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Before we get into it, I, the RotoBaller team, and the football community wish Damar Hamlin a speedy recovery. Damar is a fantastic person, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Week 18 will be full of exciting and unexpected games like the NFL has given us all year. The NFL has been full of surprises this season, between the Brock Purdy breakout and the Justin Jefferson dud during most fantasy football championships last week. Hopefully, this DFS article will help you win some money while we watch our favorite teams and players this Sunday.
Matchups for the wide receiver position aren't always as black and white as they can be for other positions. Receivers sometimes move around the formation or may face shadow coverage, meaning these matchups need to be broken down deeper based on that data. Now, here are the top WR vs. CB matchups for Week 18. Use these to set season-long lineups, as well as gain a competitive edge in the DFS games. The matchup data used in this article is from PFF.
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Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
DraftKings $6400 / FanDuel $6900 - vs. Cobie Durant
Tyler Lockett is currently questionable with a shin injury but has a great matchup this week against the Los Angeles Rams. This season to date, Lockett has averaged 5.3 receptions, 65.3 yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. Geno Smith was on fire to start the year but has begun to fizzle.
However, this is the second matchup this season between Seattle and Los Angeles, and Seattle had an absolute field day the first go around. Lockett finished with nine receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup. DK Metcalf also had a huge game, finishing with eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams have had an exploitable defense this year and don’t have much to play for, as they have already been eliminated from playoff contention. On the other hand, Seattle is in a must-win situation if they have any hope of getting a playoff spot. If Lockett starts, he is a great DFS play this week, with DK Metcalf being a great pivot if Lockett is ruled out.
Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals
DraftKings $3800 / FanDuel $5400 - vs. Jimmie Ward
Greg Dortch has seen some very heavy usage when on the field and should be one of the focal points of the offense this week, with DeAndre Hopkins already ruled out. In Dortch's last three games played, he has averaged 10.3 targets per game. The 49ers are on deck for Arizona next week, and although they have a tough defense, it will benefit Dortch that the Cardinals will be playing from behind.
Last week with Hopkins out, Dortch ran 36 routes and earned a target for every 3.6 routes run. Even with some uncertainty at quarterback (David Blough is likely the starting quarterback), Dortch should see a steady stream of targets and is worth a DFS spot with his low DK price.
DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers
DraftKings $6100 / FanDuel $7300 - vs. Paulson Adebo
DJ Moore has seen a considerable boost with Sam Darnold under center for Carolina. Moore averaged 3.8 receptions and 45.6 yards per game through the first eleven weeks. Since Sam Darnold took over in Week 12, Moore has averaged four receptions, 75.2 yards, and 0.8 touchdowns per game.
The receptions are almost identical, but the air yards have boosted from 11.1 air yards per target pre-Darnold to 16.5 post-Darnold. Boasting a 30% target share since Week 12, Moore is a good bet for this weekend against the Saints.
Paulson Adebo has had some coverage trouble this year, allowing 13.6 yards per reception this season. The Saints have a pretty solid defense, but with the high air yardage Moore has been seeing, he is still a good start this Sunday.
Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
DraftKings $6200 / FanDuel $6700 - vs. Keith Taylor
Chris Olave is one of the favorites of this column, having been one of the best rookies of the class and having put together a very good case for offensive rookie of the year. Olave has averaged 7.6 targets per game, with a 25% target share.
He has had a few inconsistent outings this year, but much of that can be blamed on the quarterback situation. Andy Dalton has been starting with a good mixture of Taysom Hill. This week, the Saints take on the Carolina Panthers, who currently allow the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Keith Taylor will likely be the primary defender, who currently allows a whopping 16 yards per reception this season. With a great matchup this week, Olave could put together a solid outing and be a great flex play in DFS contests.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
DraftKings $6800 / FanDuel $7100 - vs. Jace Whittaker
Aiyuk has been having a very solid season thus far and is coming off his best game of the year. Last week against the Raiders, Aiyuk finished with nine receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Aiyuk had very high on-field usage, earning a target for every 2.8 routes run. The 49ers' offense has been red-hot, led by Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy, and will be playing for a chance to get a first-round bye.
There is a scenario in which they pull their starters from the game early, but it is definitely worth the gamble, especially with the way Aiyuk has been playing. Jace Whittaker will be the likely defender, who boasts a shallow 45.3 PFF coverage grade this year. Aiyuk could be in for another big outing and should get some consideration when choosing DFS lineups.
All data is from PFF, FantasyData, and RotoViz. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your DFS contests!
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