By using 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.
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 to avoid distortion due to bye weeks.
Advantageous matchups
Texans' Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins vs. Colts' Xavier Rhodes, Kenny Moore II and Rock Ya-Sin
Indianapolis continues to struggle against boundary wide receivers, having allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to the perimeter this season, including the fourth most over the past eight weeks. Wide receivers have scored a league-high 17 touchdowns, and nine wideouts have reached 18 fantasy points against the Colts. Cooks (68% perimeter) and rookie Collins (84%) stand to benefit most from facing off with the perimeter rotation of Rhodes, Ya-Sin and Isaiah Rodgers. When these teams met in Week 6, Cooks posted a 9-89-0 receiving line on 13 targets, with most of that damage coming on 22 routes against Rhodes and Ya-Sin. He should be upgraded, whereas Collins is an option only as a DFS punt.