% of the time. Lamb is in line for another double-digit target week and has the matchup to put him in overall WR1 territory this week.
WR Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN vs LAC) vs Donte Jackson
Mims has been buried in recent weeks in the Denver target tree. Troy Franklin broke out last week, and Courtland Sutton had a single catch. It is tough to predict where the ball will go in Denver right now, but Mims has the best matchup against the Chargers. Jackson is currently allowing 0.26 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted just under 15% of the time. The Chargers’ defense is susceptible to opposing corners, and this is a great week for Mims to re-establish himself in the offense. The very low price tag on Mims makes him a great sleeper option this week.
WR Romeo Doubs (GB vs CLE) vs Greg Newsome II
Green Bay has been clicking in all facets of the game to start the season, but the loss of Jayden Reed is going to open more targets to other receivers. Insert Doubs with a matchup against Newsome, and you have a recipe for a big game. Newsome is currently allowing 0.41 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 15% of the time. He is giving up big plays every week and is the weak spot in the Cleveland defense. Doubs should see a bump in targets this week with Reed sidelined indefinitely. Look for a big week from the young receiver.
TE Tucker Kraft (GB vs CLE)
After a poor performance in week 1, Kraft exploded for 124 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders last week. He had seven targets (23% target share) and should see another bump with Jayden Reed out indefinitely with an injury. Cleveland ranks in the middle of the pack against tight ends and will have their hands full against Kraft this week. Look for another solid performance from Kraft with a top 10 finish at the position very possible.
TE Jake Ferguson (DAL vs CHI)
The chemistry with Dak Prescott has returned, and Ferguson led all tight ends with 12 targets last week. This week, he faces a Bears defense that has allowed an 83% completion rate to opposing tight ends and has struggled to stop anyone in the second half of games. Ferguson trails only CeeDee Lamb on the team in terms of targets and yards right now. He has a safe floor and a high ceiling, which is the perfect mix at tight end.