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 primary purpose of this article is to highlight some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Unfavorable Matchups
WR Ja'Marr Chase (CIN vs DEN) vs Patrick Surtain II
The Broncos continue to lose at the wire, but Surtain also continues to lock down any receiver he is facing. Chase is likely still a must-start in any season-long format, but he has a lot working against him right now. The loss of Joe Burrow has stalled this offense, and Chase had a poor showing against the Vikings last week. Surtain is currently allowing 0.14 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 11.6% of the time. As the likely #1 overall pick in a standard league, he is going to be played no matter what, but Chase can be avoided in DFS this week.
WR Tyreek Hill (MIA vs NYJ) vs Sauce Gardner
Hill was able to rebound a little last week with a late touchdown catch, but the Miami offense has been dysfunctional at best this season. The speedy receiver has made it known he wants out of Miami, and his play on the field has reflected it. This week, he has a tough matchup against Gardner on the outside, who is currently allowing 0.24 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 15.1% of the time. Hill always has the potential for a big game, but it does not look likely this week.
WR Nico Collins (HOU vs TEN) vs L'Jarius Sneed
Sneed has started to regain his form from his time in Kansas City and is making life hard for any receiver who lines up against him. Collins has been up and down due to injury and poor quarterback play from C.J. Stroud. Sneed has allowed 0.28 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 17.3% of the time. This is not a great matchup for Collins this week, and barring a bounce back from Stroud, a situation you should avoid.
WR Malik Nabers (NYG vs LAC) vs Donte Jackson
The Giants are benching Russell Wilson in favor of Jaxon Dart this week, and it is nearly impossible to predict what that will mean for Nabers. He showed he was matchup proof last season, but has struggled with consistency this year. Nabers is also walking into a tough matchup against Jackson, who is currently allowing 0.17 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 11.3% of the time. Nabers is still likely to be started in a season-long format but can be avoided in DFS this week.
TE David Njoku (CLE vs DET)
It has been a rough start to the season for Njoku. He has less than 40 yards in each of the first three games and has not eclipsed double-digit fantasy points. This week, he will be facing a Lions' defense that is one of the toughest matchups for opposing tight ends, despite allowing a big game to Mark Andrews last week. Njoku is losing work to Harold Fannin Jr. and needs to be on your bench until we see more upside.
TE Zach Ertz (WAS vs ATL)
Ertz had a tough week with Marcus Mariota under center. Things do not appear to get any better this week, no matter who is playing quarterback. Atlanta has allowed just 48 yards and no touchdowns to opposing tight ends to start the year. Atlanta is a tough matchup for any tight end right now. Ertz should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.