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 49ers have struggled on offense this season efficiency-wise, but this is a real ‘get well’ game with Washington traveling across the country and struggling against all facets of a pass game. Vernon Davis has a golden opportunity to pop off a big game. With Washington’s lone strength on defense being against the run, look for Colin Kaepernick, Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, and Vernon Davis to be higher from their typical status this week.
The Redskins lone efficiency on offense is the run game. The 49ers are neutral or better against all aspects of an opposing offense, so temper expectations overall. Robert Griffin III is off the radar.
The Bears are another ‘get well’ offense this week. Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall are looking like actives and Tampa Bay is horrible against wide receivers. The Bucs are decent against running backs, so the Bears should be geared towards the passing game. Jay Cutler, Jeffery, and Marshall are prominent plays. Martellus Bennett is in the mid-TE1 mix, but the efficiency matchup is not great.
Another week where Josh McCown, Mike Evans, and Vincent Jackson should eat well for fantasy owners. The Bears are horrible as a defense overall outside of opposing running backs. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the run game is their glaring weakness on offense. All is right in the world and look for passing fireworks for the hot Bucs offense.
