It’s important to look at WR/CB matchups when setting your fantasy football lineups. At times, we have some matchups that we can exploit and receive the best fantasy output in return. I’ll do my best to point out some of the best Week8 WR/CB matchups to target when making your fantasy or DraftKings lineup.
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Week 8 WR/CB Matchup:
Ladd McConkey (LAC) vs. Alontae Taylor (NO)
McConkey has been heavily targeted in this Chargers offense. Through six games, he’s averaging 6.5 per game for a total of 39. He’s now seen at least seven targets in three straight games and should continue that volume in Week 8. In coverage, he’ll see a lot of Taylor, who has allowed a 81% catch rate on 47 targets. Taylor has seen the third most targets amongst all corners in the league, which makes his 81% catch rate also one of the highest. Taylor has also allowed the most yards after the catch amongst qualified corners with 195.
McConkey, at least to this point, hasn’t been someone that racks up a ton of yards. Despite being the leading pass catcher on the Chargers with 24, his 265 yards lands him 53rd in the league. With Taylor giving up a very high percentage of catches, I think this is an opportunity to take the over on his receptions, which is currently off the board. Nonetheless, in a PPR format, McConkey should be a receiver to target for your DraftKings lineup this weekend.
Week 8 WR/CB Matchup:
Amari Cooper (BUF) vs. Nehemiah Pritchett (NYG)
The rookie corner for the Seahawks could have his hands full this weekend. Cooper made his debut with the Bills last weekend and made four catches on five targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. If you watched the game, it was obvious that Cooper wasn’t fully up to speed with the Bills offense. Now with a full week of practice under his belt, things should be much smoother for Cooper. He’ll have the opportunity to pick on Pritchett, who had a rough go of it last week against the Falcons. He allowed five catches on five targets for 53 yards and a touchdown.
It was very encouraging to see the usage Cooper saw last week considering the circumstances. The Bills ended up blowing out the Titans and he was working on a short week of practice. Even then, he played on 34% of the snaps with 75% on the perimeter and 25% in the slot. With his snap share likely increasing this week, this is a great spot for him to improve even more on his numbers from last week in a softer matchup.
Amari Cooper Props (as of 10/24)
Receptions: 4.5
Receiving Yards: 55.5
Longest Reception: 22.5 yards
Week 8 WR/CB Matchup:
George Pickens (PIT) vs. Deonte Banks (NYG)
One of our favorite cornerbacks to pick on, Banks will have to deal with Pickens in Week 8. It wasn’t the slaughter we expected but Banks allowed four catches on four targets for 48 yards against the Eagles. This brings his season numbers to 26 catches on 39 targets for 371 yards. His 14.3 yard per reception is one of the highest allowed in the league amongst qualified corners. The Giants simply struggle against perimeters receivers and with the volume Pickens is drawing, this should be a great spot for him.
With Russell Wilson at quarterback, Pickens drew nine targets and made five catches for 111 yards and a TD. His aDOT was the highest of the season at 19 and he made three contested catches. This is a much softer matchup against the Giants, so if he can do that against the Jets, what will this week bring? With this being the Monday Night game, Pickens will draw a lot of attention in Showdown lineups and should be considered one of the top Captain options on DraftKings.
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