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.
Favorable Matchups
WR Courtland Sutton (DEN vs PHI) vs Quinyon Mitchell
Sutton has rebounded since his dud against the Colts, producing at least 5 catches, 61+ yards, and a touchdown in each of his other games this season. Bo Nix is consistently targeting Sutton, and that will not change this week. Mitchell is currently allowing 0.23 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 14.5% of the time. Look for Sutton to continue his early-season dominance of the Broncos’ target share and to put up another good game this week.
WR Justin Jefferson (MIN vs CLE) vs Greg Newsome II
Jefferson is always a must-start in most formats, but he also has the matchup to make him worth the price tag this week against Cleveland. Despite playing well on defense in real time, the Browns rank 26th in the league in fantasy points allowed to receivers. Newsome is currently allowing 0.37 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 15.7% of the time. Jefferson has seen more work with Carson Wentz under center and is a solid bet for double-digit production this week.
WR Garrett Wilson (NYJ vs DAL) vs Trevon Diggs
Dallas may rank first in yards per game as an offense, but it also ranks last in yards given up per game on defense. A huge portion of those yards is being allowed by a secondary that has struggled in coverage. Diggs is healthy but is not playing at the same pre-injury level as in previous years. He is currently allowing 0.36 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 16% of the time. He is back to giving up big plays as he tries to go for interceptions rather than coverage. Look for Wilson to have another big game against one of the worst cover defenses in the league.
WR Travis Hunter (JAX vs KC) vs Chamarri Conner
The dual threat experiment for Hunter has not gone well to start the season, but he has a great matchup on offense to make a statement this week. The Chiefs have not played well on defense to start the season, and their 2-2 record reflects that. Conner has struggled in the slot corner spot and is currently allowing 0.37 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being targeted 17.8% of the time. Hunter has a chance to establish himself on the offensive side of the ball this week.
TE Jake Ferguson (DAL vs NYJ)
Ferguson currently leads all fantasy tight ends in scoring through four weeks. He has scored 16 or more points in three straight weeks and should continue to see high usage with CeeDee Lamb injured. He is a must-start in almost all formats right now and has a favorable matchup against a Jets defense that allowed two touchdowns to Darren Waller last week. Ferguson has been consistent and is tracking for another double-digit point week.
TE Hunter Henry (NE vs BUF)
The Patriots only threw the ball 17 times last week, and Henry had two targets, but that did not stop him from having a double-digit fantasy week and a top 10 finish at the position. In those two targets, he scored a touchdown and was tackled at the 1-yard line. Henry has double-digit points in three games this season and should continue to be the go-to receiver in the red zone. The Patriots will likely be chasing points this week, and that should add to the number of targets for Henry against the Bills.