This week using our Slot vs. Wide PPG Allowed Analysis on Razzball.com, we break down some of the top matchups for wide receivers heading into Week 9.
To hear a full breakdown of the slot vs. wide matchups, join our wide receiver 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 9.
To see the full slot vs. wide PPG-allowed data, click here!
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Notable Out Wide Matchups
Defense: Arizona Cardinals
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 2nd
Week 8 START: Amari Cooper
Due to the ongoing issues at quarterback, Amari Cooper has been a bit up and down this season. Through his first seven games, Cooper has four with 14 or more PPR points and three under seven PPR points. The good news is he has performed well in the games where he faced elite matchups. This week should be another good game for Cooper as he faces an Arizona team that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points out wide since Week 3.
Defense: Los Angeles Chargers
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 7th
Week 8 START: Garrett Wilson
Zach Wilson is still not a great quarterback by any means, but he has improved enough to keep Garrett Wilson fantasy viable. For fantasy managers, that isn’t what we signed up for when we drafted Wilson in the second round, but hey, it could be worse, right? Garrett Wilson is coming off back-to-back strong games vs. the Eagles and the Giants and should continue to roll vs. a Chargers DST that has allowed the 7th most fantasy points out wide.
Defense: Seattle Seahawks
Out Wide PPG Allowed: 31st
Week 8 SIT: Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers has been solid this season as Lamar Jackson’s top wide receiver. The main issue for Flowers is he hasn’t found the end zone a lot this season, only securing one TD on the year. This week he might find it hard to operate again as he squares off vs. a tough Seahawks secondary. After a rough start to the year, the Seahawks have turned it around, allowing the 2nd fewest fantasy points out wide since Week 3.
Notable Slot Matchups
Defense: Washington Commanders
Slot PPG Allowed: 8th
Week 8 START: Demario Douglas
The loss of Kendrick Bourne this past week and the disappearing act of Juju Smith-Schuster could clear the path for Demario Douglas. Douglas quietly led the Patriots in routes last week, securing five receptions in Week 8. Douglas could take advantage of this new role immediately in Week 9 as the Patriots face the Washington Commanders. Since Week 3, the Commanders have allowed the second most fantasy points overall and the 8th most to the slot.
Defense: Miami Dolphins
Slot PPG Allowed: 9th
Week 8 START: Rashee Rice
Watching Rashee Rice’s usage is like standing in front of the microwave, watching your food heat up. It’s slow and probably bad for you, but you’re hungry and want that food right away. Well, the buzzer just went off, and it’s time to start playing your Rashee Rice. Rice finally surpassed the likes of Skyy Moore and Justin Watson in routes last week, leading to a solid 4-56 receiving line. This week the Chiefs could be in for a potential shootout vs. the Dolphins which should put Rice on the WR3 map.
Honorable Mention: SIT Josh Palmer vs. the New York Jets
Week 8 Recap (Last Week’s Starts/Sits)
START George Pickens and Diontae Johnson vs. the Jaguars – Diontae Johnson (8-85) proved to be the better option in the rain as George Pickens (1-22-1) only caught one pass, but thankfully it went for a TD.
START Kendrick Bourne vs. Dolphins – Kendrick Bourne was on his way to a big day before going down with an injury. He still finished as a WR3 on the week.
SIT Gabe Davis vs. the Buccaneers – Opened the week with an absolute dud here. Gabe Davis feasted on the Buccaneers, securing 9-87-1. My bad!
START Josh Downs vs. the Saints – Josh Downs continues to roll as he dominated the Saints for 7-72, finishing as a top 30 WR on the week.
START Elijah Moore vs. the Seahawks – Sometimes, having the best matchup on the week doesn’t help your fantasy value. Elijah Moore was a bust, only catching 2-30.
Score – 3 of 6
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
