WR vs. CB Matchup Analysis: Week 17
One of the keys to NFL DFS success is locating the highest upside at the wide receiver position. Which wideouts have the easiest matchups against the opposing secondaries? Which receivers will fly under the radar and make the difference in large-field tournaments? Each week this NFL season, ChrisGimino will explore his favorite WR plays on the slate, with the sort of insight and knowledge that only he can provide!
Week 17
Click here for the Week 17 Matchup Chart
Motivated Teams in Good Matchups
Juju Smith-Schuster vs. Bengals
The Steelers are massive favorites at home against the Bengals, but their star #1 Antonio Brown has missed two practices with a knee issue. It seems unlikely to me that he would miss, but in that unlikely event Juju Smith-Schuster would remain a fine play and perhaps have a few more targets slated to come in his direction. He wouldn’t need the help, since this is a huge mismatch in productivity already. Darqueze Dennard has allowed 9.69 yards per catchable target, and forced just 3 incompletions on those targets. JuJu could find himself aligned with William Jackson at times as well, who has been charged with 7 TDs and has zero interceptions on the season. The Bengals have allowed the 3rd most explosive plays, generated the 3rd lowest pressure rate, and rank 28th across the board in DVOA. In a must win spot, look for Ben to rely on his healthy play makers. Juju is the healthiest of them all.
Tyreek Hill vs. Raiders
This could be Rashaan Melvin instead of Conley, but I really don’t think it makes a bit of difference which Raider will be tasked with slowing down a highly motivated Chiefs WR corps. Conley participated in limited practice Wednesday, and we’re simply awaiting information on him. In 289 snaps, Melvin has been no superstar with a team high 473 yards allowed and 3 TDS. Second on the team? Gareon Conley. There is no certainty to a big game from Hill, who has straight up disappointed recently in huge spots (vs. OAK week 13) and crushed in less certain spots (vs. BAL week 14). All I can say for sure is that the on paper matchup isn’t close, and that the upside is near it’s peak in a game that could not be more meaningful for the Chiefs.
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