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Andrew Lalama evaluates key WR/CB matchups through his cornerback ratings chart to find top wide receivers to target or avoid in Week 2 fantasy football lineups.
With Week 1 in the books, there is now 2020 data for all 32 teams. This article will take a look at each team's cornerback group in an effort to find the best matchups to attack in fantasy.
The following chart is a snapshot of each team's cornerback group as it relates to allowing fantasy points. There are inherent flaws within data compilation of cornerback play. The first being the fact that quantifying a 1-on-1 matchup in an NFL game is unfair because of zone coverages, mental errors, certain passing concepts, and a million other things. Assigning fantasy points against a cornerback isn't a perfect science. The purpose of this chart is to give more of a general sense of how defenses are handling opposing WR groups, rather than identifying exactly where, when, and how every single encounter happened.
The "Rtng" column is the rating of each cornerback based on film study and analytics. The lower a player is graded, the easier the matchup for the WR, so low ratings are green and high ratings are red. The "PPGA" is the amount of fantasy points that player gave up in Week 1. The analysis below will help contextualize the chart, as in many cases a receiver did not score 100% of his points against the same player. However, the chart is a useful tool in getting a sense of the weakest links among corners.
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Cornerback Ratings - Week 2
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WR/CB Matchups to Target or Avoid
The breakout star in Week 1 was C.J. Henderson. The Jags' rookie dominated T.Y. Hilton, making him someone you probably want to avoid going forward. It's only been one game, but I wouldn't feel great about A.J. Brown in Week 2. Henderson showed shutdown potential on his college film. UPDATE: A.J. Brown could be out, which could mean Corey Davis sees more of Henderson depending on gameplan. Davis might be a worthy play due to volume, but don't be surprised if he disappoints against Henderson.
Another key takeaway from Week 1 is to attack Minnesota. Davante Adams going nuts is one thing, but they allowed touchdowns to both the WR2 and slot in Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard. All three Colts WRs have blow-up potential in Week 2.
The San Francisco data is skewed and can probably be ignored. Kyler Murray targeted DeAndre Hopkins all over the field. Richard Sherman may be on a decline, but we need more games to know. UPDATE: He was dealing with an injury Week 1.
The New York Jets have a solid slot corner in Brian Poole, but will likely be susceptible at outside receiver all year. If Brandon Aiyuk plays, he could have a surprise game.
Houston's corners went up against the Chiefs in Week 1, so we shouldn't overreact. However, it's likely they'll give up a bunch of big games. Bradley Roby isn't terrible but whoever he's not on will have an extremely easy matchup.
Jaire Alexander did not give up all 28 points to Adam Thielen. He did give up the last touchdown, however. I view Alexander as a tough matchup but it's a situation to monitor.
Washington's corners dominated the weak Philadelphia receivers, but they get DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and Larry Fitzgerald this week. I buy their defensive line dominance, but I'm not sold on their secondary just yet.
The New York Giants don't have a good secondary, but they will be especially exposed by slot receivers. Anthony Miller is a great play in Week 2.
Indianapolis has one of the best slot corners in the league in Kenny Moore, but very burnable outside corners. Adam Thielen played mostly outside in Week 1, so expect him to have another good game, while Justin Jefferson gets stuck with Moore.
The following teams are tough matchups for all WRs including WR1s, WR2s and slots:
- Baltimore
- Buffalo
- Cincinnati
- Dallas
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- New England
- Pittsburgh
- Tampa Bay
The following WRs are borderline Week 2 plays that get a boost based on matchup:
- Tyler Boyd at Cleveland
- Anthony Miller vs New York Giants
- Michael Gallup vs Atlanta
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard vs Detroit
- Corey Davis and Adam Humphries vs Jacksonville
- Keelan Cole at Tennessee
- Parris Campbell and Michael Pittman Jr. vs Minnesota
- Cole Beasley at Miami
- Josh Reynolds/Van Jefferson at Philadelphia
- Diontae Johnson vs Denver
- Scotty Miller vs Carolina
- Mike Williams vs Kansas City
- Willie Snead at Houston
- Julian Edelman at Seattle
- Tre'Quan Smith at Las Vegas
Thanks for reading and good luck this week.
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