Receivers with good and bad matchups: Week 9

This article discusses 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 the latest trends, I look for situations to exploit or avoid when determining weekly lineups. Given that this article is intended to help across all sites (both DFS and full-season), differences in pricing and scoring systems are not taken into account, so of course the values ​​may change depending on where you play. The main intention of this article is simply to highlight a few players who could be significantly helped or harmed by their situation.

Favorable matchups

WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET vs. GB) vs Javon Bullard

St. Brown is now a must-see in every format, but he has a great clash with Bullard this week. Green Bay struggled with outside receivers Jaire Alexanderwith Bullard currently allowing over half a fantasy point per coverage snap and being targeted 27% of the time. St. Brown is Detroit’s most trusted aerial weapon and should see another big game this week.

WR DeAndre Hopkins (KC vs. TB) vs Tyrek Funderburek

Hopkins had another full week of practice in Kansas City and should get a better feel for the scheme and this offense. He steps into great positioning against Funderburk on the outside, who is currently awarding 0.50 fantasy points per coverage snap while being targeted 15% of the time. He may not be tackled as often as other second-stringers, but that means he allows for big plays all over the field. Look for Hopkins to become assimilated to this offense and put up big numbers this week in a great matchup against Tampa Bay.

WR Malik Nabers (NYG vs. WAS) vs Benjamin St-Juste

Nabers calmly returned from a concussion in a difficult matchup against Pittsburgh. However, he should be excellent this week against St-Juste on the outside. St-Juste is routinely asked to cover the top receiver, and from a fantasy standpoint, he doesn’t do well. He currently allows 0.46 fantasy points per coverage shot and is targeted 23% of the time. Nabers could easily resume his double-digit target share this week and single-handedly re-ignite this offense.

WR Terry McLaurin (WAS vs. NYG) vs Deonte Banks

Banks had success against McLaurin earlier in the season, but that was before his breakup with McLaurin Jayden Daniels. As of this week, Banks has allowed 0.42 fantasy points per coverage snap and has been targeted 21% of the time. Teams aren’t afraid to throw in the towel, and McLaurin has become Daniels’ go-to option this season. This is another great spot for the former Buckeye receiver and should be taken advantage of.

WR Calvin Ridley (TEN vs. NE) vs Christian Gonzalez

Like Banks above, teams weren’t afraid to throw at Gonzalez. The young cornerback returned from injury this season and was asked to track top receivers at a rate of 0.35 fantasy points per coverage snap and was targeted 21% of the time. Ridley is the main beneficiary DeAndre Hopkins trading and last week I recorded 13 targets. Expect his role to continue to grow in this offense as he is the best pass-catching option they have.

WR Ladd McConkey (LAC vs. CLE) vs Greg Newsome II

Newsome is one of the better corners in the league from a defensive standpoint, but he has scored a ton of fantasy points this year. Currently allows 0.45 fantasy points per coverage shot and is targeted 22% of the time. Early in the season, the offense didn’t provide any benefit to the defense, and a lot of those numbers are based on the sheer number of tackles. McConkey emerged as the most popular pass-catching option Justyna Herbert and should see his production continue this week. McConkey is easily a WR2/FLEX option this week.

THESE Cade Otto (TB vs. KC)

Otton burst onto the scene with 47 fantasy points over the last 2 weeks and has quickly become a top option for Baker Mayfield with both Mike Evans AND Chris Godwin early. Otton has scored 20 targets over the past two weeks, and Kansas City’s defense has allowed the most fantasy points in tight games this season. Otton has a shot at another top-five finish at the tight end position this week.

THESE David Njoku (CLE vs. LAC)

Njoku is a must-start this week in any format as his stock has surged Jameis Winston under the middle. Njoku has scored 40 fantasy points and 21 targets over the last two weeks. He is certainly one of Winston’s top targets and played a key role in the Ravens’ loss last week. The Chargers didn’t allow a touchdown late in the game against their opponent, but still Travis Kelce he had 15 points against them in week four. Hope Njoku continues his hot streak this week.

Photos courtesy of Imagn Images