This week in the Slot vs. Wide PPG Allowed Analysis, we break down some of the notable matchup takeaways from the first three weeks of the NFL season! The purpose of this article is to help us identify the best matchups for wide receivers in the slot vs. out wide and how it will impact your fantasy teams in Week 4.
The biggest question coming out of the early part of the season is, “Will the defenses we outline today be matchups to exploit all season long?”
We will address some of those concerns on the slot vs. wide matchup show this Friday at 5:00 p.m. PST on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube channel, but for now, let’s dive into the top matchups for Week 4!
To see the full slot vs. wide PPG-allowed data, click here!
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Notable Out Wide Matchups
Defense: Tennessee Titans
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 1st
Week 4 Opponent: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
It’s been a rough start to the season for the Cincinnati Bengals passing game. Through Week 3, Ja’Marr Chase is the WR27, and Tee Higgins is the WR46 in PPR PPG. However, the Bengals had the toughest early season out-wide schedule. Now in Week 4, the Bengals have the number one matchup on the week for outside wide receivers. This is your warning that the buy-low window is closing fast as they are must-starts in season-long and DFS this week.
Defense: Minnesota Vikings
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 2nd
Week 4 Opponent: D.J. Chark
D.J. Chark shined in Week 3, securing 4-86-1 vs. the Seahawks! Now in Week 4, he looks to build off that strong performance vs. a Vikings DST that has allowed notable performances to Mike Evans (6-66-1), DeVonta Smith (4-131-1), and Mike Williams (7-121-1). The return of Bryce Young should make us temper expectations, but Chark is on the WR3 map regardless this week vs. an inexperienced Vikings secondary.
Defense: Los Angeles Chargers
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 3rd
Week 4 Opponent: Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers
Davante Adams is an auto-start and could be a stud to buy up for in DFS in Week 4 against the Chargers. Meanwhile, Jakobi Meyers was drafting in the double-digit rounds and is quickly emerging as an every-week starter for fantasy. Meyers is playing a new role in Las Vegas as he has seen 100% of his fantasy points out-wide in 2023. This should allow him to feast vs. a Chargers team that has allowed double-digit fantasy points to multiple wide receivers each week.
Notable Slot Matchups
Defense: Baltimore Ravens
Slot PPG Allowed: 3rd
Week 4 Opponent: Elijah Moore
Amari Cooper has produced like the clear #1 for the Cleveland Browns through Week 3. Quietly Elijah Moore has emerged as the clear #2, leading the team in targets and routes while securing 15 receptions for 128 receiving yards. Now in Week 4, Moore gets a plus matchup vs. a Ravens secondary that has allowed solid PPR performances to primary slot receivers Tyler Boyd (6-52) and Josh Downs (8-57) each of the past two weeks.
Defense: New Orleans Saints
Slot PPG Allowed: 5th
Week 4 Opponent: Chris Godwin
It has been a slow start to the season for Chris Godwin, as he currently sits outside the top 50 for wide receivers heading into Week 4. It seems Weeks 1-3, all the production has gone to Mike Evans, as he currently sits as the WR5 in 2023. This week the Buccaneers take on a familiar foe in the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have been notorious for using top cornerback Marshon Lattimore to shadow Mike Evans. That has led to some big games for Chris Godwin, which should lead to a solid WR2/3 performance for him this week.
Defense: Atlanta Falcons
Slot PPG Allowed: 7th
Week 4 Opponent: Christian Kirk
With Zay Jones looking doubtful in Week 4 against the Falcons, Christian Kirk should have another opportunity to capitalize on his expanded role. In Week 3, Kirk found the end zone vs. the Texans putting up a 4-54-1 receiving line. Now in Week 4, he gets another solid matchup against a Falcons DST that allowed solid performances to Jayden Reed (4-37-2) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (9-102) each of the past two weeks.
Don’t forget to bring all your start/sit questions to our Sunday Live Start/Sit show starting at 8 a.m. PST on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube Channel!
For more from Bobby and his Razzball content, find him on Twitter @bobbylamarco.
Sources: Razzball.com, PFF.com, FantasyPros, FFToday, Pro Football Reference and Football Outsiders
