Knowing which matchups favor your players and which don’t favor your players can be the difference between advancing in the playoffs or being eliminated. Here are some key matchups you want to pay attention to.
Good: ATL WR Drake London vs. LV CB Jack Jones
Amidst a four-game losing streak and their season hanging in the balance, the Falcons will try to avoid public embarrassment on Monday night against the Raiders. QB Kirk Cousins has not thrown a touchdown in his last four games which ironically is the same amount of time London has not scored as well. Cousins will be forced to rely on his top receiver against the Raiders’ average pass defense. London and Cousins are both due for a monster game.
Good: BAL WR Zay Flowers vs. NYG CB Cor’Dale Flott
Baltimore is coming off a tough loss against the Eagles, and it was another rough game for Flowers. He has not gone over 70 receiving yards in four games, but this could be the “get right” game Flowers and the Ravens need before they go down their final stretch of games. The Giants have a top-ten pass defense so far this season, but their secondary is banged up. Tyler Nubin, Deonte Banks, and Dru Phillips are all dealing with injuries. Look for Baltimore to get Flowers going early.
Bad: CIN WR Tee Higgins vs. TEN CB Chidobe Awuzie
Higgins had a down week last week against Dallas, and he could be in for another down week. The Titans boast the NFL’s top pass defense in the league, surrendering just 175 pass yards a game on the season. Combine that with the insane production Ja’Marr Chase has been putting up, Higgins is not a smash start for your playoff matchup. Keep in mind as well that Titans HC Brian Callahan is well-versed in the Bengals’ offense and the tendencies of their top offensive talent.
Good: ARI WR Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. NE CB Christian Gonzalez
Harrison has gone through the peaks and valleys of being a number-one receiver as a rookie. The Cardinals need a win at home this week to keep pace in the NFC playoff hunt, and this could be a game where Harrison explodes. Before their bye, the Patriots’ secondary gave up an average of 237 passing yards a game over their last three games. However, without a pass rush, the Patriots could be in for a long day if QB Kyler Murray has all day to throw and if he has to extend plays with his legs. Harrison would be a good FLEX play this week if you are willing to roll the dice.
Bad: IND WR Josh Downs vs. DEN CB Ja’Quan McMillan
Both teams square off in a pivotal matchup with playoff implications. Both teams are also coming off of a bye week, and Downs is set to return to the lineup, barring any setbacks. Downs has been a reliable target for the Colts this season, but this Denver defense has been fantastic in support of their rookie quarterback. The Denver secondary went into the bye week with some momentum after gathering several turnovers against the Browns. Explore all of your options before entering Downs into your lineup.
Bad: PHI WR DeVonta Smith vs. PIT CB Donte Jackson
With the Philadelphia and national media circling around the Eagles team, given the comments made by WR A.J. Brown and DE Brandon Graham, this could be an A.J. Brown-centered passing attack when the Eagles decide to throw the football. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they face one of the top overall defenses in the league in Pittsburgh. Smith’s stock already drops for this game because of the opponent, but given Brown’s criticism of the passing game, Smith could see fewer targets than he normally gets.