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 Drake London (ATL vs. WAS) vs. Emmanuel Forbes Jr.
The Washington defense and secondary have been a mess to start the season. They are coming off a week where DJ Moore absolutely blew up, and now London will get his chance. Forbes was absolutely cooked on the outside and has allowed 0.65 fantasy points per coverage snap to start the year. The big difference this week is it will be Desmond Ridder throwing the ball rather than Justin Fields, and that does drop the ceiling for London. However, look for Ridder to push the ball to both London on the outside and Kyle Pitts, as the Washington secondary has been a glaring weakness in recent weeks.
WR K.J. Osborn (MIN vs. CHI) vs. Kyler Gordon
Gordon is expected to make his season debut at slot corner this week and will be tasked with covering Osborn. Minnesota will be without Justin Jefferson until at least week 11, and Osborn will get his chance to step up and cement his place in this offense for the future. Gordon struggled last season and was routinely picked on. He suffered a broken hand in the season opener and sat out the minimum 4 games. He will not be limited with his legs, but the injured hand will make it tough to make plays on the ball. Look for Osborn to win this matchup and have a big target share in the Minnesota offense this week.
WR DeAndre Hopkins (TEN vs. BAL) vs. Marlon Humphrey
Humphrey made his season debut last week against the Steelers, and it did not go well. He had 4 total tackles and gave up the game-winning long touchdown to George Pickens. His stats to start the season are abysmal, with 0.78 fantasy points per coverage snap, and he will have a tough test against Hopkins this week. Tennessee finally started feeding Hopkins the ball last week, with the receiver eclipsing 100 yards for the first time this season. This will be one of the biggest matchups to watch on the field this week as Baltimore finds itself struggling early this season. Look for Hopkins to have another big game this week.
WR DJ Moore (CHI vs. MIN) vs. Byron Murphy Jr.
With the numbers he has put up over the last two weeks, Moore was already a must-start. However, this week, he is walking into one of his best matchups of the season against a Vikings secondary that ranks near the bottom of the league in almost every defensive category. Murphy allowed 0.58 fantasy points per coverage snap on the outside, and Harrison Smith has been overplaying the ball all season. Moore made a killing on Commanders' players trying to jump the ball and missing entirely, allowing him to run for long touchdowns. Look for Moore and Justin Fields to connect early and often again this week.
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