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 Zay Flowers (BAL vs PIT) vs Asante Samuel Jr
Flowers fell completely flat last week with just two catches for six yards. However, that could all change with a premier matchup against a division rival this week. Samuel has been abysmal on the outside and is currently allowing 0.79 fantasy points per route run against him while being targeted 11.9% of the time. He is allowing countless big plays and touchdowns. It may be tough to trust Flowers after his showing in recent weeks, but he has a great matchup in a game that will go a long way in determining the division winner.
WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (WAS vs MIN) vs Joshua Metellus
It feels like Samuel has a good matchup every week, and in this case, he does. Metellus has been the weak spot in the Minnesota defense. He has struggled to stop anyone across the middle. This should set Samuel up for quick-hitting chunk plays. The return of Terry McLaurin will also take some of the pressure off Samuel on the other side. Metellus is currently allowing 0.45 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 25% of the time. Look for a big game from Samuel this week.
WR Courtland Sutton (DEN vs LV) vs Kyu Blu Kelly
The Broncos continue to find ways to win, and Sutton leads the way for this group of pass catchers. This week, he will face Kelly on the outside. The young corner is currently allowing 0.40 fantasy points per route run against him and is being targeted 18% of the time. Sutton is averaging 4.2 catches per game despite having 3 games with a single catch. Look for him to fall closer to his average this week and put up a big game against a division rival.
TE Brenton Strange (JAX vs IND)
Strange has been on a tear since returning from injury 2 weeks ago. He has topped 13 fantasy points in each of his starts and is walking into a great matchup against the Colts. Indianapolis is currently allowing the 2nd most yards and the 5th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Strange has shown a clear rapport with Trevor Lawrence and is quickly becoming a must-start for the rest of the season.
TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (ATL vs SEA)
Pitts has been the most targeted Falcon since Kirk Cousins took over under center. He was targeted 8 times last week and should see that bump continue if Drake London is out this week. Seattle has allowed the 3rd most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season and has struggled mightily since week 9. Look for Pitts to have a high-volume game with Atlanta likely trailing for most of it.