X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

DFS Wide Receivers To Target In The Wild Card Round

Mike Riggall's favorite WR vs. CB matchups to exploit for the Wild Card Round of DFS contests on DraftKings and FanDuel. These wide receivers should be tournament and cash game targets based on matchups.

In Week 17, John Brown was inactive and Robert Foster played in his place. Even though Foster played 98.4% of the snaps, he failed to haul in a single target and ended up with a goose egg. Instead, Duke Williams led the way for the Bills receivers, hauling in six passes for 108 yards. I turned out to be completely wrong about the Rams receivers last week as they played the entire game, leading to both Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods finishing as top-11 receivers. I also got off of the Devante Parker band-wagon for Week 17 and that turned out to be the wrong thing to do as he hauled in eight passes for 137 yards, helping the Dolphins beat the Patriots. On a positive note, Michael Gallup torched the Redskins secondary, ending up as the No. 1 receiver on the week. Here is a complete statistical recap of the Week 17 recommendations:

  • Courtland Sutton - 8 targets, 4 catches, 52 yards
  • Michael Gallup - 7 targets, 5 catches, 98 yards, 3 TD
  • John Brown - 0 targets, 0 catches
  • Pivot: Robert Foster - 4 targets, 0 catches
  • Golden Tate - 8 targets, 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
  • Greg Ward - 7 targets, 6 catches, 43 yards
  • Dede Westbrook - 8 targets, 7 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD

Teams have been stacking the box against the Titans this year in an effort to stop Derrick Henry, and when teams play man-to-man coverage behind the stacked box, A.J. Brown ($8,300 Fanduel / $7,400 DraftKings) has been able to dominate. However, when Brown has gone up against a formidable man-to-man corner, he has been slowed down. In Week 16, Brown saw Marshon Lattimore in coverage and was held to just one catch for 34 yards and there may be a similar result this weekend when he faces Stephon Gilmore. Although Devante Parker was able to have a solid day against the Patriots Defense last week, I am more willing to bet on the Patriots making adjustments and not allowing that to happen again than allowing another wide receiver to torch them for a second week in a row.

DeAndre Hopkins ($8,700 Fanduel / $7,700 DraftKings) has a tough matchup against Tre'Davious White this week so I will look elsewhere on the high-end. Hopkins is an elite wide receiver but White is an elite talent as well, and if Hopkins is going to do any damage this weekend, it's likely because another cornerback gets lined up on him. Even if White covers Hopkins for 100% of the snaps, he won't be completely shut down, but his upside will be capped. Levi Wallace is the slowest cornerback in the Bills secondary, and if either Kenny Stills or Will Fuller gets matched up on him it could mean trouble for the Bills Defense. Be careful relying on Will Fuller this weekend, because although he returned to practice this week his status for the game is still uncertain.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Wild Card Round WR/CB Matchups to Exploit

John Brown ($6,800 FanDuel / $6,000 DraftKings) vs Jonathan Joseph

On the season the Texans Defense gave up the forth-most yards-per-game through the air (267.2) and gave up 7.7 yards-per-pass which was the eighth-worst mark in the league. The Texans are also one of just seven teams in the NFL to surrender at least 30 touchdown passes on the year. Jonathan Joseph is getting up there in age and although he's extremely savvy, he's starting to slow down a little bit. If Joseph is ever asked to open it up and keep up with John Brown deep down the field, he may be in trouble.

Cole Beasley ($6,400 FanDuel / $5,600 DraftKings) vs Vernon Hargreaves III

As referenced above, the Texans defense ranks among the worst in the league against the pass. Vernon Hargreaves III has given up more yards while in coverage than any other cornerback on the Texans roster, albeit some of that yardage came while he played for the Buccaneers. Cole Beasley tends to shine when John Brown has a difficult matchup. Although Brown doesn't have a bad matchup this week, the likely game script should force Josh Allen to put the ball in the air more than usual, meaning Beasley should see a healthy number of targets.

Michael Thomas ($8,900 FanDuel / $9,300 DraftKings) vs Xavier Rhodes

Xavier Rhodes has surrendered 707 yards while in coverage this season which ranks worst among all Vikings cornerbacks and opposing quarterbacks have a rating of 127.8 when throwing in in his direction. The Vikings Defense is ok against the run, giving up 4.3 yards-per-carry which puts them around the middle of the pack in the NFL, but it's much easier to throw on them. Thomas has gained over 125 receiving yards and scored in three of his last four games and if the Saints struggle to run the ball this weekend Michael Thomas may see 15+ targets from Drew Brees.

Mohamed Sanu ($5,500 FanDuel / $3,900 DraftKings) vs Tramaine Brock Sr.

The Patriots have struggled to run the ball all season and this weekend they will face the Titans Defense which gives up 4.0 yards-per-carry which is seventh-best in the NFL. The Titans secondary has been the defense's weak link throughout the season, bug Logan Ryan has been their lone bright spot. Ryan figures to cover Julian Edelman out of the slot for most of the game, which leaves the Patriots perimeter receivers with the better matchups.

D.K. Metcalf ($6,200 FanDuel /$6,100 DraftKings) vs Rasul Douglas

The Eagles Defense has been struggling in the secondary throughout the season and things won't get much easier this weekend with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks coming to town. Although Wilson has struggled a little bit lately, he's a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Wilson has been there before, he knows how to win in the biggest situations and he's capable of putting the team on his back. Out of all the Seahawks receivers, D.K. Metcalf has the best matchup. Metcalf runs a 4.33-forty while Rasul Douglas clocks in with a 4.59-forty, so there's a really good chance that he gets deep a time or two this weekend. Tyler Lockett has been hard to trust lately and was only targeted seven times in Week 17 against the 49ers, compared to the 12 targets that Metcalf saw.

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks