WR vs. DB Chart Legend & FAQ

We have changed our valuation and importance of WR vs. CB matchups to match it’s modern place in the analysis world. Once upon a time, this type of analysis was thought to be useful in determining selections for the week. Over time, we’ve found holes in the idea of matching up WRs with specific CBs including:

a) NFL defenses rarely match up just one player vs. another in truth.
b) Too many factors outside the skill of the WR and CB impact performance.
c) There has been very little predictive importance in these matchups for DFS.

Rather than eliminate the chart all together (which was considered), the chart has been amended in 2021 to include some new more broadened perspective. This includes the following rating changes:

Wide Receivers: Evaluation includes yards per route run, air yards, receiving air yards conversion (RACR), end zone targets, expected points added, red zone share, efficiency, player projection, and target quality.

Defensive Backs: We expanded the look to include all of a teams DBs for each player, including safeties. Metrics at the team level were also factored in that include passing EPA, DVOA, RG Passing Power Rating, QB Pressure Rate Forced, Clean Pocket Percent allowed, SackPercent allowed, and Explosive Passes.

The underlying metrics powering the rating are not currently displayed in the chart in order to simplify the chart. We encourage all users to check out the tools and information in “LineupHQ:“https://rotogrinders.com/lineuphq/nfl?site=draftkings to get the absolute best NFL DFS information we have to offer, including these matchup ratings (integrated on the WR player pool tab).

How to use this chart

Search for extreme mismatch situations using the matchup rating column. For best results, apply additional research to the matchups located at the top and bottom of the matchup scale.

Posting Time

This chart will be published no later than Thursday morning at 9:00 A.M. ET each week. We’ll post as soon as possible, upon receiving the updated alignment data and metrics from our data providers.

About the Author

ChrisGimino
Chris Gimino (ChrisGimino)

Chris Gimino is a top mind in the industry and one of the primary contributors at RotoGrinders. Together with our team of experts, his work is powering projections, simulations, ownership, and analytics across 10+ sports for betting, DFS, and fantasy pick’em contests. A multiple-time Live Finalist and shipper of 6-figure wins, Chris delivers actionable tools and advice for RotoGrinders Premium subscribers. Follow Chris on Twitter – @ChrisGimino