As we head into the deeper part of the NFL season, we have a lot of data to go off. Using this data, we can look at key WRs in fantasy football who have excellent or tough matchups and know if we should be starting them or sitting them.
PIT WR D.K. Metcalf vs. CIN CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Metcalf has hit a bit of a rough patch over the past two games, totaling just five catches for 41 yards. However, this week is a perfect week for Metcalf and QB Aaron Rodgers to get the chemistry going again against an abysmal Bengals secondary. Earlier this season, Metcalf had just three catches for 50 yards in the first matchup against Cincinnati, but I expect him to have a much better outing this time around.
The Bengals are allowing 260 passing yards a game this season with no sign of improvement. Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has committed to running the ball with Jaylen Warren more, and that should open the pass game up even more for Rodgers and company. Metcalf is a smash play this week.
LAC WR Quentin Johnston vs. JAX CB Jarrian Jones
Johnston hit rock bottom for fantasy managers just a few weeks ago as Johnston recorded zero targets in a game where the Chargers scored 37 points on a tough Vikings defense. Over the last two games after that, Johnston has been targeted 16 times and hauled in nine of those targets for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Jacksonville’s secondary has plenty to worry about with Justin Herbert and the plethora of weapons he has at his disposal. The Jags are giving up 252 passing yards a game this season, so Johnston is a very serviceable WR2 or FLEX play this week.
SF WR Jauan Jennings vs. ARI CB Max Melton
Jennings has scored a touchdown in back-to-back weeks, and he has seen at least five targets in each of the last four weeks. Whoever is under center for the Niners this week will be looking for Jennings. He did not play in the first matchup against Arizona due to injury, so Jennings will have his first crack at the Cardinals’ secondary, which is banged up at the moment.
The status of starting corners Max Melton and Will Johnson is up in the air at the moment. If neither of them is able to give it a go, rookie Denzel Burke and second-year player Elijah Jones will fill in. The Cardinals have worked out other free agent corners, which is not a good sign, but time will tell who is available for Arizona. Regardless, Jennings is a good play this week against a weaker Arizona secondary.
DEN WR Courtland Sutton vs. KC CB Trent McDuffie
Sutton’s production has dipped a bit with the emergence of WR Troy Franklin and other playmakers that HC Sean Payton likes to use. This week presents a big challenge for the Denver offense. Yes, they are at home, but a Chiefs team that is desperate for a win to keep pace in their division is a dangerous team. QB Bo Nix has struggled a bit lately as well, which does not bode well for the Broncos against another stingy Steve Spagnuolo pass defense. I would hesitate before locking Sutton into my lineup.
JAX WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. LAC CB Donte Jackson
Thomas has been dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss last week. He has returned to practice, but his status is still in the air. If he plans to play this week, he will return to the field against a top-five pass defense in the league that allows under 175 pass yards a game. No matter who is out there for the Jaguars to catch passes will have an uphill battle to make plays. With inconsistent play from QB Trevor Lawrence and BTJ this season, it is hard to trust Thomas with the ankle injury and the defense that he will face this week.
CLE WR Jerry Jeudy vs. BAL CB Nate Wiggins
Jeudy had his best game of the season last week against the Jets with six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. He is facing one of the worst statistical secondaries this season in the Baltimore Ravens. However, the Ravens are starting to right the ship. They rattled off their third straight win last week against the Vikings. The Ravens gave young QB J.J. McCarthy fits, which is what they will do to Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel this week. Do not be fooled by Jeudy’s week last week.
Check out more of our articles: DrRoto.com Blog Articles
