Well, FA Nation, who would have thought this time would come. It feels like just yesterday we were breaking down Week 1 of the season. Now, we are in Week 17 and I’m writing the last WR/CB Matchup Report of the 2017 season. It’s surreal and quite frankly, it went too damn quick. Let’s end the year on a high note and reel in some cash so we can live it up on New Year’s Eve!

Oh yeah, follow me on Twitter (@colbyrconway) as well!

Offense

Left WR

Defense

Right CB

Analysis

ARIJohn BrownSEAShaquill GriffinBrown doesn't have a high usage rate in the offense and Griffin is playing some good football to end the 2017 regular season. Over the last six weeks, he's allowing just 10 yards per catch on a 50 percent catch rate.* Avoid Brown and load up on Larry Fitzgerald if you want exposure to the Arizona passing attack.
ATLTaylor GabrielCARDarryl WorleyCarolina has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, but even in a very good matchup, Gabriel cannot be trusted in Week 17. He's caught exactly one pass in three of his last four games and he's scored just one touchdown all season. Leave him out of your lineup for Week 17.
BALMike WallaceCINWilliam JacksonWallace was a preferred play of mine last week, and while he didn't disappoint, he certainly wasn't a beacon of hope in many fantasy championships last week. In what has been an unfortunate year for the Bengals, Jackson has been a shining star. He's allowed a QB rating of 39.6 and 0.06 yards per coverage snap over the last four weeks.* Wallace is a hard sell to be in your lineup this week.
BUFKelvin BenjaminMIAXavien HowardBenjamin had a touchdown last week, but you know, New England. It was a clear touchdown and it would have added to his best game as a Buffalo Bill. Miami has had its problems in pass coverage this year, but entrusting a member of this receiving crew has been deadly this season. Benjamin has some appeal in GPP contests and standard leagues, seeing as Buffalo still has a chance to get to the postseason.
CARDevin FunchessATLRobert AlfordFunchess struggled in a great matchup last week, and in fact, he hasn't been good either of the past two weeks. Atlanta is below-average against the team's opposing No. 1 receiver, which Funchess clearly is. He's a solid WR2 this week.
CHIDontrelle InmanMINXavier RhodesKendall Wright has been seeing more work in recent weeks, which explains Inman's disappearance in recent weeks. He has just 24 receiving yards over the last three weeks and trusting Mitchell Trubisky against the Minnesota pass defense seems like a wallet buster. I'm fading Inman everywhere and anywhere.
CINA.J. GreenBALMarlon HumphreyGreen had a big game a few weeks ago against Pittsburgh, but has been quiet since. Expect Green to get off the schneid and receive a ton of targets from quarterback Andy Dalton. He may not have the step and explosion he had a few years ago, but he's a dynamic receiver that needs to be viewed as a WR1 this week.
CLEJosh GordonPITArtie BurnsGordon is a great talent and there's no denying it. However, DeShone Kizer isn't, and you're only as good as your quarterback in Cleveland. Pittsburgh has been stingy against opposing receivers this season and it's hard to put your faith in Kizer. Gordon has GPP and flex appeal, but nothing more than that.
DALDez BryantPHIRonald DarbyBryant has scored just twice since Week 8 and has caught more than five passes just twice during that span. His production has faltered of late and he's no longer an elite receiver in this league. His physical frame still plays, but he lacks that step he once had. Philadelphia likely rests some key players, but that's still not enough for me to play Bryant in DFS.
DENDemaryius ThomasKCDarelle RevisIf healthy, Paxton Lynch is going to play, and that likely doesn't bode well against an opportunistic Kansas City defense. There have been nine interceptions when targeting Thomas, which is the most in the league.* If Brock Osweiler is under center, I'm more in favor of taking a risk on Thomas, but if it's Lynch, I'd pass. In seasonal formats, if you're still playing, you may not have much of a choice, however.
DETKenny GolladayGBDavon HouseGolladay saw a season-high eight targets last week, but he managed to tally just 28 receiving yards on four catches. He continues to get plenty of run in the offense, which should bode well for him against a Green Bay defense that has been generous to opposing receivers all season.
GBGeronimo AllisonDETDarius SlayWith a fair share of his routes coming against Darius Slay, Allison is an easy fade in the final week of the 2017 campaign. Oh yeah, Brett Hundley will be under center, too! He's averaging 3.3 receptions on five targets for about 27 yards. Don't play him this week, as if that needed stating.
HOUBraxton MillerINDQuincy WilsonMiller will see some extended run out of the slot, but it's hard to get excited about any Houston receiver without DeAndre Hopkins on the field. Sure, there are some added targets, but production will falter.
INDKamar AikenHOUKevin JohnsonAiken's role in the offense is minimal and even in a favorable matchup, this isn't the route to go by any means. Look elsewhere.
JAXDede WestbrookTENBrice McCainMcCain has allowed a catch rate of just over 50 percent over the last four months and has actually been an excellent fill-in for LeShaun Sims.* After a down week, Blake Bortles has an excellent opportunity to get back on track, and that alone will benefit Westbrook's production. Keelan Cole has attracted a lot of attention recently, but Westbrook is still the target hog with Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns on the shelf.
KCDemarcus RobinsonDENBradley RobyHe doesn't get enough work in the passing attack to warrant any usage in seasonal or daily formats. The second-year pro out of Florida has just 17 receptions for 181 yards on the season.
LACTravis BenjaminOAKSean SmithIn terms of QB rating when targeted, Philip Rivers hasn't had much success when throwing to Benjamin. On 18 targets over the last four weeks, the two have hooked up for just seven receptions and a 33.6 QB rating.* Oakland has been horrendous against the pass all season, but even in this matchup, riding with Benjamin seems to be destructive.
LARSammy WatkinsSFDontae JohnsonJohnson has been targeted 21 times over the last four weeks, and he's allowed 17 receptions.* He's allowing a high completion percentage and Watkins has a nose for the end zone. In DFS, you may want to go elsewhere, but even in a limited snap percentage, he could pay off in Week 17 of your seasonal league. He's intriguing, so long as Sean McVay doesn't sit him, too.
MIADeVante ParkerBUFE.J. GainesParker has received double-digit targets in back-to-back games and even though he hasn't eclipsed 90 yards in either of those games, it's encouraging that Jay Cutler is delivering him the football. Buffalo has allowed just 13 passing touchdowns all season, which isn't exactly encouraging for Parker. Consider him a flex option in the final week of the regular season.
MINAdam ThielenCHIPrince AmukamaraThielen hasn't been as good of late, registering just five receptions over the last two weeks, but in seasonal, you have to roll with this guy, unless it's confirmed that he won't be playing at all. Chicago ranks 14th against the pass, but Thielen has beat much better defense than that of the Bears.
NEBrandin CooksNYJMorris ClaiborneClaiborne has struggled in coverage over the last four weeks, allowing three touchdowns and a 149.9 QB rating when targeted.* Cooks possesses big play ability and the Jets rank 23rd in the NFL in pass defense, making him no less than a mid-tier WR2.
NOMichael ThomasTBRyan SmithThere's plenty to play for the Saints this week, so expect Thomas to be a key part of the Week 17 game plan. A late hamstring injury added him to the injury report, but he still recorded double-digit fantasy points last week. Everyone and their grandmother has had success against the Tampa Bay defense, so don't be afraid to throw him everywhere you can.
NYGTravis RudolphWASBashaud BreelandRudolph saw just two targets last week and the injury to Tavarres King opened the door for more playing time for the rookie out of Florida State. The passing offense doesn't give him much opportunity, so he should end the year right where he started; the waiver wire of your fantasy league.
NYJJermaine KearseNEStephon GilmoreKearse hasn't been productive in recent weeks and the New England defense is getting right at the perfect time. Bryce Petty is under center and he doesn't inspire much confidence in Kearse's Week 17 outlook. Man oh man, I wish Josh McCown was still around!
OAKMichael CrabtreeLACCasey HaywardTough matchup here for Crabtree, as he'll likely see a ton of Casey Hayward in this matchup. In seasonal formats, you may not have the luxury of benching Crabtree, but he's an easy fade in DFS. Hayward is one of the best corners in the league and isn't to be messed with.
PHIAlshon JefferyDALJourdan LewisJeffery likely won't get much work this week, so you want to have secondary plans, especially if he doesn't play at all. It is a favorable matchup, but the upside isn't there for Jeffery on a snap count like it is with other guys in the National Football League. Have secondary and tertiary plans.
PITJuJu Smith-SchusterCLEJason McCourtySmith-Schuster may not play a full assortment of snaps, but McCourty has been burned in recent weeks. Over the last four weeks, McCourty has allowed four touchdowns and 1.75 yards per coverage snap.* Antonio Brown definitely isn't playing, so expect another heavy involvement of Smith-Schuster, should he play a full set of snaps. Monitor his status as the week progresses.
SEAPaul RichardsonARITramon WilliamsDespite seeing nearly six targets per game over the last five weeks, Richardson hasn't had much production of which to speak. He has six touchdowns on the year, but just one in the second half of the season. Richardson is a GPP only option this week.
SFMarquise GoodwinLARTrumaine JohnsonThe Rams have allowed the 11th-most yards to receivers over the last four weeks, and could rest some of its more vital pieces in that secondary. If that's the case, Goodwin, who has been clicking with Jimmy Garoppolo, has an excellent opportunity to produce another respectable stat line. In terms of DVOA, the Rams defense is most susceptible on passes to the left side of the field, despite being above-average there, too. Goodwin is an intriguing play this week, to say the least.
TBMike EvansNOMarshon LattimoreEvans was a non-factor in the first matchup against the Saints and he reached his boiling point in that one, as that was the game in which he was dealt a one-game suspension. He's been much better in recent weeks, but he's no where near his 2016 production. Evans is a high-end WR2 in this matchup.
TENCorey DavisJAXA.J. BouyeJacksonville plans on rolling out its big guns and making a statement against a predictable Tennessee offense. Jacksonville is the best in the league in defending passes to the offense's left side of the field, which just so happens to be where Davis runs the majority of his routes.* In a must-win game, this matchup is too tough to trust the rookie.
WASJosh DoctsonNYGBrandon DixonDoctson caught just two passes last week, but he saw 13 targets and it's clear that Kirk Cousins is going to feed him down the stretch. This week's matchup is much more favorable than last, so if he's presented with a similar workload against the hapless Giants, he could be a league winner (if you're still playing), or a DFS diamond. Start him if you got him.

Offense

Right WR

Defense

Left CB

Analysis

ARIJaron BrownSEAByron MaxwellOver the last four weeks, Maxwell has allowed the most receiving yards in the league!* However, Brown doesn't have a huge role in the passing game, and unless he breaks a big one, you're going to be regretting placing him in your lineup,
ATLJulio JonesCARJames BradberryIn a game Atlanta must win, expect a lot of Julio Jones in Week 17. Jones has gone for over 100 yards in three of his last four outings against the Panthers, including 118 yards earlier this season and 300 yards in 2016. Jones is an easy, surefire WR1 this week.
BALChris MooreCINDre KirkpatrickMoore caught 100 percent of his targets last week, which is good, but he only received two. Baltimore needs to win to advance, but it won't be on the back of the Joe Flacco to Chris Moore connection.
BUFDeonte ThompsonMIAAlterraun VernerWhile Kelvin Benjamin can make the contested catch and come down with the 50-50 ball, Thompson is the big-play threat out wide. Despite Buffalo boasting a slightly underwhelming pass attack, the matchup is a favorable against the Miami defense and throwing Thompson in a GPP lineup isn't completely out of the question. He's more of a stretch in seasonal formats, but I'm all for it in daily.
CARBrenton BersinATLDesmond TrufantBersin caught three passes last week, but he doesn't possess that spark that Damiere Byrd added to the Carolina passing attack. Cam Newton is hit or miss and Trufant is one of the league's better corners. Bersin is an easy fade this week.
CHIJosh BellamyMINTrae WaynesBellamy has been used more in recent weeks, but the production isn't indicative of a guy that you want to be rostering. He has just one game this season (two weeks ago) with more than four receptions in a contest and Minnesota sports one of the league's best pass defenses (No. 5 in DVOA).
CINJosh MaloneBALBrandon CarrThe rookie out of Tennessee continues to get run in this offense, but the targets from Andy Dalton and production are nonexistent. He shouldn't be owned in any league that isn't a dynasty setup.
CLECorey ColemanPITJoe HadenHaden traveled with DeAndre Hopkins last week at times, so he'll likely see both Coleman and Josh Gordon. However, it's too hard to get excited about Coleman because of his quarterback, DeShone Kizer. Coleman has just 19 yards on two receptions over the last two weeks. No thank you in DFS this week.
DALTerrance WilliamsPHIJalen MillsOver the last four weeks, Mills has allowed five receiving touchdowns! What makes that even worse is that he's only allowed 11 receptions in that span. However, Williams gets next to no work in the passing game, so he's an easy fade this week.
DENIsaiah McKenzieKCMarcus PetersPaxton Lynch is possibly under center, and Peters has allowed just seven receptions on 20 targets over the last month.* That isn't a recipe for success and McKenzie isn't a key part of the Denver passing attack. Expect a lot of Demaryius Thomas this week.
DETMarvin JonesGBDamarious RandallJones loves playing Green Bay because he tends to always have a big game! He's averaging 106.5 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per meeting against the Packers and the secondary hasn't gotten any healthier. Load him up and love the results!
GBMichael ClarkDETNevin LawsonClark saw some run against the Vikings last week and seemed to be a key read in Brett Hundley's progressions. He an underwhelming fantasy asset in Week 17.
HOUWill FullerINDKenny MooreFuller hasn't been productive with any quarterback other than Deshaun Watson, and even in a plus matchup, he cannot be started in any format. Indy's pass defense has been brutal all season, but Fuller's performances without Watson have been just as such. The injury to DeAndre Hopkins opens the door for some extra targets, but Fuller hasn't been productive in recent weeks.
INDT.Y. HiltonHOUJohnathan JosephHilton burned the Texans for 175 yards and two touchdowns in the last matchup and he's averaging over 100 yards per meeting for his career against the Texans. Houston has sported much better defenses in the past, so despite a boom-or-bust year from Hilton, he's a guy you want to play this week.
JAXKeelan ColeTENAdoree' JacksonCole has been getting peppered with targets in recent weeks, and he's responded well. He's scored in three of his last four games, and tallied at least 99 receiving yards in three of four as well. Cole is averaging seven targets per game over the last four weeks, and Tennessee's pass defense has been exploitable all season. If he gets a full assortment of snaps, start him across the board.
KCDe'Anthony ThomasDENAqib TalibThomas has big play abilities, dating back to his days at Oregon, but things will be tough against one of the stingier corners in the league. Patrick Mahomes under center injects some pizzaz to the offense, but not enough to warrant starting Thomas.
LACTyrell WilliamsOAKDexter McDonaldMcDonald has allowed a catch rate of nearly 63 percent over the last month and a 76.4 QB rating when targeted. Williams is the secondary option behind Keenan Allen in the passing game, making him a GPP option in a must-win game for the Chargers.
LARRobert WoodsSFAhkello WitherspoonWitherspoon has allowed an average of three receptions for roughly 40 yards over the last month and with Jared Goff not playing, don't expect to see Woods out there for too long on Sunday.* I'd feel much safer starting someone who is going to play a full workload with the regular quarterback.
MIAKenny StillsBUFTre'Davious WhiteStills hasn't scored in three weeks and his performances have faltered in recent weeks. Over the last four weeks, White has allowed just five receptions, while notching two interceptions, not to mention a 24 QB rating when targeted.* Still is a mid-tier flex option at best.
MINStefon DiggsCHIKyle FullerOnly three qualified cornerbacks have allowed a lower QB rating when targeted over the last month than Fuller.* He's been balling out and has allowed just 14 receptions on 35 targets!* The opposition continues to throw at him, but the production just isn't there. Diggs will get some work early on, but he likely won't play the full game. A limited snap count for Diggs in a negative matchup isn't exactly forcing my hand to start him in DFS.
NEPhilip DorsettNYJJuston BurrisThere's no reason for the Patriots to rush Chris Hogan back as they have a first round bye locked up, so expect Dorsett to get some run. Will Tom Brady play the whole game? It's something to monitor, but Dorsett still isn't on anyone's radar.
NOTed GinnTBBrent GrimesThe Tampa Bay secondary isn't good, but Grimes has been playing some good football over the past month. During that span, he's allowed a QB rating of 50 when targeted, and just 0.78 yards per coverage.* Ginn could be rested early on in this game, so especially in DFS, he isn't worth the price. Get yourself someone who will play a full assortment of snaps.
NYGRoger LewisWASJosh NormanDon't look now, but Lewis is a sneaky play this week. He's received double-digit target sin each of the last three weeks, catching at least four passes for 40 yards in each of those outings. Sure, those performances aren't anything to scream about, but volume presents opportunity in fantasy and that's what we need at this point of the season. He's sneaky in GPP lineups.
NYJRobby AndersonNEMalcolm ButlerOh, Bryce Petty, what have you done to Robby Anderson! Anderson hasn't topped 60 receiving yards since the beginning of December, despite seeing a solid workload. The New England defense is hitting its stride at the right time, making Anderson a risky Week 17 play.
OAKAmari CooperLACTrevor WilliamsCooper played well in his return to the lineup, but things won't come as easy this week against Williams. He'll likely see some Casey Hayward as well, and we all know how targeting Hayward ends up. Cooper is a low-end WR2 this week, in what has been a disappointing season for the third-year pro.
PHITorrey SmithDALChidobe AwuzieSince his 100-yard outburst on the 10th of December, he's totaled 22 yards on eight targets. Nick Foles likely won't get a full assortment of snaps, and Smith could see a reduced workload as well. I'd rather have Mack Hollins.
PITMartavis BryantCLEJamar TaylorTaylor has allowed a QB rating of 100.8 when targeted over the last four weeks, and Pittsburgh needs to get Martavis Bryant riding high before heading into a postseason run. Bryant caught three passes for 60 yards last week against the Texans and I expect Pittsburgh to force a touchdown to Bryant this week. Start him!
SEATyler LockettARIPatrick PetersonJust because the game doesn't matter for Arizona doesn't mean that Peterson isn't going to go out there and do his thing! We haven't attacked Peterson much this season, and we aren't going to start now! He's allowing 0.63 yards per coverage snap over the last month and Lockett will need the big play to make value.
SFKendrick BourneLARTroy HillBourne didn't get much love last week, but in a slightly better matchup, he could produce. The rookie out of Eastern Washington isn't in play in seasonal formats, let alone DFS. While his outlook for this week is higher, it's not conducive of a noteworthy fantasy performance in the final week of the season.
TBChris GodwinNOKen CrawleyChris Godwin had a nice outing last week, including a nice run after the catch on a near touchdown. If DeSean Jackson were to miss this contest, Godwin would be an intriguing play this week. Crawley has allowed 13 receptions on 22 targets over the last four weeks, and is more susceptible than rookie Marshon Lattimore.
TENRishard MatthewsJAXJalen RamseyLast time in this matchup, Matthews caught three passes for 43 yards. The Jacksonville defense has maintained an elite level of play and Ramsey grades out as one of the league's best cornerbacks this season. I'm not buying into any Tennessee receiver this final week of the regular season.
WASRyan GrantNYGRoss CockrellGrant had a decent game last week, notching double-digit fantasy points and he's looking to end the season on a high note. He's 50 yards away from 600 on the season, and a touchdown in the season finale would give him five for the season. Grant is a low-end flex option this week.

Now, here are my 10 favorite matchups in the slot this weekend.

Offense

Slot WR

Defense

Slot CB

Analysis

MIAJarvis LandryBUFLeonard JohnsonOnly Brian Poole has allowed more receptions out of the slot this season and the opposition tends to attack Buffalo in the slot. Johnson is the most targeted slot corner this season and Landry is an absolute target machine in the league. He has top-seven upside this week.
LACKeenan AllenOAKT.J. CarrieCarrie has allowed three touchdowns in slot coverage this season, not to mention the third-most receptions (51). In a must-win game, expect Philip Rivers to target Allen at least 10 times in this matchup.
DETGolden TateGBMorgan BurnettBurnett is by no means a slouch in coverage, but he's not someone we should avoid entirely. Tate has been outsnapped by Kenny Golladay in recent weeks, but this is a great opportunity for Tate to end on a high note. For the whole season, Green Bay ranks 8th in slot coverage, but don't shy away from Tate in PPR formats this final week.
SEADoug BaldwinARITyrann MathieuIt's been a few down weeks for Baldwin, but he has scored in two of the last three weeks, and he's also just 99 yards away from 1,000 on the year. Russell Wilson needs to get back on track, and staying away from Patrick Peterson is the way to go against the Cardinals. Fire up Baldwin as a high-end WR2.
ARILarry FitzgeraldSEAJustin ColemanFitzgerald is racking up the targets lately and that will continue with Drew Stanton under center. Over the last two weeks, Fitz has 14 receptions on 25 targets for 179 yards and one touchdown. Seattle's defense isn't what it used to be with all the injuries and aging players, but they are still a formidable foe. Fitz is a lock-and-load WR2 in Week 17.
NYGSterling ShepardWASKendall FullerFuller isn't the easiest matchup out of the slot, but Shepard has averaged 12 targets over the last two weeks and is clearly Eli Manning's favorite target. If Evan Engram were to miss this game, you can lock him in for double-digit targets again this week! Despite the tough matchup, Shepard remains a low-end WR2 this week. NOTE: Shepard is inactive and will not play in the season finale.
CHIKendall WrightMINTerrence NewmanWright is averaging 10 targets per game over the last three weeks and is clearly Mitchell Trubisky's top target. Minnesota ranks 18th in slot coverage and they will likely throw it early and often in this game. He's a quality salary relief option in DFS this week.
ATLMohamed SanuCARCaptain MunnerlynOver the last four weeks, Munnerlyn has allowed a 90 percent catch rate and the seventh-most receiving yards in slot coverage.* Sanu is Matt Ryan's guy in the red zone and in a must-win game, Atlanta needs to pull out all the stops. Julio Jones will get his, but Sanu will sneak in and get his double-digit fantasy points.
WASJamison CrowderNYGDominique Rodgers-CromartieThe Giants are league-average in slot coverage this season, but DRC has struggled in recent weeks. He's allowed a 132.1 QB rating when targeted over the last four weeks, including one touchdown on his watch. Crowder has scored in consecutive weeks and he's Kirk Cousins' most reliable target in the Washington passing attack.
NEDanny AmendolaNYJBuster SkrineAmendola caught just three passes last week and his usage hasn't been high in either of the last two weeks, but this matchup is too favorable to avoid. Skrine has allowed three touchdowns out of the slot this season and don't be surprised if that mark turns to four by Sunday's end.

Affordable

Marvin Jones vs. Damarious Randall

I wrote it in the table above, as well as the DFS WR Coach, but Jones is the Green Bay assassin. He’s averaging over 100 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay for his career, including a 200 yard game last season. I’m not sure what it is, but he continues to produce against Green Bay and Randall, his likely adversary in Week 17, is Pro Football Focus’ No. 82 cornerback on the season. Jones has elite upside at an affordable price this week, which is something to exploit.

Bargain Bin

Roger Lewis vs. Josh Norman

At name value, this matchup seems negative, but in fact, Lewis has sneaky appeal in GPPs this week. Over the last three weeks, Norman is allowing over 30 yards per reception and a 145.8 QB rating when targeted.* Norman has been vulnerable of late, and whether you want to believe it or not, Lewis is racking up the targets in recent weeks. In fact, over the last three weeks, Lewis’ 32 targets lead all receivers in the National Football League!* The production hasn’t quite been there, but volume is key and at a reduced price, his high usage will certainly lead him to exceed value in DFS.
 

*Information gathered from research done at Pro Football Focus.