Corner Report: Week 11

This article will go game by game looking at the top wide receivers from an offense and, based on the inside/outside and left/right splits in the alignment data of those receivers, identify the cornerbacks most likely to face them in man coverage. The corners named will parenthetically cite the rank of their coverage grade from Pro Football Focus from the 2019 season. The snap counts listed are not a projection, but rather the totals from so far this year.

Receivers very rarely see the same corner every play, be it due to formational 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. 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 matchup. This shouldn't be read as 'good' or 'bad' but rather a measured tweak from the receiver's baseline projection.
 

CAR vs ATL

CAROLINA WR SNAPS

D.J. Moore: 558 snaps – 399 wide (286 left, 113 right), 139 slot (86 left, 53 right), six tight (six left), 14 back

Curtis Samuel: 526 snaps – 264 wide (90 left, 174 right), 217 slot (109 left, 108 right), six tight (two left, four right), 39 back

Jarius Wright: 365 snaps – 50 wide (26 left, 24 right), 297 slot (149 left, 148 right), 10 tight (five left, five right), eight back
 

D.J. Moore lines up left and outside more than Curtis Samuel, who tends to line up on the right and otherwise works more in the slot than Moore does. Both receivers should see all three of Atlanta's top three corners at various points, but more often than not Moore will run against right corner Isaiah Oliver (56.0 PFF). It's been a rough year for Oliver, and it's hard to see why Moore would make it any easier. Samuel should primarily run against Desmond Trufant (57.9 PFF), though his decent slot workload should get Samuel more looks against rookie slot corner Kendall Sheffield (54.5 PFF) than Moore will. Sheffield is very toolsy and earned a high grade from PFF against the Saints, but Samuel is a much tougher cover than Tre'Quan Smith. As much as Samuel should see Sheffield more than Moore, Sheffield's primary assignment will likely be slot specialist receiver Jarius Wright.

Upgrade: D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Jarius Wright

ATLANTA WR SNAPS

Calvin Ridley: 469 snaps – 290 wide (107 left, 183 right), 168 slot (54 left, 114 right), three tight (two left, one right),eight back

Julio Jones: 467 snaps – 266 wide (163 left, 103 right), 196 slot (108 left, 88 right), three tight (one left, two right), two back

Russell Gage: 175 snaps – 68 wide (36 left, 32 right), 103 slot (61 left, 42 right), one tight (one right), three back
 

On the majority of their snaps the Falcons should feature Julio Jones at left receiver, Russell Gage as the slot wideout, and Calvin Ridley at right receiver. It will be interesting to see if Carolina shadows Jones with James Bradberry (70.4 PFF), who at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds has a close to ideal build for countering Jones' reach. If Bradberry follows Jones, then in three-wide sets Calvin Ridley would almost necessarily run against Donte Jackson (67.6 PFF) if Jackson plays through his hip issue. If Jackson is out, then it's an upgrade for Ridley. Ross Cockrell is injured at slot corner for Carolina, so they'll turn to Javien Elliott (65.6 PFF) to cover Russell Gage in the slot. 
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley (upgrade if Jackson is out), Russell Gage

BAL vs HOU

BALTIMORE WR SNAPS

Willie Snead: 409 snaps – 59 wide (27 left, 32 right), 283 slot (141 left, 142 right), 10 tight (one left, nine right), 57 back

Seth Roberts: 322 snaps – 273 wide (201 left, 72 right), 46 slot (35 left, 11 right), three back

Marquise Brown: 274 snaps – 152 wide (47 left, 105 right), 101 slot (46 left, 55 right), one tight (one right), 20 back

Miles Boykin: 243 snaps – 200 wide (145 left, 55 right), 41 slot (27 left, 14 right), two tight (two left)

Johnathan Joseph (59.8 PFF) lines up at left corner and for last week at least Gareon Conley (60.0 PFF) lined up at right corner, leaving Bradley Roby (68.9 PFF) as the slot corner if he can return from the hamstring injury that's kept him out the last three games. If Roby can't play, the slot coverage might primarily consist of Cornell Armstrong (43.0 PFF) and safety Justin Reid (70.4 PFF). It's possible rookie second-round pick Lonnie Johnson (30.1 PFF) returns from his concussion, but he plays the same position as Conley. Anyway, with Marquise Brown running a bit more on the right than the left, his primary assignment should be Joseph, who is nearing age 36. Joseph was a burner when he was younger, but even presently fast corners can struggle to keep up with Brown. Still, it would arguably be smart of Baltimore to get him more looks on the left side to target the more overtly poor Conley and/or Johnson. Seth Roberts and Miles Boykin are splitting the meager utility of the left-side snaps, though at least the matchup against Conley/Johnson is favorable. Willie Snead should mostly run against either Roby or the previously mentioned Armstrong/Reid duo.
 

Upgrade: Marquise Brown

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Willie Snead (downgrade if Roby activates), Miles Boykin, Seth Roberts

HOUSTON WR SNAPS

DeAndre Hopkins: 607 snaps – 343 wide (220 left, 123 right), 263 slot (157 left, 106 right), one back

Will Fuller: 392 snaps – 188 wide (85 left, 103 right), 195 slot (72 left, 123 right), two tight (one left, one right), seven back

Kenny Stills: 288 snaps – 103 wide (32 left, 71 right), 162 slot (71 left, 91 right), 23 back

DeAndre Carter: 104 snaps – 14 wide (seven left, seven right), 64 slot (28 left, 36 right), six tight (two left, four right), 20 back
 

According to beat writer Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Will Fuller (hamstring) will be a game-time decision and might be held out until Houston's Thursday game in Week 12. If Fuller plays, he'll battle with Kenny Stills for snaps that are generally on the right side more than the left. It's possible that a return for Fuller would result in Stills playing the slot more at the expense of DeAndre Carter, but there's no way to know. For as much as DeAndre Hopkins lines up everywhere, he generally plays on the left more than the right. It's not clear whether Baltimore will shadow Hopkins with Marlon Humphrey (79.2 PFF), generally regarded as their top corner, or if they'll leave him in the slot like they did the last two weeks. Marcus Peters (76.8 PFF) played left corner in those games, leaving Jimmy Smith (73.5 PFF) at right corner. If the Ravens don't shadow Hopkins with Humphrey, then Hopkins should see Smith more than Humphrey or Peters. That would be a good thing for Hopkins. Maybe not an upgrade since Smith might still be good, but we know Smith isn't as good as Peters or Humphrey. If Humphrey stays in the slot his snaps might more or less get wasted on the minimally-threatening Carter, while in this scenario Stills or/and Fuller would get the most looks at Peters.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Kenny Stills, Will Fuller, DeAndre Carter

Even: DeAndre Hopkins (downgrade if Humphrey shadows)

MIN vs DEN

MINNESOTA WR SNAPS

Stefon Diggs: 515 snaps – 331 wide (165 left, 166 right), 175 slot (95 left, 80 right), nine back

Adam Thielen: 353 snaps – 143 wide (80 left, 63 right), 183 slot (72 left, 111 right), eight tight (six left, two right), 19 back

Bisi Johnson: 321 snaps – 142 wide (74 left, 68 right), 171 slot (82 left, 89 right), five tight (two left, three right), three back
 

Adam Thielen appears out, which should result in Bisi Johnson and rookie tight end Irv Smith picking up the remaining slack in the passing game. Stefon Diggs is the clear WR1 in such a scenario, and in this matchup he'd presumably draw the shadow coverage of Chris Harris (70.2 PFF), which may or may not be a deterrent for Kirk Cousins. Diggs can get open against anyone, so as long as Cousins sticks with him in a progression it shouldn't be a major issue for Diggs. Johnson plays in the slot more than Diggs but otherwise shows the same even left/right splits. He should see slot corner Duke Dawson (60.2 PFF) more than anyone else on the Vikings, and when outside he should mostly see Davontae Harris (56.9 PFF).
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A
Even: Stefon Diggs, Bisi Johnson
 

DENVER WR SNAPS

Courtland Sutton: 534 snaps – 314 wide (198 left, 116 right), 206 slot (132 left, 74 right), five tight (three left, two right), nine back

DaeSean Hamilton: 368 snaps – 43 wide (19 left, 24 right), 295 slot (146 left, 149 right), 25 tight (16 left, nine right), five back

Fred Brown: 79 snaps – 32 wide (16 left, 16 right), 38 slot (16 left, 22 right), eight tight (two left, six right), one back

Diontae Spencer: 40 snaps – eight wide (five left, three right), 20 slot (11 left, nine right), 12 back

Running on the left more often than the right, Courtland Sutton should primarily run against right corner Xavier Rhodes (50.5 PFF), who might be playing his way out of Minnesota. Despite Rhodes' poor play this year, his 6-foot-1, 218-pound build might be an asset against the 6-foot-4 Sutton. Still, you probably have to consider it an upgrade for Sutton. Slot wideout DaeSean Hamilton (knee) might sit, either because of his knee or because the Broncos have good reason to bench him for Diontae Spencer, who I'd look to earn more slot snaps in the upcoming weeks. Whoever plays there runs against the toughest part of the Minnesota secondary, as slot corner Mackensie Alexander (65.9 PFF) might be the most competent one on the team. It's not clear what Minnesota will do at left corner, where Trae Waynes (48.8 PFF) returns from injury, but Mike Hughes (51.9 PFF) played there last week. If Sutton is at left receiver and Hamilton/Spencer in the slot, then the right receiver in such cases might be Fred Brown.
 

Upgrade: Courtland Sutton

Downgrade: N/A

Even: DaeSean Hamilton, Diontae Spencer, Fred Brown

MIA vs BUF

MIAMI WR SNAPS

DeVante Parker: 496 snaps – 250 wide (104 left, 146 right), 235 slot (111 left, 124 right), 11 tight (six left, five right)

Preston Williams: 404 snaps – 352 wide (219 left, 133 right), 52 slot (33 left, 19 right)

Allen Hurns: 225 snaps – 47 wide (29 left, 18 right), 169 slot (72 left, 97 right), two tight (two right), seven back

Jakeem Grant: 183 snaps – 55 wide (19 left, 36 right), 108 slot (44 left, 64 right), one tight (one left), 19 back

Albert Wilson: 129 snaps – 14 wide (seven left, seven right), 109 slot (56 left, 53 right), two tight (two left), four back
 

The Bills may or may not shadow DeVante Parker with Tre'Davious White (73.7 PFF), but it would make sense to put White on a more athletic receiver like Parker so the unathletic corner Levi Wallace (60.2 PFF) can match up against Allen Hurns, who isn't much of a burn threat. Jakeem Grant is a burn threat to Wallace, but he only played 15 snaps last week. Taron Johnson (57.1 PFF) is the presumed slot corner, and he should mostly see Albert Wilson.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: DeVante Parker, Allen Hurns, Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant

BUFFALO WR SNAPS

John Brown: 533 snaps – 366 wide (232 left, 134 right), 162 slot (90 left, 72 right), five back

Cole Beasley: 384 snaps – 51 wide (29 left, 22 right), 331 slot (169 left, 162 right), two back

Isaiah McKenzie: 148 snaps – 22 wide (nine left, 13 right), 91 slot (39 left, 52 right), 35 back

John Brown plays on the left more often than the right, but the Dolphins have given their outside corners player assignments the last two weeks. I don't know whether that will apply here – I've seen some say that undrafted rookie corner Nik Needham (73.0 PFF) is used as a shadow corner against the opposing WR1, and if that's true then he would indeed match up against Brown here. But the two times Needham worked on specific assignments the players were Zach Pascal last week and Demaryius Thomas two weeks ago. Thomas objectively is not the WR1 for the Jets, and Pascal is only such for the Colts due to injury. The common thread I see between Thomas and Pascal is that they're both the slowest receivers on their respective teams. If that was the criterion for determining the matchup, then you wouldn't necessarily put Needham against Brown in this one. Then again, unlike the last two weeks, there's no obvious slowpoke for Needham to cover against the Bills, who have used diminutive burner Isaiah McKenzie as their WR3 the last two weeks. If Brown is on Needham it's in any case an upgrade for Brown – Needham ran a 4.67-second 40 at his pro day and it'd be impressive if he could stick at corner in the long term given that speed deficiency. Needham might have a problem with McKenzie if lined up against him, too. Eric Rowe (58.9 PFF) has almost played in a rover role lately, so he may or may not be McKenzie's main coverage assignment if Needham shadows Brown. Cole Beasley is the only Bills receiver with a predictable matchup, and he should mainly run against Jomal Wiltz (44.4 PFF).
 

Upgrade: John Brown, Cole Beasley

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Isaiah McKenzie

IND vs JAC

INDIANAPOLIS WR SNAPS

Zach Pascal: 407 snaps – 171 wide (109 left, 62 right), 198 slot (103 left, 95 right), 27 tight (nine left, 18 right), 11 back

T.Y. Hilton: 348 snaps – 217 wide (96 left, 121 right), 127 slot (52 left, 75 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back
Chester Rogers: 333 snaps – 41 wide (14 left, 27 right), 274 slot (129 left, 145 right), 16 tight (four left, 12 right), two back

Marcus Johnson: 55 snaps – 48 wide (25 left, 23 right), seven slot (two left, five right)

A.J. Bouye (67.7 PFF) shadowed DeAndre Hopkins before the bye, so he might do the same against Zach Pascal in this setting. Then again, Pascal might not be a threat worth planning around. Tre Herndon (48.7 PFF) ought to be able to contain Pascal himself, even with the low PFF grade. It would nonetheless be preferable for Pascal to avoid Bouye. If Bouye is on Pascal, Marcus Johnson would presumably run against Herndon. Chester Rogers should run mostly against D.J. Hayden (70.4 PFF) in the slot. It's a brutal situation for Jacoby Brissett and the Colts.
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Zach Pascal, Chester Rogers

Even: Marcus Johnson

JACKSONVILLE WR SNAPS

Chris Conley: 481 snaps – 406 wide (223 left, 183 right), 74 slot (40 left, 34 right), one tight (one right)

D.J. Chark: 479 snaps – 241 wide (99 left, 142 right), 216 slot (91 left, 125 right), 15 tight (eight left, seven right), seven back

Dede Westbrook: 383 snaps – 46 wide (22 left, 24 right), 321 slot (144 left, 177 right), four tight (one left, three right), 12 back

Keelan Cole: 150 snaps – 62 wide (35 left, 27 right), 85 slot (38 left, 47 right), one tight (one right), two back

Although I've seen no mention of it from Jaguars coaches, Dede Westbrook needs to stop dropping passes or start worrying about Keelan Cole stealing his playing time. Cole had a good game in Westbrook's absence before the bye (five catches for 80 yards on six targets), and it's hard to see Jacksonville leaving the workloads of Chris Conley or D.J. Chark up to negotiation. In this game Westbrook should run primarily run against slot corner Kenny Moore (70.7 PFF), by far the most consistent cornerback on the team. The Colts have rookie corners locked in at the outside spots, with Rock Ya-Sin (52.0 PFF) on the left and Marvell Tell (74.8 PFF) on the right. Neither has much in the way of long speed, which leaves them vulnerable deep to Chark and Conley, but Tell is springy and explosive in short spaces. As much as Tell looks like a potential steal for the Colts, Chark is one of the best wideouts in the league and Conley also has the speed to make a good corner look bad for making a wrong move.

Upgrade: D.J. Chark

Downgrade: Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole

Even: Chris Conley

WAS vs NYJ

WASHINGTON WR SNAPS

Terry McLaurin: 426 snaps – 314 wide (193 left, 121 right), 99 slot (49 left, 50 right), two tight (one left, one right), 11 back

Paul Richardson: 388 snaps – 155 wide (69 left, 86 right), 212 slot (88 left, 124 right), 10 tight (four left, six right), 11 back

Trey Quinn: 358 snaps – 37 wide (nine left, 28 right), 282 slot (145 left, 137 right), 32 tight (eight left, 24 right), seven back

Kelvin Harmon: 114 snaps – 50 wide (29 left, 21 right), 49 slot (18 left, 31 right), 15 tight (two left, 13 right)

With Terry McLaurin running against the Jets' weak outside corners, maybe even Dwayne Haskins can have a good game this week. McLaurin doesn't need Haskins to look good to do damage on his own part, though, because right corner Darryl Roberts (53.0 PFF) and left corner Nate Hairston (50.4 PFF) have both been helpless. It's especially easy to look helpless against someone with McLaurin's speed. Paul Richardson (hamstring) is out, which should lock in rookie sixth-round pick Kelvin Harmon into a heavy workload. Harmon fell far in the draft due to poor combine workouts, but he was highly productive in college at a young age, and notably outplayed N.C. State teammate Jakobi Meyers in all of the last three years. At least against the weak Jets boundary corners, Harmon really is one of the more intriguing desperation plays of the week. Trey Quinn is still the slot guy and he draws a downgrade against Brian Poole (80.3 PFF).
 

Upgrade: Terry McLaurin, Kelvin Harmon

Downgrade: Trey Quinn

Even: N/A

JETS WR SNAPS

Robby Anderson: 505 snaps – 389 wide (232 left, 157 right), 116 slot (72 left, 44 right)

Jamison Crowder: 445 snaps – 79 wide (42 left, 37 right), 358 slot (183 left, 175 right), one tight (one left), seven back

Demaryius Thomas: 279 snaps – 127 wide (60 left, 67 right), 145 slot (74 left, 71 right), four tight (two left, two right), three back

Right corner Quinton Dunbar (90.0 PFF) has earned exceedingly high grades through 231 coverage snaps, making this an arguable downgrade matchup for Robby Anderson, who tends to line up on the offense's left side more than the right. If this isn't a downgrade for Anderson, it'd be due to Josh Norman (49.3 PFF) playing so poorly on the other side that it offsets Dunbar's reps against Anderson. With that said, Demaryius Thomas should see more looks on Norman than Anderson. That would only play into Washington's interests – perhaps Adam Gase will be smart enough to play Anderson more on the right side to take advantage of Norman and avoid Dunbar. Jamison Crowder gets another nice slot matchup running against the struggling Fabian Moreau (47.9 PFF). 
 

Upgrade: Jamison Crowder
Downgrade: N/A

Even: Robby Anderson, Demaryius Thomas

DET vs DAL

DETROIT WR SNAPS

Marvin Jones: 558 snaps – 247 wide (98 left, 149 right), 293 slot (127 left, 166 right), 15 tight (eight left, seven right), three back

Kenny Golladay: 545 snaps – 365 wide (221 left, 144 right), 174 slot (98 left, 76 right), four tight (two left, two right), two back

Danny Amendola: 311 snaps – 31 wide (20 left, 11 right), 269 slot (148 left, 121 right), six tight (three left, three right), five back

Byron Jones (70.6 PFF) always lines up on the right, where if past splits hold he'll generally face off against Kenny Golladay more than Marvin Jones, the latter one tending to line up on the offense's right and should therefore see more of Chidobe Awuzie (59.6 PFF) at left corner. Although Golladay should get some shots at Awuzie, Marvin probably has the more enviable matchup. Danny Amendola gets a tough assignment against prototypical slot corner Jourdan Lewis (79.4 PFF).

Upgrade: Marvin Jones

Downgrade: Danny Amendola

Even: Kenny Golladay

DALLAS WR SNAPS

Amari Cooper: 475 snaps – 313 wide (143 left, 170 right), 142 slot (73 left, 69 right), 10 tight (six left, four right), 10 back

Michael Gallup: 423 snaps – 321 wide (201 left, 120 right), 99 slot (50 left, 49 right), one tight (one left), two back

Randall Cobb: 401 snaps – 12 wide (four left, eight right), 355 slot (172 left, 183 right), 23 tight (nine left, 14 right), 11 back

You have to think Darius Slay (66.6 PFF) will shadow Amari Cooper, but Cooper is a better receiver than Slay is a corner. If so, then it would necessarily leave Michael Gallup running against the burn-prone Rashaan Melvin (53.6 PFF), who might be in his final year as a starter in the NFL. Rather than Slay, Cooper's biggest concern in this matchup is that Melvin might get beat so bad by Gallup that Dak Prescott might look toward the second-year wideout more than usual. Randall Cobb has arguably the toughest matchup against Justin Coleman (59.8 PFF), but Detroit's weak pass rush has made it hard to sustain coverage.

Upgrade: Michael Gallup

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb
 

TB vs NO

TAMPA BAY WR SNAPS

Chris Godwin: 626 snaps – 111 wide (56 left, 55 right), 390 slot (188 left, 202 right), 120 tight (67 left, 53 right), five back

Mike Evans: 589 snaps – 449 wide (252 left, 197 right), 137 slot (66 left, 70 right), two tight (two right), one back

Breshad Perriman: 290 snaps – 152 wide (69 left, 84 right), 119 slot (59 left, 60 right), 17 tight (11 left, six right), two back

This would normally look like a blowup spot for Chris Godwin and could still be, but with Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) out there won't be a funnel away from Mike Evans in this matchup, and more importantly for Godwin, it might change the slot corner matchup from the beatable P.J. Williams (55.9 PFF) to the impressive rookie Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (75.8 PFF). When Lattimore got hurt last week, Williams moved outside and CGJ took over in the slot. That arrangement may remain the case Sunday, which would be a disappointing turn for Godwin's prospects. It might be a boon to Evans, though, not only because he would run against Williams and Apple rather than Lattimore, but because CGJ could create a bit of an additional funnel toward Evans. Especially if the Saints decline to shadow Evans with Eli Apple (65.8 PFF), this really looks like an explosive setup for Evans. Apple is no Lattimore, but he's still better than Williams by magnitudes. Breshad Perriman is the WR3, and he too can run past Williams if the Saints shadow Evans with Apple.

Upgrade: Mike Evans

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Chris Godwin, Breshad Perriman

NEW ORLEANS WR SNAPS

Michael Thomas: 567 snaps – 334 wide (211 left, 133 right), 229 slot (138 left, 91 right), four back

Ted Ginn: 404 snaps – 252 wide (110 left, 142 right), 127 slot (68 left, 59 right), 10 tight (five left, five right), 15 back

Tre'Quan Smith: 155 snaps – 36 wide (22 left, 14 right), 106 slot (58 left, 48 right), 12 tight (nine left, three right), one back

The Buccaneers are desperate to fix their pass defense, but they've all but officially announced they have no plan and are completely lost. I'm not sure if they know who will play slot corner this week after cutting Vernon Hargreaves, as M.J. Stewart is also out with injury. Rookie Sean Murphy-Bunting (61.5 PFF) played the most slot snaps last week between himself, Carlton Davis (60.3 PFF), and Jamel Dean (73.9 PFF), so perhaps Davis will play left corner and Dean right corner with SMB in the slot. Dean and SMB are both extremely athletic, but a refined technician like Michael Thomas is the specific prescription for a corner that can't be outran or outjumped. They're both rookies – they almost have to be at a disadvantage. Davis is arguably the least intimidating of the three young corners, so it goes without saying that Thomas has the advantage there. If SMB stays in the slot, his primary assignment should be Tre'Quan Smith, who hasn't earned targets at a high rate but showed explosiveness as a rookie last year. Ted Ginn should run more against Davis than Dean, which suits Ginn fine since Dean can match his speed.

Upgrade: Michael Thomas

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tre'Quan Smith, Ted Ginn

SF vs ARZ

SAN FRANCISCO WR SNAPS

Deebo Samuel: 369 snaps – 132 wide (74 left, 58 right), 197 slot (133 left, 64 right), 15 tight (seven left, eight right), 25 back

Dante Pettis: 304 snaps – 95 wide (55 left, 40 right), 178 slot (107 left, 71 right), 14 tight (eight left, six right), 17 back

Kendrick Bourne: 265 snaps – 66 wide (29 left, 37 right), 170 slot (75 left, 95 right), eight tight (five left, three right), 21 back

Emmanuel Sanders: 143 snaps – 101 wide (48 left, 53 right), 38 slot (20 left, 18 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back
 

Emmanuel Sanders (rib) is the crucial question here, as his presence or absence could drastically alter the approach of both Kyle Shanahan and the Arizona defense. If available Sanders is the team's clear WR1, playing primarily outside but with even left/right splits. In the event that he plays, Sanders would probably draw the shadow of Patrick Peterson (44.4 PFF), who has struggled so far according to PFF metrics. Sanders didn't practice all week, though, so if he can't play then Peterson would either play one side or shadow the next highest-ranked 49ers wideout, who would probably be Deebo Samuel. There's no guarantee that it's a downgrade for Samuel if he does draw Peterson, but if Sanders plays then Samuel would likely be left to run against rookie Byron Murphy (55.0 PFF) more than any other corner. If Sanders is out then I'd expect Kendrick Bourne to serve as the WR2 and the lead slot receiver, in which case he'd run against some combination of Tramaine Brock (62.5 PFF) or/and Kevin Peterson (66.6 PFF). Brock was the slot corner prior to last week (hamstring), but Peterson might have taken his job with a solid showing against Chris Godwin. Dante Pettis (back) might be the WR3 if available, but Shanahan really doesn't like him and Marquise Goodwin is still around.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Emmanuel Sanders, Deebo Samuel (upgrade if Sanders is active, though keep in mind that may harm his target share), Kendrick Bourne, Dante Pettis, Marquise Goodwin

ARIZONA WR SNAPS

Larry Fitzgerald: 556 snaps – 51 wide (33 left, 18 right), 479 slot (261 left, 218 right), 19 tight (13 left, six right), seven back

Christian Kirk: 423 snaps – 150 wide (26 left, 124 right), 245 slot (72 left, 173 right), six tight (two left, four right), 22 back

KeeSean Johnson: 349 snaps – 291 wide (72 left, 119 right), 50 slot (nine left, 41 right), three tight (three right), five back

Pharoh Cooper: 105 snaps – six wide (two left, four right), 84 slot (35 left, 49 right), three tight (one left, two right), 12 back

Andy Isabella: 79 snaps – 33 wide (31 left, two right), 37 slot (22 left, 15 right), nine back

Christian Kirk again primarily lined up at right outside receiver last week, leaving the slot work to Larry Fitzgerald and Pharoh Cooper. The left outside receiver spot was split between KeeSean Johnson (31 snaps) and Andy Isabella (15 snaps). Isabella also saw 11 slot snaps, but it's still Johnson at left receiver who Isabella needs to displace for more playing time. After yet another useless game for Johnson and another encouraging one for Isabella, perhaps we can reasonably hope for more change there. Anyway, at left receiver Johnson or/and Isabella will primarily run against Emmanuel Moseley (77.4 PFF), a tough draw given his high PFF grade and low 4.4 speed. Richard Sherman (85.4 PFF) will cover Kirk, which already had bad results for Kirk two weeks ago. Fitzgerald, Cooper, and to a lesser extent Isabella should mostly see K'Waun Williams (80.4 PFF) in the slot. There is no vulnerability in San Francisco's three-corner packages.
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, KeeSean Johnson, Pharoh Cooper, Andy Isabella

Even: N/A

PHI vs NE

PHILADELPHIA WR SNAPS

Nelson Agholor: 566 snaps – 102 wide (42 left, 60 right), 418 slot (220 left, 198 right), 24 tight (seven left, 17 right), 22 back

Alshon Jeffery: 411 snaps – 312 wide (185 left, 127 right), 95 slot (47 left, 48 right), four tight (two left, two right)

Mack Hollins: 373 snaps – 198 wide (104 left, 94 right), 163 slot (65 left, 98 right), three tight (three right), nine back

Alshon Jeffery is out, leaving a lot of outside snaps up for grabs in Philadelphia. Most of those could just get split up between Nelson Agholor (previously more of a slot specialist) and Mack Hollins (starting but usually capped around 40 snaps), especially considering that the Eagles might switch to a two-TE base offense given their difficulties at receiver. Whatever the case, Jonathan Jones (88.7 PFF) is the assignment for whoever plays the slot, so that's not the best news for Agholor. Outside corner Stephon Gilmore (70.6 PFF) might look to shadow Zach Ertz with the receivers so depleted, and in that event Jason McCourty (83.2 PFF) and J.C. Jackson (58.4 PFF) would perhaps be the matchups for Agholor and Hollins.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins

Even: N/A

NEW ENGLAND WR SNAPS

Julian Edelman: 581 snaps – 65 wide (21 left, 44 right), 489 slot (227 left, 262 right), 13 tight (four left, nine right), 14 back

Phillip Dorsett: 403 snaps – 243 wide (160 left, 83 right), 151 slot (89 left, 62 right), two tight (one left, one right), seven back

Mohamed Sanu: 104 snaps – 50 wide (six left, 44 right), 51 slot (28 left, 23 right), three back
 

The anticipated debut of N'Keal Harry off IR is an interesting detail for the Patriots receiver rotation, though it's difficult to see where he'd be able to pick up enough playing time to make a reliable fantasy impact. Phillip Dorsett has been the team's three-down outside receiver for the last three weeks, lining up more on the left than the right, but with just 14 targets in his last 202 snaps it wouldn't be shocking if the Patriots gave Harry 10 or so snaps at Dorsett's expense (which would still leave Dorsett with a projection of 50 or so snaps). If Dorsett continues to play more on the left then he should mostly run against Ronald Darby (43.4 PFF), who has struggled this year but earned higher PFF grades in the past. Darby also is a standout athlete (4.38-second 40, 41.5-inch vertical), so he might have a shot at matching Dorsett's pace. With Mohamed Sanu mostly running on the right side, Jalen Mills (77.5 PFF) should be his main assignment. Mills really struggled in the past, but it's hard to give up the big play to Sanu, whose 12 catches for 104 yards on 19 targets so far haven't been that useful. Julian Edelman should run against Avonte Maddox (55.4 PFF) the vast majority of the time, which is probably an upgrade for the slot wideout.
 

Upgrade: Julian Edelman

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Phillip Dorsett, Mohamed Sanu

OAK vs CIN

OAKLAND WR SNAPS

Tyrell Williams: 381 snaps – 243 wide (162 left, 81 right), 131 slot (72 left, 59 right), five tight (one left, four right), two back

Hunter Renfrow: 295 snaps – six wide (four left, two right), 279 slot (100 left, 179 right), six tight (four left, two right), four back

Zay Jones: 125 snaps – 80 wide (31 left, 49 right), 45 slot (28 left, 17 right)
 

Tyrell Williams runs on the left a bit more than the right, in which case he would likely see right corner William Jackson (65.3 PFF) the most. Jackson has struggled a bit through 236 coverage snaps, but PFF assigned him a 72.9 coverage grade over 633 snaps last year, and a 90.4 grade over 423 snaps the year prior. As much as he's capable of beating Jackson, if you're a Tyrell owner you might hope they line him up on the right side more often than usual. If not, Zay Jones might run slightly more on the right than the left, and in such a case he should mostly draw B.W. Webb (57.8 PFF). Running in the slot, Hunter Renfrow should mostly see slot corner Darqueze Dennard (62.5 PFF). It might not be an upgrade, but Renfrow has already produced in tougher matchups.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tyrell Williams (upgrade if more right-side snaps), Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones

CINCINNATI WR SNAPS

Tyler Boyd: 558 snaps – 92 wide (56 left, 36 right), 418 slot (209 left, 209 right), 17 tight (nine left, eight right), 31 back

Auden Tate: 470 snaps – 243 wide (147 left, 96 right), 217 slot (121 left, 96 right), six tight (two left, four right), four back

Alex Erickson: 249 snaps – 96 wide (43 left, 53 right), 134 slot (56 left, 78 right), six tight (one left, five right), 13 back
 

Rookie second-round pick Trayvon Mullen (55.1 PFF) plays the left side and Daryl Worley (66.9 PFF) lines up on the right, and each should see both of Auden Tate and Alex Erickson throughout the game. Tate has lined up a bit more on the left than the right, though, so he should see Worley a bit more often than Mullen. Based on PFF's current grading, that leaves Tate with the tougher draw than Erickson, who should more so run against Mullen. I would guess that Mullen and Worley are pretty close, so I'd call it even for both players. In Tate's case his 6-foot-5 frame lessens the need to get open, so he might more more immune to a tough matchup than Erickson. Tyler Boyd is expected to mostly run against Nevin Lawson (68.2 PFF), who will replace the injured Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner was struggling a great deal, so Lawson might not be an upgrade for Boyd relative to Joyner, but Lawson is presumably a backup for a reason. His relatively high PFF grade is over just 37 coverage snaps – over his 851 coverage snaps between 2017-2018 he received grades under 55.0. It should be a favorable matchup for Boyd.

Upgrade: Tyler Boyd

Downgrade: N/A
Even: Auden Tate, Alex Erickson

LAR vs CHI

RAMS WR SNAPS

Robert Woods: 596 snaps – 153 wide (40 left, 113 right), 342 slot (109 left, 233 right), 59 tight (six left, 53 right), 42 back

Cooper Kupp: 543 snaps – 38 wide (28 left, 10 right), 392 slot (226 left, 166 right), 97 tight (34 left, 63 right), 42 back

Josh Reynolds: 231 snaps – 100 wide (70 left, 30 right), 118 slot (74 left, 44 right), seven tight (one left, six right), six back
 

Cooper Kupp should draw a much more favorable matchup after last week's shutout, running against the weakest Chicago corner in slot guy Buster Skrine (59.3 PFF). As the primary right-side receiver, Robert Woods should mostly work against left corner Kyle Fuller (56.8 PFF), who continues to receive low grades from PFF but has generally earned high grades in his career. The matchup is more unambiguously difficult for Josh Reynolds on the left, where he'll run against right corner Prince Amukamara (73.0 PFF).

Upgrade: Cooper Kupp

Downgrade: Josh Reynolds

Even: Robert Woods

CHICAGO WR SNAPS

Allen Robinson: 524 snaps – 223 wide (123 left, 100 right), 278 slot (152 left, 126 right), 19 tight (nine left, 10 right), four back

Taylor Gabriel: 337 snaps – 190 wide (79 left, 111 right), 140 slot (61 left, 79 right), three tight (one left, two right), four back

Anthony Miller: 303 snaps – 42 wide (17 left, 25 right), 246 slot (128 left, 118 right), 12 tight (nine left, three right), three back

Allen Robinson will presumably draw the shadow coverage of Jalen Ramsey (50.4 PFF), but Ramsey has generally struggled since arriving to Los Angeles. That will probably change in a hurry, but Robinson isn't the kind of receiver you want to face when you're working through struggles. Taylor Gabriel will generally get left with the remaining outside corner if Ramsey shadows Robinson, and in this case it should be Troy Hill (72.9 PFF), who has earned good grades through 165 snaps. Still, Hill doesn't have the jets to run with Gabriel downfield. Anthony Miller plays almost exclusively in the slot, where he'll mostly see Nickell Robey-Coleman (76.0 PFF).
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Anthony Miller

Even: Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel

KC vs LAC

KANSAS CITY WR SNAPS

Demarcus Robinson: 507 snaps – 316 wide (182 left, 134 right), 160 slot (83 left, 77 right), 23 tight (12 left, 11 right), eight back

Sammy Watkins: 436 snaps – 115 wide (54 left, 61 right), 276 slot (133 left, 143 right), 37 tight (12 left, 25 right), eight back

Tyreek Hill: 274 snaps – 103 wide (47 left, 56 right), 140 slot (75 left, 65 right), 19 tight (seven left, 12 right), 12 back
 

Mecole Hardman continues to make a good case for more playing time, but with just 29 snaps in the last two weeks he seems to be the clear WR4 for now. That leaves Demarcus Robinson in a nearly three-down role, where he tends to line up on the left a little more often than the right. It might not matter against the Chargers, though, as they often put Casey Hayward (84.6 PFF) as the shadow corner against the WR1, which is of course Tyreek Hill. It's not an intimidating matchup for Hill – Hayward is a good corner but mostly in the underneath and intermediate. Hayward cannot run with Hill even a little, so I honestly think it's closer to an upgrade for Hill than a downgrade. If Hayward follows Hill, then I'd guess Sammy Watkins would see the most of slot corner Desmond King (66.7 PFF), an arguable downgrade for Watkins, who's been used strictly as an underneath target in Kansas City. If Hayward follows Hill and King ends up on Watkins, then Robinson should mostly run against Michael Davis (52.4 PFF), a beatable corner but one who mirrors Robinson's traits fairly well.
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Sammy Watkins

Even: Tyreek Hill, Demarcus Robinson

CHARGERS WR SNAPS
 

Keenan Allen: 579 snaps – 183 wide (105 left, 78 right), 348 slot (150 left, 198 right), 30 tight (16 left, 14 right), 18 back

Mike Williams: 507 snaps – 276 wide (143 left, 133 right), 223 slot (112 left, 111 right), three tight (three right), five back
Andre Patton: 216 snaps – 87 wide (43 left, 44 right), 107 slot (60 left, 47 right), six tight (five left, one right), 16 back

The Chargers wideouts all have mostly even right/left splits, with their alignments mostly differing in terms of inside/outside splits. Keenan Allen is the lead slot receiver, which should make his primary matchup Kendall Fuller (60.5 PFF) as Fuller returns from a three-game absence due to a thumb injury. Mike Williams plays outside the most reliably of the Chargers receivers, but with even left/right splits he should split his time fairly evenly between right corner Charvarius Ward (69.0 PFF) and left corner Bashaud Breeland (39.8 PFF). If the Chargers are smart, they'll just leave Williams on the right for pretty much the whole game. Breeland cannot cover him. I'm not sure Breeland can even cover Andre Patton, who is to this point one of the most easily covered receivers of all time with just two catches on eight targets in 217 snaps.

Upgrade: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Andre Patton