Corner Report: Week 6

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 2019 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.

CAR vs TB

PANTHERS WR SNAPS

Curtis Samuel: 298 snaps – 158 wide (46 left, 112 right), 122 slot (62 left, 60 right), four tight (one left, three right), 14 back

D.J. Moore: 298 snaps – 230 wide (171 left, 59 right), 59 slot (34 left, 25 right), one tight (one left), eight back

Jarius Wright: 216 snaps – 33 wide (18 left, 15 right), 177 slot (88 left, 89 right), one tight (one left), five back

Assuming he doesn't get his playing time scaled back, Vernon Hargreaves (47.4 PFF) should be the primary coverage assignment of D.J. Moore, which gives a clear green light to Moore in this setting. Carlton Davis (59.0 PFF) seems a better corner than Hargreaves, but he's still at a disadvantage to Curtis Samuel, whose 4.31 speed presents a danger to Davis as a 4.5 guy. Samuel's bigger issue is quarterback Kyle Allen, who's shown a general inability to hit Samuel when he gets open downfield. Jarius Wright should primarily run against M.J. Stewart (67.0 PFF), who might be an imposing obstacle for Wright after the slot wideout turned six targets into two catches for 15 yards in Week 2.

Upgrade: D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel

Downgrade: Jarius Wright

Even: N/A

BUCCANEERS WR SNAPS

Chris Godwin: 319 snaps – 48 wide (22 left, 26 right), 198 slot (98 left, 100 right), 70 tight (40 left, 30 right), three back

Mike Evans: 304 snaps – 234 wide (121 left, 113 right), 68 slot (35 left, 33 right), one tight (one right), one back

Breshad Perriman: 130 snaps – 63 wide (32 left, 31 right), 59 slot (30 left, 29 right), 

Since Mike Evans was drafted in 2013, the Panthers defense has held him to 45 receptions for 627 yards and three touchdowns on 99 targets. This poor outcome has something to do with the coverage of James Bradberry (71.4 PFF) and the help afforded by the Carolina scheme. Evans can probably dust Bradberry in true man-to-man coverage, but that's unfortunately not an option for Evans. As much as great players sometimes win even in the face of great difficulties, this is nonetheless a difficult spot for Evans. Chris Godwin may not be as talented as Evans, but he faces lesser personnel by running primarily from the slot, where he'll mostly see Javien Elliott (65.0 PFF) and Ross Cockrell (60.4 PFF). The Panthers pass rush might pose a complication for Jameis Winston's ability to capitalize, but Godwin already showed in Week 2 (eight catches for 121 yards and a touchdown) what might happen if the Panthers don't adjust. Bobo Wilson and Scott Miller figure to split the snaps that would normally go to Breshad Perriman, who's out with a hamstring issue, but that pie is too small to start with.

Upgrade: Chris Godwin

Downgrade: Mike Evans

Even: N/A

JAC vs NO

JAGUARS WR SNAPS

Chris Conley: 264 snaps – 224 wide (123 left, 101 right), 39 slot (20 left, 19 right), one tight (one right)

D.J. Chark: 258 snaps – 127 wide (54 left, 73 right), 123 slot (49 left, 74 right), six tight (two left, four right), two back

Dede Westbrook: 255 snaps – 29 wide (13 left, 16 right), 220 slot (99 left, 111 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

Marshon Lattimore (64.1 PFF) is better than his current coverage grade implies, and he's expected to follow around D.J. Chark. Like with Evans in the prior game, this is a case where it's crucial to recall the baseline. Lattimore is a downgrade for Chark's matchup projection, but Chark is good enough to overrule unfavorable circumstances at least occasionally. Chris Conley would get left with Eli Apple (69.7 PFF), who is a considerable obstacle especially given that Conley has seen only 15 targets in his last 226 snaps. Dede Westbrook figures to see the softest coverage of the three, as he'll run against beatable slot corner P.J. Williams (52.0 PFF). 

Upgrade: Dede Westbrook

Downgrade: D.J. Chark, Chris Conley

Even: N/A

SAINTS WR SNAPS

Michael Thomas: 301 snaps – 171 wide (107 left, 64 right), 130 slot (81 left, 49 right)

Ted Ginn: 221 snaps – 135 wide (53 left, 82 right), 70 slot (30 left, 40 right), four tight (four left), 12 back

Tre'Quan Smith: 97 snaps – 22 wide (15 left, seven right), 63 slot (36 left, 27 right), 12 tight (nine left, three right)

Lining up slightly more often on the left, Michael Thomas might see a bit more of A.J. Bouye (64.9 PFF) than Tre Herndon (40.8 PFF). As much as Bouye isn't exactly a concern for Thomas, you'd like to see New Orleans get Thomas lined up on the right more often to see the especially beatable Herndon. If Bouye is on Thomas, then Herndon should be on Ted Ginn, and vice versa. Ginn on Herndon is asking for trouble if you're Jacksonville. With Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) out, Austin Carr will take on his meager slot role and run against the formidable D.J. Hayden (72.4 PFF).

Upgrade: Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn

Downgrade: Austin Carr

Even: N/A

KC vs HOU

CHIEFS WR SNAPS

Demarcus Robinson: 293 snaps – 181 wide (105 left, 76 right), 95 slot (51 left, 44 right), 12 tight (five left, seven right), five back

Sammy Watkins: 269 snaps – 61 wide (29 left, 32 right), 192 slot (95 left, 97 right), 12 tight (three left, nine right), four back

Mecole Hardman: 230 snaps – 82 wide (43 left, 39 right), 123 slot (65 left, 58 right), six tight (two left, four right), 19 back

Byron Pringle: 58 snaps – 28 wide (13 left, 15 right), 26 slot (12 left, 14 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back

Watkins is out and Tyreek Hill (shoulder) may be back, though the Chiefs call him a game-time decision. If Hill is in then it's reasonable to suspect his alignment to look a lot like Watkins' since Watkins functioned as the WR1 during Hill's absence. When running as the innermost slot target, Hill figures to see Bradley Roby (67.0 PFF), who's earned solid PFF grading since replacing Aaron Colvin in the slot. When outside Hill would face one of Lonnie Johnson (31.1 PFF) or Johnathan Joseph (57.1 PFF), both of whom are hopeless against Hill. Both of Houston's corners would be highly vulnerable to Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle as well, though Roby would project to hold his own. Demarcus Robinson should mostly run against Johnson and Joseph, both of whom can match Robinson's frame but perhaps few ways otherwise. For the Chiefs receivers, the concern here is the target opportunity rather than the ability to get open. There are a lot of ways the Chiefs can hurt this defense, so keep that in mind before going overboard on the 'upgrade' verdicts for the non-Hill players.

Upgrade: Tyreek Hill, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle, Mecole Hardman

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

TEXANS WR SNAPS

DeAndre Hopkins: 313 snaps – 205 wide (131 left, 74 right), 108 slot (56 left, 52 right)

Will Fuller: 311 snaps – 159 wide (75 left, 84 right), 148 slot (56 left, 92 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

Keke Coutee: 113 snaps – 23 wide (10 left, 13 right), 81 slot (43 left, 38 right), one tight (one right), eight back

Kenny Stills: 95 snaps – 31 wide (15 left, 16 right), 61 slot (23 left, 38 right), three back

Morris Claiborne (60.3 PFF 2018) made his debut last week, playing 24 snaps (eight coverage). His playing time was subsidized at the expense of left corner Charvarius Ward (64.4 PFF), who isn't necessarily a downgrade from Claiborne. Bashaud Breeland (47.5 PFF) seems immune to Claiborne on the right side, though he may well be the worst of the three. Kendall Fuller (58.7 PFF) has struggled this year in the slot, but showed strong play in 2017 and 2018. DeAndre Hopkins is a big mismatch for whoever he faces, and it might be a good sign that he should see Breeland more than anyone. Will Fuller can dust all these guys as well, though his task might be trivially tougher given the higher share of Fuller coverage than in Hopkins' case. Keke Coutee should see Fuller more than the others. I'd consider that even, though some might buy into the idea of further struggles for Fuller and thus call it an upgrade for Coutee. If Kenny Stills (hamstring) plays then it would make Coutee substantially more risky.

Upgrade: DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Keke Coutee
 

CLE vs SEA

Odell Beckham: 261 snaps – 190 wide (106 left, 84 right), 67 slot (37 left, 30 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

Jarvis Landry: 253 snaps – 50 wide (19 left, 31 right), 191 slot (100 left, 91 right), seven tight (four left, three right), five back

Damion Ratley: 175 snaps – 126 wide (63 left, 63 right), 47 slot (22 left, 25 right), two tight (two left)

Odell Beckham should run against both Tre Flowers (49.3 PFF) and Shaquill Griffin (79.2 PFF), but Beckham's owners want to see him line up on the left as much as possible to see more of RCB Flowers and less of Griffin. Cleveland should want to waste Griffin's snaps on Damion Ratley/Antonio Callaway instead, but who knows if they arrange it. I feel compelled to give Beckham an 'even' grade since there's no assurance that he'll avoid Griffin. Jamar Taylor (65.2 PFF) is the slot corner and one who has played reasonably well in 2019, but not in any way that should prove imposing for Jarvis Landry.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Damion Ratley

SEAHAWKS WR SNAPS

Tyler Lockett: 324 snaps – 57 wide (23 left, 34 right), 245 slot (113 left, 132 right), five tight (three left, two right), 17 back

DK Metcalf: 270 snaps – 201 wide (143 left, 58 right), 65 slot (48 left, 17 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back

Jaron Brown: 214 snaps – 94 wide (27 left, 67 right), 113 slot (54 left, 59 right), six tight (two left, four right), one back

Malik Turner: 74 snaps – 32 wide (10 left, 22 right), 38 slot (15 left, 23 right), three tight (three right), one back

David Moore: 61 snaps – 44 wide (22 left, 22 right), 16 slot (nine left, seven right), one tight (one right)

The Browns might get back starting corners Greedy Williams on the right and Denzel Ward as the left corner/shadow option. At 6-foot-2 with sub-4.4 speed, Greedy is the best chance of matching the height and speed of DK Metcalf, who incidentally lines up on Greedy's side. Greedy was already a problem for Metcalf in college, so this is an interesting collision. Tyler Lockett runs enough in the slot that he could mostly see T.J. Carrie (55.7 PFF), and Lockett has dusted better. The question is whether Cleveland sends Ward into the slot to shadow Lockett, which would be the worst-case scenario for Lockett (though he could certainly still win on his own merits).

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf

MIN vs PHI

VIKINGS WR SNAPS

Adam Thielen: 279 snaps – 115 wide (63 left, 52 right), 145 slot (58 left, 87 right), six tight (five left, one right), 13 back

Stefon Diggs: 235 snaps – 150 wide (73 left, 77 right), 84 slot (49 left, 35 right), one back

Bisi Johnson: 86 snaps – 30 wide (17 left, 13 right), 53 slot (28 left, 25 right), three back
 

Ronald Darby and Avonte Maddox are out, leaving Rasul Douglas (70.9 PFF) at right corner and Sidney Jones (62.2 PFF) at left, with Orlando Scandrick likely the slot man. Scandrick may well be an upgrade over Maddox, so it's not necessarily a plus for Adam Thielen as the team's lead slot wideout. Thielen plays a lot outside too, though, so he projects just fine overall. Stefon Diggs should be a mismatch for both Douglas and Jones.

Upgrade: Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Bisi Johnson

EAGLES WR SNAPS

Nelson Agholor: 324 snaps – 48 wide (23 left, 25 right), 252 slot (130 left, 122 right), 15 tight (four left, 11 right), nine back

Mack Hollins: 222 snaps – 116 wide (54 left, 62 right), 98 slot (37 left, 61 right), three tight (three right), five back

Alshon Jeffery: 176 snaps – 135 wide (75 left, 60 right), 38 slot (23 left, 15 right), three tight (two left, one right)

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside: 140 snaps – 108 wide (56 left, 52 right), 29 slot (16 left, 13 right), one tight (one left), two back

Nelson Agholor will need to run a lot against slot corner Mackensie Alexander (47.2 PFF, 72.5 2018), who has struggled through injury in 2019 but was good in 2018. Mike Hughes (57.5 PFF) is another candidate to do slot work. I'd call it a draw for Agholor. Alshon Jeffery will likely get shadowed by Xavier Rhodes (55.5 PFF), who has struggled a bit in 2019 and is probably a draw for Jeffery. Mack Hollins should therefore see Trae Waynes (64.6 PFF), another draw perhaps but probably a tougher relative matchup than in the cases of Agholor and especially Jeffery.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Mack Hollins
 

BAL vs CIN

RAVENS WR SNAPS

Willie Snead: 257 snaps – 29 wide (13 left, 16 right), 201 slot (94 left, 107 right), eight tight (two left, six right), 19 back

Seth Roberts: 223 snaps – 189 wide (140 left, 49 right), 33 slot (26 left, seven right), one back

Marquise Brown: 217 snaps – 119 wide (32 left, 87 right), 90 slot (44 left, 46 right), one tight (one right), seven back

Miles Boykin: 122 snaps – 102 wide (70 left, 32 right), 20 slot (14 left, six right)

Willie Snead should primarily run against B.W. Webb (66.8 PFF), who's given a respectable performance this far into 2019. Marquise Brown (ankle) is sketchy at best for this after not practicing all week. If he's out, then either Miles Boykin needs to start lining up more on the right, or Chris Moore would need to play substantially more. As a guy who's at least big and fast, we should probably root for Boykin, though he'd still be no more than a draw against Dre Kirkpatrick (59.8 PFF). William Jackson (62.2 PFF) is the other corner, who should primarily match up against Seth Roberts. Jackson has poor marks for 2019, but he was very good before that.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

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

BENGALS WR SNAPS

Tyler Boyd: 295 snaps – 37 wide (26 left, 11 right), 230 slot (101 left, 129 right), nine tight (five left, four right), 19 back

John Ross: 224 snaps – 86 wide (51 left, 35 right), 124 slot (48 left, 76 right), five tight (three left, two right), nine back

Auden Tate: 203 snaps – 76 wide (49 left, 27 right), 122 slot (61 left, 61 right), three tight (one left, two right), two back

Damion Willis: 174 snaps – 78 wide (50 left, 28 right), 92 slot (57 left, 35 right), one tight (one right), three back

Tyler Boyd should see a lot of Brandon Carr (70.6 PFF), who has held up well as the replacement slot guy. Still advantage Boyd, but not a pushover matchup for him. The receiver on the right is likely to see the feared Marlon Humphrey, and that headache should be relatively evenly split between Auden Tate and Damion Willis. Maurice Canady is less feared on the other side, but his 81.1 PFF grade shows his play has been strong in 2019.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Auden Tate, Damion Willis

Even: Tyler Boyd

MIA vs WAS

DeVante Parker: 204 snaps – 105 wide (50 left, 55 right), 96 slot (46 left, 50 right), three tight (one left, two right)

Preston Williams: 172 snaps – 145 wide (98 left, 47 right), 27 slot (16 left, 11 right)

Jakeem Grant: 134 snaps – 35 wide (five left, 30 right), 93 slot (36 left, 57 right), six back

Josh Norman (50.8 PFF) may or may not shadow someone, but he's been bad enough in 2019 that it shouldn't matter much. If he doesn't shadow, then Norman should play more on the left, where he would mostly see DeVante Parker and maybe Jakeem Grant to a lesser extent. Preston Williams has mostly lined up on the left, which would leave him against right corner Quinton Dunbar (86.8 PFF), who is somewhat unproven still but is off to a great start in 2019. At the very least, Dunbar seems better than Norman by now, which is good for Parker and concerning for Williams. Parker also runs a lot from the slot, though, where he should see Fabian Moreau (44.0 PFF), who has struggled early on.

Upgrade: DeVante Parker

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant

WASHINGTON WR SNAPS

Paul Richardson: 262 snaps – 113 wide (46 left, 67 right), 137 slot (51 left, 86 right), five tight (two left, three right), seven back

Trey Quinn: 247 snaps – 25 wide (six left, 19 right), 200 slot (96 left, 104 right), one tight (one right), two back

Terry McLaurin: 235 snaps – 178 wide (113 left, 65 right), 55 slot (28 left, 27 right), one tight (one right), one back

Terry McLaurin is the most feared player on the Washington roster and should therefore draw the shadow coverage of Xavien Howard (45.6 PFF), who has struggled in 2019 but is still probably one of the league's best corners. Howard is playing through a knee issue, though. Running primarily on the right side, Paul Richardson should primarily see Eric Rowe (46.6 PFF), and to a lesser extent Jomal Wiltz (groin), who's been beaten like a drum in 2019. Trey Quinn should get the most cracks at Wiltz.

Upgrade: Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Terry McLaurin

ARZ vs ATL

CARDINALS WR SNAPS

Larry Fitzgerald: 314 snaps – 24 wide (16 left, eight right), 277 slot (163 left, 114 right), 11 tight (nine left, two right), two back

Christian Kirk: 263 snaps – 58 wide (10 left, 48 right), 193 slot (58 left, 135 right), five tight (two left, three right), seven back

KeeSean Johnson: 229 snaps – 193 wide (17 left, 176 right), 33 slot (five left, 28 right), three tight (three right)

Damiere Byrd: 202 snaps – 174 wide (160 left, 14 right), 25 slot (19 left, six right), three tight (two left, one right), one back

Trent Sherfield: 122 snaps – 98 wide (91 left, seven right), 21 slot (19 left, two right), two tight (two left, one back

Pharoh Cooper: 25 snaps – 23 slot (six left, 17 right), one tight (one right), one back

The Falcons generally use Isaiah Oliver on the right and Desmond Trufant on the left. Neither is imposing at the moment. Damiere Byrd (groin) would be Oliver's primary assignment if he can play, and Trent Sherfield would get the call if not. KeeSean Johnson should run against Trufant. Atlanta has struggled to cover the slot through the struggles of Damontae Kazee (47.3 PFF), and rookie Kendall Sheffield (28.1 PFF) doesn't seem like a compelling alternative. It's good for Larry Fitzgerald, and if Christian Kirk (ankle) can play it would suit his interests as well. If Kirk can't play, Pharoh Cooper is evidently the primary replacement.

Upgrade: Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Pharoh Cooper

Downgrade: N/A

Even: KeeSean Johnson, Damiere Byrd, Trent Sherfield

FALCONS WR SNAPS

Mohamed Sanu: 282 snaps – 26 wide (15 left, 11 right), 252 slot (147 left, 105 right), three tight (two left, one right), one back

Calvin Ridley: 265 snaps – 171 wide (59 left, 112), 90 slot (26 left, 64 right), two tight (two left), two back

Julio Jones: 263 snaps – 166 wide (107 left, 59 right), 94 slot (47 left, 47 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Julio Jones lines up more on the left than the right, where he should see plenty of the vulnerable rookie Byron Murphy (69.1 PFF). Calvin Ridley should run more on the right and therefore catch Kevin Peterson (67.2 PFF), who has fine early grades but is a total non-prospect and a prime candidate for a rude awakening. Tramaine Brock (64.6 PFF) is the slot corner, and thus the matchup for Mohamed Sanu. Sanu can beat him, but it might be an 'even' call just because Julio and Ridley arguably have even easier matchups, perhaps provoking a funnel in their directions.

Upgrade: Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Mohamed Sanu

LAR vs SF

RAMS WR SNAPS

Robert Woods: 352 snaps – 77 wide (17 left, 60 right), 221 slot (59 left, 162 right), 30 tight (four left, 26 right), 24 back

Cooper Kupp: 325 snaps – 17 wide (13 left, four right), 241 slot (144 left, 97 right), 62 tight (23 left, 39 right), five back
Brandin Cooks: 318 snaps – 119 wide (96 left, 23 right), 176 slot (140 left, 36 right), one tight (one left), 22 back 

If Richard Sherman (75.8 PFF) lines up on the left, then he would primarily be the problem of Robert Woods. Cooper Kupp draws K'Wuan Williams (84.2 PFF), who struggled in 2018 but is off to a strong start in 2019. It appears to be a tough test for Kupp, but it's worth recalling Tyler Boyd caught all 10 of his targets against San Francisco in Week 2. Brandin Cooks should primarily run against Emmanuel Moseley (73.4 PFF), who is untested on just 64 coverage snaps but has legitimately plus athleticism to work with. It's not an easy matchup for these three very good receivers.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Robert Woods

Even: Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks

49ERS WR SNAPS

Marquise Goodwin: 183 snaps – 65 wide (30 left, 35 right), 104 slot (48 left, 56 right), seven tight (two left, five right), seven back

Deebo Samuel: 162 snaps – 59 wide (35 left, 24 right), 89 slot (61 left, 28 right),one tight (one left), 13 back

Dante Pettis: 117 snaps – 44 wide (28 left, 16 right), 67 slot (44 left, 23 right), two tight (two left), four back

Richie James: 91 snaps – 13 wide (eight left, five right), 66 slot (29 left, 37 right), four tight (four left), eight back

Kendrick Bourne: 78 snaps – 25 wide (nine left, 16 right), 48 slot (20 left, 28 right), two tight (one left, one right), three back

The 49ers wideouts line up all over the place and split snaps more than most teams too. Marquise Goodwin generally lines up a bit more on the right than left, while Dante Pettis and Deebo Samuel a bit more on the left, so Pettis and Samuel should see a bit more of right corner Marcus Peters (81.6 PFF), who's doing well so far this year. Aqib Talib is out, so the left corner might be Troy Hill (32.2 PFF), a backup but one with experience. Nickell Robey-Coleman (67.6 PFF) covers whoever is in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel

Even: Marquise Goodwin

NYJ vs DAL

JETS WR SNAPS

Robby Anderson: 225 snaps – 168 wide (107 left, 61 right), 57 slot (40 left, 17 right)

Jamison Crowder: 203 snaps – 47 wide (19 left, 28 right), 154 slot (68 left, 86 right), two back

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

Demaryius Thomas: 52 snaps – 24 wide (10 left, 14 right), 26 slot (14 left, 12 right), two back

If Robby Anderson keeps running on the left then he might primarily see Byron Jones (69.4 PFF). Jones is the guy you don't want to run against. Anderson should also see Chidobe Awuzie (66.2 PFF) a bit on the other side, who is still solid. Demaryius Thomas should be Awuzie's main assignment. Jamison Crowder draws a formidable matchup against Anthony Brown (63.2 PFF), but Crowder's darting skill set will likely fare better against Brown than it would against spurned backup Jourdan Lewis.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Robby Anderson

Even: Jamison Crowder, Demaryius Thomas

COWBOYS WR SNAPS

Amari Cooper: 294 snaps – 201 wide (103 left, 98 right), 82 slot (39 left, 43 right), five tight (two left, three right), six back

Randall Cobb: 259 snaps – eight wide (three left, five right), 229 slot (109 left, 120 right), 14 tight (five left, nine right), eight right

Michael Gallup: 160 snaps – 121 wide (73 left, 48 right), 37 slot (19 left, 18 right),two back

Slot corner Brian Poole (88.0 PFF) is in the midst of a strong season, which is bad news for Randall Cobb. Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup both see big green lights against Trumaine Johnson (39.3 PFF) and Darryl Roberts (51.5 PFF).

Upgrade: Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup

Downgrade: Randall Cobb

Even: N/A

DEN vs TEN

BRONCOS WR SNAPS

Courtland Sutton: 300 snaps – 180 wide (115 left, 65 right), 113 slot (75 left, 38 right), five tight (three left, two right), two back

Emmanuel Sanders: 270 snaps – 95 wide (38 left, 57 right), 162 slot (61 left, 101 right), seven tight (three left, four right), six back

DaeSean Hamilton: 207 snaps – 12 wide (six left, six right), 172 slot (81 left, 91 right), 20 tight (12 left, eight right), three back

Courtland Sutton is one of the top receivers in the league and quickly approaching the point where matchups don't really matter. Playing nearly twice as much on the left as the right, he should see a lot of Malcolm Butler (56.9 PFF), a green light. Emmanuel Sanders would in that case see more of Adoree Jackson (72.7 PFF), a tougher draw for sure but a manageable one for a player as good as Sanders. DaeSean Hamilton just kind of seems like a dud and has his forecast worsened further by the matchup with Logan Ryan (60.1 PFF) in the slot.

Upgrade: Courtland Sutton

Downgrade: DaeSean Hamilton

Even: Emmanuel Sanders

TITANS WR SNAPS

Corey Davis: 254 snaps – 92 wide (40 left, 52 right), 149 slot (70 left, 79 right),12 tight (five left, seven right), one back

Adam Humphries: 164 snaps – 11 wide (seven left, four right), 140 slot (74 left, 66 right), nine tight (eight left, one right), four back

Tajae Sharpe: 155 snaps – 102 wide (62 left, 40 right), 51 slot (32 left, 29 right), one tight (one left), one back

A.J. Brown: 154 snaps – 94 wide (49 left, 45 right), 53 slot (18 left, 35 right), six tight (four left, two right), one back
 

A.J. Brown saw his snap count tick up to 40 last week at the expense of Tajae Sharpe, so if that trend continues we can expect Brown's current alignment numbers to blend with Sharpe's prior alignment tendencies. With even left/right splits but outside nearly twice as much as the slot, Brown could see some of Chris Harris (63.9 PFF), who is still feared despite his low current grade, yet it's just a plausible that Harris shadows Corey Davis. Davis is much bigger than Harris, so who knows if Harris' tight coverage will pay off. More importantly, in the event that Harris shadows Davis, Brown would be left against Denver's unimposing remaining outside corner, be it Isaac Yiadom (39.8 PFF) or Duke Dawson (65.0 PFF). Adam Humphries will in any case see a lot of the imposing Kareem Jackson (78.5 PFF) in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Adam Humphries

Even: Corey Davis, A.J. Brown

LAC vs PIT

CHARGERS WR SNAPS

Keenan Allen: 303 snaps – 97 wide (56 left, 41 right), 192 slot (82 left, 110 right), six tight (two left, four right), eight back

Mike Williams: 212 snaps – 104 wide (60 left, 44 right), 105 slot (48 left, 57 right), one tight (one right),two back

Travis Benjamin: 154 snaps – 76 wide (28 left, 48 right), 54 slot (26 left, 28 right), one tight (one right), 23 back

Dontrelle Inman: 137 snaps – 71 wide (36 left, 35 right), 58 slot (31 left, 27 right), three tight (two left, one right), five back

Mike Hilton (74.7 PFF) is a tough draw for Keenan Allen, but at 6-foot-2 Allen doesn't necessarily need to get open to make catches against the 5-foot-9, sub-190 Hilton. Mike Williams will rarely be the innermost receiver and should almost always see one of Joe Haden (61.0 PFF) or Steven Nelson (76.5 PFF). Both corners are well-regarded, but at 5-foot-11 each, neither would stop Williams in a jumpball scenario.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams
 

STEELERS WR SNAPS

Juju Smith-Schuster: 255 snaps – 58 wide (37 left, 21 right), 178 slot (79 left, 99 right), 16 tight (six left, 10 right), three back

James Washington: 191 snaps – 89 wide (41 left, 48 right), 70 slot (28 left, 42 right), 29 tight (eight left, 21 right), three back

Diontae Johnson: 183 snaps – 110 wide (62 left, 48 right), 68 slot (42 left, 26 right), one tight (one right), four back

Donte Moncrief: 81 snaps – 45 wide (36 left, nine right), 36 slot (20 left, 16 right)

Johnny Holton: 47 snaps – 16 wide (four left, 12 right), 26 slot (nine left, 17 right), one tight (one left), four back

Between his quarterback situation and the matchup, this is a terrible on-paper setup for JuJu Smith-Schuster, who will either have sub-sub-replacement level backup Mason Rudolph (concussion) or minicamp arm Devlin Hodges at quarterback, just to have to chase those ducks with Desmond King (50.3 PFF) chasing him in the slot. King has low 2019 grades from PFF, but posted 91.1 and 86.6 over the last two years. Casey Hayward (82.8 PFF) is normally a candidate to shadow opposing WR1s, so he might pay extra attention to JSS when he leaves the slot. I don't know if he'll shadow anyone else, especially with James Washington out, but I've generally seen Hayward at right corner when he isn't shadowing, which would incidentally leave him primarily lined up against Diontae Johnson, which isn't what Johnson's owners want to hear. With that said, the Chargers welcomed back CB2 Michael Davis (59.9 PFF, 65.7 2018) last week, and he should prove an upgrade over previous replacement starter Brandon Facyson (58.7 PFF). 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Johnny Holton, Donte Moncrief

Even: N/A

GB vs DET

PACKERS WR SNAPS

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 286 snaps – 161 wide (100 left, 61 right), 113 slot (71 left, 42 right), two tight (one left, one right), 10 back

Davante Adams: 231 snaps – 94 wide (41 left, 53 right), 131 slot (57 left, 74 right), one tight (one right), five back

Geronimo Allison: 212 snaps – 41 wide (18 left, 23 right), 161 slot (92 left, 69 right), eight tight (four left, four right), two back

Jake Kumerow: 55 snaps – 26 wide (15 left, 11 right), 27 slot (14 left, 13 right), two back

Darius Slay (hamstring) should be able to play, and if he does then he might shadow Marquez Valdes-Scantling when MVS lines up outside. When in the slot, Justin Coleman (83.8 PFF) is the sentence to the unfortunate wideout in question. Weird things can happen, but I'd imagine Geronimo Allison is utterly hopeless against Coleman, who's playing at an All-Pro level. Rashaan Melvin (60.0 PFF) is the remaining outside corner, left to cover the likes of Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard, or whoever else. Melvin is the corner you want to see, but unfortunately for MVS and Allison, Detroit might not let them.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison

Even: Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard

LIONS WR SNAPS

Kenny Golladay: 255 snaps – 160 wide (95 left, 65 right), 89 slot (50 left, 39 right), four tight (two left, two right), two back

Marvin Jones: 249 snaps – 109 wide (49 left, 60 right), 134 slot (52 left, 82 right), six tight (three left, three right)

Danny Amendola: 102 snaps – 12 wide (eight left, four right), 86 slot (51 left, 25 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

I have some trouble figuring this one out. Jaire Alexander (77.8 PFF) shadowed Amari Cooper last week, and I don't know whether Green Bay plans to use him as a shadow in this game. Alexander is more similar physically to Marvin Jones, while Kevin King (65.3) is more built to mirror Kenny Golladay. Still, King is a far inferior player to Alexander, and King's 6-foot-3 build probably doesn't make up the difference even against a big wideout like Golladay. I generally observed King on the right side and Alexander on the left this year, so if past splits hold then Golladay incidentally would see more of King than Alexander in three-wide sets, while primarily running against Tramon Williams (76.8 PFF) in two-wide sets. Jones would thus see Alexander most of the time, while perhaps seeing Williams in the slot occasionally. Danny Amendola should mostly see Williams in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola

Even: Kenny Golladay