Corner Report: Week 2

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 2018 season.

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. So for instance, I name Jaron Brown as one player with an upgrade based on matchup, but his baseline is low enough that it shouldn't matter for many people. Similarly, I name Davante Adams as a downgrade, but that's not to say anyone should bench him as a result. These are relative assessments that mean to clarify a range of outcomes, not declare the outcome itself ahead of time.

PIT vs SEA

• STEELERS

Juju Smith-Schuster: 60 snaps – 15 wide (five left, 10 right), 44 slot (25 left, 19 right), one tight (one right)

Donte Moncrief: 60 snaps – 25 wide (20 left, five right), 35 slot (19 left, 16 right)

Ryan Switzer: 46 snaps – seven wide (two left, five right), 39 slot (14 left, 25 right)

James Washington: 34 snaps – 25 wide (14 left, 11 right), nine slot (three left, six right)

Diontae Johnson: 25 snaps – 19 wide (six left, 13 right), six slot (four left, two right)

Seattle's base defense appeared to use Tre Flowers (140th PFF coverage) at right corner, Shaquill Griffin (165th PFF coverage) at left corner, and Ugo Amadi (N/A PFF coverage) in the slot. Amadi got hurt last week, but it looks like he will play through his shoulder issue.

For Juju Smith-Schuster this seems like a clear blowup spot. Amadi is unproven at best, and more likely overmatched by a receiver of Smith-Schuster's caliber. Ben Roethlisberger is at home, where he tends to play better, and it's hard to imagine Roethlisberger playing well without Smith-Schuster producing well in the process. If JSS' right/left splits otherwise hold from Week 1, he should see most of his outside snaps against Griffin. 

Donte Moncrief struggled so much in Week 1 that you have to wonder if his workload will get scaled back in favor of James Washington, who's otherwise the team's best option for stretching the field. If Moncrief's right/left splits hold then his outside snaps would primarily occur against Flowers, who's arguably the top Seattle corner yet looks beatable anyway. Ryan Switzer should see a lot of Amadi as a nearly full-time slot specialist.

Upgrade: Juju Smith-Schuster, James Washington

Downgrade: Donte Moncrief (finger)

Even: Ryan Switzer, Diontae Johnson

• SEAHAWKS

Tyler Lockett: 46 snaps – eight wide (two left, six right), 37 slot (13 left, 24 right), one back

D.K. Metcalf: 41 snaps – 32 wide (19 left, 13 right), nine slot (eight left, one right)

Jaron Brown: 40 snaps – 16 wide (eight left, eight right), 23 slot (12 left, 11 right), one back

Mike Hilton (46th PFF coverage) is a good slot corner who should see a lot of Tyler Lockett and to a lesser extent Jaron Brown. Lockett is the better player, but as a smallish wideout Hilton can match up well, whereas Brown is a potential physical mismatch for Hilton at 6-foot-3 and well over 200 pounds. Lockett might need to do most of his damage against zone coverage rather than against Hilton in man-to-man.

The Steelers have two good outside corners in left corner Joe Haden (48th PFF coverage) and right corner Steven Nelson (38th PFF coverage), so D.K. Metcalf will have his work cut out for him following a promising Week 1 showing against Cincinnati. But Metcalf poses an interesting threat anyway, as at 6-foot-3, 228 pounds he has the frame to overpower Haden (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and Nelson (5-foot-11, 194 pounds), and Metcalf's 4.33 speed pairs with Russell Wilson's dangerous deep accuracy to present an imposing speed/catch radius combination.

Upgrade: Jaron Brown

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf

GB vs MIN

• PACKERS

Davante Adams: 59 snaps – 20 wide (seven left, 13 right), 36 slot (15 left, 21 right), one tight (one left), two back

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 41 snaps – 24 wide (14 left, 10 right), 14 slot (10 left, four right), one tight (one left), two back

Geronimo Allison: 30 snaps – eight wide (four left, four right), 22 slot (12 left, 10 right)

Trevor Davis: 17 snaps – nine wide (five left, four right), seven slot (four left, three right), one back

Xavier Rhodes may have had a down season in 2018 (151st PFF coverage), but he shadowed Julio Jones in Week 1 and did well against him. Davante Adams presents different characteristics, but he's even more clearly the WR1 in Green Bay than Julio is in Atlanta, so it would make sense if Rhodes shadowed Adams to some extent in this matchup. Adams has pretty brutal splits against Minnesota for his career (54.8 percent catch rate, 5.94 YPT), so he'll need all the target volume he can get.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling had even right/left splits in Week 1 and should normally see relatively even percentages across his various corner matchups, but if Rhodes is following Adams then it should generally leave MVS against Trae Waynes (77th PFF coverage), who's had an up-and-down career but for the most part appears a stout matchup for MVS. 

Geronimo Allison may have normally seen a lot of Mackensie Alexander (elbow) or Mike Hughes (knee), but neither is expected to play and it's therefore not clear who will play slot corner for Minnesota. The St. Paul Pioneer Press anticipates safety Jayron Kearse serving in the role. Kearse is huge at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, but that build might be a detriment in the slot, and with a 4.62-second 40 he probably can't turn and run. Luckily for Kearse, Allison is a grabbable target at 6-foot-3, and as one of the slowest receivers in the NFL he's unlikely to truly dust Kearse. If Kearse should get matched up against Adams, though, then the Vikings might be in trouble.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Davante Adams (unless matched up with Kearse)

Even: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison

• VIKINGS

Adam Thielen: 47 snaps – 26 wide (13 left, 13 right), 15 slot (five left, 10 right), one tight (one right), five back

Stefon Diggs: 32 snaps – 24 wide (13 left, 11 right), eight slot (three left, five right)

Chad Beebe: 14 snaps – one wide (one left), 13 slot (three left, 10 right)

The Packers generally used star corner Jaire Alexander (40th PFF coverage) on the left side against Chicago, meaning he should see about an even split of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, posing a problematic matchup for either on the applicable snaps. Tramon Williams (100th PFF coverage) primarily served as Green Bay's right corner and slot corner in Week 1, meaning he's the corner most likely to see Thielen or Chad Beebe in the slot for three-wide sets. It will be interesting to see if the Packers scale back Williams into more of a slot specialist role over the year to increase the reps of Kevin King (85th PFF coverage) at right corner, but the big 6-foot-3 corner might not match up against the quick pair of Thielen and Diggs as well as he would a tall wideout.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Chad Beebe
 

CIN vs SF

• BENGALS

Damion Willis: 67 snaps – 31 wide (23 left, eight right), 35 slot (17 left, 18 right), one back

John Ross: 61 snaps – nine wide (one left, eight right), 48 slot (20 left, 28 right), four back

Tyler Boyd: 59 snaps – eight wide (seven left, one right), 50 slot (19 left, 31 right), one back

Coach Zac Taylor got John Ross and Tyler Boyd into the slot as much as possible in Week 1, meaning they should each get their shots at slot corner K'Wuan Williams (72nd PFF coverage), who can't match Ross' speed and probably would be at a general disadvantage against a route runner as good as Boyd. The 49ers would presumably rather have Richard Sherman (62nd PFF coverage) on Ross than Ahkello Witherspoon (192nd PFF coverage), but Sherman matches up better against big targets he can grab and run with. If Sherman tries to grab Ross and misses, that's a wrap. If Williams is usually on Boyd and Sherman usually on Ross, in any case, then Damion Willis should see most of his reps against Witherspoon, the most beatable of the three corners last year.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tyler Boyd, John Ross, Damion Willis

• 49ERS

Deebo Samuel: 59 snaps – 27 wide (20 left, seven right), 26 slot (19 left, seven right), two tight (two left), four back

Marquise Goodwin: 49 snaps – 11 wide (three left, eight right), 32 slot (13 left, 19 right), three tight (three right), three back

Richie James: 26 snaps – one wide (one left), 22 slot (10 left, 12 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Kendrick Bourne: 17 snaps – two wide (one left, one right), 12 slot (five left, seven right), one tight (one left), two back

This wideout rotation is a mess and may be a fluid situation given Kyle Shanahan's bizarre decision to limit Dante Pettis (groin) to two snaps last week. But if last weeks' tendencies persist, then Deebo Samuel will easily lead the team in outside snaps, and if he keeps lining up on the left then he will likely see Dre Kirkpatrick (94th PFF coverage) the most, and some helping of B.W. Webb (101st PFF coverage) in the applicable slot snaps. Marquise Goodwin might see the most of the feared William Jackson (41st PFF coverage), while Richie James and Kendrick Bourne should see a fairly even helping of the three previously named corners.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Marquise Goodwin

Even: Deebo Samuel, Richie James, Kendrick Bourne

HOU vs JAC

• TEXANS

DeAndre Hopkins: 63 snaps – 30 wide (20 left, 10 right), 33 slot (16 left, 17 right)

Will Fuller: 61 snaps – 19 wide (seven left, 12 right), 41 slot (15 left, 26 right), one tight (one right)

Kenny Stills: 28 snaps – 14 wide (four left, 10 right), 14 slot (two left, 12 right)

DeAndre Carter: 28 snaps – six wide (two left, four right), 13 slot (five left, eight right), six tight (two left, four right), three back

DeAndre Hopkins should draw the shadow coverage of Jalen Ramsey (42nd PFF), but matchups simply don't matter much for a player as good as Hopkins. A.J. Bouye would normally be left to cover Will Fuller and Kenny Stills outside, but Bouye is expected to sit out with a hip injury, leaving perhaps Tre Herndon (178th PFF coverage) to step up in his place. Herndon (6-foot, 4.51-second 40) seems average as an athlete, so he won't want to run with burners like Fuller and Stills.

Keke Coutee (ankle) might be able to play after missing Week 1, and he's expected to serve as a slot specialist at the expense of DeAndre Carter. When lined up in the slot, Coutee, Fuller, and Stills are good bets to see D.J. Hayden (37th PFF coverage) on any such play. Hayden's coverage is more imposing than Herndon's, so perhaps Houston will try to get Fuller/Stills matched up with Herndon specifically.

Upgrade: Will Fuller

Downgrade: Keke Coutee

Even: DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills

• JAGUARS

Dede Westbrook: 48 snaps – three wide (two left, one right), 42 slot (19 left, 23 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Chris Conley: 44 snaps – 34 wide (18 left, 16 right), 10 slot (six left, four right)

D.J. Chark: 41 snaps – 27 wide (11 left, 16 right), 13 slot (three left, 10 right), one tight (one left)
 

Dede Westbrook was truly a slot specialist in Week 1 and should continue in that role, meaning he'll run at the spot held by the just cut Aaron Colvin, whose replacement remains unidentified. If Colvin was the team's best option at the time and was a liability anyway, then the next man up probably won't be an imposing one. D.J. Chark and Chris Conley both had even right/left splits, meaning they should see relatively even snaps against both right corner Bradley Roby (122nd PFF coverage) and left corner Johnathan Joseph (16th PFF coverage). Clearly, Pro Football Focus' grading considers Roby the more vulnerable target.

Upgrade: Dede Westbrook

Downgrade: N/A

Even: D.J. Chark, Chris Conley
 

MIA vs NE

• DOLPHINS

DeVante Parker: 41 snaps – 31 outside (22 left, nine right), 10 slot (eight left, two right)

Allen Hurns: 32 snaps – four wide (two left, two right), 28 slot (nine left, 19 right)

Jakeem Grant: 31 snaps – 16 wide (one left, 15 right), 13 slot (three left, 10 right), two back

Preston Williams: 17 snaps – 14 wide (nine left, five right), three slot (two left, one right)

DeVante Parker might see a lot of Jason McCourty (18th PFF coverage) on the left and outside, though the alternative (Stephon Gilmore, 2nd PFF coverage) is even more unappealing. Parker might need busted zone coverage to get open in this one, and the Patriots aren't really known for their mental errors. Allen Hurns might see a lot of Jonathan Jones (106th PFF coverage) in the slot if Albert Wilson (calf) doesn't play, and there could be a bit of a funnel in Hurns' direction if Parker is blanketed all game. Jakeem Grant is a wildcard who should see fairly even looks between McCourty, Gilmore, Jones, and J.C. Jackson (20th PFF coverage), none of which are appealing. Preston Williams also has a bleak forecast against whichever of New England's intimidating outside corners.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: DeVante Parker, Jakeem Grant, Preston Williams

Even: Allen Hurns

• PATRIOTS

Julian Edelman: 67 snaps – four wide (four right), 63 slot (24 left, 39 right)

Josh Gordon: 55 snaps – 32 wide (21 left, 11 right), 23 slot (18 left, five right)

Phillip Dorsett: 53 snaps – 29 wide (16 left, 13 right), 23 slot (nine left, 14 right), one back

Julian Edelman should see mismatches all day as he runs against a rotating miscast of slot corners between Bobby McCain (161st PFF coverage), Reshad Jones (47th PFF coverage), Minkah Fitzpatrick (119th PFF coverage), and Jomal Wiltz (N/A PFF coverage). A funnel toward the slot could occur generally if Xavien Howard (31st PFF coverage) plays to his customary level, in which case he could pose a significant obstacle for one or all of Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, or Antonio Brown. Eric Rowe (124th) is less imposing at the other corner spot, and a green light matchup for whoever is running against him.

Upgrade: Julian Edelman

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, Antonio Brown

TEN vs IND

• TITANS

Corey Davis: 43 snaps – 12 wide (seven left, five right), 29 slot (15 left, 14 right), two tight (one left, one right)

Tajae Sharpe: 29 snaps – 20 wide (14 left, six right), seven slot (three left, four right), one tight (one left), one back

A.J. Brown: 25 snaps – 12 wide (three left, nine right), 10 slot (three left, seven right), two tight (two left), one back

Adam Humphries: 20 snaps – one wide (one left), 18 slot (13 left, five right), one tight (one right)

Corey Davis and Adam Humphries are the primary slot targets in this offense, so they might see a disproportionate amount of Kenny Moore (63rd PFF coverage), a good player but one who matches up better against Humphries at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds than he does the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Davis. A.J. Brown might see Pierre Desir (39th PFF coverage) on most of his outside snaps, though Brown has the build to bully Moore a bit if he sees him in the slot. Tajae Sharpe should see Moore at right corner in base formation looks, while in nickel looks Sharpe should primarily see promising rookie Rock Ya-Sin (N/A PFF coverage).

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Adam Humphries, Tajae Sharpe

Even: Corey Davis, A.J. Brown

• COLTS

T.Y. Hilton: 57 snaps – 32 wide (13 left, 19 right), 25 slot (eight left, 17 right)

Devin Funchess: 36 snaps – 31 wide (19 left, 12 right), five slot (two left, three right)

Chester Rogers: 25 snaps – one wide (one right), 22 slot (five left, 17 right), one tight (one right), one back

Zach Pascal: 24 snaps – three wide (three left), 19 slot (five left, 14 right), two tight (one left, one right)

Parris Campbell: 18 snaps – three wide (one left, two right), 13 slot (seven left, six right), two back

Deon Cain: 12 snaps – 12 wide (three left, nine right)
 

T.Y. Hilton should see a relatively even assortment of corners if the Titans decline to shadow him, and they didn't seem to shadow Odell Beckham last week. The competent Logan Ryan (52nd PFF coverage) may be the primary assignment depending on how often Hilton lines up in the slot, but Adoree Jackson (59th PFF coverage) is better equipped to run with Hilton's burning speed. It will be a mismatch however many times Hilton sees Malcolm Butler (53rd PFF coverage) and his 4.6 speed. Deon Cain should see a big workload increase at outside receiver with Devin Funchess (collarbone) out, putting him on track to run against both Jackson and Butler, perhaps Jackson a little more so. Chester Rogers, Zach Pascal, and Parris Campbell all figure to see a lot of Ryan on their snaps.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Chester Rogers, Zach Pascal, Parris Campbell

Even: T.Y. Hilton, Deon Cain

BAL vs ARZ

• RAVENS

Seth Roberts: 51 snaps – 41 wide (31 left, 10 right), nine slot (nine left), one back

Willie Snead: 49 snaps – two wide (two right), 44 slot (17 left, 27 right), one tight (one left), two back

Chris Moore: 33 snaps – 17 wide (six left, 11 right), 14 slot (eight left, six right), two back

Miles Boykin: 17 snaps – 14 wide (seven left, seven right), three slot (three left)

Marquise Brown: 14 snaps – three wide (three right), 11 slot (five left, six right)

The Cardinals primarily used Byron Murphy (N/A PFF coverage) in the slot in three-wide sets, and at right corner in two-wide. If the usage trends between Murphy and the Ravens wideout persist, he might primarily see Seth Roberts outside and Willie Snead in the slot. While it's maybe not saying much, Murphy might be Arizona's top corner right now. If Marquise Brown and Chris Moore avoid Murphy in the slot, then they might be left with Tramaine Brock (111th PFF coverage) at left corner, a big mismatch in the case of Brown. Miles Boykin appears likely to see a fairly even split between Brock, Murphy, and Chris Jones (N/A PFF coverage).

Upgrade: Marquise Brown

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Willie Snead, Miles Boykin, Seth Roberts, Chris Moore

• CARDINALS

Larry Fitzgerald: 84 snaps – four wide (four left), 78 slot (56 left, 22 right), one tight (one left), one back

Christian Kirk: 82 snaps – 13 wide (one left, 12 right), 62 slot (23 left, 39 right), seven back

Damiere Byrd: 77 snaps – 71 wide (61 left, 10 right), six slot (six left)

KeeSean Johnson: 67 snaps – 63 wide (11 left, 52 right), four slot (four right)

The absence of Jimmy Smith means that Ravens will need to ask more of Brandon Carr (58th PFF coverage) in the slot and Anthony Averett (31st PFF coverage) both inside and out, but their peripheral numbers imply they're up to the task. Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk should both see plenty of that duo, and it's hard to get overly optimistic about either one. Things are even more bleak for KeeSean Johnson, who might primarily see the dominant Marlon Humphrey (13th PFF coverage) if the Ravens don't use Humphrey to shadow someone else. Damiere Byrd figures to see lots of Averett and Carr whenever they aren't in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Damiere Byrd, KeeSean Johnson

Even: N/A
 

NYG vs BUF

• GIANTS

Sterling Shepard: 67 snaps – six wide (two left, four right), 59 slot (32 left, 27 right), two back

Cody Latimer: 60 snaps – 40 wide (23 left, 17 right), 20 slot (16 left, four right)

Bennie Fowler: 50 snaps – 30 wide (11 left, 19 right), 18 slot (10 left, eight right), two back
 

Sterling Shepard (concussion) is out, leaving the Giants without their primary slot receiver, just as the Bills go without their primary slot corner (Taron Johnson, hamstring). Shepard's absence might result in Evan Engram serving as the team's lead slot receiver, and the unique matchup posed by Engram might have led Buffalo to go with a one-off specialist approach anyway rather than leaving Engram against your average corner. Tre'Davious White (96th PFF coverage) and Levi Wallace (seventh PFF coverage) are both intimidating corners outside otherwise, and they should prove imposing obstacles for Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler

Even: N/A

• BILLS

John Brown: 58 snaps – 28 wide (14 left, 14 right), 27 slot (13 left, 14 right), one tight (one right), two back

Cole Beasley: 45 snaps – four wide (one left, three right), 29 slot (18 left, 11 right), two tight (one left, one right)

Zay Jones: 28 snaps – 12 wide (three left, nine right), 13 slot (seven left, six right), two tight (two right), one back

Robert Foster: 13 snaps – three wide (two left, one right), nine slot (five left, four right), one tight (one right)

It looked like Janoris Jenkins (69th PFF coverage) shadowed Amari Cooper a bit last week, and if so then he might follow around John Brown all over the place in this one. Brown's right/left splits are remarkably even from Week 1, so if Jenkins doesn't shadow him then Brown will get a crack at all the Giants corners at one point of another. The primary outside corners for the Giants otherwise are DeAndre Baker (N/A PFF coverage) and Antonio Hamilton (N/A PFF coverage), neither of whom can run with Brown even a little bit. Cole Beasley should see lots of Grant Haley (49th PFF coverage) in the slot, and that generally looks like a tougher draw than Hamilton or Baker might be for Zay Jones or Robert Foster.

Upgrade: Zay Jones, Robert Foster

Downgrade: N/A

Even: John Brown, Cole Beasley

WAS vs DAL

• WASHINGTON

Trey Quinn: 62 snaps – seven wide (two left, five right), 45 slot (23 left, 22 right), 10 tight (one left, nine right)

Terry McLaurin: 59 snaps – 51 wide (32 left, 19 right), eight slot (four left, four right)

Paul Richardson: 50 snaps – 19 wide (11 left, eight right), 26 slot (10 left, 16 right), two tight (one left, one right), three right

Kelvin Harmon: 14 snaps – five wide (four left, one right), seven slot (six left, one right), two tight (two right)

Trey Quinn should face off regularly against Jourdan Lewis (36th PFF coverage), who may pose a significant amount of resistance. The Cowboys primarily used Chidobe Awuzie (70th PFF coverage) at left corner and Anthony Brown (91st PFF coverage) at right in Week 1, but Byron Jones (12th PFF coverage) will get more snaps as he gets healthy from his offseason hip surgery. This pass defense should only get tougher as the year goes on, in that case. The good news for Terry McLaurin is that he might see an elevated number of snaps against the competent but beatable Brown, while Paul Richardson sees some unspecified combination of Awuzie, Brown, and Jones.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Trey Quinn

Even: Terry McLaurin, Paul Richardson, Kelvin Harmon

• COWBOYS

Michael Gallup: 53 snaps – 41 wide (27 left, 14 right), 10 slot (seven left, three right), two back

Amari Cooper: 52 snaps – 30 wide (13 left, 17 right), 18 slot (10 left, eight right), three tight (three right), one back

Randall Cobb: 48 snaps – 43 slot (19 left, 24 right), two tight (two right), three back

Josh Norman (46th PFF coverage) might start out at left corner, but he also might shadow Amari Cooper to some extent. Washington is without both Fabian Moreau (128th PFF coverage) and Quinton Dunbar (66th PFF coverage), and neither would pose an intimidating obstacle for Michael Gallup or Cooper. Randall Cobb will likely face off against Jimmy Moreland (N/A PFF coverage), a rookie seventh-round pick out of James Madison.

Upgrade: Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Amari Cooper

DET vs LAC

• LIONS
   

Kenny Golladay: 82 snaps – 54 wide (31 left, 23 right), 28 slot (15 left, 13 right)

Marvin Jones: 68 snaps – 30 wide (14 left, 16 right), 35 slot (15 left, 20 right), three tight (one left, two right)

Danny Amendola: 44 snaps – five wide (four left, one right), 38 slot (18 left, 20 right), one tight (one right)

Kenny Golladay had even splits between left/right and outside/slot last week, so as long as he isn't shadowed by left corner Casey Hayward (24th PFF coverage) he should see a similar number of reps against Hayward and Brandon Facyson (85th PFF coverage). Hayward is the more intimidating of the two, but Golladay's size advantage means he doesn't need to get truly open to present Matthew Stafford a viable target. Marvin Jones doesn't have such an advantage, so he'll need to actually get open. If Desmond King (first PFF coverage) primarily focuses on Danny Amendola in the slot, though, then it might funnel a bit more work toward Golladay, Jones, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Danny Amendola

Even: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones

• CHARGERS

Keenan Allen: 52 snaps – 17 wide (12 left, five right), 34 slot (14 left, 20 right), one tight (one right)

Mike Williams: 41 snaps – 27 wide (14 left, 13 right), 14 slot (eight left, six right)

Travis Benjmain: 30 snaps – 11 wide (five left, six right), 17 slot (seven left, 10 right), two tight (one left, one right)

Dontrelle Inman: 26 snaps – 15 wide (six left, nine right), 10 slot (eight left, two right), one tight (one left)

Particularly with the absences of Melvin Gordon and Hunter Henry funneling targets his way, Keenan Allen seems golden this week on the basis of usage, even if the matchup isn't great. Justin Coleman (23rd PFF coverage) should be Allen's primary assignment, though, and he seems plenty formidable. Depending on whether Darius Slay (21st PFF coverage) shadows anyone, he might primarily play the right side while Rashaan Melvin (142nd PFF coverage) takes the left side. Unfortunately, since the Chargers wideouts used even left/right splits in Week 1, it's not clear whether it would be Mike Williams (knee), Travis Benjamin, or Dontrelle Inman who benefits from Melvin's comparatively light coverage. If Williams is active, though, then it's reasonable to suspect he'd get the most attention from Slay.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Mike Williams

Even: Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman

OAK vs KC

• CHIEFS

Sammy Watkins: 65 snaps – 15 wide (nine left, six right), 47 slot (17 left, 30 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Mecole Hardman: 53 snaps – 19 wide (nine left, 10 right), 31 slot (15 left, 16 right), three back

Demarcus Robinson: 43 snaps – 19 wide (11 left, eight right), 21 slot (nine left, 12 right), two tight (two left), one back

Gareon Conley (104th PFF coverage) would likely be the primary left corner if he plays through his injury (neck, questionable), leaving Daryl Worley (168th PFF coverage) on the right and Lamarcus Joyner (48th PFF coverage) in the slot. Conley is the only one with a chance to run with Sammy Watkins or Mecole Hardman, but he can't cover both every play, and there's no guarantee that they wouldn't beat him anyway. Demarcus Robinson and his mediocre athleticism are the most vulnerable to Joyner's coverage, so he might need to do his damage against Worley.

Upgrade: Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Demarcus Robinson

• RAIDERS

Tyrell Williams: 52 snaps – 35 wide (22 left, 13 right), 15 slot (seven left, eight right), one tight (one right), one back

Ryan Grant: 40 snaps – 14 wide (nine left, five right), 25 slot (seven left, 18 right), one back

Hunter Renfrow: 16 snaps – one wide (one left), 15 slot (six left, nine right)

Tyrell Williams should see relatively even exposure between Bashaud Breeland (135th PFF coverage) and Charvarius Ward (118th PFF coverage), neither of whom has an intimidating background. Kendall Fuller (51st PFF coverage) is the best Kansas City corner, yet his placement in the slot might isolate him away from Williams and instead put him on slot targets like Ryan Grant and Hunter Renfrow.

Upgrade: Tyrell Williams

Downgrade: Hunter Renfrow

Even: Ryan Grant

LAR vs NO

• RAMS

Robert Woods: 72 snaps – nine wide (two left, seven right), 49 slot (14 left, 35 right), seven tight (seven right), seven back

Brandin Cooks: 70 snaps – 29 wide (27 left, two right), 35 slot (28 left, seven right), six back

Cooper Kupp: 68 snaps – 52 slot (26 left, 26 right), 14 tight (two left, 12 right), two back

As the primary right-sided wideout Robert Woods may see a disproportionate amount of left outside corner Eli Apple (98th PFF coverage), the more manageable Saints corner between himself and right corner Marshon Lattimore (43rd PFF coverage), who might more so draw Brandin Cooks on the left side of the Rams offense. Despite the imposing matchup, Cooks' own quality needs to be kept in mind, especially given that he torched the Saints for 13 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets last year over two games. Cooper Kupp in any case has the easiest matchup between the three, as he should see the most of slot corner P.J. Williams (171st PFF coverage).

Upgrade: Cooper Kupp

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods

• SAINTS

Michael Thomas: 59 snaps – 34 wide (23 left, 11 right), 25 slot (19 left, six right)

Ted Ginn: 49 snaps – 28 wide (eight left, 20 right), 18 slot (13 left, five right), one tight (one left), two back

Tre'Quan Smith: 42 snaps – 11 wide (seven left, four right), 27 slot (13 left, 14 right), four tight (four left)

If his right/left splits hold from Week 1, then Michael Thomas might see the majority of his routes against Marcus Peters (131st PFF coverage), at least among his snaps outside. When running inside, slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman (14th PFF coverage) is more likely to show up. As the leading right-side receiver from Week 1, Ted Ginn might see the most of Aqib Talib (25th PFF coverage). As much as Talib is more intimidating than Peters, it might not be the worst skill set matchup for Ginn, whose burning speed might be one of the biggest threats to an aging press corner like the 33-year-old Talib. It may be Tre'Quan Smith who has the worst matchup here, as he figures to primarily draw Nickell-Robey and Talib.

Upgrade: Michael Thomas

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Ted Ginn, Tre'Quan Smith

DEN vs CHI

• BRONCOS

Courtland Sutton: 55 snaps – 35 wide (20 left, 35 right), 20 slot (14 left, six right)

Emmanuel Sanders: 55 snaps – 24 wide (10 left, 14 right), 28 slot (seven left, 21 right), two tight (two right), one back

DaeSean Hamilton: 48 snaps – five wide (three left, two right), 39 slot (18 left, 21 right), four tight (two left, two right)

Courtland Sutton had relatively even left/right and outside/inside splits in Week 1, making it appear that he'll face all of the notable Bears corners to various extents. When outside he might see a little more of Kyle Fuller (ninth PFF coverage), the less desirable matchup between himself and right corner Prince Amukamara (27th PFF coverage). Neither is an encouraging assignment for Sutton, especially given the struggles Joe Flacco is capable of against the Bears defense. Emmanuel Sanders should have things a bit easier thanks to his higher percentage of slot snaps, where he might see the beatable Buster Skrine (170th PFF coverage). When Sutton and Sanders are both drawing outside corners, DaeSean Hamilton might benefit from a funnel toward Skrine in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Courtland Sutton, Emmanuel Sanders

Even: DaeSean Hamilton

• BEARS

Allen Robinson: 68 snaps – 24 wide (14 left, 10 right), 39 slot (16 left, 23 right), five tight (three left, two right)

Taylor Gabriel: 65 snaps – 38 wide (17 left, 21 right), 27 slot (13 left, 14 right)

Cordarrelle Patterson: 20 snaps – seven wide (two left, five right), 11 slot (six left, five right), two back

The Bears would be smart to move Allen Robinson around as much as possible in order to get him away from Chris Harris (eighth PFF coverage), ideally getting Robinson some looks against Isaac Yiadom (148th PFF coverage) at right outside corner. If Harris does not shadow Robinson, then he might see more of Taylor Gabriel. If it's three-wide and Harris isn't in the slot, it might be safety Kareem Jackson who moves up there. Jackson received the 17th-ranked coverage grade from PFF last year, so it's not necessarily a win for whichever route runner he faces, but he's much more beatable than Harris.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Cordarrelle Patterson

ATL vs PHI

• FALCONS
   

Mohamed Sanu: 62 snaps – four wide (three left, one right), 58 slot (32 left, 26 right)

Calvin Ridley: 59 snaps – 34 wide (10 left, 24 right), 25 slot (eight left, 17 right)

Julio Jones: 50 snaps – 27 wide (22 left, five right), 23 slot (eight left, 15 right)

Justin Hardy: 19 snaps – seven wide (five left, two right), 12 slot (eight left, four right)

Mohamed Sanu saw the steadiest slot work among Falcons wideouts in Week 1, meaning he should see a lot of looks against second-year slot corner Avonte Maddox (89th PFF coverage). Maddox was not the problem in Philadelphia's pass defense in Week 1, as right corner Rasul Douglas (65th PFF coverage) and left corner Ronald Darby (50th PFF coverage) were the primary culprits. Those two received good marks in 2018, as you can see, so perhaps it was a one-week blip for them, or perhaps they merely have a year of regression in store for them. Julio Jones ran most of his outside snaps on the left side in Week 1, which would seem to leave him with Douglas as his primary matchup, and that's an obvious mismatch given Douglas' lack of speed as a safety tweener. Darby should see more of Calvin Ridley on the right side, a player he matches up well with as far as size and athleticism go.

Upgrade: Julio Jones

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu

• EAGLES

Alshon Jeffery: 59 snaps – 41 wide (18 left, 23 right), 15 slot (10 left, five right), three tight (two left, one right)

Nelson Agholor: 59 snaps – six wide, (four left, two right), 36 slot (14 left, 22 right), eight tight (four left, four right), nine back

DeSean Jackson: 51 snaps – 25 wide (12 left, 13 right), 25 slot (six left, 19 right), one back

Desmond Trufant (60th PFF coverage) did not seem to shadow Adam Thielen last week, so there's no obvious reason to think he'll follow Alshon Jeffery, whose left/right splits were otherwise mostly even in Week 1. Jeffery might therefore see a similar amount of Isaiah Oliver (55th PFF coverage), who received good grades as a rookie but struggled a bit last week. Neither of the two is especially well suited to covering DeSean Jackson, who should continue to move around a lot to keep the defense uncomfortable with the speed threat he poses. Damontae Kazee, a recent conversion project from safety to slot corner, might be the main slot guy. That he ran a 4.54-second 40 at 184 pounds does not bode well for his ability to match the strides of Jackson or Nelson Agholor.

Upgrade: DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Alshon Jeffery

NYJ vs CLE

• JETS

Robby Anderson: 68 snaps – 51 wide (46 left, five right), 17 slot (13 left, four right)

Quincy Enunwa: 65 snaps – 38 wide (one left, 37 right), 27 slot (nine left, 18 right)

Jamison Crowder: 64 snaps – five wide (one left, four right), 59 slot (27 left, 32 right)
 

Robby Anderson played almost always on the left side in Week 1, so he should primarily see right corner Greedy Williams (N/A PFF coverage) if the Browns decline to shadow Anderson with left corner Denzel Ward (11th PFF coverage). If Anderson's assignment is Williams rather than Ward, then Ward should mostly see whoever replaces the injured Quincy Enunwa (neck), and it looks like that will be either Demaryius Thomas or, if Thomas is not ready to play this week, Josh Bellamy. Jamison Crowder will very rarely leave the slot and should therefore primarily see Browns slot corner T.J. Carrie (82nd PFF coverage) or rover Jermaine Whitehead (131st PFF coverage).

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Demaryius Thomas/Josh Bellamy

Even: Robby Anderson, Jamison Crowder

• BROWNS

Odell Beckham: 72 snaps – 59 wide (32 left, 27 right), 12 slot (nine left, three right), one tight (one right)

Jarvis Landry: 72 snaps – three wide (two left, one right), 65 slot (29 left, 36 right), one tight (one left), three back

Rashard Higgins: 32 snaps – 17 wide (three left, 14 right), 15 slot (five left, 10 right)

Damion Ratley: 35 snaps – 33 wide (19 left, 14 right), two slot (one left, one right)

Odell Beckham will be out for blood after Jets defensive coordinator/all-around genius thought it'd be smart to publicly say that Beckham is not a good player, or something to that effect. The news would have been bad for the Jets secondary even before that development, but this presumably won't help. Lining up all over in Week 1, Beckham should see an even assortment between left corner Trumaine Johnson (33rd PFF coverage), right/slot corner Darryl Roberts (69th PFF coverage), and right corner Brian Poole (111th PFF coverage). It's not their fault, but they can't run with him. Jarvis Landry should in any case see the most of Roberts, to no discernible meaning. Rashard Higgins might see Johnson on most of his snaps, while Damion Ratley gets a relatively even serving of whichever corner.

Upgrade: Odell Beckham

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley