Unlock the Secrets of Fantasy Football Matchups
Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals presents an interesting matchup against the New England Patriots. Better defenses have given Murray trouble this season, with an average of 14.0 fantasy points against the eight toughest defenses. However, the Patriots are not among them. In fact, three consecutive quarterbacks have exceeded 21 fantasy points against them, including Anthony Richardson. Murray's Weeks 15-17 opponents (NE, @CAR, @LAR) all rank among the nine worst in adjusted fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. This sets up an outstanding series of fantasy-playoffs matchups for him.
On the other hand, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles has a steeper downside this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are the only defense to have not seen a single quarterback score 20 fantasy points against them, and only four have reached 15. Worse yet, they've faced four of the league's top 10 quarterbacks in fantasy points scored on rushing plays, and limited that group to 9.3 points per game.
Running Backs
Brian Robinson Jr. of the Washington Commanders is in a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Despite recent injury setbacks, Robinson's 45% snap rate and 17.9 PPR fantasy points last week indicate his usage is on the right track. With Austin Ekeler on injured reserve, Robinson will be the Commanders' lead back. The Saints have allowed a running back to reach 18 points in four of their past five games, and their 0.80 points per rushing attempt allowed is the most in the league.
James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, is a bit of a risky play against the Detroit Lions. Josh Jacobs' 24.6 PPR fantasy point performance against the Lions in Week 14 was an anomaly, driven by touchdown conversions. The Lions have seen only 15 rushing goal-to-go plays and only nine fantasy performances worth 10 points. As Cook is touchdown-dependent, accounting for 37% of his fantasy production, he has a steeper downside.
Wide Receivers
Jakobi Meyers of the Las Vegas Raiders has seen double-digit targets in three straight games, averaging 17.2 PPR fantasy points. Even if Desmond Ridder starts at quarterback, Meyers' workload is likely to remain high. The Falcons have collapsed against wide receivers over the past five weeks, surrendering seven games worth 11-plus points, including a pair of 30-point scores. For the season, they've allowed a league-most 2.08 points per target to the position.
A.J. Brown of the Eagles has a tough matchup against the Steelers. Steelers cornerback Joey Porter, who is likely to cover Brown, has been tough in coverage. Per Next Gen Stats, Porter hasn't allowed a touchdown, and receivers have only a 58% catch rate against him. The Steelers have the league's fewest adjusted fantasy points allowed against opposing No. 1 wide receivers.
Tight Ends
David Njoku of the Browns has had a great past two weeks, with 29 targets and 43.4 PPR fantasy points combined, tops among tight ends. He should be a reliable option in matchups against the Chiefs, who have struggled against tight ends in the slot. The six tight ends they've faced who ran at least 12 routes from the slot averaged 17.2 points overall.
Cade Otton of the Buccaneers faces a tough matchup against the Chargers. Since the team's Week 11 bye, Otton's usage has decreased. Now, he'll go up against one of the league's best overall defenses. Only four tight ends have reached 10 PPR fantasy points against the Chargers this season, and the team's 1.38 points per target allowed to the position are the fewest in the league.