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NFL DFS: Best WR and RB Match-ups for Week 8

By Coach Curt

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs toward Los Angeles Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs toward Los Angeles Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Lions won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Best WR & RB Matchups week 8
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL DFS: Best WR & RB Match-ups Week 8

NFL DFS Week 8 is upon us and we have essentially reached the half-way point for the 2016 season. We have had a good run so far. One of the major reasons is our attention to match-ups. There are many factors that need to be considered when picking your players: defense rank, match-up rank, home vs away, weather, etc. The one factor that can have the most effect on the success of our picks is the defensive match-ups.

For receivers, we need to consider more than just the overall passing defense rank. We need to look at each match-up with defensive backs. For running backs we need to consider the run defense rank but, we should drill down to the defensive line and linebackers and even safeties versus the run. Does a certain running back go right 65% of the time? Well, we need to look at the ratings for the LDE and LOLB. So, this week we will be listing the best match-ups for receivers and running backs.

Best WR & RB Matchups Week 8
Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL DFS – Top WR Targets

Week 8 of the NFL season has a number of good match-ups for wide receivers. Larry Fitzgerald is in an important battle this weekend with the Panthers. This game is very important to both teams. Carolina, with 1 win, and at home has their backs to the wall. Normally, I would be looking hard at the home team in this situation. One match-up in this game can’t be ignored. Fitzgerald lines up in the slot more than 60% of the time and Robert McClain defends the slot for Carolina more than 80% of the time. Further, McClain is the 93rd ranked CB in the NFL. He also has a Pro Football Focus CB grade of a 52.4. Anything below a 60 is not good.

One match-up in this game can’t be ignored. Fitzgerald lines up in the slot more than 60% of the time and Robert McClain defends the slot for Carolina more than 80% of the time.

Also, AJ Green is another good play this weekend. If Josh Norman does not play, then he is an absolute lock. Either way, with Norman coming off a concussion, I like the match-up. Terrelle versus Derelle is another good match-up. Cleveland’s best receiver, Terrelle Pryor, is the 12th highest targeted receiver in the NFL. Revis has suffered through a slow recovery and looks a step slower. Doug Baldwin will not be in a man situation but, will see a lot of Davante Harris. Harris’ cover skills are part of the reason the Saints are near the bottom in pass defense. Baldwin could see some of Webb but, either way I like this match-up.

Also, Marvin Jones will draw coverage mostly from AJ Bouye and his 92.6 grading from PFF so that leaves Golden Tate to continue his resurgence. Tate will see a lot of the 103rd ranked CB Jonathon Joseph and should be a favorite target of Stafford’s again. Finally, with TY Hilton lining up in the slot more than half the time, he will see a heavy dose of the 98th ranked CB Steven Nelson. These are my best week 8 wide receiver match-ups. Next we will discuss the best running back match-ups.

NFL DFS – Top RB Targets

The Washington Redskins have the 31st ranked overall rushing defense, 31st ranked power ranking for its defensive line and the 31st ranking for 2nd level yards. So what does this mean? Jeremy Hill will continue his good week 7! Given that the Redskins do have the 3rd ranked pass defense against running backs, I see Hill having a better day than Bernard. Further, Cleveland is another team near the bottom at # 30 in run defense. Their D Line ranks out well at # 7 in power ranking but, they come in at #27 overall for Football Outsiders Adjusted Line yardage. This translates to a good day on the ground for Matt Forte.

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Two other week 8 RB matchups are Spencer Ware and Devontae Booker. The Colts are ranked dead last overall against the run. With Jamaal Charles officially ruled out for week 8, Spencer Ware is a lock for RB1. A 26th overall ranking for Adjusted line yardage and a dead last ranking for 2nd level yardage only confirm that Ware is in line for a big day.

Finally, on the surface San Diego looks decent against the run. They are ranked 18th overall based upon DVOA. However, when you dig below the surface, they are ranked 30th in D-Line power rank and 21st  in 2nd level yardage. CJ Anderson announced this week that he is done for the near future. Rookie Devontae Booker, who is touted very highly by Denver, will get his shot to run the rock. While it is no Indianapolis matchup, his match-up with San Diego is still enticing. I expect a big first day out of Booker.

That wraps up our week 8 best match-ups for wide receivers and running backs. All of these picks can be used in GPP or cash games when surrounded properly with supportive picks. I wish you luck with your week 8 slates and I will see you all in week 9. Good luck!