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. Since 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 obviously shift depending on where you are playing. The main intent of this article is to highlight players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Quentin Johnston (LAC vs MIA) vs Jack Jones
Johnston had his first down game of the season last week, finishing with 4 catches for 40 yards. However, this week he has the opportunity to bounce back against Jones on the outside. The perimeter corner is currently allowing 0.37 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 14% of the time. Both teams are in desperate need of a win to keep pace in the playoff race, but the edge goes to the Chargers' offense this week. Look for Johnston to get back on track with a plus matchup against the Miami defense.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET vs KC) vs Chamarri Conner
The stretch of games does not get any easier for Kansas City with a matchup against the Lions this week. St. Brown is a must-start in almost every format, but the matchup this week makes his price tag in DFS worthwhile. Conner is currently giving up 0.37 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 16.7% of the time. This is a clear weak point for the defense, and the Lions will try to scheme and take advantage of it. Look for St. Brown to have a big game this week, and the woes of Kansas City to continue.
WR Ben Skowronek (PIT vs CLE) vs Denzel Ward
If you need a deep sleeper this week, Skowronek fits that bill. He may have just one catch for the season, but it was a 22-yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers. He has one of the best matchups of all receivers against Ward this week, who is currently allowing 0.40 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 18.4% of the time. The Browns also traded Greg Newsome II on Wednesday, and that could lead the Steelers to target Ward even more. There could be a lot of value in Skowronek this week due to the low price tag and plus matchup.
WR Marvin Harrison Jr.. (ARZ vs IND) vs Mekhi Blackmon
After what many viewed as a disappointing rookie campaign, Harrison has bounced back this season with strong production. He has a great matchup against Blackmon this week, who is currently allowing 0.30 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 15.3% of the time. After an epic collapse last week, the Cardinals will look to bounce back against the Colts. If this offense is to succeed after all of their injuries, they need to get the ball to Harrison.
TE Jake Ferguson (DAL vs CAR)
It is hard to fathom anyone not starting Ferguson right now since he is the highest scoring tight end in the NFL by 20 points. He has averaged 10.5 targets per game over the past 4 weeks and has 12 more catches than any other tight end. His overall success is coupled with a plus matchup against a Carolina defense that has allowed the most yards to opposing tight ends and the second most points per game to the position. Ferguson is a must-start across the board.
TE Darren Waller (MIA vs LAC)
After missing the early part of the season, Waller has been the most targeted tight end in the red zone this season. He has three touchdowns across two games, is averaging 18.3 fantasy points per game, and is the first read by his quarterback in the red zone 20% of the time. Waller should see his target share outside of the red zone increase as well after the injury to Tyreek Hill.