This article attempts to highlight 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.) as well as 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 taken into account so obviously, the values could shift depending on where you are playing. The main intent of this article is simply to call out some players who could be significantly helped or hurt by their situations each week.
Favorable Matchups
WR Davante Adams (LV vs. GB) vs. Jaire Alexander
There is nothing like a revenge game in the NFL. Adams’ tenure in Green Bay was great, but they did not part on the best terms. He will have the chance to show up his former team this week. If Alexander is healthy and able, he should shadow Adams all over the field. Otherwise, the zone-heavy Packers will have a lot of trouble locking down Adams. Even with Alexander in coverage, Adams gets the upgrade this week. There has been a lot of turmoil in Vegas to start this season, but Adams is a solid bet for a big game against his former team.
WR Zay Flowers (BAL vs. PIT) vs. Patrick Peterson
Baltimore has found their WR1 in rookie Flowers. He has played extremely well to start the season and walks into a great matchup against a Pittsburgh secondary that is allowing the fifth-most points to opposing receivers. Peterson continues his struggles on the outside, allowing 0.45 fantasy points per coverage snap. Levi Wallace is doing worse on the other side, allowing 0.56 fantasy points per coverage snap. There is nowhere for Pittsburgh to hide the secondary this week, and they should struggle against Flowers and Mark Andrews. Look for a big week from the rookie.
WR Skyy Moore (KC vs. MIN) vs. Byron Murphy Jr.
It has been hard to trust any receiver for the Chiefs so far this year, as none rank in the top 50 for receivers. However, this group will take on a Minnesota secondary that is the worst against opposing receivers. They allow points at an alarming rate and are continuing the trend from last season. Moore looks to have the best matchup of the group against Murphy, who has allowed 0.57 fantasy points per coverage snap. No one in this group can be considered more than a flex option right now, but this is the week someone is going to separate themselves. Look for a lot of points to be scored this week.
WR Michael Pittman Jr (IND vs. TEN) vs. Kristian Fulton
Tennessee has seen the highest volume of passing against in the league to start the season. Their strong run defense has forced teams to throw the ball, and their corners are struggling to keep up. Even the threat of Jonathan Taylor returning this week does not do enough to dissuade them from throwing the ball. Expect Pittman to see the bulk of the targets on the outside and to find success against Fulton. Fulton is currently allowing 0.49 fantasy points per coverage snap and will see a lot of volume again this week.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs. WAS) vs. Emmanuel Forbes
Not a lot has gone right in Chicago so far. The first half against Denver looked great last week before everything fell apart, and they lost another game. They have the chance to jump out early this week against Washington on Thursday Night. Moore has the best matchup against Forbes on the outside. The young corner is currently allowing 0.74 fantasy points per coverage snap and is being picked on every week. Moore is the best weapon this offense has and should see the bulk of the targets again this week. He found success against Patrick Surtain II last week and should see an even bigger role this week against Washington.
WR Christian Watson (GB vs. LV) vs. David Long Jr.
Watson made his season debut last week and was able to find the end zone. If Jordan Love were more accurate and consistent, this offense could be a problem for the league. However, he will get another great shot against Long this week. The young corner is currently allowing 0.48 fantasy points per coverage snap and has struggled mightily on the outside. Love to Watson is a duo we will hear a lot over the coming seasons, and this week could be the start of it with a great matchup against Vegas.
TE Darren Waller (NYG vs. MIA)
It has been a slow start to the season for Waller, but that could all change against Miami. This defense ranks in the middle of the pack against tight ends but has also not faced one better than Hunter Henry yet. They have allowed 181 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first 4 games and will see a pass-heavy Giants offense. Look for Waller to see a lot of targets as this team is playing from behind and could have one of his best days of the season.
TE Tyler Higbee (LAR vs. PHI)
There is a lot in play for the Rams this week. There is a chance that Cooper Kupp makes his way back to the field and scoops up a big chunk of the targets. Higbee has been one of the most targeted tight ends in the league and saw a team-high 11 last week. They will be facing a Philadelphia defense who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points this season and is tied for the second-most touchdowns. The Rams will have to score points in bunches to keep up with the Eagles; look for Higbee to be heavily involved this week.
Unfavorable Matchups
WR Braxton Berrios (MIA vs. NYG) vs. Cor'Dale Flott
The biggest issue for Berrios in this offense is the amount of weapons around him. He has to fight for every target already and will have a tougher matchup than others this week against Flott. The slot corner has shut down opposing receivers to the tune of 0.06 fantasy points per coverage snap. The Miami offense is constantly finding ways to score using all of their players, but Berrios has the toughest matchup this week and should be excluded from flex consideration this week.
WR CeeDee Lamb (DAL vs. SF) vs. Isaiah Oliver
Lamb is still the top option in this offense and is not a player that you should consider benching. However, we should temper expectations this week with a tough matchup against San Francisco. Oliver has shut down opposing receivers across the middle and will play a key role in this matchup of NFC powerhouses. Oliver has limited opposing receivers to 0.16 fantasy points per coverage snap, while the defense has played well as a whole. Lamb is a must-start in season-long leagues but may not be worth the price tag in DFS.
WR Nico Collins, Tank Dell (HOU vs. ATL) vs. Jeff Okudah, A.J. Terrell
Collins has been a pleasant surprise for Houston early this season. He has clicked with C.J. Stroud and played extremely well in this offense. This week, he will have a tough test against a combination of Okudah and A.J. Terrell on the outside. Both Collins and Tank Dell should have their ceilings lowered in this tough matchup. Okudah has not allowed a fantasy point in limited action so far this season, and Terrell is holding his own on the other side to the tune of 0.26 fantasy points per coverage snap. Avoid this duo if possible this week.
WR Jordan Addison (MIN vs. KC) vs. Joshua Williams
Minnesota has had to rely heavily on the pass, and most of the offense has gone through Justin Jefferson. Addison has scored a few long touchdowns to start the season but will be walking into a tough matchup against Kansas City this week. Willimas has been elite on his side of the field and is allowing just 0.07 fantasy points per coverage snap. Addison has the speed to break loose for a long touchdown but will not see the overall volume to make him a solid play this week. Addison will be a big part of this team over the course of the season but could be avoided this week in what should be a very tough matchup on the outside.
WR Garrett Wilson (NYJ vs. DEN) vs. Patrick Surtain II
The Denver defense has not played very well early on, and Surtain has not been the lock-down corner from a season ago. However, that could all change with a matchup against the Jets. Wilson has relied heavily on volume to start the season and has struggled with Zach Wilson under center. The young receiver will have an even tougher test with Surtain this week following him around the field. There are not many projected shadow matchups this week, but Surtain should heavily limit the ceiling for Wilson this week.
WR Courtland Sutton (DEN vs. NYJ) vs. Sauce Gardner
Keeping with the Denver matchup, Sutton is going to have a tough matchup with the Jets secondary. Gardner continues to play very well on the outside. Russell Wilson continues his shaky play in Denver, and the return of Jerry Jeudy has taken targets away from Sutton. This game could be tough to watch with the under being the best bet with these offenses. Avoid Denver early this year as their struggles look to continue against the Jets.
TE Cole Kmet (CHI vs. WAS)
Kmet is coming off a big week where he finished as the TE1 against Denver. He will see that script flipped this week against a Commanders’ defense that has allowed just 81 total yards to tight ends so far this season and no touchdowns. Tight end targets are being completed at just 59%, and they have been one of the toughest overall against the position. It was a fun week for Kmet against Denver, but it looks like it will quickly come to an end.
TE Kyle Pitts (ATL vs. HOU)
The frustration with Pitts continues as the team just refuses to get him fully involved. Jonnu Smith is currently outpacing him in all categories, and the young tight end does not look fully healthy. With just 11 catches through 4 games, Pitts ranks near the bottom of all tight ends and is playing on a team that does not seem to want to use him. The best thing for him may be a change of scenery, as he has never really gotten going in Atlanta.