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 Eagles have been tepid on the efficiency scale on offense. This week is a golden opportunity for LeSean McCoy to break out of his funk. The Titans are good against quarterbacks and wide receivers, but struggle on the ground. Sprinkle in Zach Ertz and Brent Celek and the Eagles have a winning formula.
Zach Mettenberger has a great closing schedule by the numbers and this week is no exception. Good luck to Delanie Walker and Bishop Sankey, but Mettenberger should have a solid day, including a touchdown or two. Is this the week for a long touchdown to Justin Hunter? Maybe. There are worse WR3/4 flyer shots than Hunter, especially in non-PPR.
The Lions are a volume-dependent bunch on offense and the Patriots are average outside of their stingy wide receiver coverage unit. Calvin Johnson is matchup-proof, but the alignment of Revis and Browner vs. Johnson and Golden Tate will be a fascinating watch. Of course the Lions tight ends are a black hole for fantasy this season and Joique Bell should have tough sledding inside.
Rob Gronkowski is the best option for the Patriots matchup-wise and this week the numbers agree. Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount? Not so much. Looks like a Shane Vereen game.
