Wide Receiver Matchup Grades: Week 8

We are looking ahead at week 8, 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.

Top Tier Matchups

DeAndre Hopkins - It was a down week for Hopkins, as he was the only one to not salvage points in garbage time. He will have a great matchup, and much like when Foster was out earlier, he will dominate targets. He will lineup against Wreh-Wilson, who ranks 121st per PFF grading. Sign me up for a rebound week.

Martavis Bryant - Landry Jones under center has not cut into Bryant's production, but the Steelers need Big Ben back. Bryant will draw the weaker of the Bengals corners, matching up with Dre Kirkpatrick, who ranks 168th among corners. Bryant has only played twice this season, but has a solid B grade. Bryant's price on DraftKings makes him a very attractive play with the matchup.

AJ Green - The Bengals have numerous playmakers, which has meant Green can disappear at times. He has a great matchup this week against, Antwon Blake, who has an abysmal F- grade. Green still possesses a solid rating, it's just the targets have not been reliable. He is a solid GPP play this week.

Steve Smith Sr. - This game features two of the worst secondaries in football, and they will supply plenty of names for us to choose. Smith is a physical wideout, and is ranked as the third best wideout so far this season. That is surprising at his age. He matches up against Brandon Flowers, who ranks 169th among corners. Smith's price on both sites makes him a safe cash game play.

Keenan Allen - On the other side of this game, Keenan Allen continues to be in heavy usage. He faces Jimmy Smith, who has looked lost this season. Allen has a B- grade, while Smith is not even on the map.

Alshon Jeffrey - Points-per-dollar, this is one of my favorite plays this week, especially on DK. He faces Xavier Rhodes, who has ratings in the mid 30's. Jeffrey posted a monster line, and a 90 rating in his first game back. He will have the matchup to build on it.

Larry Fitzgerald - Fitz continues to draw excellent matchups in the slot, and in this offense they move him all over the place. He has an A- grade this season, and faces K'Waun Williams, who has a C- grade this season. Despite a few down weeks lately, the Cardinals should put up a ton of points. Fitz is in the middle of a lot of great wideouts, so choose widely.

Julio Jones - The top rated wideout found the end zone last week, in a 9-91-1 line. It was the first time in a few weeks he posted a solid line. This week he has a matchup to really exploit, against Mike Jenkins, who ranks 151st among cornerbacks. There is not much to say about Jones, but he could have one of those weeks, where you are sorry he is not on your roster.

Brandon Marshall - The Jets passing game has been efficient, and Brandon Marshall has seen great fantasy results. He draws a solid matchup against an F- corner, and should be overlooked in the price range. I believe he is a solid GPP play based on matchup and price.

Middle Tier Matchups

Nate Washington - With the passing game now in heavy usage, Nate Washington should be the number two man with Cecil Shorts III injured. Washington draws a decent matchup whether he is lined up in the slot, or on the outside. He is a dirt cheap value play, who should see plenty of targets.

Antonio Brown - If Big Ben is back, I will consider Antonio Brown, but if Jones is under center again, the matchup will scare me off. He faces Adam Jones, who ranks as the sixth best corner, per PFF. Now don't get me wrong, Brown ranks as the second best wideout and is a great player, but in this price range, there are plenty of safer options.

Stefon Diggs - The Vikings passing game has looked good, mainly the Teddy Bridgewater to Stefon Diggs connection. He has been the best wideout in Minnesota this season, and it was no surprise to see him start. He faces Kyle Fuller this week, who ranks 138th among cornerbacks. Diggs has a chance to build on his impressive run.

Odell Beckham Jr. - The Giants offense has been boom-or-bust, and that goes for Odell Beckham as well. His matchup is a push, and at his price, I am a little concerned. He is a risky GPP play, but in this game, we should see some points.

John Brown - John Brown is a solid mid-value play this week, much like he was last week against Baltimore. He has a solid B rating, and is facing a D- corner, Pierre Desir. There is a lot of weapons on this Cardinals team, so we do see spread out production. As for a matchup, his is excellent, especially at his price.

Donte Moncrief - With Hilton matched up with Norman, Luck could turn to Dante Moncrief for an easier matchup. Now with their ratings, the Moncrief-Tillman matchup is even. They both have C- grades, and should be considered a tossup. Someone on this Colts team will have to put up points, and Luck has been turning Moncrief's way to do so.

Emmanuel Sanders - Emmanuel Sanders has been very productive, even with Manning's sliding performance. However, he draws a tough matchup, that is really a push. Casey Hayward is a top 20 corner, and is pushing me towards Sanders being a GPP play only.

Matchups To Fade

Brandin Cooks - We can be tempted to play Brandin Cooks due to the system, and his price, but the matchup is against him this week. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie ranks as the 9th best corner, and Cooks has been simply average. Don't expect much out of him this week.

Amari Cooper - The first round pick is going to be good for some time, and one who could be matchup proof at some point, but not this week. He will be on Revis Island, and that is not a place I want to spend money on. Cooper is an easy fade this week.

Dez Bryant - Okay, if Dez Bryant comes back, he will face Richard Sherman. Now Sherman does not have a great rating, and you might be torn on if he is a great player or not anyway. Dez is still priced like Dez, and with a backup QB against this defense, I will pass. If you want to take a shot in GPP's, because Sherman can be exposed, feel free.

Randall Cobb - The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the league, if not the best. Both of the Packers wide receivers draw tough matchups, and outside of James Jones, none have been worth their price. Cobb will see the fourth best corner in the league, Chris Harris Jr. With Cobb's down season, I am not banking on a revival this week.

DeVante Adams - After the bye week, Adams is likely to play, but with this matchup, I am not seeing him putting up a great line after injury. Aqib Talib has a solid B- rating, and is just another player in this great defense.

Tedd Ginn Jr. - Cam Newton has only so many options, and Ginn is the only one outside of Greg Olsen worth mentioning. Unfortunately for him, he faces Vontae Davis. If you were hoping to pair up Ginn with Newton in a tournament, the matchup should sway you away. Ginn has a D+ rating anyway.

T.Y Hilton - Josh Norman is the best corner in football, and will face T.Y. Hilton. We saw Hilton go for a big game against the Saints, in what was most likely blown coverage, but that will likely not happen this week. Norman is a guy who holds Julio Jones when he faces him, and really shuts down opposing wideouts. No thank you.