Fantasy football is a weekly game, so knowing the matchups can help you make the best lineup decisions. By using 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 to avoid distortion due to bye weeks.
Projected shadow matchups
Buccaneers' Mike Evans vs. Broncos' Pat Surtain II (shadow)
Surtain is quickly emerging as the most-feared corner in fantasy. The NFL's highest-paid corner has already shadowed DK Metcalf and George Pickens this season, aligning against the two on a combined 35 of 42 routes, including 31 of 31 perimeter routes. Metcalf posted a 3-29-0 receiving line on four targets and Pickens was held to 2-29-0, also on four targets.
Evans has aligned in the slot 36% of the time this season, so he might escape Surtain on some of those plays, but plan on these two facing off roughly 80% of the time this week. Through two games, Denver has been in man coverage more than any other defense (67%) and has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Takeaway:
