This text will go sport by sport for the Week 15 slate trying on the prime huge receivers from an offense and, primarily based on the within/exterior and left/proper splits of these receivers, establish the cornerbacks almost definitely to face them in man protection.
Receivers hardly ever see the identical nook each play, be it as a consequence of formation quirks or zone protection calls by the protection, so a receiver’s fortunes rely upon far more than simply the standard of the nook they’re more likely to see probably the most in a given sport. Even towards a nasty nook, a very good receiver might be denied the chance if the move rush or one thing else exterior his management complicates issues. But it surely’s a part of the puzzle, and it is price conserving observe of.
Receivers are left with an Improve, Downgrade, or Even verdict primarily based on their projected matchup. This should not be learn as ‘good’ or ‘unhealthy’ however somewhat a measured tweak from the receiver’s baseline projection.
MIN vs IND
MINNESOTA WIDE RECEIVERS
The Colts will doubtless shadow Justin Jefferson with Stephon Gilmore when lined up exterior, but it surely’s most likely not a priority for a participant like Jefferson. The matchup is considerably ceremonial anyway – except the sphere may be very brief Gilmore most likely will not be in straight-up man protection towards Jefferson a lot anyway. Nonetheless, Gilmore performs properly within the scheme and the Vikings wish to take into consideration getting Jefferson extra slot seems than regular as a strategy to get away from Gilmore and as an alternative take a look at Indianapolis’ seam protection and the slot matchup with Julian Blackmon, usually extra of a security. Isaiah Rodgers ought to run the surface rep reverse Gilmore, normally towards Thielen.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Justin Jefferson (the extra slot the higher), Adam Thielen, Okay.J. Osborn
INDIANAPOLIS WIDE RECEIVERS
Massive-play athleticism is the primary menace to Minnesota’s lumbering cornerback personnel, however at the same time as extra of a gradual menace Michael Pittman ought to challenge for the benefit right here, and also you’d most likely should say the identical for Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell. Patrick Peterson has had a productive 12 months and may defend the sideline downfield, however going laterally is a special query. Cam Dantzler is sick and when wholesome he is gradual sufficient to lose even a possession wideout like Pittman downfield. Chandon Sullivan has struggled sufficient that the Colts would possibly dial up some routes towards him particularly.
Improve: Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Parris Campbell
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
CLE vs BAL
CLEVELAND WIDE RECEIVERS
Amari Cooper warrants shadow protection from Marlon Humphrey exterior and is an effective wager to get it. That is not grounds for counting Cooper out, but it surely’s all the time simpler to get the ball to the receiver working towards Marcus Peters or slot security Kyle Hamilton. The Browns might possibly assist Cooper by transferring him into the slot, the place Humphrey is greater than able to following him however won’t be capable to since it’d pressure Hamilton to line up exterior, which may be a nasty concept on condition that Hamilton’s 4.59 velocity is already beneath common by security requirements, not to mention nook. The extra Humphrey sees the more serious for Cooper, however you’d nonetheless most likely say the larger concern for Cooper is the play of Deshaun Watson. Donovan Peoples-Jones can in any case beat Peters.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones
BALTIMORE WIDE RECEIVERS
Demarcus Robinson cannot separate however can wrestle for the ball pretty properly and would possibly be capable to bully the smallish Denzel Ward a bit on the catch level, however the Ravens may be pushing their luck to check that one an excessive amount of. Devin Duvernay can not seem to operate on this offense, in order that he is the Ravens’ quickest ability place participant and its second-best open-field runner is commonly an irrelevant level.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Demarcus Robinson, Devin Duvernay
BUF vs MIA
BUFFALO WIDE RECEIVERS
Xavien Howard won’t have ever been a priority for Stefon Diggs and positively is not one now. The Dolphins would possibly even wish to extra so go away Howard towards the larger Gabe Davis and match up Diggs with the smaller however extra athletic rookie Kader Kohou. Diggs is about up very properly both approach and Davis can actually beat Howard, however Davis must not simply get open however get open quicker than Diggs which will get tougher when Diggs has the higher matchup. Isaiah McKenzie would possibly see a number of Kohou within the slot, to unclear significance. In three-wide the third nook is Keion Crossen, who strains up reverse Howard. Crossen is tremendous athletic however small (5-foot-9, 178 kilos), so the Dolphins don’t need him on Davis.
Improve: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Isaiah McKenzie
MIAMI WIDE RECEIVERS
Tyreek Hill is producing at such a degree that it isn’t price ever caring with the matchup. The Payments secondary is pretty proficient and certain the best-coached within the league, they usually’ll doubtless have a fairly good plan to decelerate Hill. With that mentioned, the sport plan can succeed for the Payments and never matter a lot for Hill’s fantasy buyers given his goal quantity. Jaylen Waddle is the one you’ll sooner be involved for, not due to his personal talents however somewhat as a result of he wants Tua Tagovailoa to provide properly to have sufficient room to put up numbers after Hill has gotten his share. Each Hill and Waddle are too good for these corners to match up with, however Waddle is normally the one whose utilization will get pinched when Tagovailoa has an off week.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
NYJ vs DET
JETS WIDE RECEIVERS
Elijah Moore noticed extra snaps and targets in Week 14 however (A) largely due to Corey Davis getting damage and (B) these snaps and targets nonetheless do not swimsuit Moore’s ability set wherever close to the best. Garrett Wilson continues to be prioritized on the forms of routes that swimsuit Moore greatest, specifically giving Wilson extra beneath seems and forcing Moore to operate too far downfield. Significantly with accuracy-challenged quarterbacks just like the Jets have, to operate downfield is to essentially settle for a low completion charge. Maybe the Lions secondary is unhealthy sufficient that Moore can produce even on downfield routes, but when not then Wilson is the one lock to provide right here.
Improve: Garrett Wilson
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Elijah Moore, Denzel Mims
DETROIT WIDE RECEIVERS
For guys like DJ Chark and Josh Reynolds it is a nightmare to see a nook like Sauce Gardner. The Jets give structural assist to the shorter D.J. Reed on the opposite aspect, and it has been tougher to assault Reed than could be the case on another defenses. With that mentioned, Reynolds and particularly Chark have the attain and velocity to beat Reed in the event that they’re actually left one on one. A energetic move rush helps, however the Jets would possibly wrestle to hurry the passer if Quinnen Williams is out. Amon-Ra St. Brown might be an issue for Michael Carter within the slot. Jared Goff’s profession numbers take a nosedive when the temperature will get beneath 60 levels, so his play might be extra regarding for the Detroit receivers than their very own matchups.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Chark (downgrade if shadowed by Gardner), Josh Reynolds
HOU vs KC
HOUSTON WIDE RECEIVERS
Chris Moore may be the actual deal if the Texans maintain utilizing him exterior, one thing they did extra final week to get Amari Rodgers onto the sphere extra within the slot, the place Moore beforehand ran most of his routes. Is it a coincidence that Moore caught 10 passes for 124 yards on 11 targets after transferring exterior, the realm he ran most of his routes as a downfield specialist at Cincinnati? It won’t be, and if it is not then Moore is a candidate to maintain rolling right here towards a trio of promising however still-improving rookie trio of corners. Moore would additionally see among the extra battle-tested L’Jarius Sneed, however Sneed strains up in every single place and tends to play largely within the slot, wherein case he’d doubtless see extra of Rodgers.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Chris Moore, Amari Rodgers, Phillip Dorsett
KANSAS CITY WIDE RECEIVERS
Steven Nelson and Desmond King are literally a stable duo beneath and possibly into the intermediate, so they may pose difficult reps to JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kadarius Toney specifically. Nelson and King lack downfield vary or attain, nonetheless, so velocity might be a difficulty. Marquez Valdes-Scantling involves thoughts because the type of participant the Texans simply cannot run with, and the identical could be true of Mecole Hardman if he is energetic. The issue is that the Chiefs are so liable to chopping up the manufacturing between all non-Travis Kelce targets.
Improve: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Downgrade: N/A
Even: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kadarius Toney
CAR vs PIT
CAROLINA WIDE RECEIVERS
The Panthers offense of the final two weeks have to be probably the most primitive offense seen since one thing like 1970, making an attempt 43 passes and utilizing an strategy that may be described as ‘glacial.’ DJ Moore and Terrace Marshall can beat these Pittsburgh corners however the wishbone will not be conducive to passing stats.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: DJ Moore, Terrace Marshall
PITTSBURGH WIDE RECEIVERS
It isn’t clear whether or not Jaycee Horn will shadow both of Diontae Johnson or George Pickens, however whoever has Horn is the hardest one to finish a move to on the play in query. Myles Hartsfield might be robust within the slot, so the simplest matchup on a given snap is whoever will get C.J. Henderson exterior. You just like the possibilities of gamers like Johnson and Pickens towards Henderson, however guessing who would possibly get that chance or whether or not the quarterback will get the ball there make it difficult.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Steven Sims
CHI vs PHI
CHICAGO WIDE RECEIVERS
With no Chase Claypool or Darnell Mooney it is troublesome to really feel optimism right here.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: All
Even: N/A
PHILADELPHIA WIDE RECEIVERS
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are each an excessive amount of for this secondary. Quez Watkins additionally will get an improve – Brown and Smith would sooner be threatened by Watkins going off right here than they might the Bears protection posing resistance.
Improve: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
NO vs ATL
NEW ORLEANS WIDE RECEIVERS
Chris Olave warrants shadow protection from A.J. Terrell and it might be an fascinating take a look at for Olave if occurs. Olave has been nothing in need of a menace up to now and would have a lot greater numbers if the Saints a lot as endeavored to snap the ball 60 instances in a sport, so he may be the caliber of participant who needn’t fear about Terrell. Nonetheless, you’d somewhat see the opposite corners. If Olave disappoints right here it most likely would not be a lot from Terrell stopping him as a lot as a consequence of Rashid Shaheed and Jarvis Landry getting huge open extra rapidly towards the lesser corners.
Improve: Rashid Shaheed, Jarvis Landry
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Chris Olave (Improve if not shadowed by Terrell)
ATLANTA WIDE RECEIVERS
Drake London would get a tricky draw if Marshon Lattimore (stomach) can return, but it surely’s not clear whether or not that can occur. The Saints corners in any other case are uneven at greatest – Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor are very toolsy exterior and Bradley Roby was once good, however the outcomes have been constantly poor for them in 2022. London is younger for his degree but it surely’s simple sufficient to think about him beating Adebo and Taylor if USC have been enjoying Stanford or Tennessee.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Drake London, Olamide Zaccheaus
JAC vs DAL
JACKSONVILLE WIDE RECEIVERS
DaRon Bland and Kelvin Joseph should play a number of snaps for Dallas, and Bland specifically might want to see a number of Christian Kirk. It is troublesome to see that as a very good factor for Dallas. Zay Jones and Marvin Jones are simply guys however guys who can go alongside for the journey each time Trevor Lawrence is enjoying in addition to he has at his excessive factors up to now month or so.
Improve: Christian Kirk
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Zay Jones, Marvin Jones
DALLAS WIDE RECEIVERS
Tyson Campbell could be a drawback for opposing wideouts however the Jaguars largely maintain him on the best aspect, that means so long as Dallas strains up CeeDee Lamb within the slot or on their proper then Lamb ought to keep away from Campbell and as an alternative see the opposite, extra beatable Jaguars corners. Michael Gallup can undoubtedly produce towards the non-Campbell corners, too, and possibly even Noah Brown might. It depends upon the alternatives of the Dallas coaches.
Improve: CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Noah Brown
DEN vs ARI
DENVER WIDE RECEIVERS
Jerry Jeudy confirmed what he can do when he has the highlight to himself, and he would possibly once more right here if Courtland Sutton (hamstring) sits once more. Tight finish Greg Dulcich is the one different participant eligible for utilization except for Kendall Hinton, who solely pops up when the protection ignores him. Jeudy tasks tremendous towards an Arizona protection depending on zone protection – as regular the earlier concern could be the quarterback play.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Jerry Jeudy, Kendall Hinton
ARIZONA WIDE RECEIVERS
DeAndre Hopkins versus Patrick Surtain might actually be one thing to look at. The Cardinals have not used Hopkins within the slot as a lot as they did in his first sport again from suspension, however they could wish to go to that extra right here as a result of Surtain may be the very worst nook matchup for Hopkins within the league. Hopkins continues to be a transparent begin within the overwhelming majority of circumstances, but when he has a very good sport right here he’ll actually have earned it. Marquise Brown has in any other case emerged as Arizona’s main slot receiver, the place he may need had some noteworthy impact by now if Arizona had secure quarterback manufacturing. If Surtain is on Hopkins then there can be slack towards the remainder of the choice, and if he is capable of play by sickness then Brown is the clearly greatest candidate to choose up that slack. A.J. Inexperienced continues to play quite a bit for no apparent motive.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Inexperienced
Even: Marquise Brown
LV vs NE
LAS VEGAS WIDE RECEIVERS
It is troublesome to see what the Patriots might do to gradual Davante Adams that different groups have not already tried to little success. They may wish to shadow him with Jonathan Jones simply because Jones is their greatest nook, but it surely would not be a regarding matchup for Adams. Jack Jones has gotten good outcomes on the boundary too however has not been examined within the number of depths that Adams is ready to pose. Jack and Jonathan each are susceptible to getting bullied by a wideout as large as Mack Hollins, although they’re going to little doubt be proper on him even when he does make a catch at their expense.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Davante Adams, Mack Hollins
NEW ENGLAND WIDE RECEIVERS
Nate Hobbs is an effective nook who would usually be a shadow candidate but it surely’s not clear whether or not the Patriots have a wideout price it if Jakobi Meyers and DeVante Parker are out. Maybe Nelson Agholor could be subsequent in line, however the Raiders would possibly simply line up with out an project for Hobbs. Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton must step up too, although it isn’t clear whether or not they’re good bets to provide towards anybody specifically. The non-Hobbs corners for Las Vegas are usually not intimidating, a minimum of.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Nelson Agholor (debatable downgrade if shadowed by Hobbs), Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton
TB vs CIN
TAMPA BAY WIDE RECEIVERS
Mike Evans, Julio Jones and Chris Godwin ought to all have the benefit right here. Be it one thing to do with the offensive line, Tom Brady’s passing, or no matter else, WR:CB benefits have not translate to dependable manufacturing for the Buccaneers receivers this 12 months.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Julio Jones
CINCINNATI WIDE RECEIVERS
No Jamel Dean is an enormous loss for Tampa Bay, who usually have dean and Carlton Davis posing measurement and attain on the boundary to smother the sidelines. Now they’ve simply Davis – who performs on the left – and Sean Murphy-Bunting, who has largely struggled. Antoine Winfield would possibly return from damage and can be robust within the slot in that case. Davis might most likely neutralize Tee Higgins, notably if Higgins continues to be hobbled together with his hamstring problem, however Davis cannot run with Chase for lengthy and Murphy-Bunting would nearly actually get burned.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd
LAC vs TEN
CHARGERS WIDE RECEIVERS
Amani Hooker versus Keenan Allen can be fascinating within the slot, however by way of trait matching it is possibly not the very best matchup for Allen, who typically produces by boxing out defenders somewhat than eluding them. Hooker is large enough to play that sport too, at which level it isn’t clear whether or not Allen has one other benefit to lean on. Roger McCreary exterior could be a better goal for Allen, however Mike Williams particularly seems like a troublesome matchup for McCreary, who has little or no attain. Joshua Palmer can most likely beat McCreary time to time however would fare higher towards Terrance Mitchell.
Improve: Mike Williams
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer
TENNESSEE WIDE RECEIVERS
Robert Woods simply does not appear to work properly with Ryan Tannehill, and it is troublesome to see why something would get higher on this matchup. Woods cannot damage the Chargers corners for leaping shorter routes, so even when Woods can current a viable goal just a few instances beneath it’d get stepped on over the course of the sport. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a greater aesthetic match for Tannehill however does not have the expertise to make it noteworthy.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
WAS vs NYG
WASHINGTON WIDE RECEIVERS
The Giants corners are unhealthy sufficient that each Washington receiver to plausibly play snaps – for example as much as Cam Sims – would challenge for a transparent benefit right here. Terry McLaurin is in fact probably the most harmful of them, however Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson can actually beat up corners like these, too.
Improve: Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
GIANTS WIDE RECEIVERS
The Washington move rush is inflicting issues – the deal with duo of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are simply wrecking pockets from the inside – in order that’s regarding for the possibilities of Darius Slayton threatening his most formidable downfield routes. There is not any doubt Slayton can lose corners like Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste, however these corners are enjoying a better mode proper now the place they know down to a couple beats when the quarterback might want to throw earlier than the push will get of their face. If Daniel Jones can prolong a play or two and let Slayton hit full stride then the corners cannot sustain with him reliably. Isaiah Hodgins ought to proceed posing a reputable menace beneath towards the boundary, however St-Juste might be an efficient foil to Hodgins and Fuller is unlikely to surrender separation, both.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins
GB vs LAR
GREEN BAY WIDE RECEIVERS
Jalen Ramsey is unlikely to comply with anybody Packers receiver particularly, so whereas he may be a limiting issue for the Inexperienced Bay passing sport total it is unlikely that Ramsey issues for one participant particularly. Christian Watson figures to attract extra defensive consideration in mild of his latest breakout, however Allen Lazard would doubtless be capable to rapidly capitalize if defenses start to neglect him.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Christian Watson, Allen Lazard
RAMS WIDE RECEIVERS
Van Jefferson and Tutu Atwell are some degree of threatening, however Jefferson lacks the power to dictate a lot and Atwell’s snap rely is restricted since he kills the Rams’ run-blocking ideas. Ben Skowronek had the very best sport of his profession final week but nonetheless has terrible mixture numbers in 2022. Jaire Alexander ought to be capable to cowl any of those receivers, and Rasul Douglas would challenge properly towards Skowronek. Keisean Nixon within the slot may be probably the most beatable nook, and he ought to largely see Atwell and Skowronek.
Improve: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
