Corner Report: Week 15

This article will go game by game for the Sunday main slate 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 2020 season, though sometimes with reference to prior years when noted.

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. 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 matchup. This shouldn't be read as 'good' or 'bad' but rather a measured tweak from the receiver's baseline projection.
 

DEN vs BUF

DENVER WIDE RECEIVERS

The Bills have some things to think through with how they use Tre'Davious White (75.9 PFF), who typically shadows other teams' No. 1 receivers. That would be Tim Patrick in the case of the Broncos, though the Bills might instead use White to keep an eye on KJ Hamler, whose speed is more threatening to corners like Levi Wallace or Josh Norman. Patrick is probably the better player than Hamler, but he's also less likely to beat Wallace or Norman for a touchdown, so it's a bit of a conundrum for the Bills. But if they use White to shadow the lead receiver rather than the fastest, then it's clearly Patrick. Jerry Jeudy gets a good matchup either way against Taron Johnson (49.2 PFF).

Upgrade: Jerry Jeudy
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler

BUFFALO WIDE RECEIVERS

The Broncos are down to rookie third-round pick Michael Ojemudia and DeVante Bausby as their top two corners, and the Bills receivers can all beat both of those guys. The only reason I'm not calling it an 'upgrade' for all the Bills is because Vic Fangio has a way of distorting matchup logic, coming up with zone coverages that don't clearly delineate the coverage responsibilities on a personnel basis. But facing backups is always better than facing starters, and Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and John Brown get to run against Denver's sixth and seventh corners in this one.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, John Brown

GB vs CAR

GREEN BAY WIDE RECEIVERS

The Panthers don't have anyone who can cover Davante Adams, so they might instead use mixed coverages that place an emphasis on flooding Aaron Rodgers' favorite target points on the field. This probably won't work either, but it's their best shot. It's a good setup for Adams whatever way the Panthers go. The same probably has to be true for Allen Lazard, who faces a good enough slot corner in Corn Elder (69.0 PFF), but one who is something like seven inches shorter and 50 pounds lighter than Lazard, who is probably as fast as Elder even with that being the case. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is tough to figure out against outside corners like Rasul Douglas and Donte Jackson – Douglas is big enough to match MVS' 6-4 frame but lacks the speed to run with him, while Jackson is a burner who can match MVS' stride but at a significant size disadvantage. It's possible that all three Packers receivers are open a good amount in this one.

Upgrade: Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

CAROLINA WIDE RECEIVERS

D.J. Moore is back, which leaves the Packers with a difficult decision as to how to utilize Jaire Alexander (85.4 PFF). Alexander is a good match against Moore's physical traits, yet the Panthers have utilized Robby Anderson as their No. 1 receiver all year, and the Packers don't want Anderson running against the sitting duck that is Kevin King (48.5 PFF). Unless the Packers get clever there they might just need to more or less allow Moore or Anderson to run wild against King. Unfortunately for us, there's no way to know whether they'll choose one in particular for Alexander's smothering shadow coverage. Slot man Curtis Samuel can burn Chandon Sullivan (52.9 PFF) deep, though Sullivan can play respectively underneath.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Robby Anderson (upgrade if Alexander shadows Moore), DJ Moore (upgrade if Alexander shadows Anderson), Curtis Samuel

MIN vs CHI

MINNESOTA WIDE RECEIVERS

Kyle Fuller is tough at one corner spot, but Jaylon Johnson appears out opposite him, leaving untested rookie Kindle Vildor to play opposite Fuller. Vildor is very athletic but smallish at just under 5-10, and his skill set is basically unknown at the NFL level. Duke Shelley (67.2 PFF) will be the slot corner. Adam Thielen should see a relatively even split of Fuller and Vildor, then the most of Shelley in the slot. Justin Jefferson should mostly see Fuller and Vildor.

Upgrade: Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

CHICAGO WIDE RECEIVERS

Allen Robinson is an elite receiver and no Vikings corner can cover him. They might be able to run with Darnell Mooney and Anthony Miller, though. Miller has a savvy advantage against Jeff Gladney (48.8 PFF), so he should be able to create openings from the slot even though Gladney is the better athlete. If you're a Mooney investor you'd probably prefer to see him against the lanky, slowish Cam Dantzler (66.3 PFF) than Gladney, who at least has the athletic traits to run with Mooney.

Upgrade: Allen Robinson
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Darnell Mooney, Anthony Miller

ATL vs TB

ATLANTA WIDE RECEIVERS

Calvin Ridley figures to see the shadow coverage of Carlton Davis (65.6 PFF), and Davis gave Ridley some trouble in the one game they saw each other in 2019. Then again, Ridley saw 14 targets in that game, so that's the more worthwhile point for anyone evaluating Ridley's Week 15 prospects. Russell Gage might get volume too with Julio Jones out, though slot corner Sean Murphy-Bunting is a better corner than Gage is a slot receiver. Gage should line up mostly against Jamel Dean (79.2 PFF) in two-wide sets, which isn't ideal, but it is Dean's first game back from injury. Brandon Powell is likely the slot guy if Gage is outside.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Brandon Powell

TAMPA BAY WIDE RECEIVERS

A.J. Terrell (65.4 PFF) is a promising prospect for the Falcons, but he probably can't do much to stop Mike Evans. It would perhaps go even worse for the Falcons if they allow Evans to match up with Isaiah Oliver (53.0 PFF). Oliver should more so see Chris Godwin, though, and Godwin projects as a major problem for Oliver there. Antonio Brown figures to generally see Oliver or Blidi Wreh-Wilson (61.6 PFF).

Upgrade: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

BAL vs JAC

BALTIMORE WIDE RECEIVERS

I don't know who is going to be available for this game, but whoever it is gets an 'upgrade.'

Upgrade: Whoever is playing for Baltimore
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

JACKSONVILLE WIDE RECEIVERS

Is it better to face a good defense with Gardner Minshew or a bad defense with Mike Glennon? We might find out the bleak, boring answer in this game. DJ Chark is a strong candidate to draw the shadow coverage of Marlon Humphrey, who is at once one of the five best cornerbacks in the NFL but someone who needs to be careful against a talent as explosive as Chark. Against speed like his, one small mistake can amount to six points pretty easily. If Humphries follows Chark then it would make the slot reps easier for Keelan Cole, as Humphries normally plays the slot when he isn't shadowing. Laviska Shenault would get a tough draw against Marcus Peters in this scenario, but Shenault doesn't need to truly get open to produce.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: DJ Chark
Even: Keelan Cole, Laviska Shenault

MIA vs NE

MIAMI WIDE RECEIVERS

Lynn Bowden has some real talent, so we shouldn't just assume he'll lose against slot corner Jonathan Jones (65.0 PFF), but Jones is a good player and Bowden is in only his third week of extended playing time. Perhaps Bowden keeps it rolling, but it's not exactly going to be easy for him even if he pulls it off. That's especially true given the struggles that rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might endure against Bill Belichick's confusing coverages. Belichick's disguised coverage is a bigger concern for DeVante Parker than Stephon Gilmore, who Parker put a whooping on late last year. Jakeem Grant probably isn't too scary for a player like J.C. Jackson, though.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Jakeem Grant
Even: DeVante Parker, Lynn Bowden

NEW ENGLAND WIDE RECEIVERS

Xavien Howard has nine interceptions in his last 11 games – truly incredible. Byron Jones isn't much easier on the other side. That bodes poorly for N'Keal Harry and Damiere Byrd, though Byrd can at least outrun Howard if they end up isolated in man coverage with no safety help. Jakobi Meyers might need to do most of the lifting from the slot, where he can avoid Howard and Jones. 

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N'Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd
Even: Jakobi Meyers

TEN vs DET

TENNESSEE WIDE RECEIVERS

The Lions only used Amani Oruwariye (56.9 PFF) on the left side last week, leaving prior slot corner Justin Coleman (54.5 PFF) to cover the right side in base formations before moving into the slot in nickel formations. If that arrangement holds here then Oruwariye should mostly cover Corey Davis and Coleman should mostly cover A.J. Brown. Whoever is on Coleman gets the biggest green light here – he's a decent player but he's in the slot for a reason, and he's just not built to clash with heavyweights like Davis or especially Brown. Also, Oruwariye probably can't cover either player.

Upgrade: A.J. Brown, Corey Davis
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

DETROIT WIDE RECEIVERS

Malcolm Butler might be vulnerable to speed, but it's hard to find any in this Lions wideout rotation. Regardless of whether it's Matthew Stafford or Chase Daniel at quarterback, the Lions receivers will have their work cut out for them. Marvin Jones doesn't have an obvious advantage there, nor does he have one over Adoree' Jackson, but the volume might be favorable all the same. Slot corner Desmond King projects well against the slot wideout candidates Mohamed Sanu and Danny Amendola. Jones, Sanu and Amendola all know how to play receiver, but it doesn't look like they're set up for success here in an efficiency sense.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Mohamed Sanu, Danny Amendola
Even: Marvin Jones

IND vs HOU

INDIANAPOLIS WIDE RECEIVERS

Have you seen this Houston defense lately? Upgrades for everyone.

Upgrade: T.Y. Hilton, Michael Pittman, Zach Pascal
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

HOUSTON WIDE RECEIVERS

Brandin Cooks should be back this week, which hopefully gives Deshaun Watson a fighting chance against this challenging defense. Cooks incidentally drew encouraging usage against the Colts two weeks ago, drawing eight targets on 53 snaps and catching five for 65 yards. That makes some sense – Xavier Rhodes has had a strong season and Rock Ya-Sin is a decent prospect, but they have taller builds ill-suited to chasing a dart like Cooks. Rhodes and Ya-Sin generally project better against Chad Hansen, though Hansen cut them for five catches and 101 yards on seven targets in their prior match. Slot man Keke Coutee has a tough draw against Kenny Moore but, again, Coutee too cut the Colts two weeks ago, drawing nine targets on 48 snaps and catching eight for 141 yards.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Brandin Cooks, Keke Coutee, Chad Hansen

DAL vs SF

DALLAS WIDE RECEIVERS

The Cowboys receivers are talented across the board, but so are the 49ers corners. Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett await whoever lines up outside – mostly Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup – while in the slot CeeDee Lamb might see one or both of K'Waun Williams or Emmanuel Moseley. The two slot corners are both questionable for this game, but both also practiced in some capacity all week, so at least one should be available. For the Dallas wide receivers to fare well they'd basically need to overachieve, or for the 49ers to underachieve. This is a slight rivalry game so I kind of doubt that happens.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup
Even: N/A

SAN FRANCISCO WIDE RECEIVERS

Perhaps the Dallas pass defense isn't as bad as it was earlier this year, thanks in large part to the return of Chidobe Awuzie from injury, but Kyle Shanahan's playcalling is likely to get the better of professional clown Mike Nolan. Brandon Aiyuk should be set up to succeed both in terms of matchup placement and usage volume, so don't overthink this one – he's high-floor, high-ceiling even if Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis play relatively well. It's not as obvious whether Kendrick Bourne or Richie James are likely to get open.

Upgrade: Brandon Aiyuk
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Kendrick Bourne, Richie James

WAS vs SEA

WASHINGTON WIDE RECEIVERS

We have to worry about the pass rush here making the WR-CB matchups a moot point, but Terry McLaurin can beat any of the Seattle corners. Cam Sims probably can't beat any of them, but he's getting snaps at least. Washington appears poised to continue rotating Steven Sims and Isaiah Wright at slot receiver otherwise, making it difficult for either to do anything useful.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Cam Sims
Even: Terry McLaurin, Steven Sims, Isaiah Wright

SEATTLE WIDE RECEIVERS

Kendall Fuller is very good at right corner and Ronald Darby is pretty good at left corner, but DK Metcalf is around 40 pounds heavier than both and much faster than either. Tyler Lockett would ideally run against Jimmy Moreland (51.8 PFF) as much as possible, because Darby at least has the wheels to carry Lockett downfield a little bit. With both Seattle receivers, the coverage probably isn't as concerning as the pass rush.

Upgrade: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

ARI vs PHI

ARIZONA WIDE RECEIVERS

If James Bradberry can't stop DeAndre Hopkins then Darius Slay (57.3 PFF) can't either. It's not an easy matchup, but it's still one where Hopkins should conduct business as usual. Christian Kirk should see comparatively weak coverage all the same from either Kevon Seymour (48.1 PFF) or Michael Jacquet. Larry Fitzgerald probably can't create any separation from Nickell Robey-Coleman, but at around 5-7, 170 NRC is at risk of getting boxed out.

Upgrade: Christian Kirk
Downgrade: N/A
Even: DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald

PHILADELPHIA WIDE RECEIVERS

It's completely indefensible that the Eagles are playing Alshon Jeffery ahead of Travis Fulgham, but that's the way she goes boys. Patrick Peterson (52.8 PFF) and Dre Kirkpatrick (52.4 PFF) can probably handle Jeffery, though Jalen Reagor is substantially more dangerous. Greg Ward might be able to produce in this uptempo setting, but he doesn't have a matchup advantage over slot corner Byron Murphy (60.6 PFF).

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward, Alshon Jeffery

LAR vs NYJ

RAMS WIDE RECEIVERS

Not much to break down here – the Jets corners can't cover these guys. The only question is how much the Rams need to throw against a team so toothless. Jared Goff might not need to throw 25 passes for the Rams to tie up this one by double digits.

Upgrade: Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Josh Reynolds
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

JETS WIDE RECEIVERS

We don't know for sure how the Rams will use Jalen Ramsey, who normally shadows opponents' No. 1 wideout. They might decide Breshad Perriman meets that definition, or they might decide it's Denzel Mims. They might also decide to just leave Ramsey on one side of the field, reasoning that one of Perriman or Mims will end up on him. I'd guess he shadows Perriman, the fastest and generally most proven of the outside Jets wideouts. If Perriman gets Ramsey, then Mims would get Darious Williams – a good player but one under 5-foot-10, which might make it difficult for him against the 6-3 Mims. Jamison Crowder is trying to work through an injury, which might make it difficult for him to capitalize on an otherwise favorable matchup against Troy Hill.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Breshad Perriman (raise to even if Ramsey shadows Mims)
Even: Denzel Mims (lower to downgrade if shadowed by Ramsey), Jamison Crowder

NO vs KC

NEW ORLEANS WIDE RECEIVERS

Michael Thomas is surprisingly out for this game, which leaves high projected usage for the remaining Saints pass catchers in a game where Patrick Mahomes could quickly provoke a shootout. Emmanuel Sanders is likely the most compelling of the remaining receivers, and he'll be the lead man outside. Tre'Quan Smith figures to play outside in two-wide sets while moving into the slot in three-wide looks. The outside corners -- Charvarius Ward and Bashaud Breeland -- are both at their best on the sidelines, and Sanders might be able to hurt them laterally. The slot corner should be handled by a committee between Rashad Fenton and Tyrann Mathieu -- both of them effective.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Emmanuel Sanders, Tre'Quan Smith

KANSAS CITY WIDE RECEIVERS

Janoris Jenkins (72.0 PFF) shadowed Calvin Ridley last week, which might have been a decision based on general merit (ie. New Orleans trusted Jenkins against Ridley more than Marshon Lattimore), or based on traits. Jenkins has certainly had better overall results this year than Lattimore (47.1 PFF), and it's not like Russell Gage is built much different than Ridley, so it seems like we might expect the Saints to put Jenkins on Tyreek Hill whenever possible. This won't always be possible – the Chiefs frequently move Hill into the slot – and that threat from Hill might force the Saints to abandon a lot of their man coverage plans entirely. For Hill at this point he isn't matched up so much against one player as much as the entire coverage scheme, and so far none of them have really worked against him. If Jenkins does shadow Hill when outside then it should leave the stumbling Lattimore against one of Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman or Demarcus Robinson on any given play. Watkins and Hardman are most capable of three.

More than the matchups, the reason to invest in the Chiefs passing game is the projected script of the game -- two contenders in a dome game with playoff seeding implications.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman

NYG vs CLE

GIANTS WIDE RECEIVERS

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Golden Tate

CLEVELAND WIDE RECEIVERS

Upgrade: Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins
Downgrade: N/A
Even: N/A

CIN vs PIT

CINCINNATI WIDE RECEIVERS

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, A.J. Green

PITTSBURGH WIDE RECEIVERS

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: N/A
Even: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington