Play ‘Em
Christian Kirk Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers
At first you may think that this is a bad matchup since the 49ers were a top 5 defense last season but it is actually a good matchup. With the Cardinals trade this offseason for WR DeAndre Hopkins means that Kirk will not be covered by the 49ers Richard Sherman. The 49ers gave up an average of 34.04 points per game to opposing WRs last season. They were the 24th ranked defense at defending the WR position.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Pittsburg Steelers @ New York Giants
Last season JuJu was a top 10 WR draft pick and did not play like a top pick. The reason though was the fact that QB Ben Roethlisberger injured his elbow in week 2 and missed the entire season. JuJu also had injuries of his own that he had to deal with all season which hampered his ability to play at a high level. The Giants gave up an average of 41.08 points per game to opposing WRs last season. They were the 31st ranked defense at defending the WR position.
Bench ‘Em
Devante Parker Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
Last season Devante Parker finally showed why he was a first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The problem for Parker this season is the fact that Preston Williams is returning from injury and is going to take target away in the pass game. With Williams returning this also means Parker will possibly have to lineup out wide where the Patriots shut down receivers (15.4 PPG). The Patriots gave up an average of 26.56 points per game to opposing WRs last season. They were tied for the 1st ranked defense at defending the WR position.
Kenny Golladay Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
This draft season Golladay was drafted as a top 10 WR but he will not play like that this week. Lions coach Matt Patricia has said that they want to run the ball a lot this season. Their drafting of RB D’Andre Swift and signing of RB Adrian Peterson confirms their commitment to running the ball this season. The Lions defense should be improved this season which means they should be in closer games and not have to throw the ball as much. The Bears gave up an average of 26.56 points per game to opposing WRs last season. They were tied for the 1st ranked defense at defending the WR position.
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