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 Quentin Johnston (LAC vs DEN) vs Patrick Surtain II
Johnston is coming off back-to-back big performances down the stretch, but that could all easily change this week. The biggest blow is that Justin Herbert is sitting out this week. If that was not enough, Johnston will also receive the shadow treatment from Surtain. The standout corner is currently allowing 0.16 fantasy points per route run against him, while being targeted 12.4% of the time. At this point in the season, we all know to stay away from anyone that Surtain is shadow covering. Move off Johnston this week.
WR Nico Collins (HOU vs IND) vs Sauce Gardner
Before injuries derailed the Colts' season, this would have been one of the best matchups of week 18. Instead, the Texans are playing for seeding, and the Colts have been eliminated. That does not change the difficult matchup for Collins against Gardner. Gardner returned to action last week and left in the 3rd quarter with calf tightness. He has expressed a desire to play out the season and would be a tough draw for Collins. Gardner is currently allowing 0.26 fantasy points per route run against him, while being targeted 14.9% of the time. Garner got in a full practice on the Friday before his game last Sunday. Watch the injury report and downgrade Collins if Gardner is good to go.
WR Xavier Worthy (KC vs LV) vs Eric Stokes
Everything has gone off the rails for Kansas City this season. They will limp to the finish with a matchup against the Raiders, and Worthy will try to put this poor season behind him. The young receiver did not take the big step forward this season and struggled to get separation. He will close things out with a tough matchup against Stokes, who is currently allowing 0.16 fantasy points per route run against him, while being targeted 10.5% of the time. There is no magic left in Kansas City this year, and there should be no one in your lineups for week 18.
WR Romeo Doubs (GB vs MIN) vs Fabian Moreau
Minnesota will look to close the books on a frustrating season, while Green Bay limps into the playoffs. Green Bay is locked into the 7th seed and will look to stay healthy this week. Doubs has a tough matchup against Moreau on the outside. The Vikings' corner is currently allowing 0.13 fantasy points per route run against him, while being targeted 12.9% of the time. Green Bay has nothing to play for except health this week. Avoid Doubs and look for other options this week.
TE Travis Kelce (KC vs LV)
In what could be Kelce's last NFL game, he has one of the worst situations and toughest matchups for all tight ends. He will be catching passes from the back-up to the back-up quarterback Chris Oladokun, who has been held to single-digit points in three of his last four games, and will be facing a Las Vegas defense that has allowed the 4th fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends. If this is the end of his career, he will be going out putting up a dud of a game.
TE Mark Andrews (BAL vs PIT)
Andrews has seen his season take a nose-dive. He has not scored a touchdown since week 10 and has scored fewer than 7 fantasy points in five of his past six games. In the last game against the Steelers, Andrews had just 1.9 fantasy points. A return by Lamar Jackson would boost his stock, but it remains a significant risk to start him at this point. The stakes of this game are immense, and you should avoid Andrews at all costs.