Corner Report: Week 3

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. 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.

Kansas City vs Baltimore

• KANSAS CITY WR SNAPS

Sammy Watkins: 135 snaps – 28 wide (15 left, 13 right), 101 slot (47 left, 64 right), four tight (three left, one right), two back

Demarcus Robinson: 112 snaps – 61 wide (41 left, 20 right), 41 slot (18 left, 23 right), eight tight (four left, four right), two back

Mecole Hardman: 108 snaps – 30 wide (16 left, 14 right), 69 slot (38 left, 31 right), four tight (four right), five back

Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman are safely behind Sammy Watkins in this rotation, but all three are likely to play starter-level snaps as long as Tyreek Hill is out. Their projections are evened further by the fact that they have relatively even alignment splits – Watkins has played a little more on the right and Robinson a little more on the left – but pretty much within the margin of error in both cases. If I'm Andy Reid, I'm moving Watkins to the left side to avoid Marlon Humphrey (81.6 PFF grade) as much as possible, telling Robinson to run his routes over there instead. Whoever runs from the base slot look is most likely to see Brandon Carr (69.1 PFF grade), while right corner Anthony Averett presents an unknown variable despite a high coverage grade (75.3 PFF) in a small sample last year (73 snaps).

Upgrade: Sammy Watkins

Downgrade: N/A
Even: Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson

• BALTIMORE WR SNAPS

Willie Snead: 92 snaps – 16 wide (six left, 10 right), 69 slot (27 left, 42 right), one tight (one left), six back

Seth Roberts: 75 snaps – 59 wide (41 left, 18 right), 15 slot (15 left), one back

Marquise Brown: 65 snaps – 26 wide (seven left, 19 right), 34 slot (17 left, 17 right), five back

Miles Boykin: 55 snaps – 44 wide (27 left, 17 right), 11 slot (10 left, one right)

After playing behind Seth Roberts and Chris Moore in Week 1, Miles Boykin played 38 snaps to Roberts' 27 and Moore's seven in Week 2. Lining up a bit more on the left than on the right, Boykin figures to primarily see Bashaud Breeland (57.2 PFF grade), one of the less athletic corners in the league. Maybe Breeland can jam Boykin a bit, but if they race Breeland loses. Willie Snead leads the Ravens in slot snaps and is therefore the most likely to see slot corner Kendall Fuller (70.2 PFF grade), generally the most feared of the Chiefs cornerbacks. The script might be so favorable that it renders any matchup considerations moot for Snead, on the other hand, and he probably won't see Fuller every route. He'll probably get extra attention from the safeties, but Marquise Brown once again has a fine matchup against Charvarius Ward (59.4 PFF grade), an explosive athlete but one who isn't suited to cutting left and right when Brown bolts laterally.

Upgrade: Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin

Downgrade: Willie Snead

Even: N/A

New England vs New York Jets

• NEW ENGLAND WR SNAPS

Julian Edelman: 133 snaps – 15 wide (four left, 11 right), 113 slot (44 left, 69 right), three tight (one left, two right), two back

Josh Gordon: 112 snaps – 81 wide (58 left, 23 right), 31 slot (21 left, 10 right)

Phillip Dorsett: 88 snaps – 37 wide (20 left, 17 right), 49 slot (27 left, 22 right), two back

Antonio Brown: 24 snaps – 11 wide (eight left, three right), 12 slot (11 left, one right), one back

The playing time for the since-cut Antonio Brown was at the expense of Phillip Dorsett and, to a lesser extent, Josh Gordon. Julian Edelman maintained his high snap count even in last week's blowout, so his function as the lead slot guy should remain beyond question, especially with Brown gone. Edelman should see a lot of Brian Poole (60.5 PFF grade). Darryl Roberts (66.4 PFF grade) should see a lot of Gordon and Brown both as the right corner, leaving Nate Hairston (48.4 PFF grade) to take whoever is left. Hairston is expected to replace the since benched Trumaine Johnson at left corner.

Upgrade: Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

• JETS WR SNAPS

Robby Anderson: 131 snaps – 104 wide (72 left, 32 right), 27 slot (20 left, seven right)

Jamison Crowder: 127 snaps – 19 wide (seven left, 12 right), 107 slot (45 left, 62 right)

Quincy Enunwa: 65 snaps – 39 wide (one left, 38 right), 26 slot (nine left, 17 right)

Josh Bellamy: 47 snaps – 31 wide (16 left, 15 right), 16 slot (11 left, five right)

Robby Anderson primarily runs on the left side, where Stephon Gilmore (90.9 PFF grade) would be waiting for him even if there was no intention to shadow. It's a brutal draw in that case for Anderson, who totaled 46 yards in two games against the Patriots last year. Assuming he's available, Josh Bellamy (shoulder) would be the primary right-side receiver with Quincy Enunwa and Demaryius Thomas out. He should see a lot of Jason McCourty (80.0 PFF grade) and J.C. Jackson (78.3 PFF grade) in that case, which is a similarly brutal draw to Anderson facing Gilmore. Jamison Crowder might have the easiest matchup of the three Jets wideouts as he goes against Jonathan Jones (61.0 PFF grade).

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Robby Anderson, Josh Bellamy

Even: Jamison Crowder

Buffalo vs Cincinnati

• BUFFALO WR SNAPS

John Brown: 115 snaps – 57 wide (27 left, 30 right), 56 slot (27 left, 29 right), two back

Cole Beasley: 80 snaps – 11 wide (five left, six right), 69 slot (32 left, 37 right)

Zay Jones: 68 snaps – 24 wide (nine left, 15 right), 42 slot (19 left, 23 right), two tight (two right)

Robert Foster: 37 snaps – 18 wide (11 left, seven right), 17 slot (nine left, eight right)

John Brown has split his time evenly on both the left/right and the inside/outside axes, so he might see a pretty even serving of each of right corner William Jackson (72.9 PFF grade), left corner Dre Kirkpatrick (62.6 PFF grade), and slot corner B.W. Webb (61.9 PFF grade), the latter two being the preferable matchups. Cole Beasley should primarily see Webb in the slot – advantage Beasley – while Zay Jones and Robert Foster are probably in the same boat as Brown.

Upgrade: Cole Beasley

Downgrade: N/A

Even: John Brown, Zay Jones, Robert Foster

• CINCINNATI WR SNAPS

John Ross: 120 snaps – 16 wide (three left, 13 right), 92 slot (31 left, 61 right), three tight (one left, two right), nine back

Tyler Boyd: 113 snaps – 10 wide (eight left, two right), 92 slot (41 left, 51 right), three tight (one left, two right), eight back

Damion Willis: 112 snaps – 50 wide (35 left, 15 right), 61 slot (38 left, 23 right), one back

Playing primarily on the right side to this point, John Ross is a logical candidate to see the most of Tre'Davious White (62.5 PFF grade), making this week the toughest test yet for Ross in 2019. Damion Willis would likely see the most of Levi Wallace (85.3 PFF grade), which is a tough draw for the undrafted rookie. As the wideout with the most cracks at backup slot corner Siran Neal (N/A PFF grade), Tyler Boyd has the most enviable matchup on the Bengals this week.
 

Upgrade: Tyler Boyd

Downgrade: John Ross, Damion Willis

Even: N/A

Minnesota vs Oakland

• MINNESOTA WR SNAPS
   

Adam Thielen: 111 snaps – 47 wide (23 left, 24 right), 57 slot (20 left, 37 right), two tight (one left, one right), five back

Stefon Diggs: 90 snaps – 50 wide (26 left, 24 right), 40 slot (22 left, 18 right)

Chad Beebe: 30 snaps – five wide (three left, two right), 24 slot (nine left, 15 right), one back

Stefon Diggs figures to play outside a little more than Adam Thielen, so Thielen might see a little more of slot corner Lamarcus Joyner (71.2 PFF grade) than Diggs and a little less of right corner Gareon Conley (61.5 PFF grade) and left corner Daryl Worley (51.1 PFF grade). Thielen sees more outside looks when Chad Beebe is on the field as the de facto slot receiver, so the more Beebe plays the less Thielen should see Joyner. If you're a Diggs or Thielen owner, you probably want to see them matched up with the outside corners in this one, especially Worley.
 

Upgrade: Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs

Downgrade: Chad Beebe

Even: N/A

• OAKLAND WR SNAPS

Tyrell Williams: 110 snaps – 68 wide (42 left, 26 right), 39 slot (20 left, 19 right), two tight (two right), one back

Ryan Grant: 88 snaps – 28 wide (12 left, 16 right), 57 slot (25 left, 32 right), one tight (one right), two back

Hunter Renfrow: 62 snaps – one wide (one left), 60 slot (22 left, 38 right), one tight (one right)
 

Davante Adams got the better of the Vikings defense last week, so perhaps the shadow threat posed by Xavier Rhodes (55.1 PFF grade) isn't as imposing as it used to be. Tyrell Williams should be the primary concern of Rhodes, who matches up better with Williams than he did the shorter, quicker Adams. Rhodes had better luck against Julio Jones in Week 1, for instance. Ryan Grant might see the most of Trae Waynes (64.6 PFF grade) in that event, leaving Hunter Renfrow to run against the comically oversized Jayron Kearse in the slot.
 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Ryan Grant

Even: Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow
 

Green Bay vs Denver

• GREEN BAY WR SNAPS

Davante Adams: 127 snaps – 41 wide (18 left, 23 right), 83 slot (33 left, 50 right), three back

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 103 snaps – 49 wide (30 left, 19 right), 48 slot (30 left, 18 right), one tight (one left), five back

Geronimo Allison: 61 snaps – nine wide (three left, six right), 51 slot (25 left, 26 right), one back
 

PFF singled out Kareem Jackson (80.5 PFF grade) as the surprising slot corner for Denver to this point in 2019, leaving Chris Harris (84.4 PFF grade) to primarily play at left corner. You have to wonder if the Broncos might try to shadow Davante Adams with Harris since Adams would be such a mismatch against Isaac Yiadom (55.6 PFF grade) if the Packers move Adams around that way. It would quite simply be a major error on the part of Vic Fangio if he allocates Harris' snaps toward Marquez Valdes-Scantling. If Harris doesn't follow Adams, though, then it's a green light. Meanwhile, Geronimo Allison should primarily see Jackson if current trends continue.

Upgrade: Davante Adams (unless Harris shadows)

Downgrade: Geronimo Allison

Even: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

• DENVER WR SNAPS

Courtland Sutton: 132 snaps – 70 wide (43 left, 27 right), 61 slot (41 left, 20 right),one tight (one right)

Emmanuel Sanders: 130 snaps – 50 wide (21 left, 29 right), 77 slot (24 left, 53 right), two tight (two right), one back

DaeSean Hamilton: 100 snaps – four wide (three left, one right), 88 slot (40 left, 48 right), six tight (three left, three right), two back

Emmanuel Sanders got the best of the Bears defense in Week 2, so it's hard to be overly intimidated by the Packers in this matchup. Sanders figures to see plenty of Tramon Williams (62.2 PFF grade) when running from the slot, and Jaire Alexander (73.0 PFF grade) otherwise. It's probably a tougher matchup than last week's against the Bears, believe it or not. Courtland Sutton might see a lot of Kevin King (63.4 PFF grade), a corner lab-built specifically to counter big wideouts like Sutton. DaeSean Hamilton should see Williams whenever Alexander is on Sanders.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Courtland Sutton

Even: Emmanuel Sanders, DaeSean Hamilton
 

Philadelphia vs Detroit

• PHILADELPHIA WR SNAPS

Nelson Agholor: 136 snaps – 15 wide (10 left, five right), 104 slot (50 left, 54 right), nine tight (four left, five right), eight back

Mack Hollins: 79 snaps – 32 wide (13 left, 19 right), 46 slot (14 left, 32 right), one back

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside: 79 snaps – 67 wide (32 left, 35 right), 11 slot (seven left, four right), one tight (one left)

Alshon Jeffery: 65 snaps – 44 wide (19 left, 25 right), 18 slot (11 left, seven right), three tight (two left, one right)

DeSean Jackson: 61 snaps – 28 wide (14 left, 14 right), 32 slot (nine left, 23 right), one back

Jackson is out and Jeffery might miss the game too, leaving the Eagles with a shortage both in the slot and outside, and both on the left and right. Nelson Agholor was the lead slot guy even before those injuries, so it should mostly be outside where snaps change hands, with Mack Hollins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside the top candidates. Agholor should see a lot of Justin Coleman (77.8 PFF grade) in the slot, and maybe the shadow of Darius Slay (78.2 PFF grade) when outside. The usage bump could overrule it, but this looks like a tough matchup for Agholor. If not shadowing Agholor, Slay would generally start out on the left side, in which case the right receiver would see him. It's tough to tell whether Hollins or Arcega-Whiteside would see most of that right-side work if Jeffery is out.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Nelson Agholor

Even: Mack Hollins, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

• DETROIT WR SNAPS

Kenny Golladay: 137 snaps – 94 wide (54 left, 40 right), 43 slot (25 left, 18 right)

Marvin Jones: 123 snaps – 53 wide (26 left, 27 right), 66 slot (30 left, 36 right), four tight (two left, two right)

Danny Amendola: 79 snaps – nine wide (seven left, two right), 67 slot (38 left, 39 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Danny Amendola will run against Avonte Maddox (63.0 PFF grade), who has struggled through two weeks and presents a much easier matchup than Desmond King last week. Kenny Golladay figures to see a pretty even helping of Rasul Douglas (67.9 PFF grade), Sidney Jones (47.6 PFF grade) and Ronald Darby (70.4 PFF grade), none of whom are intimidating for a receiver of Golladay's quality. Marvin Jones should see the same group on a similar split, though he lacks the size advantages over Jones and Darby that Golladay possesses.

Upgrade: Danny Amendola

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones

Indianapolis vs Atlanta

• INDIANAPOLIS WR SNAPS

T.Y. Hilton: 120 snaps – 77 wide (30 left, 47 right), 42 slot (17 left, 25 right), one back

Zach Pascal: 55 snaps – 11 wide (10 left, one right), 37 slot (13 left, 24 right), four tight (one left, three right), three back

Chester Rogers: 53 snaps – seven wide (two left, five right), 42 slot (11 left, 31 right), three tight (three right), one back

Deon Cain: 44 snaps – 34 wide (17 left, 17 right), 10 slot (six left, four right)

Parris Campbell: 36 snaps – six wide (two left, four right), 28 slot (14 left, 14 right), two back

Frank Reich is great, but he really needs to get Pascal off the field and get more snaps for Cain and Campbell. T.Y. Hilton is the only useful Colts wideout until then, and in this one he'll be tested by Desmond Trufant (68.7 PFF grade) and Isaiah Oliver (69.6), both of whom earned solid marks in 2018, though Oliver has struggled a bit through two weeks. Whichever doesn't see Hilton on a given play might have to cover Cain. The slot corner is Damontae Kazee, who's probably an even match for Pascal and Rogers in the slot. Kazee does not have the speed to keep up with Campbell, however.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers, Deon Cain, Parris Campbell

• ATLANTA WR SNAPS

Mohamed Sanu: 114 snaps – 10 wide (five left, five right), 103 slot (60 left, 43 right), one tight (one left)

Julio Jones: 101 snaps – 66 wide (49 left, 17 right), 35 slot (16 left, 19 right)

Calvin Ridley: 100 snaps – 61 wide (19 left, 42 right), 39 slot (13 left, 26 right)

Mohamed Sanu should see lots of Kenny Moore (68.0 PFF grade), a tough matchup but one at a size disadvantage against Sanu. Rookie Rock Ya-Sin might have to see Julio Jones more than the other corners, so coordinator Matt Eberflus will need to get creative with his safety coverages. Calvin Ridley would go against the imposing Pierre Desir (73.1 PFF grade) in this scenario.

Upgrade: Julio Jones

Downgrade: Mohamed Sanu

Even: Calvin Ridley

Dallas vs Miami

• DALLAS WR SNAPS

Amari Cooper: 116 snaps – 71 wide (34 left, 37 right), 36 slot (19 left, 17 right), four tight (one left, three right), five back

Randall Cobb: 100 snaps – one wide (one left), 90 slot (40 left, 50 right), three tight (one left, two right), six back

Michael Gallup: 99 snaps – 75 wide (48 left, 27 right), 22 slot (12 left, 10 right), two back

Devin Smith: 24 snaps – 11 wide (seven left, four right), 12 slot (seven left, five right), one back

With Gallup out, Dallas may need to turn to the unlikely Devin Smith as the primary second starter at outside receiver. Assuming Amari Cooper sees the shadow coverage of Xavien Howard (75.3 PFF grade), then Smith might be left running against Eric Rowe (58.5 PFF grade), who has struggled so far in 2019. Jomal Wiltz has been the primary Miami slot corner to this point, and his struggles up to said point make him appear a favorable matchup for Randall Cobb.

Upgrade: Devin Smith, Randall Cobb

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Amari Cooper

• MIAMI WR SNAPS

DeVante Parker: 94 snaps – 68 wide (36 left, 32 right), 25 slot (15 left, 10 right), one tight (one right)

Jakeem Grant: 68 snaps – 31 wide (four left, 27 right), 35 slot (11 left, 24 right), two back

Preston Williams: 62 snaps – 51 wide (41 left, 10 right), 11 slot (seven left, four right)

Allen Hurns: 62 snaps – six wide (three left, three right), 55 slot (23 left, 32 right), one back

DeVante Parker still played the most snaps among Dolphins wideouts last week, but the rookie and similarly-built Preston Williams is gaining ground rapidly. Whereas Parker's splits are rather even between left and right, Williams has played on the left side for the most part, setting him up against Anthony Brown (62.9 PFF grade) and Byron Jones (83.3 PFF grade). You'd much rather see him running against Brown. Slot wideouts like Jakeem Grant and Allen Hurns figure to see lots of Jourdan Lewis (74.7 PFF grade) and Brown to a lesser extent. Chidobe Awuzie (66.1 PFF grade) figures to see plenty of both Parker and Williams as the left corner.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Jakeem Grant, Allen Hurns

Even: Preston Williams, DeVante Parker

Arizona vs Carolina

• ARIZONA WR SNAPS

Larry Fitzgerald: 138 snaps – nine wide (eight left, one right), 124 slot (87 left, 37 right), three tight (two left, one right), two back

Christian Kirk: 135 snaps – 26 wide (four left, 22 right), 104 slot (33 left, 71 right), five back

Damiere Byrd: 130 snaps – 114 wide (103 left, 11 right), 16 slot (15 left, one right)

KeeSean Johnson: 86 snaps – 80 wide (11 left, 69 right), six slot (six right)

Michael Crabtree: 17 snaps – 16 wide (16 right), one slot (one right)

Michael Crabtree and KeeSean Johnson have played almost exclusively on the right, where they're more likely to see James Bradberry (64.9 PFF grade) while the left-side wideouts like Damiere Byrd and Larry Fitzgerald (especially Byrd) see more of Donte Jackson (67.2 PFF grade). It's unfortunate for Byrd, because his 4.27 speed is largely neutralized by Jackson's 4.32 speed. Bradberry, meanwhile, has abundant tools to run with Johnson or Crabtree. It's the slot where the Panthers are especially vulnerable, as Javien Elliott (68.0 PFF grade) is unproven at best. With at least two slot looks on almost every play, the Cardinals offense could draw Jackson and Bradberry into the slot more than they're accustomed to. More specifically, if the Panthers don't move Jackson or Bradberry into the slot, they'll basically let Arizona run their first and second wideout against the third and fourth Carolina corner on any given play.

Upgrade: Christian Kirk, Larry Fitzgerald

Downgrade: Michael Crabtree, KeeSean Johnson

Even: Damiere Byrd
 

• CAROLINA WR SNAPS

Curtis Samuel: 134 snaps – 81 wide (28 left, 53 right), 48 slot (28 left, 20 right), two tight (one left, one right), three back

D.J. Moore: 133 snaps – 107 wide (76 left, 31 right), 20 slot (15 left, five right), six back

Jarius Wright: 90 snaps – 14 wide (six left, eight right), 75 slot (34 left, 41 right), one back

As the general left wideout D.J. Moore should see a lot of the rookie Byron Murphy (N/A PFF grade), while as the primary right wideout you would expect Curtis Samuel to see Chris Jones (N/A PFF grade). Jones can't burn like Samuel can, and any rookie is likely to be at a disadvantage against Moore, so the Panthers wideouts have the advantage. Jarius Wright figures to see most of the looks against the vulnerable slot corner Tramaine Brock (60.5 PFF grade), though Samuel and Moore should get a few cracks each, too. It remains to be seen whether Kyle Allen can get them the ball, but the Panthers receivers will be open.

Upgrade: D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, Jarius Wright

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

Tampa Bay vs New York Giants

• TAMPA BAY WR SNAPS

Chris Godwin: 120 snaps – 16 wide (five left, 11 right), 67 slot (34 left, 33 right), 35 tight (22 left, 13 right), two back

Mike Evans: 114 snaps – 88 wide (44 left, 44 right), 24 slot (13 left, 11 right), one tight (one right), one back

Breshad Perriman: 74 snaps – 32 wide (17 left, 15 right), 35 slot (17 left, 18 right), five tight (four left, one right), two back
 

The Buccaneers need Breshad Perriman's snaps reduced, this make-work program devised at the expense of O.J. Howard has gone two weeks too long. However long he's out there Perriman figures to see a lot of rookie first-round pick DeAndre Baker (N/A PFF grade) while Janoris Jenkins (66.3 PFF grade) perhaps shadows Mike Evans. Slot corner Grant Haley earned good PFF coverage marks last year (70.5), but he's still the underdog against Chris Godwin.

Upgrade: Chris Godwin

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Mike Evans, Breshad Perriman

• GIANTS WR SNAPS

Bennie Fowler: 103 snaps – 51 wide (20 left, 31 right), 47 slot (24 left, 23 right), three tight (two left, one right)

Cody Latimer: 100 snaps – 72 wide (48 left, 24 right), 28 slot (17 left, 11 right)

Sterling Shepard: 67 snaps – six wide (two left, four right), 58 slot (31 left, 27 right), one tight (one left), two back

Sterling Shepard (concussion) is back, and with his return to the slot he should see a lot of M.J. Stewart, who PFF credits with the most slot snaps among Tampa corners. Vernon Hargreaves (56.4 PFF grade) was the favorite for that work going into this year, but he's mostly been outside so far. As a former safety tweener you'd probably consider Stewart the underdog to an accomplished receiver like Shepard, making for an interesting setup in Daniel Jones' debut. Bennie Fowler will need to serve as the lead outside receiver with Cody Latimer (concussion) out, an absence that might force the Giants to play Russell Shepard as the second outside receiver. Fowler and Shepard should see a relatively even split between Hargreaves and Carlton Davis (59.0 PFF grade), who had mixed results last year as a rookie.

Upgrade: Sterling Shepard

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Bennie Fowler, Russell Shepard
 

Los Angeles Chargers vs Houston

• CHARGERS WR SNAP COUNT

Keenan Allen: 111 snaps – 38 wide (24 left, 14 right), 64 slot (23 left, 41 right), six tight (three left, three right), three back

Mike Williams: 80 snaps – 43 wide (23 left, 20 right), 35 slot (16 left, 19 right), two tight (two right)

Travis Benjamin: 72 snaps – 29 wide (18 left, 11 right), 33 slot (16 left, 17 right), one tight (one right), nine back

Dontrelle Inman: 64 snaps – 29 wide (12 left, 17 right), 31 slot (18 left, 13 right), two tight (two left), two back

Keenan Allen gets a lot of looks at Bradley Roby (58.6 PFF grade), Houston's unimposing replacement for the since-cut slot corner Aaron Colvin. The rookie second-round pick Lonnie Johnson

took the outside snaps that Roby can't anymore, and it remains to be seen what kind of factor he'll be. All of Mike Williams, Travis Benjamin, and Dontrelle Inman have relative even left/right splits, so they're all liable to see an even split of Johnson and the more overtly intimidating Johnathan Joseph (80.7 PFF grade) when running outside.

Upgrade: Keenan Allen

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Mike Williams, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman

• HOUSTON WR SNAP COUNT

DeAndre Hopkins: 125 snaps – 63 wide (36 left, 27 right), 62 slot (33 left, 29 right)

Will Fuller: 119 snaps – 64 wide (35 left, 29 right), 54 slot (21 left, 33 right), one tight (one right)

Kenny Stills: 51 snaps – 23 wide (nine left, 14 right), 28 slot (six left, 22 right)

DeAndre Carter: 29 snaps – seven wide (three left, four right), 11 slot (four left, seven right), six tight (two left, four right), five back

Keke Coutee: 28 snaps – three wide (two left, one right), 24 slot (20 left, four right), one back

DeAndre Hopkins figures to draw a fair amount of shadow coverage from Casey Hayward (77.7 PFF grade), a tough but totally manageable matchup for Hopkins. It's preferable to the Jalen Ramsey matchup from last week, for instance. Whoever runs from the slot in three wide, be it Kenny Stills or Keke Coutee, figures to see a lot of the feared Desmond King (91.1 PFF grade), though both wideouts are much faster than King. Will Fuller could primarily see Brandon Facyson (N/A PFF grade), a rookie who was supposed to go through the year as the Chargers' fifth corner. 

Upgrade: Will Fuller

Downgrade: Kenny Stills, Keke Coutee

Even: DeAndre Hopkins

Seattle vs New Orleans

• SEATTLE WR SNAP COUNT

Tyler Lockett: 115 snaps – 19 wide (four left, 15 right), 89 slot (38 left, 51 right), four tight (one left, three right), three back

D.K. Metcalf: 110 snaps – 86 wide (64 left, 22 right), 24 slot (19 left, five right)

Jaron Brown: 97 snaps – 42 wide (10 left, 32 right), 52 slot (24 left, 28 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Malik Turner: 30 snaps – 15 wide (five left, 10 right), 14 slot (eight left, six right), one back

David Moore (shoulder) might be able to return this week, and if he does he would significantly change the look of the Seattle wideout rotation, especially for guys like Jaron Brown and Malik Turner. If Moore returns then it should result in Tyler Lockett playing even more in the slot, and maybe leaving D.K. Metcalf with fewer slot snaps. If Lockett is in the slot then he should get a lot of cracks at P.J. Williams (50.6 PFF grade), easily the most beatable Saints corner. Marshon Lattimore (72.6 PFF grade) figures to lock onto Metcalf all game, leaving Eli Apple (62.3 PFF grade) to chase Lockett on his outside snaps, and Moore when Lockett is in the slot.

Upgrade: Tyler Lockett

Downgrade: D.K. Metcalf

Even: David Moore
 

• NEW ORLEANS WR SNAP COUNT

Michael Thomas: 121 snaps – 61 wide (39 left, 21 right), 60 slot (47 left, 13 right)

Ted Ginn: 87 snaps – 54 wide (21 left, 33 right), 28 slot (15 left, 13 right), two tight (two left), three back

Tre'Quan Smith: 80 snaps – 19 wide (13 left, six right), 54 slot (31 left, 23 right), seven tight (six left, one right)

Michael Thomas should primarily see Tre Flowers (56.5 PFF grade), a beatable target for most receivers, let along one of Thomas' quality. It's a shame that the quarterback play can't be counted on, because Thomas will probably get open Sunday. Ted Ginn should see a bit more of Shaquill Griffin (51.9), while Tre'Quan Smith should mostly see the recently added Jamar Taylor (39.4 PFF grade).

Upgrade: Michael Thomas, Tre'Quan Smith

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Ted Ginn

San Francisco vs Pittsburgh

• SAN FRANCISCO SNAP COUNT

Deebo Samuel: 86 snaps – 35 wide (25 left, 10 right), 44 slot (26 left, 18 right), one tight (one left), six back

Marquise Goodwin: 84 snaps – 18 wide (seven left, 11 right), 56 slot (21 left, 35 right), five tight (two left, three right), five back

Richie James: 57 snaps – five wide (three left, two right), 44 slot (18 left, 26 right), five tight (four left, one right), three back

Kendrick Bourne: 40 snaps – eight wide (one left, seven right), 28 slot (13 left, 15 right), two tight (two right), two back

Dante Pettis: 37 snaps – 11 wide (eight left, three right), 24 slot (14 left, 10 right), two back

As long as Deebo Samuel is running as the lead San Francisco wideout, slightly more on the left side than the right, then he might see more of Steven Nelson (73.6 PFF grade) than left corner Joe Haden (70.9 PFF grade). Neither is a favorable matchup for the rookie, though he moves around enough that he might see some of Mike Hilton (72.0 PFF grade) in the slot. Hilton is good, but at 5-foot-9, 184 pounds he's about 30 pounds lighter than the bulky Samuel. If Samuel doesn't remain the lead wideout, then it might be due to the delayed emergence of Dante Pettis, who coach Kyle Shanahan may or may not be finished quarreling with. Pettis is the best receiver on the team, but Shanahan was prepared to test his luck without him anyway through two weeks, with 30 of Pettis' snaps occuring in Week 2 alone. You'll notice that Pettis played mostly on the left, like Samuel. Marquise Goodwin should in any case see most of Pittsburgh's corners over the course of the game, perhaps a bit more of Joe Haden then Steven Nelson when outside.

Upgrade: N/A
Downgrade: Deebo Samuel, Dante Pettis, Marquise Goodwin

Even: N/A

• PITTSBURGH WR SNAP COUNT

Juju Smith-Schuster: 106 snaps – 28 wide (14 left, 14 right), 75 slot (40 left, 35 right), three tight (three right)

Donte Moncrief: 78 snaps – 42 wide (34 left, eight right), 36 slot (20 left, 16 right)

James Washington: 67 snaps – 43 wide (23 left, 20 right), 19 slot (nine left, 10 right), four tight (one left, three right), one back

Diontae Johnson: 51 snaps – 38 wide (15 left, 23 right), 13 slot (seven left, six right)

Juju Smith-Schuster should primarily see slot corner K'Wuan Williams (66.0 PFF grade) and to a lesser extent Emmanuel Moseley, both of whom are likely mismatches in favor of Smith-Schuster. Donte Moncrief can't be counted on to play until he convinces the Steelers he's over the yips, so the outside receiver snaps might primarily split between James Washington and Diontae Johnson. Neither has pronounced left/right splits, so they might split their time relatively evenly between Richard Sherman (68.1 PFF grade) and Akhello Witherspoon (39.8 PFF grade). You'd of course rather run against Witherspoon.

Upgrade: Juju Smith-Schuster

Downgrade: N/A

Even: James Washington, Diontae Johnson

Cleveland vs Los Angeles Rams

• CLEVELAND WR SNAP COUNT

Jarvis Landry: 135 snaps – 17 wide (three left, 13 right), 107 slot (54 left, 53 right), six tight (three left, three right), five back

Odell Beckham: 130 snaps – 101 wide (61 left, 40 right), 24 slot (14 left, 10 right), one tight (one right), four back

Damion Ratley: 77 snaps – 60 wide (28 left, 32 right), 17 slot (nine left, eight right)

Rashard Higgins: 32 snaps – 18 wide (four left, 14 right), 14 slot (four left, 10 right)
 

Rashard Higgins (knee) seems liable to miss his second straight game, in which case Damion Ratley would again serve as the outside wideout counterpart to Odell Beckham, who has played with a slight tilt toward the left side through two weeks. If that continues, he might see a bit more of Marcus Peters (58.1 PFF grade) than left corner Aqib Talib (76.9 PFF grade). Peters is a volatile guy capable of bursts of strong play, but you'd probably rather send Beckham at him than Talib, beatable as either is to a player like Beckham. Jarvis Landry could see elevated usage with David Njoku (wrist) out, but the matchup is intimidating against Nickell Robey-Coleman in the slot, his 81.3 PFF grade among the very best showings of cornerbacks in 2018.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Jarvis Landry, Damion Ratley

Even: Odell Beckham

• RAMS WR SNAPS

Robert Woods: 138 snaps – 19 wide (nine left, 10 right), 85 slot (21 left, 64 right), 15 tight (three left, 12 right), 19 back

Brandin Cooks: 135 snaps – 43 wide (35 left, eight right), 82 slot (65 left, 17 right), 10 back

Cooper Kupp: 131 snaps – two wide (one left, one right), 93 slot (50 left, 43 right), 33 tight (11 left, 22 right), three back
 

Cooper Kupp should see a lot of slot corner T.J. Carrie (63.9 PFF grade), while the matchups for Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods aren't so clear with both of Denzel Ward (hamstring) and Greedy Williams (hamstring) missing practice Friday. The next corner for Cleveland would appear to be Terrance Mitchell (64.3 PFF grade), but it's not clear who would be next up for nickel formations. It's also not clear whether Carrie would stay in the slot or move outside for nickel looks. 

Upgrade: Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

Washington vs Chicago

• WASHINGTON WR SNAP COUNT

Terry McLaurin: 112 snaps – 87 wide (57 left, 30 right), 24 slot (nine left, 15 right), one back

Trey Quinn: 109 snaps – 12 wide (three left, nine right), 86 slot (38 left, 48 right), 11 tight (one left, 10 right)

Paul Richardson: 104 snaps – 42 wide (16 left, 26 right), 54 slot (18 left, 36 right), two tight (one left, 

one right), six back

Trey Quinn has the most enviable matchup of the Washington wideouts as he gets the most looks at Buster Skrine (50.8 PFF grade), who got worked by Emmanuel Sanders last week. Terry McLaurin will see both Bears outside corners but especially right corner Prince Amukamara (76.2 PFF grade). Tough as Amukamara might be, Kyle Fuller (70.2 PFF grade) presents a similarly imposing matchup for Paul Richardson.

Upgrade: Trey Quinn

Downgrade: Terry McLaurin, Paul Richardson

Even: N/A
 

• CHICAGO WR SNAP COUNT

Allen Robinson: 122 snaps – 45 wide (24 left, 21 right), 72 slot (34 left, 38 right), five tight (three left, two right)

Taylor Gabriel: 117 snaps – 54 wide (29 left, 25 right), 63 slot (29 left, 34 right)

Tarik Cohen: 73 snaps – four wide (one left, three right), 48 slot (24 left, 24 right), one tight (one right), 20 back

Anthony Miller: 47 snaps – four wide (four right), 41 slot (17 left, 24 right), two tight (two left)
 

Anthony Miller played a lot more in Week 2, and almost exclusively in the slot, largely at the expense of Tarik Cohen. It's hard to see how one can benefit without the other's production suffering. Rookie Jimmy Moreland (N/A PFF grade) in any case looks like a desirable matchup for whoever is running the slot routes in Chicago. Allen Robinson figures to see a lot of Josh Norman (72.0 PFF grade), which might not be as intimidating of a matchup as it used to be. Norman turns 32 in December and has struggled a bit through two games. Taylor Gabriel would in this scenario get left with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, though the matchup might instead be against Fabian Moreau (58.3 PFF grade) if he's able to return from his ankle issue.

Upgrade: Anthony Miller/Tarik Cohen

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel