By utilizing our play-by-play data, we're able to identify defense schemes and where each wide receiver and cornerback lines up on each 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
Buccaneers' Mike Evans and Antonio Brown/Tyler Johnson vs. Colts' Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin
The Colts are playing well lately, but struggles with injuries and effectiveness at perimeter corner have led to the utilization of a rotation with Rhodes, Ya-Sin and Isaiah Rodgers. Indianapolis has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season (sixth most over expected), including the fifth most to the perimeter. Wide receivers have scored a league-high 17 touchdowns against them. Evans (62% perimeter) will see the Colts' perimeter trio on over half his routes this week, though he aligns inside quite a bit and will draw Moore (one of the game's better slot corners) a bit. Brown, if he returns from injury, aligns outside 82% of the time and can be upgraded. If he's out, the same goes for Tyler Johnson (72% perimeter). Led by Moore, the Colts have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the slot over the past month, so Chris Godwin (69% slot) should not be upgraded.