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 Tetairoa McMillan (CAR vs ATL) vs Dee Alford
Carolina is coming off a very disappointing showing against New Orleans last week and will look to right the ship against Atlanta. McMillan is averaging 4.6 catches per game and has been hindered by ineffective play from the quarterback position. However, this week he has a great matchup against Alford on the right side. The Falcon corner is allowing 0.39 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 20.1% of the time. Look for McMillan to bounce back this week with a good matchup against Atlanta.
WR Jaylen Waddle (MIA vs WAS) vs Jack Jones
Miami is coming off a big win against Buffalo and will look to continue to turn their season around this week. Waddle is the best receiving weapon they have left right now, and has a great matchup against a Washington defense that ranks near the bottom in almost all receiving stats. Jones is currently allowing 0.36 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 18.8% of the time. Look for Waddle to be the key piece in the Miami passing attack again this week, with double-digit fantasy points very possible.
WR Quentin Johnston (LAC vs JAX) vs Greg Newsome II
Johnston has cooled off after a hot first month of the season, but he is walking into a great matchup against Newsome this week. The young receiver has two touchdowns over his past three games and is averaging 4.6 catches per game this season. He will face Newsome on the outside, who is currently allowing 0.37 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 18.1% of the time. Johnston has the best matchup of any receiver for the Chargers this week and should be considered a WR2/Flex type player this week.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (WAS vs MIA) vs Minkah Fitzpatrick
Samuel continues to benefit from being the healthiest receiver for the Commanders. His targets have dropped over the past few weeks, but he has found the end zone 4 times this season and remains a first read on most offensive plays. This week, he will face a struggling Fitzpatrick, who is allowing 0.44 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 25.4% of the time. Washington is quickly approaching lost season territory and will need to turn things around quickly if they have any postseason aspirations. That will have to start with Samuel and the passing game this week.
TE Dalton Schultz (HOU vs TEN)
Davis Mills being under center has completely turned things around for Schultz. He is coming off a game with a season-high 11 targets and has scored 13-plus fantasy points in three of his last four games. The matchup against Tennessee on paper is not great, but the results across the past few weeks for Schultz speak for themselves. At the very thin tight end position, Schultz is a must-start during this hot streak.
TE Cade Otton (TB vs BUF)
Otton has emerged as the injuries to Tampa Bay receivers continue to mount. He saw 12 targets last week and has averaged 12.2 fantasy points per game since week 5. Even with the tough matchup against Buffalo, Otton has a great chance for double-digit points and should be considered in all formats.