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 Justin Jefferson (MIN vs DET) vs Amik Robertson
It has been a rough start to the season for Jefferson when compared to his normal production. He has dealt with ineffective quarterback play and struggling offensive teammates. This week, he has a tough matchup against Detroit and a shadowing corner that is allowing 0.23 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 14.5% of the time. Jefferson is a star and will remain in season-long league lineups, but we should temper our expectations and avoid this matchup in DFS.
WR Drake London (ATL vs NE) vs Carlton Davis III
Atlanta had a great matchup last week and absolutely fell apart. London was hurt, and the whole defense seemed to forget how to play. This week, they have a tough matchup against a surprising New England team. Davis, in particular, has played very well at corner this season. He is currently allowing 0.17 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 9.5% of the time. London is a high-volume receiver and will still get his looks this week, but we should temper overall expectations for the whole offense.
WR Tyler Lockett (LV vs JAX) vs Jourdan Lewis
Lockett requested his release from Tennessee and was instantly picked up by Las Vegas. In doing so, he went from one bad situation to another. Geno Smith has not found his rhythm since leaving Seattle, where he played with Lockett. Lewis is currently allowing 0.17 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 11.5% of the time. Don't let the previous time with Smith persuade you into starting Lockett this week. Avoid the entire Raiders' offense until they can show some consistency.
WR Xavier Worthy (KC vs BUF) vs Tre'Davious White
The return of Rashee Rice has really eaten into the production of Worthy. The bubble screens and quick-hitting plays have funneled back to Rice, and Worthy is left with the remaining targets. He also has a tough matchup against White, who is currently allowing 0.18 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted just 8.2% of the time. It has been an up-and-down season for Kansas City so far. Worthy may get some downfield targets, but the tough matchup paired with the return of Rice should put him on your bench this week.
TE Dalton Kincaid (BUF vs KC)
Kincaid had a great matchup against the Panthers last week and managed just 3.5 points. This was likely due to lingering oblique injury issues, as he was held to just 14 snaps. However, this week he has a tough matchup against a Kansas City defense that has allowed a single tight end to score double-digit points all season. Avoid Kincaid until he can show he is fully healthy.
TE Hunter Henry (NE vs ATL)
Henry added to his touchdown collection last week, but it was his only reception, and he finished with 7.3 fantasy points. He has become a touchdown-dependent tight end in this offense and is walking into a tough matchup against Atlanta. The Falcons' defense has not allowed a tight end to score more than 8.9 fantasy points against them all season. The diminishing role and tough matchup make Henry a player to avoid this week.
