Wide Receiver Matchup Grades: Week 14

We are looking ahead at week 14, 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. 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.

Top Tier Matchups

Allen Robinson - After a three touchdown week, A-Rob will have a shot to continue his hot streak into week 14. Vontae Davis has looked very average in the last few weeks, and against Antonio Brown, anyone would look like they've never played corner before. Robinson is now ranked as the 7th best WR, per PFF. Davis has dropped to the 50 rated corner.

Allen Hurns - Staying in Jacksonville, Allen Hurns will be back this week, taking on Greg Toler. He has been abysmal this season, ranking as the 114th corner. Hurns is in a great spot, with much of the focus on Robinson, and squaring off against Toler. Hurns torched Indy in their first matchup, with a 11-116-1 line.

Brandon Marshall - The Jets have opened up the passing game the last few weeks, and Marshall has been unbelievable. He has six touchdowns in the last five games, and now gets a weak Tennessee pass defense. Webb is a subpar corner, and the same goes for Perish Cox on the other side.

Eric Decker - Eric Decker is in a similar spot, and Tennessee ranks 32nd against opposing WR2. Decker comes in as the 22nd ranked wideout, and Decker has been everything but inconsistent.

Mike Evans - The volume has been limited since Vincent Jackson has come back, but no new news here, as Tampa has the best passing matchup of the week. Evans will likely see Brandon Browner, who is ranked as the 118th corner. Yes, 118th. If Evans can get 10+ quality targets, he could be a sneaky. I say sneaky, because OBJ and Brown are going to be heavily owned.

Sammy Watkins - 267 yards, three touchdowns in the last two games, and now faces the Eagles. Philly ranks 31st against opposing WR1, making Watkins a great option. He will have a great matchup against Eric Rowe who has been unsuccessful in trying to pick up the slack in the secondary.

Emmanuel Sanders - With DT seeing David Amerson, he will draw an F grade Thorpe. Not a bad matchup if you want to take a shot on him at his price. He is a home run threat, and the passing game depends on if Oakland's offense can make them throw. We have seen them turn into a run heavy offense, with Brock Osweiler just managing the game.

Odell Beckham Jr. - Miami ranks 32nd against opposing WR1, which puts a lot of heat on Brent Grimes, who is just a C- corner. OBJ will feast yet again. His volume, and matchup, make him an elite play yet again.

Middle Tier Matchups

T.Y Hilton - Sure he has a 40 year old QB throwing to him, but the matchup suits him, and they will likely trying to keep up with the Jags' passing attack. He had a 6-95-2 line against Tampa, but this team was popped in the mouth early in Pittsburgh. The matchup favors Hilton, making him worth a GPP shot for week 14.

A.J. Green - Remember this game did not go as planned the last time they met, where they combined for 26 points. A.J. Green was the only wideout in this game to post a monster line, going 11-118-1 line. Ross Crockrell is the best corner for the Steelers, who is slightly above average. The matchup still favors Green.

Antonio Brown - With Adam Jones ruling himself out, I will come back and edit later in the week once I see who is likely to shadow.

Martavis Bryant - The home run threat for the Steelers is in play, but could see some Leon Hall this week. I am not as high on him in the matchup, but if DK continues to price him below $6,000, he is a great GPP threat, in a high volume pass attack.

Brandin Cooks - Cooks is quietly having a very nice second half to the season. He has six touchdowns in the last five games, and now gets a nice matchup against Sterling Moore. Tampa ranks 23rd against opposing WR1.

Calvin Johnson - St. Louis' defense looks completely opposite from the beginning of the season. Calvin Johnson will see Janoris Jenkins if he is healthy, if not, he will see Trumaine Johnson. Both are rated in the top 30 for cornerbacks, as we have seen St. Louis limit wideouts most of the year. If the trend continues, Detroit could be a decent tournament team to target.

Demaryius Thomas - David Amerson has been trending upwards, and Thomas has been trending downwards. Thomas has had a bum year due to the QB situation in Denver. Thomas posed just a 5-55-0 line against Oakland in their first matchup. I still don't believe his floor/ceiling are worth the price.

Jarvis Landry - This one I might be editing later in the week, but if Jarvis Landry lines up with the slot corner, it will be Trevin Ward. He is a subpar slot corner, and New York ranks 11th against opposing WR1. Both offenses are a mystery, but if we are lucky, we could see some high volume passing from both sides.

Tough Matchups

Julio Jones - Uh oh. Julio Jones will see Josh Norman in two of the next four weeks. Carolina ranks number one against opposing WR1, which is the product of Norman. He may find the end zone, but no way is he worth the price.

Alshon Jeffery - Bashaud Breeland will likely see Alshon Jeffery this week, as the team's number one corner. I am not thrilled with the matchup, as Breeland has played surprisingly well. Washington also ranks 9th against opposing team's WR1. Breeland is rated as the 10th best corner, per PFF.

Jeremy Maclin - The Chiefs are dropping buckets of points on teams right now, and it will be no different against San Diego. They will likely have a ton of success running the ball, and with Jason Verrett on Maclin, I am concerned this week. Maclin has 18 receptions in the last two games, with three touchdowns. He was held to just three catches in the first matchup, but they do look like a different team.

DeAndre Hopkins - DeAndre Hopkins has dwindled down some the last few weeks, which says much about his earlier season performances. New England does a great job at taking away your best player, which would be Hopkins of course. New England also ranks 10th against opposing WR1. Hopkins could see a steady dose of Malcolm Butler this week, who is a slightly above average corner. I still believe Hopkins has the advantage in 99% of the matchups he will face, but upside could be hindered here.

Michael Crabtree - Of course any team going up against arguably the best defense in the league will have tough matchups. Denver ranks 3rd against opposing WR1, Roby is a solid tier 2 corner. King Crab was held to just 54 yards in the first matchup.

Amari Cooper - Same goes for Amari Cooper, as Denver ranks 4th against opposing WR2. He was held to 47 yards, as the passing attack could not get going against Denver. It should be similar results here again.