WR vs. CB Matchups to Exploit & Avoid in DFS - Week 17
When it comes to selecting receivers in DFS, it’s important to understand who will cover them, as sometimes defense versus position stats alone don't tell the whole story. In addition, there can many times be defensive injuries that will have a significant, and perhaps hidden, effect on a receiver's matchup. Below we'll take a deeper look at the matchups that should help in your WR decisions for Week 17. Be careful, as Week 17 is filled with potential pitfalls and landmines that would make Pitfall Harry leery. I've tried to project those players that are playing and sitting so keep an eye on the news to see who's not playing. No Thursday, Saturday or Monday night football, so the entire slate is Sunday., Thank you to everyone that read this article this season and I wish everyone a very safe and happy New Year!
Also, there will be playoff editions of this article through the conference championships.
Note: Any unlisted matchups -- especially those of prominent WRs -- should generally be considered a push. This article is also updated throughout the week as injuries and news breaks.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
Exploit: I’m playing this one for the narrative. Dre Kirkpatrick has been a solid corner but can be beat downfield. He’s been targeted more than 11 yards downfield, but has given up 0.21 points per route. Steve Smith should find Kirkpatrick on him most of the day, but this is Smith’s last game of his career, so I’m buying the last game ever narrative. I look for Joe Flacco to pepper him with targets all game long.
Exploit: With Jimmy Smith out, Tavon Young should line up on Brandon LaFell’s side of the field. Young has ranked well among corners, but has given up big plays throughout the season -- that’s going to happen when you’re a sixth-round rookie. Young has allowed nearly 0.30 points per route.
Exploit: Jerraud Powers has been well below average covering the slot. He’s made some plays but has allowed the big plays as well. Last week, Eli Rogers took advantage of Powers, and Tyler Boyd will have that opportunity this week. Powers has allowed 0.33 points per route.
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