By utilizing our play-by-play data, we're able to identify defensive schemes and where each wide receiver and cornerback lines up on every play. By tracking these WR/CB matchups, including potential shadow situations, we can offer the best projections, rankings, sit/start decisions and fantasy advice each week. Fantasy football is a weekly game, so knowing the matchups can also help you make the best waiver-wire pickups.
Down below are the receivers with the best and worst matchups this week, as well as the corresponding fantasy impact. To view the primary defenders the top three wide receivers for each team will see this weekend, be sure to check out our weekly WR vs. CB cheat sheet. Note that, unless otherwise noted, references to where teams rank in statistical categories adjust to a per-game basis in order to avoid distortion due to bye weeks.
Advantageous Matchups
Bengals Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd vs. Lions' Amani Oruwariye, Jerry Jacobs and AJ Parker
The Lions have one of the league's shakiest cornerback units on paper, so it might surprise you to learn that they've allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, including the 10th fewest to the perimeter and third fewest to the slot. However, a closer look shows that they've actually allowed the seventh-most fantasy points over expected to the position. Why?