Fantasy Football WR Report: Man, zone coverage performance ahead of NFL Week 8

2RW80AA Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball under pressure from Chicago Bears safety Elijah Hicks (22) and Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

• Tampa Bay’s wide receiver duo has a great matchup against Buffalo: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should be able to play to their strengths against a susceptible Bills defense.

George Pickens will look to keep producing in Week 8: Going against the Jacksonville Jaguars zone-heavy defense, Pickens should be in for another strong fantasy outing.

• Trusting Rashee Rice: It’s taking time for Rice’s snap share to rise, but while it does, he draws a great matchup against the Denver Broncos to utilize his skill set for another productive fantasy week.

Estimated Reading Time: 31 minutes


WR:CB Matchup Chart

This fantasy football WR report is an extension of PFF's wide receiver grades, which also detail how each receiver performs against man and zone coverages.

The additional fantasy-related detail — including opponent coverage tendencies — gives you just one more edge to help you dominate your fantasy leagues this season.

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Arizona Cardinals

Week 8 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
  • Man coverage rank: 8th (29.0%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 25th (69.5%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Zach Pascal 6 1 9 88.9% 16.7% 1.9
Greg Dortch 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Marquise Brown 49 10 134 63.4% 36.7% 35.4
Rondale Moore 39 4 38 71.1% 15.4% 7.8
Michael Wilson 43 1 4 100.0% 4.7% 1.4
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Zach Pascal 29 3 10 -30.0% 20.7% 4
Greg Dortch 16 0 0 0.0% 6.3% 0
Marquise Brown 192 22 249 79.5% 21.4% 52.9
Rondale Moore 151 13 75 -13.3% 13.3% 20.5
Michael Wilson 165 20 339 76.4% 16.4% 65.9

The Ravens have played man coverage at a top-10 rate in the league this season.

Baltimore has earned a 70.1 team coverage grade while in man, which ranks as the second-best mark in the league.

Baltimore has also allowed a first down or touchdown on just 32.3% of man coverage snaps and has allowed an explosive play on just 11.1% of man coverage snaps — both of which are among the five best marks in the league.

Marquise Brown has thrived against man coverage this season, earning 0.72 fantasy points per route run (eighth) and a 90.7 receiving grade (fourth).

Brown is the lone Cardinals wide receiver worth trusting this week due to the difficult matchup and no other option on the team cracking the top 75 wide receivers in fantasy points per route run against man.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Atlanta Falcons

Week 8 opponent: Tennessee Titans
  • Man coverage rank: 9th (27.9%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 24th (70.8%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Mack Hollins 25 1 7 100.0% 8.0% 1.7
KhaDarel Hodge 12 2 25 76.0% 16.7% 4.5
Van Jefferson 40 1 8 75.0% 7.5% 1.8
Scott Miller 10 0 0 0.0% 10.0% 0
Drake London 43 6 73 84.9% 32.6% 25.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Mack Hollins 106 11 177 83.1% 17.9% 28.7
KhaDarel Hodge 52 3 39 59.0% 7.7% 6.9
Van Jefferson 153 8 105 95.2% 9.8% 18.5
Scott Miller 45 4 60 66.7% 8.9% 10
Drake London 191 26 310 72.9% 18.9% 57

The Titans have played man coverage at a top-10 rate in the league this season.

Tennessee’s man coverage has allowed a 72.2% completion rate, 7.95 yards per coverage target and a 20.3% explosive play rate — all of which rank among the five worst marks in the league.

Drake London has earned a 72.9 receiving grade versus man (28th) and cracks the top 20 wide receivers (minimum of 20 routes run) in fantasy points per route run against man (0.59).

London has earned a much higher target rate and scored both of his receiving touchdowns against man coverage this season. He should be in a great spot to have a strong week against Tennessee’s poor man coverage defense.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Baltimore Ravens

Week 8 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
  • Man coverage rank: 28th (16.5%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 5th (82.0%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Odell Beckham Jr. 31 2 34 100.0% 29.0% 5.4
Nelson Agholor 42 6 102 64.7% 21.4% 28.2
Laquon Treadwell 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Devin Duvernay 23 1 -2 100.0% 13.0% 0.8
Rashod Bateman 35 3 45 77.8% 17.1% 7.5
Zay Flowers 67 6 54 35.2% 22.4% 11.4
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Odell Beckham Jr. 89 12 128 67.2% 14.6% 24.8
Nelson Agholor 96 11 120 81.7% 12.5% 23
Laquon Treadwell 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Devin Duvernay 33 1 10 60.0% 12.1% 2
Rashod Bateman 80 9 73 78.1% 15.0% 16.3
Zay Flowers 165 33 388 60.6% 23.0% 77.8

The Cardinals have played zone coverage at a top-five rate this season.

Arizona has earned a 43.3 team coverage grade while in zone coverage, which ranks as the worst mark in the NFL.

Arizona is giving up 7.36 yards per coverage snap and 9.3 yards per coverage target while in zone coverage, both of which rank among the worst three marks in the league.

Zay Flowers has thrived much more when facing zone coverage this season, earning 0.47 fantasy points per route run (tied for 18th) against zone compared to just 0.17 fantasy points per route run versus man (tied for 85th).

Flowers' receiving grade when facing zone coverage (79.2) compared to man coverage (55.2) is also a night-and-day difference.

Expect Flowers to have a great outing this week against Arizona’s poor zone defense.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Buffalo Bills

Week 8 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Man coverage rank: 21st (21.0%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 10th (78.5%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Stefon Diggs 82 17 218 70.6% 28.1% 62.8
Trent Sherfield 22 2 14 14.3% 9.1% 3.4
Gabe Davis 81 5 99 71.7% 12.4% 14.9
Khalil Shakir 23 5 51 39.2% 26.1% 16.1
Deonte Harty 20 0 0 0.0% 5.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Stefon Diggs 170 38 460 75.0% 31.2% 96
Trent Sherfield 46 4 30 26.7% 15.2% 7
Gabe Davis 159 17 248 83.9% 14.5% 65.8
Khalil Shakir 28 3 24 87.5% 10.7% 5.4
Deonte Harty 53 13 113 37.2% 26.4% 30.3

The Buccaneers have played zone coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

Tampa Bay has been about league average in coverage metrics while in zone, making them more of a neutral matchup for wide receivers.

Stefon Diggs ranks tied for eighth in fantasy points per route run against zone coverage (0.56).

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Carolina Panthers

Week 8 opponent: Houston Texans
  • Man coverage rank: 27th (16.8%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 4th (82.7%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Adam Thielen 66 16 183 58.5% 31.8% 52.3
DJ Chark Jr. 52 6 78 87.2% 21.2% 19.8
Laviska Shenault Jr. 11 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Terrace Marshall Jr. 29 0 0 0.0% 6.9% 0
Jonathan Mingo 46 3 26 73.1% 13.0% 5.6
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Adam Thielen 182 33 326 69.0% 20.9% 71.6
DJ Chark Jr. 142 7 119 73.9% 9.9% 24.9
Laviska Shenault Jr. 31 6 36 -66.7% 19.4% 9.6
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 9 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Terrace Marshall Jr. 109 16 112 59.8% 21.1% 27.2
Jonathan Mingo 125 12 107 75.7% 17.6% 22.7

The Texans have deployed zone coverage at a top-five rate this season.

The Texans have earned an 87.7 team coverage grade, which ranks as the sixth-best mark in the league.

Houston has also allowed a touchdown on only 32.0% of zone coverage plays, ranking ninth.

Adam Thielen has been the Panthers’ best receiving option all season, and that shouldn’t change much in an above-average matchup for wide receivers.

Thielen has earned 0.39 fantasy points per route run, which ranks 37th among wide receivers this season.

Thielen has also posted an 85.6 receiving grade versus zone — a top-10 mark among wide receivers.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Chicago Bears

Week 8 opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Man coverage rank: 22nd (20.7%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 11th (77.9%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Trent Taylor 5 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Chase Claypool 18 0 0 0.0% 5.6% 0
Equanimeous St. Brown 11 1 21 95.2% 9.1% 3.1
Darnell Mooney 42 1 11 90.9% 11.9% 2.1
DJ Moore 54 7 249 42.6% 22.2% 37.9
Tyler Scott 17 2 13 53.8% 23.5% 3.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Trent Taylor 20 0 0 0.0% 5.0% 0
Velus Jones Jr. 10 2 5 -20.0% 20.0% 2.5
Equanimeous St. Brown 24 0 0 0.0% 4.2% 0
Darnell Mooney 155 13 173 63.0% 10.3% 36.3
DJ Moore 187 33 387 66.4% 20.3% 95.7
Tyler Scott 66 5 38 84.2% 12.1% 8.8

The Chargers have played zone coverage at an above-average rate this season.

The Chargers have given up an explosive play on 19.0% of coverage snaps while in zone, which ranks as the second-worst mark in the league.

The Chargers have also allowed 9.1 yards per coverage target, 7.79 yards per coverage snap and a first down or touchdown on 40.1% of zone coverage snaps — all of which rank among the five worst marks in the league.

D.J. Moore has delivered 0.51 fantasy points per route run against zone coverage — the 10th-best mark among wide receivers (minimum of 30 routes run) this season.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Cincinnati Bengals

Week 8 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
  • Man coverage rank: 18th (22.2%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 14th (76.3%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyler Boyd 57 4 35 45.7% 15.8% 7.5
Kwamie Lassiter II 1 1 2 -100.0% 100.0% 1.2
Trenton Irwin 22 2 24 50.0% 9.1% 4.4
Tee Higgins 39 5 41 51.2% 30.8% 21.1
Ja'Marr Chase 61 14 129 45.7% 31.2% 38.9
Andrei Iosivas 7 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyler Boyd 174 26 169 58.0% 17.2% 48.9
Kwamie Lassiter II 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Trenton Irwin 63 7 53 64.2% 14.3% 12.3
Charlie Jones 3 1 6 -16.7% 66.7% 1.6
Tee Higgins 119 9 108 64.8% 18.5% 19.8
Ja'Marr Chase 187 36 427 49.4% 27.8% 84.7
Andrei Iosivas 24 2 12 116.7% 12.5% 9.2

The 49ers have played man and zone coverage at a league-average rate this season.

San Francisco has found much more success while playing zone coverage this season, earning a 90.6 team coverage grade — the second-best mark in the league. The 49ers' 57.4 man coverage grade is tied for 22nd.

Ja’Marr Chase is the only Bengals wide receiver who is above average in fantasy points per route run (0.45) and receiving grade (82.6) against zone coverage.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Cleveland Browns

Week 8 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
  • Man coverage rank: 31st (11.6%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-1st (88.2%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Marquise Goodwin 6 0 0 0.0% 33.3% 0
Amari Cooper 38 7 103 93.2% 23.7% 17.3
Donovan Peoples-Jones 41 1 29 93.1% 12.2% 3.9
Elijah Moore 43 6 62 54.8% 20.9% 12.2
Cedric Tillman 7 1 5 80.0% 28.6% 1.5
David Bell 7 1 5 80.0% 14.3% 1.5
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Marquise Goodwin 36 3 10 10.0% 19.4% 4
Amari Cooper 170 17 286 79.0% 20.0% 51.6
Donovan Peoples-Jones 147 7 68 70.6% 8.2% 13.8
Elijah Moore 163 19 164 61.6% 19.0% 35.4
Cedric Tillman 12 0 0 0.0% 8.3% 0
David Bell 22 3 28 32.1% 27.3% 5.8

The Seahawks are tied for the highest zone coverage rate in the league this season.

Seattle has allowed an explosive play on just 9.9% of zone coverage snaps, which ranks as the fourth-best mark this season.

Seattle is also allowing just 6.9 yards per coverage target and 5.62 yards per coverage snap while in zone, both of which rank among the 10 best marks in the league.

This will be the second straight week of the Browns' wide receivers facing off against the league’s most zone-heavy team, with Seattle now tying with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Browns' wide receivers didn’t have much success against zone heading into last week, and that continued to be the case coming out of last week, despite the Colts being a favorable matchup.

The Seattle defense is much better in zone coverage, and Amari Cooper leads Cleveland in fantasy points per route run against zone despite ranking 62nd overall. This could be a matchup to avoid playing any Browns wide receivers.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Dallas Cowboys

Week 8 opponent: Los Angeles Rams
  • Man coverage rank: 29th (16.1%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 6th (81.8%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Brandin Cooks 47 3 18 100.0% 10.6% 10.8
Michael Gallup 56 5 58 32.8% 14.3% 10.8
KaVontae Turpin 6 3 42 83.3% 66.7% 13.2
CeeDee Lamb 59 12 194 61.3% 25.4% 37.4
Jalen Tolbert 17 3 30 50.0% 17.7% 6
Jalen Brooks 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Brandin Cooks 98 10 91 81.3% 18.4% 19.1
Michael Gallup 117 13 145 67.6% 20.5% 27.5
KaVontae Turpin 20 2 9 33.3% 10.0% 2.9
CeeDee Lamb 139 22 281 65.1% 19.4% 50.1
Jalen Tolbert 53 4 41 97.6% 11.3% 8.1
Jalen Brooks 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0

The Rams have played zone coverage at the sixth-highest rate this season.

The Rams have earned a 46.0 team coverage grade while in zone, which ranks as the second-worst mark in the league.

CeeDee Lamb leads the Cowboys in receiving grade (76.3) and fantasy points per route run (0.36) against zone.

While neither mark for Lamb is overly remarkable, the Rams' zone coverage unit allowed both George Pickens and Diontae Johnson to finish among the top 24 PPR wide receivers last week. Lamb should finish even higher this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Denver Broncos

Week 8 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Man coverage rank: 6th (30.6%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 27th (67.4%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Brandon Johnson 28 3 16 31.3% 14.3% 10.6
Lil'Jordan Humphrey 11 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Courtland Sutton 51 10 133 72.9% 21.6% 29.3
Jerry Jeudy 49 5 56 64.3% 10.2% 10.6
Marvin Mims Jr. 19 2 83 62.7% 15.8% 10.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Phillip Dorsett 5 0 0 0.0% 20.0% 0
Brandon Johnson 95 5 106 78.3% 8.4% 27.6
Lil'Jordan Humphrey 54 4 26 69.2% 9.3% 12.6
Courtland Sutton 176 21 218 84.9% 17.1% 66.8
Jerry Jeudy 132 20 230 71.3% 22.0% 43
Marvin Mims Jr. 53 8 163 71.8% 18.9% 30.3

The Chiefs have played man coverage at the sixth-highest rate this season.

Kansas City has been an average to slightly above average coverage team while in man, including having earned a 59.5 team coverage grade (17th) in man.

Courtland Sutton leads the Broncos in fantasy points per route run (0.57) against man coverage, ranking among the top 25 wide receivers.

Sutton also leads the team in receiving grade (76.3) and target rate (21.6%) versus man, both by a wide margin. He has been a top-20 PPR wide receiver this season and should remain in that range this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Detroit Lions

Week 8 opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Man coverage rank: 23rd (19.7%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 12th (77.7%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Marvin Jones Jr. 24 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Kalif Raymond 22 1 8 62.5% 4.6% 1.8
Josh Reynolds 48 8 145 69.0% 22.9% 28.5
Antoine Green 6 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Amon-Ra St. Brown 50 11 103 57.3% 28.0% 21.3
Jameson Williams 4 0 0 0.0% 50.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Marvin Jones Jr. 68 5 34 73.5% 13.2% 8.4
Kalif Raymond 86 15 199 64.3% 20.9% 40.9
Josh Reynolds 155 13 239 72.4% 11.6% 48.9
Antoine Green 40 1 2 50.0% 5.0% 1.2
Dylan Drummond 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Amon-Ra St. Brown 177 40 454 66.5% 29.4% 103.4
Jameson Williams 46 4 55 87.3% 21.7% 15.5

The Raiders have played an above-average rate of zone coverage this season.

The Raiders have been great in zone coverage, earning an 81.6 team coverage grade (seventh). The team is allowing just 5.06 yards per coverage snap while in zone, which ranks as the second-best mark in the league.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the top-five wide receivers in the league at earning fantasy points per route run (0.58) against zone coverage this season. He is, obviously, not a player who should see the bench at this point despite the matchup.

Josh Reynolds has found less success against zone coverage this season, ranking outside of the top 50 wide receivers in fantasy points per route run (0.32) and earning one of the lowest target rates on the team against zone.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Green Bay Packers

Week 8 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
  • Man coverage rank: 20th (21.2%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 19th (74.4%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Samori Toure 13 0 0 0.0% 7.7% 0
Christian Watson 13 2 24 75.0% 15.4% 10.4
Jayden Reed 36 3 46 82.6% 30.6% 13.6
Romeo Doubs 43 3 22 63.6% 16.3% 11.2
Dontayvion Wicks 25 2 40 50.0% 24.0% 12
Malik Heath 5 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Samori Toure 45 5 62 90.3% 22.2% 11.2
Christian Watson 65 6 119 48.7% 21.5% 17.9
Jayden Reed 105 13 185 62.7% 17.1% 43.5
Romeo Doubs 138 20 236 78.0% 23.2% 61.6
Dontayvion Wicks 79 6 72 75.0% 11.4% 13.2
Malik Heath 16 0 0 0.0% 25.0% 0

The Vikings have played close to a league-average rate of man and zone coverage this season.

Minnesota ranks among the worst teams in the league in defensive success rate in both man (40.0%) and zone (43.0%) this season.

Romeo Doubs has had the most success against zone coverage for the Packers this season, earning 0.45 fantasy points per route run (22nd). Jayden Reed isn’t far behind with 0.41 fantasy points per route run (32nd).

Christian Watson is dealing with an injury that currently has him questionable for this week, so both Reed and Doubs could find more success as fantasy assets this week in a favorable matchup.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Houston Texans

Week 8 opponent: Carolina Panthers
  • Man coverage rank: 30th (12.7%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 3rd (83.6%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Robert Woods 39 4 41 90.2% 18.0% 8.1
Noah Brown 20 2 41 34.1% 20.0% 6.1
Nico Collins 39 8 187 46.5% 25.6% 32.7
Tank Dell 24 3 85 50.6% 12.5% 17.5
John Metchie III 4 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Xavier Hutchinson 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Robert Woods 142 18 186 70.4% 23.2% 42.6
Noah Brown 42 3 16 -37.5% 11.9% 4.6
Nico Collins 141 21 360 59.4% 22.7% 69
Tank Dell 109 16 239 77.0% 22.9% 45.9
John Metchie III 38 6 72 59.7% 18.4% 13.2
Xavier Hutchinson 28 1 9 77.8% 7.1% 1.9

The Panthers have played zone coverage at the third-highest rate in the league.

The Panthers have allowed 7.31 yards per coverage snap and 8.6 yards per coverage target while in zone coverage — both the fourth-worst marks in the league.

Nico Collins (0.49) and Tank Dell (0.42) crack the top 30 wide receivers in fantasy points per route run against zone this season. They also each rank in the top 25 in receiving grade versus zone coverage.

Both players should be great options against the Panthers’ struggling zone defense.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Indianapolis Colts

Week 8 opponent: New Orleans Saints
  • Man coverage rank: 4th (32.7%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 30th (64.4%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Isaiah McKenzie 4 1 12 -16.7% 25.0% 2.2
Michael Pittman Jr. 82 11 172 44.2% 20.7% 34.2
Juwann Winfree 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Amari Rodgers 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Alec Pierce 74 6 119 88.2% 14.9% 17.9
Josh Downs 65 12 121 47.1% 24.6% 30.1
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Isaiah McKenzie 15 4 27 -51.9% 40.0% 6.7
Michael Pittman Jr. 193 31 317 52.4% 23.3% 68.7
Juwann Winfree 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Amari Rodgers 19 0 0 0.0% 10.5% 0
Alec Pierce 175 8 83 85.5% 8.0% 16.3
Josh Downs 162 21 280 56.1% 17.3% 55

The Saints have played man coverage at a top-five rate this season.

The Saints have a 58.4% defensive success rate while in man coverage, which ranks as the fifth-best mark in the league.

New Orleans has also allowed a first down or touchdown on just 29.2% of its man coverage snaps —the second-best mark in the league.

Josh Downs could be the best bet to lead this Colts team in fantasy production again this week, as he ranks 35th in fantasy points per route run (0.46) and leads the team in receiving grade (74.9) against man.

While Downs is seeing a great target rate when facing man coverage, both he and Michael Pittman could still have their work cut out for them against a good New Orleans man coverage unit.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 8 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Man coverage rank: 7th (30.3%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 26th (68.6%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Zay Jones 12 2 19 84.2% 25.0% 3.9
Jamal Agnew 11 0 0 0.0% 9.1% 0
Jacob Harris 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Christian Kirk 36 6 56 69.6% 30.6% 11.6
Calvin Ridley 37 4 80 91.3% 16.2% 12
Elijah Cooks 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Tim Jones 9 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Zay Jones 76 6 59 86.4% 18.4% 23.9
Jamal Agnew 81 9 92 66.3% 13.6% 18.2
Jacob Harris 5 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Christian Kirk 212 33 419 64.2% 19.3% 92.9
Calvin Ridley 216 23 288 78.8% 19.0% 63.8
Elijah Cooks 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Tim Jones 55 4 14 71.4% 10.9% 5.4

The Steelers have played man coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

Pittsburgh has been average to below-average in team coverage metrics while in man, including a 56.2 team coverage grade (24th).

Both Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk have managed 0.32 fantasy points per route run against man this season, putting them outside of the top 50 wide receivers on the year.

They both rank outside of the top 30 in receiving grade versus man coverage this season but draw a favorable enough matchup to potentially deliver, considering their overall involvement in the offense.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Kansas City Chiefs

Week 8 opponent: Denver Broncos
  • Man coverage rank: 19th (21.8%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 13th (76.4%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Richie James 7 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Mecole Hardman Jr. 11 1 6 83.3% 27.3% 1.6
Marquez Valdes-Scantling 53 3 71 67.6% 9.4% 10.1
Kadarius Toney 13 2 28 57.1% 15.4% 4.8
Justin Watson 33 4 123 94.3% 15.2% 16.3
Justyn Ross 12 0 0 0.0% 8.3% 0
Skyy Moore 48 4 81 54.3% 18.8% 18.1
Rashee Rice 40 3 22 -18.2% 22.5% 11.2
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Richie James 14 1 6 66.7% 21.4% 1.6
Mecole Hardman Jr. 18 1 6 83.3% 11.1% 1.6
Marquez Valdes-Scantling 163 7 129 76.0% 7.4% 25.9
Kadarius Toney 68 16 77 -1.3% 33.8% 29.7
Justin Watson 94 6 96 87.5% 12.8% 15.6
Justyn Ross 30 3 34 85.3% 16.7% 6.4
Skyy Moore 130 9 79 78.5% 10.8% 16.9
Rashee Rice 79 23 283 40.6% 30.4% 63.3

The Broncos have played an above-average rate of zone coverage this season.

Denver has allowed an explosive play on 19.4% of its zone coverage snaps this season, the worst rate in the NFL.

Denver’s zone defense has the worst success rate (36.2%) on a per-play basis and has allowed 8.30 yards per coverage snap, both of which rank as the worst marks in the league.

Rashee Rice’s playing time has been on the rise, and he has delivered the second-most fantasy points per route run (0.80) among all wide receivers (minimum of 30 routes run) this season.

Rice’s 90.4 receiving grade versus zone ranks as the third-best mark in the league. He should continue to be a strong flex play this week in a great matchup.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Las Vegas Raiders

Week 8 opponent: Detroit Lions
  • Man coverage rank: 13th (24.6%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-17th (74.9%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Davante Adams 64 12 136 77.9% 37.5% 43.6
DeAndre Carter 8 1 5 -40.0% 25.0% 1.5
Kristian Wilkerson 9 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Jakobi Meyers 55 8 71 76.1% 23.6% 27.1
Hunter Renfrow 27 1 7 85.7% 3.7% 1.7
Tre Tucker 24 2 52 88.5% 12.5% 7.2
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Davante Adams 178 34 392 71.7% 26.4% 73.2
DeAndre Carter 24 1 16 -18.8% 8.3% 2.6
Kristian Wilkerson 18 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Jakobi Meyers 162 29 314 80.9% 26.5% 78.4
Hunter Renfrow 95 7 66 81.8% 11.6% 13.6
Tre Tucker 53 2 21 85.7% 7.6% 4.1

The Lions have played zone coverage at an above-average rate this season.

Detroit’s man defense proved to be somewhat vulnerable last week, as they now allow an explosive play on 17.4% of man coverage snaps (seventh worst) and are allowing a 112.7 NFL passer rating (eighth worst).

Davante Adams still ranks among the top 12 wide receivers (minimum of 20 routes run) in fantasy points per route run against man coverage (0.68) this season despite some quieter games as of late.

Adams’ target rate (37.5%) is also elite when facing man coverage this season. He should have plenty of opportunities to redeem himself in the eyes of fantasy managers this week.

Jakobi Meyers continues to be a strong play each week, as well, cracking the top 30 in fantasy points per route run against both man (0.49) and zone (0.48).

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Los Angeles Rams

Week 8 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
  • Man coverage rank: 3rd (33.7%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 29th (65.3%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Demarcus Robinson 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Cooper Kupp 27 3 37 59.5% 37.0% 6.7
Ben Skowronek 4 1 10 20.0% 25.0% 2
Austin Trammell 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Tutu Atwell 61 6 93 80.6% 21.3% 15.3
Puka Nacua 60 7 127 31.5% 21.7% 25.7
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Demarcus Robinson 9 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Cooper Kupp 72 14 258 65.5% 25.0% 45.8
Ben Skowronek 34 1 3 -66.7% 11.8% 1.3
Austin Trammell 6 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Tutu Atwell 190 20 247 76.9% 15.3% 62.7
Puka Nacua 205 51 625 69.6% 31.7% 119.5

The Cowboys have played the third-highest rate of man coverage this season.

Dallas has allowed just 5.9 yards per coverage target (fourth best) and has earned an 81.9 team coverage grade (first) while in man.

Puka Nacua had limited success against man coverage prior to facing the Steelers’ below-average unit in Week 7 and now leads the team in fantasy points per route run (0.43) and yards per route run (2.05) in that regard.

This will be a more difficult matchup for both Nacua and Cooper Kupp, who has earned just 0.25 fantasy points per route run against man (72nd). Both should still see enough volume to not leave fantasy lineups, but temper expectations.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Los Angeles Chargers

Week 8 opponent: Chicago Bears
  • Man coverage rank: 24th (18.5%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 9th (80.1%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Keenan Allen 77 17 177 50.3% 28.6% 52.7
Mike Williams 39 7 130 60.8% 28.2% 26
Keelan Doss 4 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Joshua Palmer 71 12 235 69.8% 21.1% 35.5
Derius Davis 4 1 3 -166.7% 25.0% 1.3
Quentin Johnston 34 3 21 52.4% 11.8% 5.1
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Keenan Allen 162 29 397 68.5% 24.7% 74.7
Mike Williams 68 12 119 54.6% 20.6% 23.9
Keelan Doss 6 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Joshua Palmer 133 8 118 78.8% 15.0% 25.8
Derius Davis 18 4 31 -64.5% 27.8% 7.1
Quentin Johnston 72 4 43 69.8% 13.9% 8.3

The Bears have played zone coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

Chicago’s zone defense has allowed 6.87 yards per coverage snap (seventh worst) and has just a 41.7% overall defensive success rate, which ranks as the third-worst mark in the league.

Josh Palmer hasn’t been overly productive against zone coverage this season, earning just 0.19 fantasy points per route run, ranking outside of the top 100 wide receivers.

Coming off a great week, Palmer can likely be trusted in starting lineups if needed — but only due to a favorable matchup.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Miami Dolphins

Week 8 opponent: New England Patriots
  • Man coverage rank: 5th (30.9%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 28th (65.8%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyreek Hill 46 9 149 65.1% 28.3% 29.9
Robbie Chosen 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
River Cracraft 8 2 14 78.6% 25.0% 9.4
Braxton Berrios 26 5 57 66.7% 26.9% 10.7
Cedrick Wilson Jr. 2 0 0 0.0% 50.0% 0
Erik Ezukanma 2 0 0 0.0% 50.0% 0
Jaylen Waddle 39 4 86 54.7% 18.0% 18.6
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyreek Hill 148 44 753 59.9% 39.2% 155.3
Robbie Chosen 32 1 68 61.8% 6.3% 13.8
Chase Claypool 73 4 51 90.2% 15.1% 15.1
River Cracraft 27 4 73 58.9% 22.2% 11.3
Braxton Berrios 110 13 129 69.0% 14.6% 31.9
Cedrick Wilson Jr. 59 7 116 75.9% 13.6% 18.6
Erik Ezukanma 11 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Jaylen Waddle 121 26 273 53.5% 28.1% 59.3

The Patriots have played man coverage at the fifth-highest rate this season.

New England has been about league average in yards allowed per coverage snap (6.11) and yards allowed per coverage target (7.2) in man this season.

Tyreek Hill leads the league in receiving grade versus man (92.2) and yards per route run versus man coverage (5.10) this season.

Jaylen Waddle is coming off a quieter week (PPR WR27) but draws a better matchup in Week 8.

Waddle has earned a 79.4 receiving grade versus man, which ranks 16th. His 2.15 yards per route run against man ranks 26th.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Minnesota Vikings

Week 8 opponent: Green Bay Packers
  • Man coverage rank: 26th (17.8%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 8th (81.0%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
K.J. Osborn 55 6 73 71.2% 16.4% 13.3
Trishton Jackson 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Brandon Powell 26 4 52 59.6% 26.9% 9.2
Justin Jefferson 31 8 136 64.0% 38.7% 27.6
Jordan Addison 53 6 107 50.5% 20.8% 28.7
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
K.J. Osborn 222 16 188 67.0% 12.2% 46.8
Trishton Jackson 9 1 7 71.4% 11.1% 1.7
Brandon Powell 50 8 80 80.0% 18.0% 16
N'Keal Harry 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Justin Jefferson 168 28 435 68.5% 23.8% 83.5
Jordan Addison 178 23 293 76.1% 17.4% 76.3

The Packers have played zone coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

Green Bay has been among the 10 best teams at limiting yards per coverage snap (5.50) and explosive pass plays (10.9%) in zone coverage this season.

Jordan Addison was able to crack the top 30 wide receivers in fantasy points per route run with a surprisingly strong outing on Monday Night Football, finishing the week as the PPR WR1 against the 49ers.

This matchup isn’t easy for Addison, so expecting another elite week is likely a stretch, but he has earned a spot in fantasy lineups, especially if Jaire Alexander misses another game this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


New England Patriots

Week 8 opponent: Miami Dolphins
  • Man coverage rank: 11th (25.4%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 22nd (72.7%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
DeVante Parker 55 5 38 92.1% 14.6% 8.8
Ty Montgomery 5 1 -2 350.0% 40.0% 0.8
JuJu Smith-Schuster 36 6 37 54.1% 30.6% 9.7
Kendrick Bourne 60 5 54 48.1% 21.7% 22.4
Jalen Reagor 3 1 11 81.8% 33.3% 2.1
Tyquan Thornton 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Demario Douglas 22 3 35 48.6% 31.8% 6.5
Kayshon Boutte 11 0 0 0.0% 9.1% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
DeVante Parker 131 9 106 64.2% 11.5% 19.6
Ty Montgomery 16 3 25 48.0% 37.5% 5.5
JuJu Smith-Schuster 61 8 49 67.3% 21.3% 12.9
Kendrick Bourne 156 29 316 47.2% 24.4% 66.6
Jalen Reagor 19 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Tyquan Thornton 19 2 8 37.5% 15.8% 2.8
Demario Douglas 66 11 162 58.0% 22.7% 27.2
Kayshon Boutte 32 0 0 0.0% 9.4% 0

The Dolphins have played an above-average rate of man coverage this season.

Miami has allowed 9.5 yards per coverage target, 7.65 yards per coverage snap and an explosive play on 18.2% of man coverage snaps, all of which rank among the five worst marks in the league.

The Dolphins have also allowed a 134.6 NFL passer rating when in man coverage — the worst mark in the league.

Kendrick Bourne stands out as the top Patriots wide receiver to target, as he leads the team with 0.37 fantasy points per route run and a 65.9 receiving grade versus man.

The Patriots' wide receivers have not been strong options this season, but for those looking to take a shot on one, Bourne is the best option in a favorable matchup.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


New Orleans Saints

Week 8 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
  • Man coverage rank: 32nd (9.4%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-1st (88.2%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Michael Thomas 58 11 109 82.6% 34.5% 27.9
Keith Kirkwood 6 0 0 0.0% 16.7% 0
Lynn Bowden 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Rashid Shaheed 53 4 69 94.2% 13.2% 16.9
Chris Olave 61 9 163 60.1% 29.5% 25.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Michael Thomas 215 23 262 78.6% 15.4% 49.2
Kirk Merritt 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Keith Kirkwood 33 1 1 100.0% 9.1% 1.1
Lynn Bowden 15 0 0 0.0% 6.7% 0
Rashid Shaheed 177 16 257 73.2% 14.1% 47.7
Chris Olave 217 30 308 63.6% 22.6% 66.8

The Colts are tied for playing the highest rate of zone coverage this season.

Indianapolis has allowed the second-most passing yards (1,622) while in zone coverage this season.

The Colts have also allowed an explosive play on 14.0% of zone coverage snaps, which ranks as the ninth-worst mark in the league.

No Saints wide receiver has cracked the top 60 in fantasy points per route run against zone coverage this season.

Chris Olave comes the closest (0.31 fantasy points per route run versus zone) and should be able to rise up the ranks in a favorable matchup due to a strong target rate.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


New York Giants

Week 8 opponent: New York Jets
  • Man coverage rank: 10th (27.0%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 23rd (71.2%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Sterling Shepard 9 1 4 100.0% 22.2% 1.4
Darius Slayton 54 6 111 83.8% 18.5% 17.1
Parris Campbell 24 2 8 100.0% 12.5% 2.8
Isaiah Hodgins 35 1 24 37.5% 11.4% 3.4
Wan'Dale Robinson 21 5 40 42.5% 33.3% 9
Jalin Hyatt 28 0 0 0.0% 10.7% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Sterling Shepard 28 3 22 63.6% 14.3% 5.2
Darius Slayton 190 12 147 59.2% 10.0% 26.7
Parris Campbell 87 14 77 44.2% 23.0% 21.7
Isaiah Hodgins 99 11 96 66.7% 14.1% 26.6
Wan'Dale Robinson 96 18 123 45.5% 20.8% 30.3
Jalin Hyatt 127 9 195 88.7% 8.7% 28.5

The Jets have played man coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

The Jets’ man coverage unit has been average to below average in explosive play rate allowed (16.7%), yards allowed per coverage target (8.1) and first down and touchdown rate allowed (48.0%).

Wan’Dale Robinson has found the most success against man coverage, with 0.43 fantasy points per route run (37th) and a 33.3% target rate — both the top figures among Giants wide receivers.

Robinson’s metrics aren’t necessarily strong enough to trust him in most lineups this week, but if there is one Giants’ wide receiver to consider, it's him.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


New York Jets

Week 8 opponent: New York Giants
  • Man coverage rank: 2nd (36.5%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 31st (62.4%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Randall Cobb 48 1 12 8.3% 10.4% 2.2
Irvin Charles 4 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Allen Lazard 55 5 49 98.0% 12.7% 9.9
Garrett Wilson 60 10 75 78.7% 30.0% 17.5
Xavier Gipson 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Randall Cobb 79 2 8 87.5% 8.9% 2.8
Irvin Charles 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Allen Lazard 137 9 161 78.9% 11.7% 31.1
Garrett Wilson 147 22 294 65.6% 23.1% 63.4
Xavier Gipson 13 1 4 0.0% 7.7% 1.4

The Giants have played the second-highest rate of man coverage this season.

The Giants have allowed a 17.4% explosive play rate while in man coverage, which ranks as the sixth-worst mark in the league.

All other man coverage metrics are about league average for the team.

The Jets wide receivers have found little to no success against man coverage this season, with all of them ranking outside the top 60 in fantasy points per route run against man.

Garrett Wilson leads the team (0.29) and has a great target rate against man coverage, which likely makes him the only player to trust from the Jets receiving corps this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Philadelphia Eagles

Week 8 opponent: Washington Commanders
  • Man coverage rank: 14th (24.3%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-20th (74.3%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Julio Jones 3 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Britain Covey 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Olamide Zaccheaus 36 0 0 0.0% 2.8% 0
A.J. Brown 66 19 266 61.3% 40.9% 51.6
DeVonta Smith 73 9 98 67.3% 16.4% 24.8
Quez Watkins 21 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Julio Jones 8 1 3 100.0% 12.5% 1.3
Britain Covey 9 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Olamide Zaccheaus 123 4 74 78.4% 5.7% 17.4
A.J. Brown 195 33 543 70.2% 23.1% 99.3
DeVonta Smith 206 23 285 82.5% 18.0% 57.5
Quez Watkins 45 4 21 -23.8% 11.1% 6.1

The Commanders have played an average rate of both man and zone coverage this season.

Washington has been particularly susceptible in zone coverage this season, allowing 9.3 yards per coverage target and 12.3 yards per reception, both of which are tied for the second-worst marks in the league.

A.J. Brown has earned 0.78 fantasy points per route run against man coverage this season, which ranks as the fifth-best mark in the league.

DeVonta Smith has not been nearly as effective, ranking just outside the top 50 in that regard (0.34) while seeing less than half of the target rate of Brown.

This is a favorable matchup for wide receivers, and Smith could still have one of his best weeks since Week 2.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 8 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Man coverage rank: 25th (17.9%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 7th (81.3%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Allen Robinson II 33 2 13 76.9% 15.2% 3.3
Diontae Johnson 3 2 65 18.5% 100.0% 8.5
Miles Boykin 1 1 5 100.0% 100.0% 1.5
Calvin Austin III 30 2 82 58.5% 20.0% 16.2
George Pickens 36 3 86 47.7% 27.8% 17.6
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Allen Robinson II 141 16 131 75.6% 14.9% 29.1
Diontae Johnson 43 6 62 83.9% 20.9% 12.2
Miles Boykin 13 0 0 0.0% 7.7% 0
Calvin Austin III 114 10 61 62.3% 14.0% 16.1
Gunner Olszewski 3 1 0 0.0% 33.3% 1
George Pickens 166 24 414 68.6% 22.3% 71.4

The Jaguars have played zone coverage at a top-10 rate this season.

Jacksonville has been slightly above league average in yards allowed per coverage target (7.1) while in zone this season.

Jacksonville has also allowed a first down or touchdown on just 30.3% of zone coverage snaps, which ranks as the fifth-best mark in the league.

George Pickens leads the Steelers with 0.43 fantasy points per route run against zone, which ranks tied for 25th among qualifying wide receivers.

Pickens also leads the team’s starters in target rate against zone coverage. He should be able to have a significant fantasy impact in this game.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


San Francisco 49ers

Week 8 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
  • Man coverage rank: 12th (25.3%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-20th (74.3%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Ray-Ray McCloud III 30 0 0 0.0% 3.3% 0
Jauan Jennings 40 4 73 69.9% 17.5% 11.3
Deebo Samuel 48 2 46 67.4% 16.7% 12.6
Brandon Aiyuk 50 11 184 64.7% 34.0% 41.4
Ronnie Bell 8 1 9 100.0% 25.0% 7.9
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Willie Snead IV 2 1 9 66.7% 50.0% 1.9
Chris Conley 1 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Ray-Ray McCloud III 42 6 47 76.6% 16.7% 10.7
Jauan Jennings 65 8 108 75.9% 18.5% 18.8
Deebo Samuel 92 18 256 44.9% 23.9% 43.6
Brandon Aiyuk 105 19 327 82.9% 23.8% 51.7
Ronnie Bell 20 2 22 50.0% 10.0% 4.2

The Bengals have played an above-average rate of man coverage this season.

The Bengals have allowed just 4.84 yards per coverage snap (sixth best) and 6.4 yards per coverage target (fifth best) while in man coverage this season.

Brandon Aiyuk has been among the best wide receivers in the league against man coverage, ranking third in fantasy points per route run (0.83) and earning a 90.0 receiving grade (fifth) against man this season.

Aiyuk has earned an elite target rate versus man coverage and should be in line for a top-24 PPR finish this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Seattle Seahawks

Week 8 opponent: Cleveland Browns
  • Man coverage rank: 1st (45.2%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 32nd (52.7%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyler Lockett 28 4 43 83.7% 21.4% 8.3
D.K. Metcalf 25 3 31 103.2% 24.0% 12.1
Cody Thompson 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Jake Bobo 11 1 5 100.0% 9.1% 7.5
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 28 2 10 -60.0% 17.9% 3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Tyler Lockett 159 23 246 78.0% 20.8% 59.6
D.K. Metcalf 134 19 306 74.5% 17.9% 55.6
Cody Thompson 5 1 10 70.0% 20.0% 2
Jake Bobo 61 7 107 76.6% 14.8% 23.7
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 125 18 163 48.5% 20.0% 40.3

The Browns have played the highest rate of man coverage in the league this season.

Cleveland’s man defense ranks first in positive EPA per play rate allowed (32.5%). However, the Browns did drop to just slightly above average in explosive play rate allowed (13.0%) and yards allowed per coverage snap (5.48) while in man after being among the league leaders in those categories prior to last week.

The Seahawks do not have a wide receiver who cracks the top 25 in fantasy points per route run against man coverage this season. D.K. Metcalf comes the closest, at 0.48 (31st).

This Browns defense had a couple of lapses in Week 7 that skewed the numbers, but the unit is still one of the better defenses in the league, making it a more difficult matchup for Metcalf and company.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 8 opponent: Buffalo Bills
  • Man coverage rank: 15th (24.0%)
  • Zone coverage rank: T-17th (74.9%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Mike Evans 20 3 21 61.9% 30.0% 11.1
Chris Godwin 25 6 88 55.7% 32.0% 14.8
Deven Thompkins 11 1 8 37.5% 18.2% 1.8
Trey Palmer 18 3 27 92.6% 27.8% 11.7
Rakim Jarrett 2 1 3 -133.3% 50.0% 1.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Mike Evans 153 27 447 71.8% 26.8% 89.7
Chris Godwin 173 27 310 60.3% 22.5% 58
Deven Thompkins 69 12 66 22.7% 23.2% 24.6
Trey Palmer 126 6 67 86.6% 9.5% 18.7
Rakim Jarrett 26 1 7 71.4% 7.7% 1.7

The Bills have deployed a league-average rate of man and zone coverage this season.

Buffalo’s coverage weakness has come in man, where the team has allowed 11.9 yards per coverage target and a 31.1% explosive play rate — both the worst marks in the league.

The Bills have been about league average in yards allowed per coverage target (7.5) and explosive play rate allowed (13.0%) while in zone.

Chris Godwin (0.59) and Mike Evans (0.56) rank among the top 25 wide receivers (minimum of 20 routes run) in fantasy points per route run against man coverage this season.

Evans has earned an 86.1 receiving grade versus zone coverage, which ranks as the seventh-best mark in the league, while Godwin ranks seventh in the league in receiving grade versus man coverage (86.4).

This should be considered a strong matchup for both Buccaneers wide receivers to have great fantasy production.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Tennessee Titans

Week 8 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
  • Man coverage rank: 17th (22.4%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 16th (75.6%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
DeAndre Hopkins 43 10 148 82.4% 34.9% 24.8
Chris Moore 20 2 41 85.4% 15.0% 6.1
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 43 5 67 44.8% 16.3% 17.7
Colton Dowell 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0
Kyle Philips 3 0 0 0.0% 33.3% 0
Treylon Burks 25 4 24 41.7% 24.0% 6.4
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
DeAndre Hopkins 125 17 228 81.6% 23.2% 39.8
Chris Moore 63 3 99 83.8% 9.5% 12.9
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 109 11 101 62.4% 13.8% 27.1
Colton Dowell 6 0 0 0.0% 16.7% 0
Kyle Philips 28 1 6 83.3% 7.1% 1.6
Treylon Burks 53 2 75 80.0% 13.2% 9.5

The Falcons have played a league-average rate of both man and zone coverage this season.

Atlanta has been an above-average defense in yards allowed per coverage snap and yards allowed per coverage target in both man and zone this season.

DeAndre Hopkins continues to be the lone Titans wide receiver worth trusting in fantasy lineups, as he’s the only player on the team to crack the top 40 in fantasy points per route run against man (0.58).

Unfortunately, none of the Tennessee wide receivers crack the top 50 in fantasy points per route run against zone. Hopkins also leads the way in that regard (0.32).

Hopkins should be considered a WR3 option at best this week.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages


Washington Commanders

Week 8 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
  • Man coverage rank: 16th (23.8%)
  • Zone coverage rank: 15th (75.8%)
Versus man
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Curtis Samuel 68 10 103 63.1% 19.1% 26.3
Byron Pringle 11 2 31 103.2% 27.3% 5.1
Terry McLaurin 74 9 157 78.3% 21.6% 24.7
Dyami Brown 30 3 59 45.8% 13.3% 8.9
Jahan Dotson 83 6 53 58.5% 8.4% 11.3
Versus zone
Player Routes run Receptions Receiving yards Air yard % Target rate PPR points
Jamison Crowder 9 2 21 81.0% 22.2% 4.1
Curtis Samuel 145 21 207 63.8% 17.9% 47.7
Byron Pringle 22 2 14 92.9% 13.6% 3.4
Terry McLaurin 188 28 275 69.8% 19.2% 61.5
Dyami Brown 56 3 28 67.9% 12.5% 5.8
Jahan Dotson 186 16 130 80.8% 15.6% 35
Mitchell Tinsley 2 0 0 0.0% 0.0% 0

The Eagles have played a league-average rate of both man and zone coverage this season.

Philadelphia is one of the five best teams in the league in yards allowed per coverage snap while in man (4.57) and is league average in zone (6.05).

Philadelphia’s zone defense is more susceptible to fantasy production, allowing a first down or touchdown on 38.1% of plays and an explosive play on 14.5% of zone coverage plays. Both are among the 10 worst marks in the league.

Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel have been league average in fantasy points per route run versus zone, at 0.33 each. Neither has a particularly high target rate versus zone coverage, either, making this a neutral matchup for the Commanders' wide receivers.

Click here for even more insight into receiver performance against man and zone coverages

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