We’re back with the wide receiver matchup report for week six. We take a long look toward Minnesota this week, where three of our matchups come from. Not to mention two big-play threats that could be in for enormous days and a sleeper that isn’t even rostered in most leagues. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me on Twitter @JonSauber.
Favorable Matchups
Davante Adams @ Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has a very tough defense, led by star corner Xavier Rhodes. Fortunately for Davante Adams, he won’t be the one facing Rhodes. That should open up some targets for him, and give him the opportunity to play an even bigger role in the Packers’ offense. Adams is already averaging over seven targets per game and that number won’t be going down this week. Adams has earned Aaron Rodgers’ trust and that can’t be undersold here. He’s easily the number two option in Green Bay and gets a matchup to take advantage of this week. I expect 10+ targets this week and a monster game for Adams.
Golden Tate @ New Orleans Saints
While the Lions have turned into a ball control offense, they will still lean on the passing game against a bad New Orleans defense. The main beneficiary of that should be Golden Tate, who has 40 targets to this point in the season. Tate won’t be dealing with the Saints’ young stud in Marshon Lattimore thanks to his ability in the slot. I’m not relying on Tate scoring a touchdown this game, but he should still get around 11 targets. I’d expect somewhere around eight or nine receptions for over 90 yards. That’s a very good PPR day, and a good day in standard as well. If he scores a touchdown, he immediately becomes a low-end WR1 for the week.
DeSean Jackson @ Arizona Cardinals
Our weekly mention of Patrick Peterson comes in the favorable column. Not because Peterson is susceptible, but because he will be taking on Mike Evans. That should open up DeSean Jackson, just like it opened up Torrey Smith last week. Of course, Jackson is a better player than Smith, and if Jameis Winston can hit him just once on a deep route, his day will be a success. I expect much more than that from Jackson, who had a nice week last week, catching five passes for 106 yards. I’d be fairly surprised if he doesn’t at least match that this week. This is one of those games where we might see Jackson make seven catches and get over 150 yards and two touchdowns. I’m not necessarily projecting that, but I am projecting at least 100 receiving yards for the second week in a row for one of the game’s best deep threats.
Adam Thielen vs. Green Bay Packers
Speaking of deep threats, I’m expecting a big game from another one in Adam Thielen. With Stefon Diggs out of commission and Dalvin Cook done for the year, Thielen steps up as the Vikings’ best weapon. Thielen is averaging eight targets per game, and with no Diggs that number is sure to go up. He could be in line for over 10 targets for Minnesota, and a decent matchup with the Packers. Minnesota will likely be playing from behind, putting them in a position where they must pass the ball. Thielen could have a similar performance to week one when he had nine catches for 157 yards against the Saints. I’d throw in some touchdown upside and that makes Thielen a firm WR1.
Unfavorable Matchups
Demaryius Thomas vs. New York Giants
Our first unfavorable matchup may come as a surprise. The Broncos are expected to blow out the Giants this week, but I don’t think they’ll do it through the passing game. I expect a heavy dose of CJ Anderson and Jamaal Charles, which means not much passing. The Giants have struggled mightily against the run, and game flow should lead to them seeing a lot of it. For Thomas, that means fewer passing plays and fewer opportunities for targets. He should also see the shadow of Janoris Jenkins who is a very good cover corner. Thomas is a flex play for me this week, and someone I’m avoiding in DFS.
Sammy Watkins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s weird to have a guy here after having zero receptions the previous week, but that says more about Watkins’ ability than anyone else. He will inevitably bounce back this season, but I wouldn’t expect to see it this week. The Jaguars have a very talented defense with two great corners in A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey. Watkins is likely in for less than five targets, thanks to what should be a run-heavy gameplan for the Rams. Bench him in season-long and avoid him in DFS. After this week will be a fantastic time to buy low on Watkins.
Jordy Nelson @ Minnesota Vikings
Our final unfavorable matchup probably won’t make an appearance here again this season. I mentioned earlier that Davante Adams will be in for a nice game because he won’t see Xavier Rhodes. Unfortunately for Jordy Nelson, he will be the one who has to stare at Rhodes all game long. Rhodes has been one of the best corners in the NFL this season and that shouldn’t change anytime soon. Aaron Rodgers will still likely look toward Nelson five to seven times, but that will drop him to a WR2 that is reliant on a touchdown. You have to start him in season-long leagues, but don’t pay the hefty price in DFS.
Sleeper of the Week
JuJu Smith-Schuster @ Kansas City Chiefs
This week’s sleeper of the week is more of an option to pick up and stash for the rest of the year in season-long leagues. JuJu Smith-Schuster has taken over as the Steelers’ slot receiver. He’s averaging five targets per game, but that could see an uptick as he gets on the same page as Ben Roethlisberger. He has the size and physicality to be a really good red zone target for Pittsburgh. As for this week, he’s a very good option in DFS. He’ll be facing Phillip Gaines, who has struggled in the slot for Kansas City. Look for Smith-Schuster to find his way into the end zone on around seven targets this Sunday.