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 Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA vs LAR) vs Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
No one needs to be told to start Smith Njigba this season, but this week, the matchup is good enough to warrant the higher price in DFS. Forbes has struggled in coverage and was blown out by Amon-Ra St. Brown last week. He is currently allowing 0.34 fantasy points per route run against him while being targeted 15.7% of the time. Smith Njigba has the potential to win your week with his elite matchup on Thursday night.
WR Keenan Allen (LAC vs DAL) vs DaRon Bland
If you need a high upside play at a low price this week, Allen has the matchup to exploit. The Dallas defense was torn apart by J.J. McCarthy last week, and Allen gets the same matchup with Bland on the outside. The Dallas corner is currently allowing 0.40 fantasy points per route run against him while being targeted 20.5% of the time. This is a great spot for Allen near the end of the season after exceeding 65 yards only twice to this point. Look for a solid week for the Chargers' offense this week against a Dallas team that has nothing to play for.
WR Stefon Diggs (NE vs BAL) vs Marlon Humphrey
Humphrey continues to be one of those football players you want on your defense in real life, but he does nothing to help in fantasy football. He is currently allowing 0.39 fantasy points per route run against him while being targeted 19% of the time. Diggs has struggled over the past three weeks but has a matchup worth exploiting against Baltimore. After the heartbreaking loss to Buffalo, New England is fighting for the top seed in the AFC. Look for Drake Maye to lean on Diggs and push the ball down the field.
WR Andrei Iosivas (CIN vs MIA) vs Ashtyn Davis
If you are looking for a deeper sleeper with a prime matchup, Iosivas will fit that bill. He comes with immense risk as he went without a catch for the second time last week and has four other games with a single catch. However, he will face Davis, who is currently allowing 0.40 fantasy points per route run against him while being targeted 35.3% of the time. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are still the best bet in this offense, but Iosivas has a great matchup and could score double-digit points for cheap this week.
TE Dallas Goedert (PHI vs WAS)
Goedert has emerged from his slumber down the stretch. He has 17 targets over the past two weeks, scored 2 touchdowns, and has 70 or more yards in each contest. This week, he has a great matchup against a Washington defense that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Goedert is back in play this week after seeing an uptick in targets and playing in a familiar matchup he has exploited in the past.
TE Darren Waller (MIA vs CIN)
There is inherent risk with this start, but Waller has the best tight end matchup in the league this week. The Bengals have allowed nine more catches, 324 more yards, and six more touchdowns than any other team in the league to opposing tight ends. The risk comes in Quinn Ewers getting his first start, but the rookie quarterback could also lean on the big tight end as a safety blanket. Waller is in a prime spot to smash this week against the league's worst tight end defense.