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It’s that time of week, ladies and gentlemen! We will breakdown each of the outside matchups, as well as my 10 favorite matchups out of the slot. Then, below the charts in this article, I break down my four absolute favorite matchups by price in DFS, as well as likely ownership in seasonal formats. This article is critical for seasonal and daily players, as this will help you gain a competitive advantage when setting your lineups.
Remember, the No. 1 wide receiver doesn’t always matchup against the No. 1 cornerback. This isn’t a game of Madden! Seriously, it’s not!
Follow me on Twitter (@colbyrconway) as well!
| Left WR | Right CB | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Trent Sherfield ARI | Robert Alford ATL | It just might be Trent Sherfield season in Arizona! The rookie out of Vanderbilt caught five balls for 77 targets and gets a favorable matchup in Week 15 against Robert Alford . The struggling corner for Atlanta has allowed a 145.4 passer rating when targeted over the last two weeks, not to mention a 77.8 completion percentage when targeted.* Sherfield is a sneaky play in a game that should see Arizona put some points up on the board. |
| Julio Jones ATL | Patrick Peterson ARI | I expect a shadow situation here from Peterson. When other teams have definitive number one receivers, Peterson will leave his side of the field and travel the opposing star. Peterson has been dominant in shadow coverage this season, holding Stefon Diggs (26 yards), Tyreek Hill (42 yards), Davante Adams (8 yards) and Kenny Golladay (0 yards) in check during his coverage. In DFS, do not pay up for Julio Jones , but in seasonal formats, you still have to run him out there. |
| Michael Crabtree BAL | Ryan Smith TB | Baltimore is limiting Lamar Jackson 's pass attempts and the plan will likely to be let the running game pound the rock early and often. When Jackson does throw it, Crabtree has a decent matchup against Smith, who has allowed one touchdown and a 117.9 passer rating over the last two weeks.* In DFS, Crabtree is a tournament play at best, as well as being a middling flex option in the playoffs of your season-long leagues. |
| Robert Foster BUF | Mike Ford DET | Foster has recorded a catch of at least 27 yards in four straight games and with the Lions being merely average on the deep ball, the rookie out of Alabama could connect with fellow rookie Josh Allen for a long completion. Love Foster in GPPs this week. |
| Devin Funchess CAR | Marshon Lattimore NO | After a rough start to the season, Lattimore has been much better of late, allowing just 12.3 yards per reception and a 74.7 passer rating when targeted.* Pair that with the fact that Funchess has seen just six targets over the last two weeks, and you have yourself a mid-tier flex option in Week 15. Big time concern with Funchess in this matchup, as I would much rather have D.J. Moore or Curtis Samuel . |
| Taylor Gabriel CHI | Jaire Alexander GB | When pushing into a larger role a few weeks ago, Alexander was balling out! However, he's fallen off a bit in recent weeks, allowing 76 percent of his targets to be caught and a 123.1 passer rating when targeted.* Gabriel's workload has remained consistent in recent weeks (Seven or more targets in four straight), but the production has been underwhelming. However, I'm riding the solid matchup, and starting Gabriel in the flex. |
| Cody Core CIN | Gareon Conley OAK | Core saw four targets last week, hauling in three of them for 30 yards. He managed to find the end zone in Week 13, but that was his lone reception. Jeff Driskel under center doesn't inspire much confidence for Core in Week 15, even against the Oakland Raiders. |
| Antonio Callaway CLE | Bradley Roby DEN | Over the last four weeks, Roby has surrendered 17.3 yards per coverage.* Over the last four weeks, Callaway is averaging 18.5 yards per reception. That number could be even more inflated if it weren't for a bad break or two in the game a couple weeks ago against the Houston Texans. Baker Mayfield has the offense moving and Callaway is the receiver capable of stretching the field in the offense. Callaway has interesting appeal in this matchup. |
| Michael Gallup DAL | Quincy Wilson IND | Gallup is an immense upgrade over Hurns on the outside, providing Dallas with another weapon for Dak Prescott . The rookie out of Colorado State is averaging eight targets per game over the last two weeks and makes for a great complement to Amari Cooper . While Cooper is a WR1, Gallup is a mid-level flex option against the Colts in Week 15. |
| Courtland Sutton DEN | T.J. Carrie CLE | Sutton is a freak talent, but as much as the fantasy community has hyped him up, and rightfully so, the production hasn't been there in recent weeks, besides for a solid Week 13 outing against the abysmal Cincinnati Bengals. Carrie hasn't exactly been shutdown in coverage, but he's been fairly decent. Can't believe I'm saying this, but Sutton is my second favorite Denver receiver in Week 15. |
| T.J. Jones DET | Levi Wallace BUF | This Buffalo defense is really, really good, and Jones has caught exactly one pass in five of his last seven games. Not a recipe for success right here. Jones shouldn't be rostered in any format. |
| Davante Adams GB | Prince Amukamara CHI | Back in Week 1 against the Bears, Adams caught five balls for 88 yards and a touchdown. I would expect that sort of production on the low end of the spectrum for Adams in Week 15. He's averaging 11 targets and 0.75 touchdowns per game over the last four weeks, and he's tallied less than 50 receiving yards in just one game this season. Adams is a touchdown machine and Amukamara isn't the best player on this Chicago defense. Adams = WR1. |
| DeAndre Hopkins HOU | Morris Claiborne NYJ | Deshaun Watson better be staring down Hopkins in Week 15, as the Texans need a win and Claiborne has allowed one touchdown and a 149.1 passer rating when targeted over the last three weeks.* Hopkins is a touchdown machine and should get back closer to 100 yards in this must-win game for Houston. |
| T.Y. Hilton IND | Byron Jones DAL | Despite leading the league in receiving yards over the last four weeks, Hilton has his work cut out for him against Jones, one of the emerging young corners in the lead. Hilton feasted on the Texans defense last week, but things won't be as easy this week. While Hilton remains a must-start in seasonal formats, expect WR2 numbers, and not elite WR1 production. |
| Keelan Cole JAX | Fabian Moreau WAS | It was encouraging that Cole saw seven targets last week, albeit catching just three balls for 55 yards. This is a tough matchup for the Jacksonville receivers, as Cody Kessler is under center and the Washington defense is full of ballhawks. Cole is a risky start in any format, even in the deepest of leagues. |
| Tyreek Hill KC | Casey Hayward Jr. LAC | Hill's foot injury is surely one to monitor, as the speedy receiver could be limited in this contest. Hill dominated the Chargers secondary in Week 1, and Los Angeles has struggled on balls thrown deep down the field. Again, monitor Hill's practice activity leading up to Thursday's night tilt. |
| Mike Williams LAC | Steven Nelson KC | In the team's past three games, minus the high-octane Rams shootout, Nelson has allowed two touchdowns and a 84.6 passer rating when targeted.* Williams has just two touchdowns in the past five games, but he's been more productive than other receivers on the team, sans Keenan Allen . Mike Williams is my second favorite Los Angeles wideout in this matchup. |
| Brandin Cooks LAR | Rasul Douglas PHI | Over the last four weeks, Douglas has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards in the league, including two touchdowns and a whopping 2.05 yards per coverage snap.* Jared Goff will be the latest quarterback to torch this battered defense, and Cooks will be dominant in this matchup. Cooks is going for 100 or more yards with a touchdown. BOOK IT. |
| DeVante Parker MIA | Xavier Rhodes MIN | The Dolphins scored 34 points against the Patriots and he caught just one ball on four targets for 18 yards. Yikes. Now, in Week 15, he draws a tough matchup with Rhodes, whom has allowed just two touchdowns in coverage and a 92.9 passer rating when targeted on the season. Parker is a risky start in your playoffs this week. |
| Laquon Treadwell MIN | Minkah Fitzpatrick MIA | It's not happening with Treadwell. He will continue to get the snaps, but the production won't be there, as the wide receiver production is clearly, and rightfully, dominated by Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs . Fade, fade, fade. |
| Josh Gordon NE | Joe Haden PIT | Haden has struggled a bit in recent weeks, allowing two touchdowns and a 133.0 passer rating when targeted over the last four weeks. Gordon, meanwhile, has 70 or more receiving yards in four of his last five games. New England will score some points, and Gordon will be involved. Start Gordon with WR2 expectations. |
| Michael Thomas NO | James Bradberry CAR | Bradberry has shadowed on recent occasions this year, but he hasn't exactly been dominant in coverage. He's a primary corner for a team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the past four months. Despite some quiet games in recent weeks, Thomas is in a great spot for a monster performance against Bradberry and the rest of the Carolina secondary. |
| Bennie Fowler NYG | Malcolm Butler TEN | Butler has been better in coverage of late, but that's partially due to the fact that the team has started shifting Adoree' Jackson to the opposition's top receiver. Fowler doesn't get much run in the offense, and while he did catch a touchdown last week, Fowler saw just one target, and that is even with Odell Beckham Jr. out of the lineup. Fade Fowler. |
| Rishard Matthews NYJ | Johnathan Joseph HOU | Matthews will see a few targets in place of Quincy Enunwa , but Jermaine Kearse and Robby Anderson are in far better spots. Fade Matthews outside of super contrarian Saturday only DFS slates. |
| Jordy Nelson OAK | William Jackson CIN | Nelson has been incredibly efficient over the last three weeks, catching 16 of 18 targets thrown his way. Now, the yardage totals aren't exceptional and he hasn't found the end zone, but the efficiency is there, and Jackson has allowed a 102.1 passer rating when targeted.* Given recent state of affairs, Nelson is a better play in PPR formats at this juncture, but still no better than a WR3. |
| Nelson Agholor PHI | Marcus Peters LAR | The return of Aqib Talib has rejuvenated Marcus Peters , as Peters has allowed the fifth-lowest passer rating (among corners with at least 25 coverage snaps) when targeted over the past two weeks.* While it's not necessarily a strength of his game, Agholor has served as the vertical threat in the offense, and Peters has struggled this season on double-moves and deep routes. Agholor is a flex option in Week 15. |
| Antonio Brown PIT | Stephon Gilmore NE | Brown has caught just 61.9 percent of his targets this season, which would be the second-lowest mark of his career (58.3 in 2011). He's sustained WR1 production by finding the end zone 12 times and tallying 1,063 yards on the year. It seems to be that Brown does better in home games, whereas JuJu Smith-Schuster tends to shine more in those road contests. In a must-win game at home, Brown remains a WR1 option in all formats. |
| Tyler Lockett SEA | Ahkello Witherspoon SF | Witherspoon has been outstanding in coverage over the last three games, allowing a 54.4 passer rating when targeted and 0.77 yards per coverage snap.* Lockett had scored a touchdown in three of the prior four games before Monday Night's tilt with the Vikings. Russell Wilson is hardly throwing the football and unless he is efficient when passing, and Lockett scores, he will disappoint fantasy owners. Bump Lockett down a few notches in Week 15. |
| Dante Pettis SF | Tre Flowers SEA | The rookie corner has struggled over the last two weeks, allowing the second-most receiving yards in the league, not to mention a sky-high 155.8 passer rating when targeted. He's allowed over 27 yards per reception during this two-game span! Pettis is scoring touchdowns with great consistency, and makes for a great play this week. |
| Chris Godwin TB | Jimmy Smith BAL | Godwin saw 10 targets last week, which is excellent. However, he caught just one of them for 13 yards. Yikes. He's averaging eight targets per game over his last two contests, but only one of those outings was productive for fantasy owners. The Baltimore secondary has been stingy against opposing corners, but Smith has allowed the highest reception percentage (81% over last four games) among Baltimore's regular corners.* If the volume stays for Godwin, he has the best chance to produce against this Baltimore secondary. In DFS, I prefer Godwin to Evans this weekend. |
| Corey Davis TEN | Janoris Jenkins NYG | We don't need to fear Jenkins in coverage, so don't be afraid to deploy Davis in your lineups. His targets have been down in recent weeks, as he's seen more than four targets just twice over the last five weeks. However, he's made up for that by scoring three of his four touchdowns on the year during this five week span. Start Davis as a WR2 in this matchup. |
| Josh Doctson WAS | Jalen Ramsey JAX | I like Josh Doctson as a receiver, I really do. However, the pairing of Josh Johnson throwing the rock and Jalen Ramsey in coverage doesn't bode well for Doctson. No Redskins receiver is startable this week. |
| Right WR | Left CB | Analysis |
| J.J. Nelson ARI | Desmond Trufant ATL | Trufant is the best of Atlanta's three primary corners and Nelson has been inefficient this season. It's encouraging that he saw seven targets last week, but catching just three of them for 43 yards is a bit underwhelming. Atlanta has been tough on opposing receivers of late, allowing an average of just 100 yards per game to the position. I'm fading Nelson in Week 15. |
| Calvin Ridley ATL | David Amerson ARI | We need to be all over Ridley this week. With Julio Jones dealing with shadow coverage from Patrick Peterson , Ridley should be in line for a few extra targets against Amerson, who's been targeted 13 times over the past two weeks.* Sure, Amerson has held up well, but I trust Ridley's talent in this matchup, and the extra volume certainly won't hurt. Love Ridley as a low-end WR2 this week. |
| John Brown BAL | Brent Grimes TB | Tampa Bay has been better against wide receivers of late, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position over the last four weeks. Running backs are eating this defense up, and with Baltimore already deploying a run-heavy scheme, Brown's opportunities to produce may be few and far between. Brown is a very risky play this week, despite the name recognition in going against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. |
| Zay Jones BUF | Darius Slay DET | Isaiah McKenzie will continue to dominate the slot for Buffalo, pushing Jones to the outside, meaning he will see plenty of Darius Slay in this matchup. Slay has allowed a passer rating of just 56.0 when targeted over the last two weeks, and with the opposition having great success against Mike Ford and Nevin Lawson , there's no need to heavily target Detroit's best corner. Josh Allen will spread the ball around, but with Robert Foster having the better matchup, Jones likely takes a back seat in Week 15. Jones still makes for a fine flex play in deeper leagues, but in shallower formats, look elsewhere. |
| D.J. Moore CAR | Eli Apple NO | While Devin Funchess has seen fewer targets, Moore has seen eight or more targets in four straight contests. He is THE number one receiver in Carolina and is easily Cam Newton 's most dynamic wide receiver. Apple has been great in coverage lately, allowing an excellent 56.3 passer rating when targeted, but I'm still rolling Moore out there in all formats.* |
| Allen Robinson CHI | Tony Brown GB | Brown hasn't been bad in coverage, he just isn't targeted as frequently as other corners Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson .* Volume has been there for Robinson in recent weeks, as he's seen 17 targets over the past two weeks. His efficiency should increase in this matchup and he can be trusted as a low-end WR2. |
| John Ross CIN | Daryl Worley OAK | Worley can struggle with speed and Ross certainly has it. While Ross has been scoring touchdowns for fantasy owners, the yardage totals haven't been what many hoped. He has six touchdowns on 18 grabs this year, which is great, however, he has just 200 yards to show for it, and he's topped 35 receiving yards just once in the past five games. Ross is a risky play, because if he doesn't score, you aren't getting much. |
| Rashard Higgins CLE | Isaac Yiadom DEN | Higgins has scored two touchdowns in the past four weeks, but that's about all he's done that has caught the eyes of fantasy owners across all formats. He tallied just 19 receiving yards last week and lost a fumble against a Carolina defense that has been gashed by opposing receivers of late. Tougher matchup here for the third-year receiver out of Colorado State. |
| Amari Cooper DAL | Pierre Desir IND | Cooper has been dominant with the Cowboys, especially in his last three contests, scoring five touchdowns and catching 26 of 29 targets. With America's team, Cooper has caught 80 percent of his targets and Dak Prescott has a passer rating of 141.7 when targeting his No. 1 receiver. Indy played well against the Houston passing attack last week, but they could be tested by Prescott, Cooper and Co. |
| Tim Patrick DEN | Terrance Mitchell CLE | With the team moving DaeSean Hamilton into the slot, Patrick has an opportunity for regular snaps out wide, along with Courtland Sutton . The undrafted free agent out of Utah delivered last week against the 49ers, hauling in seven of 10 targets for 85 yards. This is another good matchup for the tall receiver, who could develop into a nice red zone weapon for Case Keenum . Patrick is an intriguing play in deeper formats. |
| Kenny Golladay DET | Tre'Davious White BUF | Another tough matchup here for Golladay, as he will see a ton of Tre'Davious White after seeing ample routes against Arizona's Patrick Peterson . Not a great spot for Golladay yet again, and he may even see reduced targets as Matthew Stafford attacks more favorable matchups on the field. Golladay is a low-end WR2 for me this week. |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling GB | Kyle Fuller CHI | Valdes-Scantling saw a few extra targets two weeks ago against the Cardinals, since Davante Adams was dealing with Patrick Peterson . Last week, MVS fell back to Earth, recording just two catches on two targets for 19 yards. It will likely be a similar scenario in Week 15, with MVS seeing limited opportunities to make a splash. |
| Demaryius Thomas HOU | Trumaine Johnson NYJ | In the wonderful game of "what could have been", Thomas could have had a pretty big Week 14, if only Julie'n Davenport would have gotten out wide a split second sooner on a smoke screen. Thomas would have had one man to beat to potentially take it to the house. Outside from his two touchdown game against the Titans, Thomas has been underwhelming with his new team, but the Texans may have found something in the screen game that could work. I'm starting Thomas in the flex against Johnson and the Jets. |
| Ryan Grant IND | Chidobe Awuzie DAL | The opposition hasn't had much luck throwing at Byron Jones , relegating more targets towards Awuzie and slot corner Anthony Brown . However, Awuzie has stepped up to the challenge in the past three weeks, allowing a measly 10 yards per reception and a 58.0 passer rating when targeted.* Along with that, Grant has just one game in the past five weeks with more than one reception. Fade Grant. |
| Donte Moncrief JAX | Josh Norman WAS | Tough matchup here for Moncrief, who has been a marginal producer at best this season and has Cody Kessler under center. This Washington defense will wreak havoc on the Jacksonville offense, leaving Moncrief as an incredibly risky start in Week 15. |
| Demarcus Robinson KC | Michael Davis LAC | With Casey Hayward Jr. focusing his attention on the speedy Tyreek Hill , Davis will face off against Robinson, not Sammy Watkins as he deals with a lingering injury. Robinson saw seven targets last week, which is certainly encouraging, and with the Chiefs likely scoring some points in this matchup, Robinson should be in on the action. The former Florida Gator will compete with Hill, Travis Kelce and Chris Conley for targets, but there should be plenty to go around for Robinson to get a sizable piece of the pie. |
| Tyrell Williams LAC | Orlando Scandrick KC | If you look at the Kansas City corners in recent weeks, the numbers are a bit inflated, due to that crazy shootout against the Rams on Monday Night Football. In the team's three most recent games, sans Rams contest, Scandrick has allowed 0.99 yards per coverage snap and a meager 69.7 passer rating when targeted. Williams had that electric, but brief stint in the middle of the season with some big time performances, but he has been quiet of late. He's a low-end flex option this week. |
| Josh Reynolds LAR | De'Vante Bausby PHI | Let's not sugarcoat this, but the Eagles secondary is battered, bruised, and because of that, pretty bad. Reynolds will get to go up against a Eagles secondary that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to receivers over the past four weeks and on an individual level, Bausby has allowed an eye-popping 2.55 yards per coverage snap during that span.* Reynolds saw seven targets last week, which is encouraging, and he offers cheap exposure in DFS to what should be a 30+ point outing for the Rams offense. |
| Kenny Stills MIA | Holton Hill MIN | Hill has been quite impressive in lieu of Trae Waynes , and in the past four weeks, he's allowed a catch rate of 50 percent and an average 98.3 passer rating when targeted.* Stills is coming off a monster game, and with any receiver going against Minnesota, avoiding Xavier Rhodes is key. I like Stills a good bit this week as a reliable WR3. |
| Stefon Diggs MIN | Torry McTyer MIA | The Vikings are finally not playing a primetime game, which means Kirk Cousins should play better. That means, in theory, that Diggs should bounce back to his WR1 form we had seen in recent weeks before last week's game. McTyer will be tested in this contest, and Diggs should produce low-end WR1 results this weekend. |
| Chris Hogan NE | Coty Sensabaugh PIT | What a disappointing season for the former lacrosse star. It's Week 15 of the season and Hogan has just 27 receptions on 400 yards with two touchdowns. New England will score some points in this one, but it's hard to imagine Hogan getting in on the action. I'm not starting Hogan in any format. Crazy. |
| Tre'Quan Smith NO | Donte Jackson CAR | Smith has a great matchup in Week 15, as Jackson has allowed the most receiving yards in coverage in the entire league over the last two weeks.* However, Smith hasn't received a target since seeing 13 passes from Drew Brees nearly a month ago against the Eagles. In a tournament, I'm fine with taking a chance on Smith, who can take advantage in great matchups, but he cannot be trusted in cash games. |
| Corey Coleman NYG | Adoree' Jackson TEN | Over the last four weeks, Jackson has allowed three touchdowns in coverage and a whopping 2.01 yards per coverage snap.* However, Coleman simply cannot be trusted in any format. |
| Robby Anderson NYJ | Shareece Wright HOU | Wright was shook by Zach Pascal last week on a double-move that led to a touchdown for the Indianapolis Colts. Anderson found the end zone last week, and while he haven't seen it as frequently as last season, Anderson has the ability to stretch the field vertically. As we all know, Houston struggles with these types of receivers, and there's no reason to believe that Anderson won't get behind Wright at least once on Saturday. Anderson is an interesting start in Week 15. |
| Marcell Ateman OAK | Darius Phillips CIN | Over the last four weeks, Ateman has caught just 52 percent of his passes and quarterback Derek Carr has an 83.1 passer rating when targeting Ateman during that span.* Phillips has allowed five receptions over the last five weeks (six targets), two of which have ended in the end zone.* Ateman is an intriguing play against a reeling Cincinnati defense, and team. |
| Alshon Jeffery PHI | Aqib Talib LAR | Albeit a small sample size, Jeffery hasn't produced notable fantasy results without Carson Wentz under center. In fact, Jeffery is averaging over two times as many fantasy points with Wentz running the offense, per RotoViz. Talib has played well since his return and is one of the game's better corners when full healthy. Jeffery drops down to flex level this week. |
| Justin Hunter PIT | J.C. Jackson PIT | The third receiver in Pittsburgh continues to be a barren wasteland. James Washington struggled for most of the year, causing the team to make him inactive and give some snaps to Justin Hunter . Hunter has just three receptions over the past five weeks, and Pittsburgh is content with feeding Antonio Brown , JuJu Smith-Schuster , the running back (whomever it may be), and the tight ends. Avoid Hunter at all costs. |
| David Moore SEA | Richard Sherman SF | Sherman has struggled a bit in recent weeks in coverage, allowing nearly 15 yards per reception and a 134.5 passer rating when targeted over the last four weeks.* In fact, teams have had more success throwing at Sherman, compared to fellow outside corner Ahkello Witherspoon . Moore is a mid-level flex play, as Seattle has adopted a run-heavy offense and he will have a tough time making value unless he finds the end zone. |
| Kendrick Bourne SF | Shaquil Griffin SEA | Dante Pettis , Marquise Goodwin and George Kittle are hogging the targets, leaving Bourne just a few chances per game to produce. He hasn't found the end zone since the beginning of November, and he's been held to less than 35 receiving yards in four of his last five games. Fade Bourne, and play Pettis and Goodwin. |
| Mike Evans TB | Marlon Humphrey BAL | Evans has underwhelmed lately, hauling in just eight of 12 targets for 134 yards against the Panthers and Saints, which were two defenses allowing some production to opposing wide receivers at the time of the matchup. Baltimore's pass defense is stingy, and Evans could struggle yet again. He comes in at the low-end of the WR2 realm for me in Week 15. |
| Cameron Batson TEN | B.W. Webb NYG | The rookie from Texas Tech continues to run routes on the outside for Tennessee, but he gets next to zero targets. In fact, in the past five weeks, his best game totals were two receptions, three targets and 36 yards. Webb has allowed a passer rating of just 69.6 when targeted over the past few weeks. Batson shouldn't be started in any format, as he's nearly a lock for fewer than five fantasy points. |
| Maurice Harris WAS | A.J. Bouye JAX | Josh Johnson under center doesn't spark much confidence, and Bouye is an above-average corner in the National Football League. Simply put, I don't want Harris, or any Washington receiver this weekend. |
Now, here are my 10 favorite matchups in the slot in Week 15.
| Woods has been pretty productive in the slot for the Rams, filling in for the injured Cooper Kupp . While he's caught less than half of his targets out of the slot, he's averaging nearly 15 yards per reception on his eight receptions out of the slot in the past three weeks.* He will move around the offense, but he's got a distinct advantage over LeBlanc, who has been forced into regular playing time due to injuries. |
| Williams has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards in slot coverage this season, and Samuel is seeing increased usage out of the slot for the Panthers.* Sure, a few added targets his way due to Cam Newton 's bum shoulder surely helped, but still, the guy has been productive for Carolina. He's seen 19 targets over the past two weeks, and has found the end zone in two of his last four games. With 80+ receiving yards in each of the past two games, he's a must start in all formats. |
| If Carter can return from the concussion that knocked him out of the Week 14 loss to the Colts, he's in a great spot against our buddy ol' pal Buster Skrine . Only Green Bay's Tramon Williams has allowed more touchdowns in slot coverage this season, and unless you're new to the article, Skrine is a player we commonly pick on. |
Elite
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Morris Claiborne
Aside from a late touchdown grab last week, Hopkins was hardly involved in the Houston offense. Sure, he saw 10 targets, but he caught just four of them, and he went quiet for stretches during that game. A disruptive Indianapolis pass rush knocked Watson off his spot all afternoon, and that affected Hopkins’ production. Houston wants to run the ball, and Watson has just missed Hopkins, and other receivers, on a few balls deep downfield. Those passes are going to connect sooner or later, and why not now, especially with Claiborne allowing a whopping passer rating of 149.1 when targeted over the past three weeks.* Hopkins will eclipse 100 yards AND find the end zone in this matchup.
Affordable
I’ve typically been off Boyd when A.J. Green isn’t in the lineup, but I’m a believer in Boyd this week against the Raiders. Over the past four weeks, no cornerback in the league has allowed more receiving yards out of the slot than Oakland’s Nick Nelson .* Despite scoring just one touchdown in the past three weeks, Boyd continues to be used in the offense, and his average stat line over the past four games is as follows: Five receptions on 8.25 targets for 76.25 yards and 0.25 touchdowns. My crystal ball for Week 15 says that Boyd betters each of those numbers in Week 15!
Calvin Ridley vs. David Amerson
I’ll come right out and say it, and it might be unpopular, however, here goes nothing. Calvin Ridley will outscore Julio Jones in a PPR format this week. Yeah, there it is! The cat is out of the bag. Amerson has held up well in coverage during his brief tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, but he’s no Patrick Peterson , whom will be traveling with Julio Jones on the majority of his routes on Sunday. Ridley has been boom-or-bust for the majority of his rookie season, but this week, Week 15, is going to be a BOOM!
Bargain Bin
The rookie out of Alabama is Buffalo’s deep threat and he’s recorded a reception of 27 or more yards in four straight games. Detroit has done a good job of not letting mobile quarterbacks beat them with their legs, and if that’s the case, the Buffalo offense will need to move the ball via Josh Allen ’s arm, and not his legs. Over the past five weeks, only six receivers in the National Football League have allowed more receiving yards in coverage than Detroit’s Mike Ford .* Furthermore, Ford has allowed a completion percentage of 95 percent during that span. NINETY-FIVE PERCENT, PEOPLE! Love Foster this week, and you should, too.
*Information gathered from research done at Pro Football Focus.