WR/CB MATCHUPS REPORT
This new featured tool displays how each defense performs against their opponent’s receiving yardage gained by position.
New this year: Rank now considers the opponent. So for example, if the Vikings limit the Packers WR1 to only 18 yards but that WR1 happens to be Sammy Watkins, that won’t be as impressive as Denver which allows more yards (36) to DK Metcalf.
If you see a team is ranked 1st vs. WR #1, that defense is currently the best at limiting their opponent’s WR #1. Or, if you see a team is ranked 32nd against WR #2, that defense is the worst against WR #2’s. This a great tool to find and exploit useful matchups. Don’t forget to check out all the positions as well (WR #1, WR #2, Other WRs, TE & RB).
• The 49ers look awfully impressive here but scheduling has played a big role. San Francisco opened against the Bears and Seahawks, who rank 32nd and 28th respectively against the pass. Courtland Sutton will provide a much more challenging matchup in Week 3, especially if Jerry Jeudy is unable to go.
• Something has to give in this Texans/Bears tilt. If you haven’t yet given up on Darnell Mooney, this is the make-or-break game. No team is allowing more yards per game to opposing No. 1 wideouts than Houston. Both Michael Pittman and Courtland Sutton surpassed double-digit targets and 120 receiving yards against the Texans. That seems a bit optimistic for Mooney, but if he doesn’t snag 5-plus passes and top 75 yards it may be time to surrender.
• Arizona is the worst in the league in every category when it comes to “covering” tight ends. The Cardinals have allowed more receptions (19), yards (212), and touchdowns (3) than any other team through two games. Meanwhile, Tyler Higbee leads all NFL tight ends with a 96.1% snap rate. Fire up Higbee as a top-5 option in Week 3.
• Kansas City has allowed an NFL-worst 20 receptions to running backs. In a game where the Colts desperately have to turn around their offensive struggles, we could see the Colts take advantage of those dump-off opportunities. It makes Nyheim Hines an interesting option as an RB3/flex option.
Defensive Back Update
• Darius Slay was able to neutralize Justin Jefferson on Monday Night Football. The Eagles are likely to let their top cornerback shadow their opponent’s No. 1 wideout. That’s bad news for Terry McLaurin this week. Washington’s offense has been humming but we’re more interested in Jahan Dotson or Curtis Samuel in this one.
• No cornerback has played man coverage more than LA Chargers CB J.C. Jackson’s 59%. And Jackson has struggled in that area. All five targets thrown his way have been completed for 70 yards and a score. Targeting Jackson in man-to-man has resulted in a perfect 158.3 QB Rating so far. Jackson is a perimeter corner, so this should mainly impact Marvin Jones and Zay Jones this week.
• Ahmad Gardner gets the headlines but D.J. Reed has been one of the best cornerbacks in football. In 68 coverage snaps, Reed has been targeted 10 times. Only three of those passes were completed for 24 yards. Targeted Reed this season has netted opposing QBs a 0.0 QB rating.
• Chicago slot corner Kyler Gordon hasn’t fared well so far. All 13 slot targets sent Gordon’s way have been completed for an NFL-worst 164 yards and two scores. That bodes well for Brandin Cooks in Week 3.
• Speaking of the Texans, rookie CB Derrick Stingley is struggling. Only two cornerbacks have been targeting more often than Stingley’s 19 targets. The first-rounder is allowing 14 yards per grab and the fifth-most yards (168) in coverage. He hasn’t allowed a touchdown yet, but we’re expecting that long-awaited blowup game from Darnell Mooney in Week 3.
• Falcons’ CB A.J. Terrell has surrendered the most touchdowns receptions (4) so far. Cooper Kupp and Michael Thomas both scored twice against the Falcons. Terrell rarely plays in the slot, so if his coverage struggles continue, DK Metcalf could be in for a huge outing.
