NFL Wide Receiver Matchup Grades: Divisional Round

We are looking ahead at Divisional Round 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 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.

Blown Coverage

After last week's Giants performance against this Green Bay secondary, I will not be frightened away. All three Dallas wideouts are in great spots this week, with Dez Bryant facing off against Ladarius Gunter for most of the game. I am a big fan of Bryant and the passing game in general, especially due to Green Bay having to respect the run, which they did not have to do against New York. Terrance Williams draws Damarious Randall, who has allowed 0.51 fantasy points per route in his limited time. Cole Beasley will see Micah Hyde, who is allowing 0.43 fantasy points per route, and has been a popular target down the stretch.

Rarely do we see two wide receivers in the positive matchup section against the Seahawks, but that's the case this week. I am not worried about this defense right now, and Julio Jones isn't expected to be shadowed by Richard Sherman. Jones will see DeShawn Shead, who allows a pedestrian 0.32 fantasy points per route, and is targeted on more routes than any other Seahawks corner. Mohamed Sanu will see Jeremy Lane when in the slot, who allows 0.34 fantasy points per route. The Atlanta passing attack had a strong game in Seattle earlier this season, and drawing them at home now bodes well for a repeat offensive performance.

On the other side of that game, I don't mind Paul Richardson again this week, who has a human highlight reel against the Lions. Jalen Collins has allowed 0.35 fantasy points per route, which is more than the other starting corners. He is in a good spot to succeed, as long as this Seattle offense doesn't continue the trend of scoring around 16 points on the road like they did in the regular season. Jordy Nelson is likely out this week, and Geronimo Allison would come in for a replacement. I still expect the other starters to pick up more of the slack, but Allison draws a plus matchup against Anthony Brown, who has allowed 0.34 fantasy points per route.

Antonio Brown will see most of his time away from Marcus Peters, which is good news. He will spend time on Terrance Mitchell, who was targeted on 25% of routes when starting. Brown is obviously a matchup nightmare for any team, averaging 0.54 fantasy points per route, which is third to Tyreek Hill, and Julio Jones on the slate. Julien Edelman sees most of his time in the slot, which means Kareem Jackson will be on him. Jackson has allowed 0.37 fantasy points per route. Trying to hit on the right pass-catchers for the Tom Brady touchdown is going to be tough this week.

Zone Coverage

Davante Adams and Randall Cobb will get a tick up in targets this week with Nelson likely out. This is my favorite correlation game due to the average priced wide receivers in good matchups. It also helps that this game is inside. Aaron Rodgers has three straight games of 300+ yards AND four touchdowns in each, so wideouts should continued to be targeted. Cobb has the better of matchups against Orlando Scandrick, who has allowed 0.30 fantasy points per route. Brandon Carr will handle Adams, and is allowing 0.27 fantasy points per route. Not standout numbers, but nothing to shy away from.

Will Fuller will have the best chance of hitting on a deep play, or seeing an increase in targets. Any Houston receiver gets a downgrade with Brock Osweiler, who is still bad despite moving on in the playoffs. Logan Ryan has allowed 0.31 fantasy points per route, and is being targeted 19% of the time, alongside Eric Rowe. With the defensive focus on DeAndre Hopkins, I don't mind taking a shot on Fuller. Chris Conley has been a ghost all season, but is in the best spot of any KC receiver matchup-wise. Artie Burns is being targeted more than any other Pittsburgh corner, and is allowing 0.32 fantasy points per route, which is also the most. If you are building multiple lineups, and I mean a lot, maybe take a look at Conley in one.

Lockdown Coverage

First things first, Tyreek Hill is not a bad play. As far as the passing game goes, he will be locked up with William Gay, who has allowed just 0.20 fantasy points per route, and is only targeted 12% of the time. But, Hill is going to get touches in the run game, and also is a threat to score on special teams as well. He is a boom or bust play who has been booming for most of the season. His teammate, Jeremy Maclin, will draw Ross Cockrell, who is allowing 0.20 fantasy points per route as well. Given Maclin's struggles for this year, I am not really on him this week.

With a price jump and a matchup on the road, Doug Baldwin receives a downgrade for me already. He is averaging 11 PPR points on the road this season, compared to 22 at home. A lot of this has to do with their offense being severely stunted whenever they get outside Seattle. His price tag now being among some elite names has pushed him out of a range for me. I will have a share or two, but not as much as I did last week. Brian Poole has done a great job in the slot, limiting receivers to 0.22 fantasy points per route, and is only being targeted 13% of the time.

DeAndre Hopkins is the best weapon on Houston, and you know what New England does best? Take away your best weapon. The individual matchup with Eric Rowe is fine, but you are likely looking at a team effort with safety help to stop Hopkins. There are better options to target for me this week. In that same game, Michael Floyd will draw A.J. Bouye, who has been close to an auto-fade for me this season. He has held his own, allowing 0.24 fantasy points per route.