Making tough lineup decisions each week can be the most challenging part of fantasy football. When torn between two similar players, the general advice is to start the one with the superior matchup. ESPN's matchup rankings evaluate positional matchups each week, ranking opposing defenses from most to least favorable for players at all four skill positions. Rather than relying on seasonal totals, the rankings calibrate points-allowed data to show how each defense fared relative to the difficulty of the schedule it has faced over the past five weeks.
The key metric, Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed (Adj. FPA), reflects how far above or below players' weekly PPR averages a defense held opponents at that position. A positive number signals a favorable matchup; a negative number signals an unfavorable one. Matchups are only one ingredient in the rankings formula, so not every favorable matchup should be exploited, nor every unfavorable one avoided.
At quarterback, Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings is a clear plus matchup at Detroit. Lions opponents have averaged a league-most 48 dropbacks per game, and five of six quarterbacks they faced scored above 21 fantasy points. Geno Smith (New York Jets vs. Las Vegas Raiders) and Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys) also rate well.
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears is the quarterback to avoid. Facing the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, he takes on one of the league's toughest defenses. Seattle has held quarterbacks to the second-fewest fantasy points per game (10.4) this season.
At running back, Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a strong play against the Atlanta Falcons. Irving has posted two 20-plus point games in his last three, and Atlanta has been inconsistent against running backs, allowing 20-plus point starters in recent weeks.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing