NFL Week 9: WR/CB Matchup Grades

We are looking ahead at Week 9 to find the elite matchups for wide receivers against corners. Using Pro Football Focus's ratings as a base, we are able to get an advanced look at what matchups we can take advantage of. Defense against opposing WR's is grabbed from FootballOutsiders. They matchups are broken down into the top tier matchups, middle tier matchups, and matchups to possibly fade. Now the opposing cornerback may not always be on the highlighted receiver, but this is a look at who the highlighted receiver will likely see most of the game. Not every number one cornerback covers the opposing team's wide receiver. They usually stay on their side of the field, and on occasion can shadow a number one. I will continue to edit it during the week, if there is given news of a switch in matchups. Blown coverage equals great matchups, zone coverages suggest they are toss-ups, and lockdown coverage is pretty self explanatory. Premium access grants you the full article.

Blown Coverage

Even with Drew Stanton under center, I am willing to gamble on the Cardinals this week. They are in too good of a spot to not at the least consider. Larry Fitzgerald will see slot-corner K'Waun Williams, who has allowed 0.38 fantasy points per route against this season (F/R), and 1.57 yards per route covered (Y/RC). Fitz is averaging 1.71 yards per route run (Y/RR) this year, which his the highest among the Cardinals. John Brown and Jaron Brown both sit in excellent spots as well, but Fitz is the one who stands out being targeted 21% of the time.

Give me some Dez Bryant this week against Kansas City, who have struggled on defense this season. There is no shadow situation for Dez this week, so Kenneth Acker will be the major guy covering him, while Marcus Peters will have shot every now and then, but KC ranking 29th against WR1s is something I am intrigued with. Emmanuel Sanders is an interesting dart throw this week, coming off of injury, but is expected to be 100%. Jalen Mills has allowed 0.33 F/R this season, and is targeted 21% of the time, which is the most among the Eagles secondary.