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.
Please note that we only touch upon players with 6.0 or more PPG in this article.
MATCHUPS
Seahawks at 49ers
Both defenses in this contest have allowed WRs to significantly outplay points per game (PPG) and present favorable matchups for the WRs in the game.
San Francisco has allowed opposing offenses to score a lot of points when lined up out wide. However, when the teams met in Week 12, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were held in check as evidenced by their collective stat line on targets aimed at the three.
Lined Up Out Wide or in the Slot
| Plays | PPT | AY | Yds | Catchable | Comp | TD | Batted | Deflected | Defensed | Man | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204 | 1.2 | 9.8 | 5.7 | 0.74 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.11 | 0 | 1 |
Lined Up Out Wide
| Plays | PPT | AY | Yds | Catchable | Comp | TD | Batted | Deflected | Defensed | Man | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 0.8 | 210 | 53 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
Lined Up in the Slot
| Plays | PPT | AY | Yds | Catchable | Comp | TD | Batted | Deflected | Defensed | Man | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1.8 | 42 | 50 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
Despite the poor showing, there is reason to believe that the trio could have a better performance this time around and are worth placing in lineups when it makes sense.
The 49ers pass catchers match up well with Seattle and will look to add the seventh WR1 week surrendered by San Francisco.
Vikings at Raiders
Justin Jefferson will return for the Vikings in what looks to be an average matchup for his team’s WRs. The Raiders have been particularly vulnerable to WRs lined up out wide, which should present him with an opportunity to make a quick splash in his return.
The Vikings use their WRs across the formation and between lineups. They will face coverage from Nate Hobbs, Amik Robertson, and Jack Jones. All have been limiting on direct targets. The Raiders are allowing WRs to score just 87% of PPG. Only seven WRs have eclipsed 15.0 PPR when facing the team. Jefferson is of course a lineup lock, but managers with teams still in the hunt might be able to do better than Jordan Addison this week.
The Raiders have also been a tough matchup for tight ends, with the position scoring just 87% of PPG against the team. Nonetheless, solid performances have been allowed to a selection of ends, giving T.J. Hockenson managers some hope. Despite the difficult matchup, he should still be viewed as a TE1.
Minnesota hasn’t been a difficult matchup for WRs and Davante Adams looks poised to have one of his best weeks of the season.
