2018 Fantasy Football: Week 12 Top WR/CB Matchups to Exploit

Perimeter matchups to exploit in Week 12.

It’s that crucial week 12 in the NFL.  Some are in the fantasy playoffs in their leagues while some leagues playoffs are right around the corner.  I’m going to assume everyone reading this is in the playoffs or are at least in a good playoff position.  After all, if you’ve been following us here at the Roto Street Journal, your path to fantasy greatness should be paved.  If the Rams or Chiefs gravy train has carried you through the season so far this week in particular has a few matchups that will help you survive.  With that being said, lets go!

Anthony Miller

Miller has recently been coming on for the red-hot Bears.  Miller is an excellent option this week, even with starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky likely out with a shoulder injury.  Miller has been targeted at least six times in three of the past four weeks.  Also, three of the last four weeks, Miller has scored a touchdown.  With Chase Daniel likely slinging the rock for the Bears this week, expect an increase in slants, screens, and dump offs.  Miller excels within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage, which pairs up nicely with what the Bears will likely expect of Daniel.

This week Miller is likely to going to tailed by Teez Tabor of the Lions for most of the game.  Tabor has struggled mightily this season against opposing receivers when targeted.  According to Pro Football Focus, Tabor allows a catch on 83% of his targets.  Tabor also yields a staggering 2.92 yards per route covered.  Miller has solidified himself as a go to receiver with the Bears.  He clearly has the trust of head coach Matt Nagy and should be an integral part of the game plan this thanksgiving.  If given the opportunity, Miller should carve Tabor up like a warm, buttered turkey on Thanksgiving.

Odell Beckham Jr.

I don’t normally write about auto-starts, but Beckham is facing arguably the best matchup of all receivers this week.  Beckham’s pedigree as a stat churning machine is well established.  Beckham is on pace for a career high 1584 yards receiving and around nine touchdowns.  All of that after a particularly slow start and the obvious struggles of the Giants offense.

This week, Beckham is likely to be tormenting the Eagles’ Jalen Mills in a key NFC East matchup.  Mills has been disappointing this season to put it kindly.  Mills has been targeted on 294 routes this season and has surrendered a catch on 72% of those targets.  Those 72% of targets have turned into 2.51 yards per route covered.  This Giants offense absolutely peppers Beckham, who owns 26% of targets per routes ran.  If for some reason Beckham was in doubt this week just pause, take a moment, and reconsider your life choices.  Then start him.

Keith Kirkwood

Kirkwood is probably one of the most under the radar, late season sleepers that nobody has ever heard of before.  Kirkwood is a growing weapon in the mighty New Orleans Saints passing attack.  Anytime a receiver is a part of a Drew Brees/Sean Payton offense, he immediately carries fantasy value.  Especially when they get targeted 22% of routes run.  Kirkwood has only been a factor in the past two days, but there is value to be chased here.  In deeper leagues especially, Kirkwood merits flex consideration.  Brees is having an MVP caliber season and has been beyond deadly accurate.  Kirkwood was targeted five times last week and caught three of them for 33 yards.

Kirkwood is going to be squaring off against the Falcons’ Brian Poole.  The Falcons secondary strikes no fear in any team that doesn’t feature Nathan Peterman at quarterback.  Poole hasn’t been the most ineffective corner but still allows 63% of his targets to be converted.  Compared to the other corners mentioned above, Poole’s 1.34 yards per route covered doesn’t seem too bad.  However, Poole still has been targeted 270 times this year.  He can be had and Kirkwood is in prime position to rip off some more big plays.  With the Saints scoring at the clip they have been the past two games (49.5 PPG) Kirkwood will certainly have plenty of opportunities to score too.

Author

  • Graduate of Regent University (2019) BA Sports Journalism Writer: Full Press Coverage, UnFiltered Sports Network Fantasy Football Enthusiast Fantasy Analyst/Writer for the Roto Street Journal

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