We’re back with our wide receiver matchups this week after a subpar week last week. That’s fantasy football, though. Sometimes you make the decisions with the best thought process behind it, but it still doesn’t go your way. This week, we revisit a few familiar names and secondaries. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me on Twitter @JonSauber.
Favorable Matchups
Sammy Watkins @ Dallas Cowboys
After a fantastic performance against the 49ers last week, Sammy Watkins is on track to do it again this Sunday. Last Monday, Larry Fitzgerald was able to shred the Cowboys secondary for 149 yards and a touchdown on 13 receptions. Watkins should be able to take the top off a bad Cowboys’ defense and that could lead to a dominant fantasy day. The Cardinals and Broncos both had big passing days against the Cowboys, and Week 4 should be no different. Look for Watkins to get a season high in targets this week and be the leading receiver for an explosive Rams offensive attack.
Tyrell Williams @ Philadelphia Eagles
This should be a breakout week for Tyrell Williams and the Chargers’ passing offense. Williams is averaging six targets per game this year, and that should see a slight uptick this week. Williams will likely draw Rasul Douglas and Jalen Mills on the outside against the Eagles. If he draws Douglas, he has the speed to beat him deep, opening the possibility up for big play potential. If Mills is assigned to Williams, Williams should have a massive day, as he has advantages in all aspects over Mills. Expect Williams to get a large target share this week regardless of his Week 4 matchup. His big-play ability makes him a threat on every snap against an awful secondary.
DeVante Parker vs. New Orleans Saints
Speaking of awful secondaries, the Miami Dolphins get to face the worst one in all of football in Week 4. The entire Dolphins offense should be set for a big day, and that includes the supremely talented DeVante Parker. Through two games, Parker has 19 targets and looks to be an integral part of Adam Gase’s offense. Parker looks like Jay Cutler’s favorite red zone target thus far, and he should have plenty of opportunities to score in London this weekend. Parker is in line for another 10 or so targets against the Saints, with a couple of them coming in the red zone. I expect 100+ yards and at least one touchdown for Parker on Sunday.
Unfavorable Matchups
Pierre Garcon @ Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals opponents are going to frequent this category this season, all thanks to Patrick Peterson. Peterson should be shadowing Pierre Garcon this week, and that’s all the information I need to bench Garcon. Brian Hoyer is still likely to look his way frequently, but I don’t expect Garcon to have much of a chance to reel in many of his targets. He’s a good wide receiver and does a good job of catching the ball even when he’s covered. However, Peterson’s ball skills are far too good to allow that to happen this week. Garcon is a WR4 for me in Week 4, and somebody I’d definitely avoid in DFS.
TY Hilton @ Seattle Seahawks
Even with TY Hilton’s massive performance last week, don’t expect that to happen again on Sunday. He faces an incredibly tough Seahawks defense and plays for an offense that has shown an inability to move the ball. I’d expect Seattle to key in on Hilton in Week 4, because he’s the only real threat on the Colts’ offense. Jacoby Brissett is going to end up taking off to run more often than not this week, and he’s going to struggle to find time to throw. For Hilton to produce at his usual level, he’s going to need to break a big play for a touchdown. While that’s entirely possible, Seattle will be doing everything in their power to stop it. Avoid Hilton in DFS, although you may have to start him in season-long formats.
Stefon Diggs vs. Detroit Lions
Well, let’s try this again. Last week I called for Stefon Diggs to have a down week last week because of Case Keenum. So, what did he do? He went off for 173 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. That’s fantasy football for ya. I’m just going to blame the Buccaneers’ atrocious secondary for that one and move on. This week, things get tougher for Diggs. He’s likely to draw the shadow of Darius Slay, who is a fantastic corner. Keenum will have a difficult time finding Diggs as often this week. While you’re still likely to start Diggs in season-long, I’d avoid him in DFS. If he goes off again this week, consider him matchup proof, but I just don’t see it happening.
Sleeper of the Week
Sterling Shepard @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While we’re talking about the Buccaneers getting carved up by Case Keenum, we may as well mention their matchup this week. Sterling Shepard is in a good spot to take advantage of the Buccaneers this week, as are the rest of the Giants’ wide receivers. Shepard would be a great DFS play with upside after having a big week last week in Philadelphia. He’s a strong flex option with definite touchdown upside. The Giants will be looking to get rid of the ball quickly, and Shepard does a good job with the ball in his hands. Look for another big week from the Giants’ second-best receiver.