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WR/CB: The best and worst Week 1 fantasy situations based on matchups

Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy football is all about the matchups, especially when it comes to wide receivers versus corner backs. Remember when fantasy matchup analysis used to be “Team A gives up the most fantasy points to wide receivers”? Well, we’ve moved from analog to digital and now look at matchups on an individual level. Each week, I dig through the actually coverage tendencies for all 32 NFL teams and compile this information in the WR/CB Matchup Chart, which is released on Thursday mornings.

Week 1 matchup upgrades

Antonio Brown vs. Cleveland – The best receiver in the league gets one of the best matchups in Week 1. He’ll face primary coverage from Terrance Mitchell, who was one of just four corners projected to start this week who allowed more than two yards per route run in their coverage last season. While opposing receiver caught just 51.7 percent of balls thrown into Mitchell’s coverage, he allowed 16.6 yards per catch and six receiving scores in his coverage.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. Washington – Following three-straight 100-catch seasons, Fitzgerald is back and gets a premium matchup to kick of the season with primary coverage projected to come from Fabian Moreau. The young corner was lightly used last season with just 49 routes covered. But Moreau allowed seven of his 10 targets to be caught for 18.9 yards per reception. Expect a healthy dose of Fitzgerald in this one.

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