This article will go game by game for the Week 15 slate looking at the top wide receivers from an offense and, based on the inside/outside and left/right splits of those receivers, identify the WR vs. CB matchups likely to occur.
Receivers rarely see the same corner every play, be it due to formation quirks or zone coverage calls by the defense, so a receiver's fortunes depend on much more than just the quality of the corner they're likely to see the most in a given game. Even against a bad corner, a good receiver can be denied the opportunity if the pass rush or something else outside his control complicates things. But it's part of the puzzle, and it's worth keeping track of.
Receivers are left with an Upgrade, Downgrade, or Even verdict based on their projected wide receiver vs. cornerback matchup. This shouldn't be read as "good" or "bad" but rather a measured tweak from the receiver's baseline projection.
Be sure to keep an eye on our NFL injury report and the latest fantasy football news. For player usage updates and roster context, check out RotoWire's NFL Depth Charts, and don't miss the Weekly Projections to see how this week's matchups shape up.
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns
BEARS WIDE RECEIVERS
It still doesn't make Rome Odunze (heel) or DJ Moore trustworthy at the moment – or rather, it doesn't make Caleb Williams trustworthy – but the Browns defense is beat up at the moment, with CB1 Denzel Ward headlining the absences. Myles Harden can likely get beat a lot more easily than Tyson Campbell, so whoever lines up away from Campbell should have a favorable matchup.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden
BROWNS WIDE RECEIVERS
Jerry Jeudy figures to see a decent amount of Jaylon Johnson, though so far in 2025 Johnson has only lined up on the left, meaning the Browns could instead choose to line up Jeudy against Tyrique Stevenson. Jeudy can hold his own against such corners, but wideouts like Isaiah Bond and Gage Larvadain don't really register.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Jerry Jeudy
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
BENGALS WIDE RECEIVERS
Ja'Marr Chase is a candidate to get followed by Nate Wiggins when on the boundary, though might find it easier to target Marlon Humphrey in the slot. Wiggins and Chidobe Awuzie might be tougher on the boundary at this point than Humphrey in the slot. Humphrey still probably warrants the benefit of the doubt when going against a backup-caliber receiver like Andrei Iosivas, while Mitchell Tinsley doesn't project especially well against most corners.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley
RAVENS WIDE RECEIVERS
Zay Flowers might get followed around by DJ Turner in this, which isn't enough for a Downgrade in my opinion but still isn't an ideal matchup. It would likely be much easier to beat players like Dax Hill and especially Jalen Davis. Rashod Bateman continues to play ineffectively through an ankle sprain, so he probably doesn't get the benefit of the doubt against anyone right now.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman
Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals
TEXANS WIDE RECEIVERS
Nico Collins should be fine or better even though the rookie boundary duo of Will Johnson and Denzel Burke appear to be pretty good for the Cardinals. Collins routinely overrules bigger obstacles than them, though rookie Jayden Higgins seems at greater risk of stalemates against the rookie duo. The toughest Arizona corner in the meantime might be Garrett Williams in the slot, though he should more so see the timeshare of Christian Kirk/Jaylin Noel.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins
CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVERS
Context is important here: This is likely a Downgrade for Michael Wilson in the sense that matchup with Houston probably dictates a downgrade for Jacoby Brissett, but even a diminished version of Wilson's recent form still projects as a clear fantasy starter. There's a complete void of target competition after Trey McBride, so even if Brissett throws 35 passes instead of 45 and even if Wilson averages something as low as 6.0 yards per target, you're still headed toward a median projection of something like six catches for 60 yards.
With that said, the Houston pass rush paired with Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter makes for a dangerous combination and Jalen Pitre in the slot isn't easily beaten, either. This is probably a spot where Wilson's target volume will have to carry him.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Michael Wilson
Even: N/A
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets
JAGUARS WIDE RECEIVERS
The emergence of Jakobi Meyers as a chain-moving threat has taken pressure off Brian Thomas, allowing Thomas to focus more so on downfield/sideline routes that suit him better. This is a good spot for both receivers, because Brandon Stephens is beatable on one side and the Jets might have to start Qwan'tez Stiggers on the other side.
Upgrade: Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas, Parker Washington, Tim Patrick
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
JETS WIDE RECEIVERS
John Metchie has four or more catches in three straight games and should remain centrally involved with the Jets passing game, but with Brady Cook at quarterback it might not be fair to expect much from Metchie against a Jaguars defense that has seen good returns from Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones in the slot. Adonai Mitchell can run right past left corner Montaric Brown but not right corner Greg Newsome.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: John Metchie
Even: Adonai Mitchell
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers
CHIEFS WIDE RECEIVERS
Rashee Rice should bounce back a bit from last week's buzzsaw matchup with Houston, because the variables are more favorable across the board this week. The Chiefs offensive line is more healthy than a week ago, the Chargers pass rush is not as frightening as Houston's, and the corner personnel is worse for the Chargers. Tarheeb Still is a competent player on the other side, but as long as Mahomes has a couple seconds to throw it should still be a spot where Rice can grind out his usage. Xavier Worthy would be a problem against Cam Hart and Still can't run with him either, though Donte Jackson might still be fast enough to stall Worthy.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy
CHARGERS WIDE RECEIVERS
Between the annihilated Chargers offensive line and Justin Herbert's broken left hand it might be difficult for the Chargers passing game to function the way it would normally project. Ladd McConkey has slack waiting for him especially if Quentin Johnston (groin) is out, and when you factor in McConkey's talent he's still well worth starting even if Trent McDuffie follows him around, but the line and Herbert are still substantial concerns. Keenan Allen has no angle on McDuffie or Jaylen Watson but if the Chargers need quick releases then Allen could be a part of how they do it.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Ladd McConkey (arguable Downgrade for QB/OL injury reasons), Quentin Johnston (see McConkey), Keenan Allen
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
PATRIOTS WIDE RECEIVERS
Stefon Diggs already showed what he can do against this Buffalo defense, and overall on the season Diggs has both drawn targets at a high per-snap rate and converted those targets into production at an almost automatic rate. Christian Benford is definitely playing better lately but Diggs has the benefit of the doubt by now and he might get open more easily yet against Tre'Davious White and Taron Johnson.
Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins are a little more complicated to project, but they should be the snap leaders as they tend to some of the wide receiver dirty work – Boutte as a deep decoy and Hollins as a blocker. When Diggs is on the field it's usually for the specific purpose of letting it rip as a route runner, but Boutte and Hollins might need a little luck to get a substantial opening from scrimmage.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins
BILLS WIDE RECEIVERS
We'll apparently continue to see Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers as the primary boundary wideouts, with Khalil Shakir generally restricted to the slot. Shakir projects best of the three always, even in this case with a solid opponent in Marcus Jones. Christian Gonzalez should be able to shut down Davis and Shavers with ease – even Carlton Davis can probably take care of those two with minimal assistance.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Gabe Davis, Tyrell Shavers
Even: Khalil Shakir
New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders
GIANTS WIDE RECEIVERS
All of these guys project well here. Wan'Dale Robinson is the first and maybe second suspect as the Giants' best route runner and one who runs the most accessible routes, but Darius Slayton can burn this defense on the boundary and even Isaiah Hodgins has to be taken seriously.
Upgrade: Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
COMMANDERS WIDE RECEIVERS
The illness with Deebo Samuel makes him difficult to project, but in general the Giants pass defense appears to be neutral at worst to opposing receivers. Particularly if Deebo is out it could leave a lot of slack for Terry McLaurin, which offsets any concerns about the dropoff from Jayden Daniels to Marcus Mariota.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
RAIDERS WIDE RECEIVERS
Perhaps Tre Tucker might be fortunate enough to see the Eagles backups for the second half, but it might be expecting a bit much of Kenny Pickett to get Tucker the ball even in that case. Jack Bech and Tyler Lockett should run at depths more within Pickett's reach, though it's still difficult to see to what consequence. Even the normal weak spot in the Eagles secondary (Adoree' Jackson) can probably relatively hold his own here.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, Tyler Lockett
EAGLES WIDE RECEIVERS
Eric Stokes and Darien Porter are big corners with long reach and standout speed, especially Porter, so it's probably not as if A.J. Brown will be running wide open down the sideline. Brown should be able to chop up both corners with route technique, though, and DeVonta Smith should be a real problem for lankier corners like these.
Upgrade: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
BRONCOS WIDE RECEIVERS
Troy Franklin played fewer snaps last week than Pat Bryant and even Marvin Mims, and if that continues it might aid the target rate of Courtland Sutton. Bo Nix seemingly couldn't resist spamming targets to Franklin all year, no matter how poor the results, so perhaps the decision had largely been taken out of Nix's hands. Bryant is out in this game, though, which seemingly opens the slot back up to Franklin's benefit.
The Packers pass defense is a challenging sum whose parts aren't easily isolated, so while it's true to say Keisean Nixon can't cover Sutton, the Packers' play designs are made with that noted. Nixon and Carrington Valentine have proven good overall fits in their roles, so finding the weak spot is the ongoing challenge against the Packers. Franklin against Javon Bullard doesn't seem like an advantage for Denver, but history says Nix will throw the ball wherever Franklin goes anyway.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims
PACKERS WIDE RECEIVERS
Christian Watson has made enough noise lately to draw the Patrick Surtain assignment, so it will be interesting to see if Matt LaFleur sends Watson into the slot a little bit more often to get away from Surtain. Romeo Doubs would project as viable against Riley Moss but not Surtain, so if Watson does move into the slot it probably lowers Doubs' projection on the snap. Jayden Reed is capable of producing in challenging matchups but Ja'Quan McMillian is probably one of the toughest slot corners at the moment.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Christian Watson (arguable Downgrade if shadowed by Surtain), Romeo Doubs (arguable Downgrade if Surtain does not shadow Watson), Jayden Reed
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions
RAMS WIDE RECEIVERS
If Davante Adams (hamstring) is out then it would open a major void from scrimmage in the Rams offense, especially in the red zone, but the Puka Nacua part of the equation is same as ever. Nacua could set up for a huge game particularly if Adams can't make his usual contributions.
Upgrade: Puka Nacua
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Davante Adams
LIONS WIDE RECEIVERS
The Rams pass defense is comparable to groups like the Packers and Jaguars, defenses that barely bother with the premise of man coverage and instead place their bets on zone coverages. The personnel at corner has changed constantly for the Rams over the last three years – none of them notable talents – yet the results have been mostly consistently good over the same stretch. This is just to say that Cobie Durant, Darious Williams and Emmanuel Forbes can't cover Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams, but the Rams defensive scheme kind of smudges the interactions between its corners and receivers, changing the task from a hopeless one to something where the corners have more room for error. The Lions offensive line is battered and the pass rush on Jared Goff is arguably the main concern here.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
SAINTS WIDE RECEIVERS
Although he would rather go against Mike Jackson or Chau Smith-Wade, there's a good bet Chris Olave more so sees Jaycee Horn. Olave has earned the benefit of the doubt even so. Devaughn Vele was on his way to establishing the benefit of the doubt but cooled off last week, making him grade neutrally here for now.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele
PANTHERS WIDE RECEIVERS
Xavier Legette gets cut loose every so often but doesn't otherwise project to dictate production against any defense in particular, even a weaker cornerback rotation like the Saints. Tetairoa McMillan can probably do some damage here against any of the top three Saints corners – Alontae Taylor (base/slot), Kool Aid McKinstry (base/boundary) and Quincy Riley (nickel boundary) – and Jalen Coker projects fine in his own right.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette
Seattle Seahawks vs. Indianapolis Colts
SEAHAWKS WIDE RECEIVERS
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed both get a boost here as the Colts prepare to play without Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner. Cooper Kupp could also see a boost in opportunity here, though in the slot Kenny Moore might be the most challenging remaining Colts corner.
Upgrade: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Cooper Kupp
COLTS WIDE RECEIVERS
The Philip Rivers part of this equation makes the whole situation insane. It wouldn't be truly shocking if Rivers were surprisingly close to good in the game, or at least close enough that a player like Michael Pittman becomes viable despite the tough matchup otherwise. Pittman is more prepared than most receivers to win without separation, though an otherwise very good downfield player like Alec Pierce might not be as good of a pairing with Rivers' presumably low-velocity passes.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Alec Pierce
Even: Michael Pittman, Josh Downs
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans
49ERS WIDE RECEIVERS
In previous weeks the 49ers needed to use Ricky Pearsall as a vertical decoy to clear out space for Jauan Jennings underneath, but in this game the pass rush should be tame enough and the secondary compromised badly enough that the 49ers can create space without running Pearsall out of the frame. In other words, this sets up for a good from-scrimmage breakout spot for Pearsall.
Upgrade: Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
TITANS WIDE RECEIVERS
Chimere Dike absolutely can land some punches on Upton Stout in the slot. The rookie Stout is adept at crashing downward but covers worse than some safeties. Elic Ayomanor and Van Jefferson get tougher draws against Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green.
Upgrade: Chimere Dike
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Elic Ayomanor, Van Jefferson
Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings
COWBOYS WIDE RECEIVERS
There's some concern that we might get Bad Dak in this game – Prescott can be baited and the Vikings lay many traps with varied and disguised coverages, amplified by aggressive blitzing – but the corner personnel definitely can't cover the Dallas duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The Vikings might want Byron Murphy on Lamb since Murphy is their corner most adept at pouncing the underneath and intermediate, but if they leave Isaiah Rodgers on Pickens then that could be inviting another problem on the boundary and downfield, where Rodgers lacks the build to defend Pickens at the rim. Murphy can definitely defend the rim better, so there's a chance the Vikings don't put Murphy on Lamb specifically.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens (arguable Upgrade if Murphy shadows Lamb)
VIKINGS WIDE RECEIVERS
Last week demonstrated that J.J. McCarthy is bad enough that he's still capable of rendering Justin Jefferson invisible even during the 'good' weeks. The Dallas pass defense is quite bad, but so is Washington's and Jefferson finished that game with two catches for 11 yards. The Cowboys have to get Shavon Revel off the field or even McCarthy can't screw that one up, but in general Jefferson and Jordan Addison have seen their seasons sabotaged by the Vikings' quarterbacks.
Upgrade: Justin Jefferson (QB Downgrade disclaimer), Jordan Addison (see Jefferson)
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins
STEELERS WIDE RECEIVERS
DK Metcalf is truly assured nothing in Pittsburgh's misshapen offense, but as last week showed Metcalf is always capable of going off when the vague opportunity to do so exists. This could be another such game. If you can account for the Miami pass rush then their secondary is basically a pushover otherwise, especially on the boundary. Minkah Fitzpatrick in the slot might be the toughest Miami corner right now, whereas Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas on the boundary are uniquely ill-suited to running with Metcalf.
Upgrade: DK Metcalf
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A
DOLPHINS WIDE RECEIVERS
Jaylen Waddle can very likely get open against Joey Porter and much more so yet against the likes of James Pierre and Brandin Echols. The cold temperatures are a concern, however – Tua Tagovailoa has been wretched in the cold throughout his career and it's fair to worry that Waddle might get open and have little to show for it anyway. But Waddle will probably be open. Malik Washington can probably stay involved against Echols.
Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Jaylen Waddle (Upgrade if not for QB), Malik Washington
