One way I look at matchups each week is through the lens of an entire team’s offense against their opponent’s defense. Overly strong or weak positional matchups can lead to a specific game script or fantasy outcome as a result. When looking at non-stud options, matchups have a way of leading to value.
How to read the chart:
Teams are paired up by game, two per article, with the tema defense on the left half of the chart and the opposing offense on the right half. Each category represents the positional efficiency for or against, with the overall score merely an average of the positional marks for the team.
The Colts offense can have its way with the Jaguars defense pretty much any way they want. Getting Trent Richardson off to a good start without Ahmad Bradshaw would be prudent, but Richardson’s lack of efficiency for years now makes that unlikely. I will saw that Richardson’s low price in DFS is intoxicating with 15+ touches and goal line opportunities likely. Andrew Luck is a strong play (what else is new) and Coby Fleener is a top-5 option at tight end with Dwayne Allen on the shelf.
The Jaguars’ run game (read: Denard Robinson) is the matchup for the offense, along with a little Marcedes Lewis sighting as the Colts struggle against tight ends and Lewis returns from injury this week. Vontae Davis accounts for much of the Colts’ strong receiver coverage, so Cecil Shorts and Allen Hurns are still in the upside WR3 range with plenty of snaps away from Davis.
The Cowboys have been one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL. They love to run it and the Giants are one of the weakest teams against running backs. DeMarco Murray may score 30 points this week. Jason Witten is also a strong play, along with Tony Romo. The Giants are a neutral matchup for wide receivers, so Dez Bryant is a top WR1 like usual.
Rashad Jennings has a great matchup to get back on track after his injury absence. Larry Donnell is also in line for a strong day as a mid-TE1. Eli Manning and the wide receivers? Could go either way. I love Odell Beckham’s game though, so do not bet against him.
