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 Packers’ offensive weakness (tight end) is the strength of the Vikings efficiency defense. This is a week for Eddie Lacy to run it up as the Vikings struggle on a per-carry basis.
The Vikings pass game, outside of potential garbage time, looks like a wasteland this week (what else is new?). Kyle Rudolph has the tougher draw compared to the wide receivers. This one looks ugly on paper.
The Ravens want to pound the running game and the Saints should accomodate them as one of the softer run defenses per carry. Justin Forsett is an auto-start. Owen Daniels is off the radar with a poor matchup as the Ravens should be looking to Torrey and Steve Smith on the outside instead.
The Saints have been largely average in the pass game, but Mark Ingram has been great of late on the ground. Unfortunately, the Ravens are one of the top defenses against running backs. The volume and possibly a touchdown may be there for Ingram, but temper expectations. Jimmy Graham also has a tough draw. Look for Marques Colston to be a value play this week, especially in DFS salary structures.
