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 Zay Flowers (BAL vs CIN) vs DJ Turner
Baltimore has been on a roll since the return of Lamar Jackson, but the inconsistency of Flowers continues to show. He is up and down every week despite being the best receiving option on this team. He is facing a tough shadow matchup from Turner this week, who has been one of the better cover corners for the Ravens this season. He is currently allowing 0.18 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 12.3% of the time. Expect the usual volume for Flowers, but temper your overall expectations for the young receiver.
WR Nico Collins (HOU vs IND) vs Sauce Gardner
Gardner was the big trade deadline acquisition for the Colts, and he has played well since coming over from the Jets. His overall numbers are inflated after a few big plays given up in New York, but he has returned to form in this Colts' defense. Gardner is currently allowing 0.28 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 14.8% of the time. Houston will be starting Davis Mills again this week, and we can lower our overall expectations of this offense against the Colts.
WR Terry McLaurin (WAS vs DEN) vs Patrick Surtain II
Both players are slated to return from injury this week, with McLaurin walking into one of the toughest matchups in the league. Surtain is an elite cover corner, and is currently allowing 0.17 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 13.3% of the time. This is a matchup to watch the injury report on as we get closer to game time. Either player could have a setback and miss this week's game. Regardless, Denver is a tough matchup for any receiver this season.
WR Jaylen Waddle (MIA vs NO) vs Quincy Riley
Miami is working hard to right the ship and make a late push to squeak into the playoffs. There have been immense ups and downs with this team, and unfortunately, it is likely to be a down for Waddle against Riley. The young corner is currently allowing 0.16 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted just 12.7% of the time. Waddle has been the go-to receiver with Tyreek Hill out for the season, but he is going to find it hard this week to get separation. Avoid Waddles in the tough matchup this week if at all possible.
TE Dallas Goedert (PHI vs CHI)
Chicago is not a matchup to avoid, but Goedert's recent usage has given him a very low floor. The entire offense is funneled through their top 2 receivers and the rushing attack. Over the past five games, he has had fewer than four targets per game, has not topped 50 yards, and has had single-digit fantasy points in every game. Unless the offensive strategy changes, Goedert is a player to avoid right now.
TE David Njoku (CLE vs SF)
Even with a third starting quarterback, Njokue is still being utilized behind Harold Fannin Jr. Last week, he ran just seven routes and did not have a single target. In the past three games, he has played just 49% of offensive snaps and has just three catches on four targets for 38 yards. The drop off for Njoku has been immense, and he likely belongs on the waiver wire in your leagues and not just on your bench.
