We return to the trenches to look at the upcoming O-line vs D-Line (and LBs) matchups. The goal is to evaluate what we may expect in the passing and running game, which is so dependent on the goings-on in the trenches.
Before we do:
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Passing Game
Let’s start with the passing game. The table below shows the O-Line’s ability to protect the QB in the passing game as compared to the D-Line (and LBs) ability to disrupt said passing game.
| Offense | Defense | Pass Block/Rush Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| CIN | MIN | 1 |
| BUF | MIA | 2 |
| IND | TEN | 3 |
| LAC | DEN | 4 |
| ARZ | SF | 5 |
| DAL | CHI | 5 |
| GB | CLV | 5 |
| TEN | IND | 8 |
| KC | NYG | 9 |
| NE | PIT | 9 |
| TB | NYJ | 11 |
| MIN | CIN | 12 |
| SF | ARZ | 12 |
| CHI | DAL | 14 |
| NO | SEA | 14 |
| HST | JAX | 16 |
| BLT | DET | 17 |
| DEN | LAC | 17 |
| JAX | HST | 19 |
| NYG | KC | 19 |
| CAR | ATL | 21 |
| LV | WAS | 21 |
| MIA | BUF | 23 |
| PHI | LA | 24 |
| PIT | NE | 25 |
| SEA | NO | 26 |
| ATL | CAR | 27 |
| CLV | GB | 28 |
| NYJ | TB | 29 |
| WAS | LV | 30 |
| DET | BLT | 31 |
| LA | PHI | 31 |
Exploit
Indianapolis Offense vs Tennessee Defense: Daniel Jones has been a good-news story so far, leading the Colts to a 2-0 record, including the upset win against Denver last week. Give the kid some time with a few playmakers and a stat line of almost 300 yards per game, 71% completion percentage and O INTs are the result. The Titans pass rush comes in at the bottom third in the league so look for more of the same here. I’m not saying he’s necessarily your starter in 1-QB leagues but if he’s not starting in your SFLEX leagues, what are we really doing here?
Neutral
Los Angeles Chargers Offense vs Denver Defense: This shows as one of the top matchups because of the Charger’s ability to give Justin Herbert time in the passing game. He’s been very efficient so far, completing passes at over a 72% clip. We’ve also (FINALLY) seen an emergence in Quentin Johnston, who has been able to get downfield and averaging almost 14 yards per target. For Denver’s part, their vaunted defense is not based on their ability to provide pressure on the QB, ranking just 13th in this category. I’m going neutral on this game primarily because Herbert’s only averaging about 30 pass attempts per game. If that ticks up a bit, look out.
Fade
Seattle Offense vs New Orleans Defense: This one probably feels like a Seahawks SLAM play, and maybe it will, but the numbers suggest below league average at best. The Seattle O-Line has been surprisingly bad in protecting Sam Darnold to date, and it shows. Darnold is averaging about 225 passing yards per game with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. The Saints pass-rush ranks in the lower third of the league as well. Something will likely give here, and I bet it’s on the Seattle side, but don’t be surprised if you leave disappointed at the level of passing-game production.
Rushing Game
Now we switch to the rushing game. This table compares the O-line’s ability to create running lanes versus the D-line’s (and LBs) ability to plug those holes.
| Offense | Defense | Run Block/Stop Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| TEN | IND | 1 |
| CAR | ATL | 2 |
| JAX | HST | 3 |
| BUF | MIA | 4 |
| CLV | GB | 5 |
| HST | JAX | 6 |
| PHI | LA | 6 |
| CHI | DAL | 8 |
| IND | TEN | 8 |
| ARZ | SF | 10 |
| MIN | CIN | 11 |
| MIA | BUF | 12 |
| LA | PHI | 13 |
| SEA | NO | 14 |
| SF | ARZ | 14 |
| NYG | KC | 16 |
| BLT | DET | 17 |
| CIN | MIN | 18 |
| KC | NYG | 19 |
| TB | NYJ | 19 |
| ATL | CAR | 21 |
| LAC | DEN | 21 |
| GB | CLV | 23 |
| DEN | LAC | 24 |
| DET | BLT | 24 |
| NYJ | TB | 26 |
| DAL | CHI | 27 |
| LV | WAS | 28 |
| PIT | NE | 29 |
| WAS | LV | 29 |
| NO | SEA | 31 |
| NE | PIT | 32 |
Exploit
Carolina Offense vs Atlanta Defense: The Panthers have a favorable trench matchup in the run game this week, coming in with the #2 overall matchup. The Falcons ability to stop the run ranks as one of the worst in the league right now. I had to double check the numbers to make sure but it’s correct, their rush defense (or more appropriately stated, the sum of their parts) is not great right now. My “professional” eye says they’re not THAT bad but I’m still high on Chuba Hubbard this week, and MAY make Carolina my upset special.
Neutral
Cleveland Offense vs Green Bay Defense: This one doesn’t pass the eye test. To their credit, the Browns O-Line has been doing a very good job opening RB lanes. Just last week, we saw Quinshon Judkins start his career with a 6.1 yards per attempt average. Sure, Judkins is a talented runner but the O-Line deserves credit here too. I’m neutral on this because of the other side of the ball. That Packers defense is LEGIT. Don’t be seduced by the numbers Browns fans, but just temper expectations here.
Fade
Las Vegas Offense vs Washington Defense: I’m downgrading Ashton Jeanty this week. He comes in at just 81 total rushing yards on the season on 30 carries. For all you math wizards out there, that’s just 2.7 yards per carry. The Commanders have been very good vs the rush, allowing 30 yards to the Giant’s 3-headed RB monster in Week 1 and “just” 84 yards to Josh Jacobs at Lambeau last Monday night. Without Jayden Daniels, Washington will need to lean on their defense this week and I think they get it done.
That’s All Folks
Programming note: The Razzball Sunday Start/Sit show returns again tomorrow from 11:00 am EDT (8:00 PDT) right up right up to game time. Join Sky – @SkyGuasco, Matt – @Stiles08, Dave – @Crewser128, Jeff – @Jefferson__21 and me as we answer all your fantasy football questions. Don’t miss it.
Look for my articles right here each week and be sure to follow me on Twitter/X @Derek_Favret. I’m also on BlueSky as well (@dfavret.bsky.social).
Until next time, my friends.
