Fantasy Football: 5 WR/CB matchups to target and 5 WR/CB matchups to avoid in Week 5

Week 5 of your fantasy football leagues and DFS slates is here, and it’s time to highlight the best and worst wide receiver versus cornerback matchups of the week. We’re going to analyze the biggest mismatches going both ways, targeting the plus matchups and avoiding the tough ones.

Listed below are five wide receiver matchups you should target and five you should avoid.

5 WR/CB Matchups to Target

Philadelphia Eagles WR Greg Ward vs. Pittsburgh Steelers CB Mike Hilton

The Eagles’ wide receiver corps is severely injured, leaving a player like Ward atop of the depth chart and first in line for a decent target share. His matchup against Hilton isn’t the easiest, nor is the matchup against the Steelers in general. Their defense has allowed the 10th-fewest points to opposing wide receivers this season.

The reason for intrigue surrounding Ward, though, is Hilton’s third-worst ranking in fantasy points allowed per route (0.48), according to PFF’s WR vs. CB matchup chart. Both players are going to spend the majority of their time on the field in the slot and nickel positions. The lack of quality coverage from Hilton is sure to lead to a relatively productive day for Ward, even if his average depth of target (aDOT) isn’t very high.

Minnesota Vikings WR Adam Thielen vs. Seattle Seahawks CB Shaquill Griffin

Quietly, as per usual, Thielen is off to a great start this season, as he’s reeled in 20 receptions on 31 targets for 284 yards and four touchdowns. While the Vikings haven’t had the success they probably envisioned to begin the season, Thielen has proven to be as sure of a thing as they come.

Sep 27, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (33) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

His matchup against Griffin is one you’ll want to exploit. Griffin has allowed a league-high 318 receiving yards in his coverage in addition to two receiving touchdowns. Plus, the Seahawks have given up the second-most points to opposing wide receivers in 2020.

Teammate Justin Jefferson is also absolutely in play here, as both he and Thielen have the potential, volume and exploitable matchups necessary to put together up dominant performances.