After a record-setting Week 1 that saw the NFL tie its record for points scored in an opening week. Here are some notable WR/CB matchups this week, as fantasy owners scramble on the waiver wire and look to avoid another Jalen Coker-on-the-bench situation.
*The following matchups are based on the most recent depth chart announcements and could change due to unforeseen injuries or game plan adjustments*
WR Romeo Doubs | CB Joey Porter Jr./Steelers Secondary
With Joey Porter Jr. conveniently missing week one with an apparent back injury as trade talks heat up, that still leaves an incredible Pittsburgh Steelers secondary to cover Romeo Doubs, who forgot how to catch last week. Doubs has WR1 upside, but I can’t trust him after last week.
The Steelers defense allowed 118 passing yards and just 13 points while missing their CB1. Now, Cooper Rush isn’t Drake Maye, but if Drake London couldn’t produce, how can we expect Romeo Doubs to?
Bench Romeo Doubs
WR Jalen Coker | CB Mike Hughes
If he was on the waiver in your league in week 1, he’s not anymore. Jalen Coker is a must-start this week. Coker broke out in week 1, putting up 8 receptions, 138 yards, and 2 TDs; those numbers were good enough to make him the WR1 in fantasy after week 1.
Coker will face Mike Hughes, who allowed 4 catches for 44 yards last week. Despite that, the Atlanta Falcons defense ranks middle of the pack at 13th with 206.0 passing yards allowed, while the Carolina Panthers rank 3rd with 361.0.
Start Jalen Coker
WR Devaughn Vele | CB Marlon Humphrey
Like Jalen Coker, Vele received plenty of attention in Week 1; the difference is that Coker has upside potential all season, while Vele’s production may only come while Jordan Tyson is out. That said, he had one of the best games in Week 1, with 7 receptions, 69 yards, and a TD.
Marlon Humphrey is still an exceptional CB, and he now plays opposite Nate Wiggins; in Week 1, he allowed just 29 yards. The Ravens defense as a whole allowed the 5th fewest passing yards (149.0) a week ago.
Bench Devaughn Vele
WR Deebo Samuel | CB Jason Marshall Jr.
De’Zhaun Stribling went down with an ankle injury and is expected to miss about 10 weeks. Deebo Samuel then stepped up as the team’s WR2 for the rest of the game, as if he never left San Francisco. Samuel caught 6 passes for 48 yards and a TD. Deebo also had 1 carry for 12 yards, and while those stats may not jump out at you, Samuel did it while playing only 42% of snaps.
Jason Marshall Jr. could be a solid NFL CB one day. That day won’t be Sunday. Marshall Jr. would be a CB4 on most teams and is only operating as the CB2 because it looks like the meteor that hit the dinosaurs hit the Dolphins roster. The Miami Dolphins gave up the 6th fewest passing yards in Week 1 (160.0), but that was against a Las Vegas Raiders offense that doesn’t have a WR1 and honestly might not have a WR2 either.
Start Deebo Samuel
WR Brian Thomas Jr. | CB Riley Moss
I’ve been a strong believer in Brian Thomas Jr. returning to rookie form this season, and while another game under 10 points looks alarming, let’s look at the bigger picture. He exited the game late in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, which has limited him in practice this week, but I think he will be good to go by Sunday. Anyway, when he left toward the end of the first quarter, BTJ already had 3 receptions for 40 yards; he was on pace for 12 receptions and 160 yards. Obviously, it’s unlikely he would’ve finished with that, but he was off to a great start!
When targeted, Riley Moss allowed a 115.0 passer rating; sure, it was Patrick Mahomes throwing at him, but Trevor Lawrence isn’t a slouch, especially with Liam Coen calling the plays.
Start Brian Thomas Jr.
Other Content
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