Welcome to Going Deep! This weekly article will make use of charting data, advanced metrics, and other RotoViz tools — specifically the newly released Passing Game Matchup Rater — to help readers better understand the challenges facing wide receivers and tight ends in the coming week. As my process makes heavy use of the Matchup Rater, I’d highly recommend that you set aside half an hour to watch the tutorial/walkthrough and take a spin through the tool.
I’m in the process of trying to get over a pretty debilitating case of the flu. As a result, this week’s article will be much more brief than those published in other weeks.
Week 6 Overview
Jacksonville
Christian Kirk, yet again, finds himself with a very favorable matchup. Since 2021, Kirk has averaged 1.7 points per target (PPT). However, in that same time frame, he’s managed 2.2 points per target when facing the Colts. Indianapolis is allowing WRs to score 127% of points per game (PPG). Kirk runs from the slot on 83% of plays. As luck would have it, the Colts are allowing the second-highest PPG to slot receivers in the league.
Evan Engram’s matchup rating of 71 is the highest of all tight ends averaging 6.0 or more PPG. Engram’s alignment tendencies are particularly notable as he lines up as a TE on just 23% of passing plays. In contrast, he lines up in the slot on 65%. As a result, he’ll benefit from the points noted for Kirk above.
