Fantasy Football Matchup Rankings: Best and Worst by Position – ESPN Rewritten
Making tough lineup decisions each week can be the most challenging part of the fantasy football process. When you’re torn between two similar players and simply don’t know which to start, start the player with the superior matchup. Ah, but exactly how does one determine the best (and worst) weekly matchups?
Week 1 Challenges and Matchup Rankings
Evaluating matchups in Week 1 can be particularly challenging as it often relies on the previous year’s statistics, which may not accurately reflect the current state of the teams. To provide a more accurate evaluation, the matchup ranks below offer a schedule-independent method to assess positional matchups each week. These rankings rank all 32 opposing defenses in order of most to least favorable for opposing players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions.
Instead of using seasonal totals, the Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed (Adj. FPA) data calibrates points-allowed to show how each defense performed relative to the difficulty of the schedule it faced. This approach provides a fairer judgment of individual matchups. The rankings for the first three weeks are based on expert opinion and 2023 full-season data to give insight into the strength of each matchup.
Quarterbacks Matchups
**Matchups Highlight: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at Arizona Cardinals)**
The Cardinals’ pass defense showed vulnerability in Week 1, allowing Josh Allen to orchestrate a second-half comeback for the Buffalo Bills. With the Cardinals struggling in pass rush and lacking depth in the cornerback position, Stafford and his receivers, especially Cooper Kupp, have a favorable matchup. Kupp’s slot presence could exploit the weaknesses in the Cardinals’ defense, making Stafford a strong QB1 option for the week.
**Others to Like: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Denver Broncos); Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)**
**Matchup to Avoid: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs. Chicago Bears)**
Stroud faces a tough Bears secondary that limited the Titans’ passing game in Week 1. Despite his skills, Stroud may struggle under pressure against the Bears’ pass rush, making him a risky start for fantasy owners.
Running Backs Matchups
**Matchups Highlight: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Broncos)**
Harris had a significant role in the Steelers’ Week 1 victory, indicating a strong presence in the running game. Against a Broncos defense that struggled against running backs in Week 1, Harris is poised for a productive game with a sizable workload and potential scoring opportunities.
**Others to Like: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (vs. Indianapolis Colts); Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. New York Giants)**
**Matchup to Avoid: Rachaad White, Buccaneers (at Lions)**
White faces a Lions defense that excelled against running backs last season and continued its strong performance in Week 1. With White’s disappointing metrics and the Lions’ stout run defense, fantasy owners may want to look for other options at the running back position.
Wide Receivers Matchups
**Matchups Highlight: Malik Nabers, Giants (at Commanders)**
Nabers has a favorable matchup against the Commanders’ defense, which struggled against wide receivers in Week 1. With Nabers expected to be a top target for the Giants, fantasy owners can anticipate a strong performance from the rookie receiver in this matchup.
**Others to Like: Terry McLaurin, Commanders (vs. Giants); Demarcus Robinson, Rams (at Cardinals)**
**Matchup to Avoid: Courtland Sutton, Broncos (vs. Steelers)**
Sutton faces a tough matchup against the Steelers’ secondary, particularly cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Sutton’s performance may be hindered by the Steelers’ strong pass defense, making him a risky start for fantasy owners.
Tight Ends Matchups
**Matchups Highlight: Trey McBride, Cardinals (vs. Rams)**
McBride has the potential for a strong performance against the Rams, who struggled against tight ends last season. With McBride’s usage signaling a promising season ahead, fantasy owners can expect him to be a top performer in this favorable matchup.
**Matchup to Avoid: Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Cleveland Browns)**
Engram faces a tough Browns defense that excelled against tight ends last season and continued its strong performance in Week 1. While Engram may see an increased role in the passing game, his production may be limited by the Browns’ defense, making him a risky start for fantasy owners.
In conclusion, evaluating matchups is a crucial aspect of fantasy football strategy. By considering the strengths and weaknesses of each matchup, fantasy owners can make informed decisions when setting their lineups. It’s essential to analyze the data, expert opinions, and recent performances to determine the best and worst matchups for each position.