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 also can help you make the best waiver wire pickups.
Down below are the wideouts with the best and worst matchups this week, as well as the corresponding fantasy impact.
To view the primary defenders that the top three wide receivers for each team will see this weekend, be sure to check out our weekly WR vs. CB Cheatsheet.
Note that references to where teams rank in statistical categories adjust to a per-game basis in order to avoid distortion due to bye weeks, unless otherwise indicated.
Advantageous matchups
Cardinals' Marquise Brown and A.J. Green vs. Raiders' Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin
The Raiders did a surprisingly good job of slowing the Chargers' perimeter receivers in Week 1, allowing the fewest points; so I might be playing with fire here, but in terms of personnel, this still looks like a matchup that favors Arizona's boundary targets. The Raiders will be down one of their top outside corners (Anthony Averett), which vaults former fourth-round pick Robertson into the starting lineup opposite Ya-Sin. Brown (82% perimeter in Week 1) and Green (90%) will work against those two throughout the game and can be upgraded. Rondale Moore (if back from injury) has a tougher assignment against Raiders' standout slot CB Nate Hobbs.