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Top 5 Passing Matchups
NY Giants at Washington
The New York Giants' passing attack remains one of the weaker units in the NFL, with Daniel Jones continuing to struggle as a consistent passer. On top of that, the team has stripped itself of key playmakers, making it hard to recommend any fantasy upside from this offense. However, in fantasy football, matchups often dictate sleeper opportunities, and the Giants' two meetings with the Washington Commanders last year suggest a potential bright spot. In those games, Giants quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito combined for a 65% completion rate, racking up 525 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Commanders' secondary has struggled for quite some time and still lacks viable cornerbacks, which could make this a breakout opportunity for rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. In Week 1, the Giants leaned on Nabers in the second half, and he responded with 5 catches for 66 yards in his debut. The Commanders also continue to struggle to defend the slot, which bodes well for Wan'Dale Robinson, who saw a team-high 12 targets in the opener. Robinson has been a consistent target for Jones, drawing 22% of the team's targets over the last six games, making him a solid checkdown option in the short passing game.
If Week 1 is any indication, Washington's pass defense will continue to be a liability in 2024. Last season, they ranked 31st in the league against the pass, allowing an average of 272 passing yards per game. Six teams threw for over 300 yards against them, and 13 wide receivers posted 90-yard games or better. Their issues persisted into Week 1 of this season, where Tampa Bay's Mike Evans and Chris Godwin took turns exploiting the Commanders' secondary. Even rookie Jalen McMillan found himself wide open on a 32-yard blown coverage touchdown. The Commanders' once-feared pass rush has also been dismantled, leaving the secondary vulnerable. First-round pick Emmanuel Forbes struggled mightily as a rookie and continues to look out of sorts, while slot corner Benjamin St-Juste, who allowed more yards than any other defensive back in 2023, remains a significant liability. If any defense can make the Giants' passing game viable for fantasy, it's this one, presenting a favorable opportunity for Giants wide receivers.
LA Rams at Arizona
In Week 1, Matthew Stafford and the Rams nearly pulled off a late comeback against the Detroit Lions. Stafford, who struggled early in the game, saw a dramatic improvement as the game progressed, with his passer rating soaring from 56.4 to 117.2 after halftime. Despite Stafford's resilience, the Lions' pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson was a game-wrecker, consistently pressuring Stafford with five hurries, three quarterback hits, and a sack. The Rams' offensive line had no answer for Hutchinson, who single-handedly disrupted their offensive flow. Fortunately for the Rams, Week 2 brings a much more manageable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who lack the pass-rushing prowess of someone like Hutchinson. While the potential absence of Puka Nacua is notable, it shouldn't hinder the Rams' passing game too much. Stafford's connection with a fully healthy Cooper Kupp is in peak form, as evidenced by Kupp's dominant Week 1 performance. Kupp was targeted 21 times, hauling in 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Demarcus Robinson has emerged as a reliable third option, with 21 catches for 306 yards and three touchdowns over his last five games, adding depth to the receiving corps.
The Cardinals' defense, however, presents a prime opportunity for the Rams' passing attack. In 2023, Arizona ranked among the bottom three in nearly every major defensive category. While they finished 11th in passing yardage allowed, this stat is deceptive, as they ranked 30th in net yards per attempt, indicating that teams didn't need to throw often to exploit their weak secondary. In Week 1, Buffalo's Josh Allen completed 18 of 23 passes to nine different receivers, with two touchdowns, without facing significant pressure from the Cardinals' lackluster pass rush. Arizona's current top pass rushers, Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck, have combined for just 19.5 sacks across 141 career games, leaving opposing quarterbacks with plenty of time in the pocket. Sean Murphy-Bunting is a serviceable cornerback, but he's not a shutdown defender capable of locking down elite wide receivers like Kupp. Without any true playmakers on defense and with no signs of improvement on the horizon, the Cardinals remain one of the NFL's weakest defensive units.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Baker Mayfield started the 2024 season on a high note, completing 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns without a single turnover in a dominant performance against Washington. In Week 1, the Buccaneers' offense capitalized on Washington's porous pass defense, which gave up 272 yards per game in 2023. Mayfield showcased his mobility, focus, and ability to maximize the talents of his wide receivers, particularly Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, a physical 6-foot-5 target, remains a nightmare for defenders, especially in the red zone, where he's scored 14 touchdowns since the start of last season. Meanwhile, Godwin continues to excel in the slot, consistently finding space underneath the defense. In Week 2, Mayfield will face a much tougher opponent in the Detroit Lions, who, despite their success in 2023, struggled to contain opposing passers. The Lions' defense allowed five of their final six opponents last year to throw for 345 yards or more, a weakness that carried over into their overtime win against the Rams in Week 1. Matthew Stafford completed 18 of 23 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in the second half, nearly leading a late rally.
Detroit made key additions to their secondary in the offseason, including rookie Terrion Arnold and veteran Carlton Davis, but early signs suggest they're still vulnerable. Arnold, in particular, had a rough debut, allowing eight of ten targets to be caught and drawing two pass-interference penalties in the end zone. While Arnold received praise from Rams receiver Cooper Kupp for his potential, his early struggles will surely be on Mayfield's radar. Always a deep threat, Mike Evans will likely test Arnold's coverage abilities. Meanwhile, Godwin offers a similar skill set to Kupp, who torched Detroit's defense with 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Godwin is expected to be heavily involved in the short passing game, which could create serious problems for Detroit's young secondary.
Cleveland at Jacksonville
Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns had a dismal start to their 2024 season, but there's reason to believe they'll fare better in Week 2. Watson's Week 1 performance was underwhelming, struggling to find rhythm and consistency. Fortunately, the Browns draw a favorable matchup against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that showed considerable flaws in their opener. The key to Watson's potential resurgence lies in the offensive schemes and play-calling that could help open the field for deep shots. Amari Cooper, Watson's top wideout, has a long history of exploiting defensive lapses with his ability to beat safeties over the top, and this week could be the ideal opportunity to unleash that potential.
In Week 1, Jacksonville's defense struggled mightily against Miami's dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hill exploded for 130 yards and a touchdown, while Waddle contributed 108 yards, including a 63-yard reception that exposed the Jaguars' inability to maintain coverage integrity. Jacksonville's secondary looked lost at times, giving up massive plays due to missed assignments and poor tackling angles. Even standout cornerback Tyson Campbell had a rough game trying to contain Miami's speed. The Jaguars' safeties, Andre Cisco and Antonio Johnson, are more effective when playing in the box rather than defending deep passes, and this weakness could allow Watson to exploit the middle and deep portions of the field. Last season, Jacksonville struggled against elite wide receivers, and the early signs in 2024 suggest that trend could continue. The Jaguars' lack of a consistent plan to defend the deep ball puts them at risk of allowing big plays against upper-tier wideouts like Cooper, especially when combined with their inconsistent pass rush.
If Watson and the Browns cannot produce downfield against this Jaguars secondary, it would be a serious concern for the rest of their season. This matchup offers a clear opportunity for Watson to regain confidence and for Cleveland's passing game to find its groove. It's a critical moment for the Browns, and Week 2 may be pivotal in determining whether Watson and the offense can shake off their early-season struggles and realize their potential.
Atlanta at Philadelphia
Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons had a rough start to their 2024 season, but context is important. Cousins faced one of the NFL's best defenses in the Pittsburgh Steelers, a unit with a relentless pass rush that pressured him throughout the game. Despite the tough matchup, Cousins operates behind one of the league's top offensive lines, which should help him improve as the season progresses, especially considering he's just 10 months removed from Achilles surgery. As he gets more reps, Cousins is likely to find his rhythm. There were some encouraging signs in Week 1 despite the Falcons' struggles. Slot receiver Ray-Ray McCloud found open spaces, catching four passes for 52 yards, and tight end Kyle Pitts worked himself open for a red zone touchdown. However, top wideout Drake London was largely neutralized by Pittsburgh's rising star cornerback, Joey Porter Jr., making it difficult for Cousins to open up the offense.
Looking ahead to their matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cousins will face another challenge. The Eagles still have talent on all three levels of their defense, but they haven't been the dominant unit they were during their 2022-23 Super Bowl run. Last season, Philadelphia dropped from 1st to 24th in sack rate and 1st to 30th in pass defense. There were some improvements in Week 1, but the game conditions made it hard to gauge how much progress the unit has made. The Eagles are still rebuilding their secondary around cornerback Darius Slay, who, at 33, remains effective but needs more support. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who excelled in the slot, is now being asked to take on more responsibility at safety, which showed in Week 1 when he misjudged a downfield play, allowing Green Bay's Jayden Reed to score on a 70-yard touchdown. Additionally, Philadelphia's pass rush, once led by Josh Sweat and veteran Brandon Graham, hasn't been as impactful as in their Super Bowl season. If the Eagles can't generate consistent pressure up front, it could give Cousins and the Falcons' offense a better opportunity to bounce back in Week 2.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
Buffalo at Miami
In their season opener, the Buffalo Bills saw some uneven play from Josh Allen early on, but he eventually found his rhythm, completing 18 of 23 passes and delivering two touchdowns. Allen, widely regarded as an elite quarterback, showcased his versatility and passion, key traits that fuel Buffalo's offense. However, the lack of a standout receiver limits the unit's full potential. Despite this, Allen spread the ball effectively, with nine different players catching at least one pass. Keon Coleman led the group with four receptions, while Dalton Kincaid, a breakout rookie in 2023, was largely relegated to blocking duties, recording just one catch for 11 yards. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds with an impressive catch radius, Keon Coleman offers a physically dominant presence in the receiving corps. He could develop into the Bills' go-to playmaker, similar to how Gabe Davis emerged in past seasons. Nonetheless, Buffalo's offensive strategy is currently grounded in efficient passing and a strong running game rather than testing the waters against tough defenses. With Allen's versatility, the Bills appear up to the challenge but may hesitate to push too hard against the Dolphins' formidable pass defense.
Conversely, the Miami Dolphins put up an impressive defensive display in their Week 1 win over the Jaguars. They held Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville offense to a mere 162 passing yards, with their lone scoring play coming off a well-timed touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. Miami's defense, anchored by cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou, tightened up as the game progressed, limiting Lawrence to just three completions in the second half. The offseason acquisition of Kendall Fuller added depth to the secondary, although it flew under the radar. The Dolphins' defensive front was the highlight, consistently pressuring Lawrence despite losing Christian Wilkins in the offseason. Jaelan Phillips and Emmanuel Ogbah delivered key sacks, particularly on the Jaguars' final drive, while veteran Calais Campbell also contributed with a sack. This strong pass rush will likely be crucial in Miami's attempt to disrupt Buffalo's offense in their upcoming matchup. As the Bills aim to balance their attack, Allen's ability to adapt against a stout Dolphins defense will be a pivotal storyline.
Dallas vs New Orleans
The Dallas Cowboys cruised to an easy win in their season opener, though the offensive performance was somewhat underwhelming. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys didn't need to rely heavily on their top weapons, but their attack lacked the explosiveness expected from such a talented roster. Prescott began the game strong, connecting with CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks on significant downfield throws during the first quarter. However, the deep passing game stalled as Prescott missed on all four attempts of 15+ yards after his initial successes. CeeDee Lamb remains the clear focal point of the Cowboys' passing attack. The team ensured he was involved in various ways, moving him all over the field, and Prescott will likely continue to target him heavily. However, with tight end Jake Ferguson potentially sidelined by a knee sprain, Prescott's supporting cast is less predictable. While Ferguson's injury doesn't seem severe, his return for Week 2 might be rushed. Besides Lamb, the only reliable contributors appear to be Cooks and Ferguson when healthy, but neither projects as game-changing weapons without more consistent play. The Cowboys' offensive line will also be crucial. Making big plays could be difficult if they cannot keep Prescott well-protected, especially against the aggressive New Orleans Saints defense. This concern will be magnified if Prescott faces consistent pressure from the Saints' formidable pass rush.
The Saints' secondary has been a dominant unit under head coach Dennis Allen. They have ranked 14th, 5th, and 9th in passing yards allowed in the past three seasons. While their Week 1 win over Bryce Young and the Panthers might not offer a full picture, they looked suffocating, holding the rookie to just 5.4 yards per throw and forcing two interceptions. Allen consistently builds his secondary with playmakers, making outside receivers like Lamb work hard to produce. Even with Marshon Lattimore nursing a minor hamstring injury, the Saints' secondary remains deep. Paulson Adebo has emerged as a strong coverage corner, and veterans like Tyrann Mathieu and talented rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry provide further depth. The Saints' pass rush also plays a significant role, sacking Young four times in the opener. While it's unlikely any unit can fully shut down Lamb, the Saints will certainly make him earn his production. In this matchup, Prescott will need to find ways to stay efficient against a stout Saints defense, and the Cowboys will likely lean heavily on Lamb as they navigate through injury concerns and an inconsistent deep passing game.
Houston vs Chicago
C.J. Stroud began his 2024 campaign on a solid note, completing 24 of 32 passes for an average of 7.3 yards per attempt. Although it wasn't a flashy performance, it showcased his ability to manage the game efficiently. Stroud's top targets were Nico Collins, who recorded 4 catches for 80 yards, and Stefon Diggs, who contributed two short touchdowns. However, Stroud's chemistry with Tank Dell needs improvement, as Dell only caught 3 of his 7 targets. One concern for Stroud moving forward is his protection. Despite Houston's offensive line being highly regarded by analysts like Matt Bitonti, Stroud was hit 10 times and sacked 4 times in the opener. While there is no reason to doubt the talent on this unit, it will be crucial for the line to tighten up as they face tougher defenses. In Week 2, Stroud and the Texans will be tested by the Chicago Bears' aggressive pass rush, which could create more challenges if the protection doesn't hold.
The Bears' defense struggled to defend the pass in 2023, ranking 25th in yardage allowed and 26th in pressure rate. However, they made significant improvements during the 2024 offseason. In Week 1, the revamped defense dominated Tennessee's Will Levis, limiting him to just 4.0 yards per attempt and forcing two disastrous interceptions. Coach Matt Eberflus has emphasized a high-intensity approach, and new additions Darrell Taylor and Montez Sweat spearheaded a pass rush that gave Levis no room to operate. The Bears also boast one of the league's top cornerbacks in Jaylon Johnson, who shut down elite receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Chris Olave, and Drake London in late 2023. Johnson's presence will make it difficult for Houston's wideouts to consistently win matchups, especially with Stroud still building connections with his receivers. Stroud's Week 2 performance will largely depend on his ability to handle the Bears' defensive pressure and find quick, effective outlets in the passing game.
Minnesota vs San Francisco
In his debut with the Vikings, Sam Darnold delivered a sharp, efficient performance, though he wasn't asked to do too much as the game was essentially decided by the third quarter. Darnold executed several well-timed throws but mostly capitalized on the Giants' soft zone coverage. While this approach worked well in Week 1, Week 2 presents a much tougher challenge, as Darnold will face the formidable San Francisco 49ers defense. Darnold will likely need to make more difficult downfield throws, with limited room for error. Complicating matters further, he'll be without his No. 2 wide receiver, Jordan Addison, who sustained a serious ankle sprain in the opener. While star receiver Justin Jefferson can shoulder much of the load, the absence of Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson will likely force the Vikings into a more conservative game plan. Jalen Nailor, with just 13 career receptions, will step in for Addison, but the offense will face a much stiffer test from San Francisco's defense.
The 49ers' defense looked as dominant as ever in their Week 1 matchup, limiting Aaron Rodgers to 167 passing yards and forcing numerous errant throws. San Francisco's front seven, featuring Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd, Javon Hargrave, and Maliek Collins, is relentless and will challenge the Vikings' offensive line. This pressure, combined with lockdown coverage from Charvarius Ward and the presence of Fred Warner in the intermediate zone, makes it difficult for opposing offenses to find consistent success. In 2023, only two teams managed to surpass 300 passing yards against the 49ers, and they remain one of the NFL's most imposing units. Darnold will need to navigate this defense with precision, but without key weapons like Addison and Hockenson, Minnesota's attack may struggle to match up with the 49ers' defensive prowess.
Denver vs Pittsburgh
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a mixed NFL debut, showing occasional flashes of precision and sound decision-making, but overall, he struggled to make a significant impact. His 3.3 yards per attempt in Week 1 was a poor mark, and he threw two interceptions, with a couple more near-picks that defenders dropped. At Oregon, Nix built his reputation on timing and poise, but those traits didn't translate well to the pro level in his first NFL outing. Looking ahead to Week 2, Nix must rely on that timing and anticipation to succeed against the Pittsburgh Steelers' aggressive defense. Optimism is low based on his debut performance. Courtland Sutton, Nix's top receiver, was heavily targeted with 12 looks but could only manage 38 yards, finding it difficult to generate separation and make plays downfield. With other key receivers like Josh Reynolds and slot man Devaughn Vele questionable for Week 2, Nix will face even more challenges as he tries to establish chemistry with his supporting cast.
The Steelers' defense, meanwhile, remains one of the most dominant units in the NFL. Fresh off a suffocating 2023 season, the defense, led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, continues to treat defense like offense—attacking opposing quarterbacks and making splash plays that set up their offense in prime field position. Watt, with 25.5 sacks in his last 28 games, anchors a pass rush that consistently disrupts opposing offenses and forces turnovers. Joey Porter Jr., who is fast becoming one of the league's top cornerbacks, will look to build on a strong Week 1 performance in which he held Falcons' receiver Drake London to just a single catch. With this level of defensive pressure, Nix will likely face a long day trying to keep pace with the Steelers' front and secondary.
All of the Passing Matchups
