Welcome to Going Deep! This weekly article will make use of charting data, advanced metrics, and other RotoViz tools — specifically the 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. (Note that for 2024, the “Target Explorer” tab has been removed from the tool.)
Please note, in general, this article will only discuss players averaging 6.0 or more PPR.
Bengals at Panthers
Carolina was tough on wide receivers last year, but to start this season, they’ve allowed four WRs to score over 15.0 point per reception (PPR). This bodes well for Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas, who face an average matchup based on Carolina’s tendencies. The matchup favors Mike Gesicki over Erick All, though both could be in for below-average outings, as Carolina has allowed tight ends to score just 66% of their usual points per game (PPG).
The Bengals have allowed significant points to wide receivers in out-wide alignments, with opposing WRs scoring above their PPG averages. However, the Panthers’ wide receivers don’t match up particularly well against them. Still, considering the workload Diontae Johnson earned in his first game with Andy Dalton at quarterback, he deserves a spot in lineups this weekend. While the Bengals have been tougher on slot receivers, Johnson was used out wide more frequently last week, which helps to add some optimism for him in this one.
