Fantasy Football: 5 WR/CB matchups to target and 5 to avoid in Week 5

The NFL Week 5 fantasy football slate presents a handful of value plays and high-ceiling players due to evolving roles and injuries.

Here are five WR/CB matchups to target and five to avoid in Week 5, according to PFF's WR/CB matchup chart. Among the intriguing plays is an elite receiver with WR1 upside and some hopeful waiver wire plays that could produce in a WR3/FLEX spot.

Let’s dive into it.

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5 WR/CB Matchups to Target

WR Chester Rogers, Tennessee Titans vs. CB Tre Herndon, Jacksonville Jaguars

This matchup depends on the health status of the Titans’ receiving corps, as Rogers carries a lot of intrigue if teammates A.J. Brown and Julio Jones miss another game due to injury. Rogers registered a decent 12.8% target share last week and was one of the team’s most productive receivers, reeling in five receptions for 63 yards.

Herndon has struggled mightily this season, conceding 3.63 receiving yards per route, the most of any cornerback on PFF’s WR/CB matchup chart. Rodgers is a high-end WR4 with some FLEX upside in this week’s slate.

WR Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team vs. CB Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints

McLaurin has vaulted into the conversation for the best receiver in football, with his 78.4 fantasy points currently ranking fifth at the position. The third-year wideout has been especially dominant with quarterback Taylor Heinicke at the helm over the past two weeks, generating a team-high 35.7% target share en route to 185 receiving yards and two scores.

McLaurin is an easy must-start every week, but he has a WR1 ceiling at the receiver position in this matchup with how much Adebo has struggled. Only one cornerback has allowed more than the 325 receiving yards Adebo has conceded, and only one cornerback has allowed more than the three touchdowns he’s given up.

WR Quintez Cephus, Detroit Lions vs. CB Bashaud Breeland, Minnesota Vikings

Cephus is a dangerously risky play because he managed just a 13.9% target share last week and tumbled to the bottom of the pecking order in the passing game. Still, he's remained productive despite the limited opportunities, leading the Lions with 13.8 receiving yards per reception.

Quarterback Jared Goff should look to target him relatively often in this contest due to the lack of stability within a Vikings secondary that has been horrendous at covering receivers this season.

Minnesota Vikings covering opposing wide receivers | 2021

Breeland, in particular, has been truly awful against receivers this season and is projected to cover Cephus for 19 snaps this week. Here is a good opportunity for a cheap and deep DFS play or a WR3/FLEX option in fantasy leagues.

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