Wide Receiver vs. Cornerback Matchup Analysis: Week 8

When it comes to selecting receivers in DFS, it’s important to understand who will cover them. Many times, defense-versus-position stats alone don't tell the whole story or overlooked defensive injuries will have a significant effect.

Below is a chart detailing each wide receiver versus cornerback matchup for Week 8, target rates, cornerback yards per target and reception, catch rate allowed and yards per target allowed. The most important column is the last one (+/-), which indicates whether the matchup is an upgrade or downgrade for the receiver (N indicates a neutral matchup). We're starting to get an idea of who to target weekly, now that we're getting a bigger sampling of data.

After the chart, I also provide key notes such as veteran receivers who will square off against rookies, how a wide receiver matchup might affect the team's tight end, etc. There are some key injuries to watch throughout the rest of the week and this chart will be updated to reflect breaking news.

Week 8 Wide Receiver vs. Cornerback Matchups

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates WR or CB plays outside in two-wide sets. Outside of shadow situations, LWRs and RWRs generally match up with both outside cornerbacks over the course of a game, as almost every wide receiver moves around the offensive formation to varying degrees, and almost every defense plays zone coverage on at least half of its snaps.

M/U = aFPA ranking vs. WR. Tar% = targets per snap in coverage. C% = catch rate allowed. YPR = yards per reception allowed. YPT = yards per target allowed. FP/T = PPR fantasy points per target allowed.

^{Data courtesy of SportsInfoSolutions}

Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos vs. Kendall Fuller, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs actually brought the defense last week. Fuller allowed the second-most receiving yards among the secondary, however. Overall, he's struggled in the slot and he's going to have trouble covering Sanders this week. The Chiefs corner has been the opposing QB's target on 17 percent of their throws and he's giving up a 70 percent catch rate. He's been responsible for three scores and is giving up 2.10 fantasy points per target.

Jordy Nelson, Oakland Raiders vs. Nate Hairston, Indianapolis Colts

Some targets have opened up with Amari Cooper getting traded to Dallas. This week, Nelson is the beneficiary of more looks. Over the last four weeks, Nelson has received 21 targets and he should draw Hairston in coverage for most of his routes. Hairston is allowing a 72 percent catch rate and over 11 yards per reception. He's also been responsible for two scores, resulting in just over two fantasy points per target allowed.

Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks vs. Teez Tabor, Detroit Lions

The Seahawks are off their bye, and while the matchup may not look favorable, I really like Doug Balwin's matchup against Tabor. If Russell Wilson is forced to throw quick, he could look Baldwin's way more times than not. Tabor has been targeted on nearly 16 percent of opposing QB's throws and is allowing a 69 percent catch rate and 2.25 fantasy points per target. Tyler Lockett's matchup against Slay is pretty good, as well. Take advantage of the name recognition, as more people might be off Lockett because of Slay's coverage.

Davante Adams/Geronimo Allison, Green Bay Packers vs. Troy Hill/Marcus Peters, Los Angeles Rams

The Rams secondary hasn't been good this season, which puts both of Green Bay's outside receivers in play this week. Adams should find himself on Hill most of his routes, as he runs 56 percent of his routes as the left wide receiver. If he does move, it won't matter—the matchup will be just as favorable. Hill continues to get burned deep, allowing over 26 yards per reception and 13.1 yards per target. Peters has been responsible for five touchdowns and is allowing 2.6 fantasy points per target.

Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns vs. Coty Sensabaugh, Pittsburgh Steelers

Let's hope Callaway spends a bit more time at the jugs machine. The major concern here is the 17.4 percent drop rate. If he can build some confidence early with a few catches, he could be in for a solid fantasy day against Sensabaugh. Callaway could also see some Artie Burns coverage, which is just fine, as well. Baker Mayfield is targeting Callaway deep, as he's recorded an average depth of target (aDOT) of 14.5 yards. Sensabaugh is allowing 13.6 yards per reception and 1.7 fantasy points per target.

Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts vs. Daryl Worley, Oakland Raiders

As of now, Dontrelle Inman isn't in the FD player pool (hopefully he'll be added)—otherwise, I'd write him up. He and Pascal were on the field for almost the same number of snaps last week. Hilton could be in the mix for more snaps, but if you're looking for a boom or bust value play to fit in Todd Gurley, Pascal could be it. Since being brought on by the Raiders, Worley has been targeted eight times and given up 118 yards and a TD, resulting in 3.1 fantasy points per target.

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals vs. MJ Stewart, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you need some salary relief, Alex Erickson is in play, as well. Boyd is still cheap at $6,800 on FD for the production he's capable of. The Bengals should be able to bounce back against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL and this game is carrying a 54 point total—Cincinnati's implied total is sitting at 29.25. Stewart is being targeted on 16 percent of the opposing QB's throws and is allowing a 76 percent catch rate. He's been burned for three touchdowns and is allowing 2.4 fantasy points per target.

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images.