Fantasy football is a weekly game, so knowing the matchups can help you make the best lineup decisions. By utilizing our play-by-play data, we're able to identify defensive 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 advice and waiver wire suggestions each week.
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 Cheatsheet.
Note that, unless otherwise noted, references to where teams rank in statistical categories adjusts to a per-game basis in order to avoid distortion due to bye weeks.
Projected shadow matchups
Falcons' Drake London vs. Broncos' Pat Surtain II (Shadow)
Surtain has shadowed DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Mike Evans, Garrett Wilson and DeAndre Hopkins, aligning against the group on a combined 104 of 150 routes, including 94 of 99 perimeter routes. The receiving lines of the four were as follows: Metcalf (4 targets-3 receptions-29 yards-0 touchdowns), Pickens (4-2-29-0), Evans (3-2-17-0), Wilson (7-5-41-0) and Hopkins (5-4-56-0).
The Broncos have been in man coverage more than any other defense (59%) and, though they've slipped a bit as of late, they've allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points and only six TDs to receivers this season. London aligns on the perimeter 59% of the time and can expect to see Surtain on those plays, though he'll see enough slot work that a respectable fantasy day remains possible.
Takeaway: