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 Tee Higgins (CIN vs NE) vs Christian Gonzalez
We would normally give Higgins a big bump with Ja'Marr Chase out this week due to suspension. However, Higgins will see the shadow treatment from Gonzalez this week as he operates as the team's number 1 receiver. Gonzalez is currently allowing 0.21 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 18.8% of the time. He is quickly becoming one of the better cover corners in the league and will make it hard for Higgins and Joe Flacco to connect.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs PIT) vs Joey Porter Jr.
Chicago is riding high at the top of the NFC North after a win against the Vikings last week. This week, they will take on a Pittsburgh team that is trying to keep pace with a surging Baltimore team in the AFC North. Porter has been the best cover corner for the Steelers and will see a lot of Moore on the outside this week. He is currently allowing 0.14 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 13.1% of the time. The advantage this week goes to Porter. Avoid Moore if at all possible in your leagues this week.
WR Jerry Jeudy (CLE vs LV) vs Eric Stokes
The biggest story for this game will be Shedeur Sanders getting his first NFL start, but his top receiver has a tough matchup against Stoke on the outside. Stokes has been one of the lone bright spots for the Raiders' secondary and is currently allowing 0.15 fantasy points per route run against him, while being targeted just 12% of the time. The Cleveland offense has struggled all season, and things are not likely to get any easier with another rookie under center this week. Fade the entire offense if possible this week.
WR Michael Pittman Jr (IND vs KC) vs Jaylen Watson
Kansas City is currently sitting at 5-5 and is in desperate need of a win. The defense is going to have to lead the offense right now, and it starts with the outside corners. Watson is currently allowing 0.21 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 12% of the time. He should lock up Pittman and make life hard for Daniel Jones. The Kansas City secondary will largely determine if they win or lose this week, and it will all start with this matchup.
TE Jake Ferguson (DAL vs PHI)
The return of CeeDee Lamb and the emergence of George Pickens in the offense have turned Ferguson into a touchdown-dependent starter. He was leading all tight end scoring early this season, but has only exceeded 30 yards in a single game over the past month. Philadelphia is currently allowing the 2nd fewest yards, touchdowns, and points to opposing tight ends. Ferguson belongs on the bench this week if you have other options.
TE Colston Loveland (CHI vs PIT)
Everyone fell in love with Loveland after his big game against Cincinnati, but that does not change that he has scored single-digit fantasy points in every other game this season. He is losing target share to Cole Kmet as he returns from injury, and the Bears' offense is wildly unpredictable. Stay away from the rookie unless something drastically changes in Chicago.