Corner Report: Week 4

UPDATE: Darius Slay is a game-time decision for Detroit. If he's out, we can probably call it an upgrade for each of Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, and Demarcus Robinson -- slot corner Justin Coleman would be the primary remaining obstacle, but each receiver would get enough looks away from him to see beneficial matchups even so

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.

BALTIMORE vs CLEVELAND

• BALTIMORE WR SNAPS

Willie Snead: 150 snaps – 19 wide (seven left, 12 right), 116 slot (48 left, 68 right), two tight (one left, one right), 13 back

Seth Roberts: 128 snaps – 109 wide (85 left, 24 right), 18 slot (16 left, two right)

Marquise Brown: 125 snaps – 59 wide (16 left, 43 right), 60 slot (30 left, 30 right), six back

Miles Boykin: 81 snaps – 67 wide (45 left, 22 right), 14 slot (10 left, four right)
 

The Browns' remarkably unfortunate secondary will apparently need to endure another week of struggles with starting corners Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams both missing practice all week due to hamstring issues. That leaves Terrance Mitchell (64.3 PFF) and T.J. Carrie (63.9 PFF) as the starters, and according to PFF, Eric Murray (68.2 PFF) has seen the most slot coverage among the team's corners. All three players are the definition of replacement level. Carrie played right corner last week, would would seemingly set him up against Seth Roberts most of the time, and Miles Boykin at most other times. If that leaves Mitchell on the left, then Marquise Brown should be his leading assignment, followed by Murray.

Upgrade: Marquise Brown

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Willie Snead, Seth Roberts, Miles Boykin

• CLEVELAND WR SNAPS

Jarvis Landry: 202 snaps – 35 wide (10 left, 25 right), 156 slot (75 left, 81 right), seven tight (four left, three right), four back

Odell Beckham: 197 snaps – 143 wide (84 left, 59 right), 50 slot (27 left, 23 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

Damion Ratley: 131 snaps – 99 wide (46 left, 53 right), 32 slot (14 left, 18 right)

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

As the lead slot guy Jarvis Landry is likely to see Brandon Carr (71.9 PFF) more than anyone else, though PFF credits all of Tony Jefferson, Anthony Averett, and Maurice Canady with at least 15 slot snaps each, so he should see them too. Jefferson (70.3) and Averett (75.3) both enjoyed high PFF coverage grades last year, though they've respectively fallen to 53.6 and 38.7 in 2019. Canady has the best numbers of the three in 2019 with a 72.8 grade so far. Odell Beckham lines up everywhere but with a slight tilt to the left side, which would primarily set him up against Averett at right corner. When lined up on the right Beckham would draw the imposing coverage of Marlon Humphrey (83.4 PFF), though Humphrey is playing through a hip issue that has him listed as questionable. If Humphrey can't lock down Beckham, then Beckham can separate from the remaining corners, perhaps with relative ease. Damion Ratley would be a clear underdog against Humphrey and probably no better than a break even against the other corners.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Damion Ratley
 

HOUSTON vs CAROLINA

• HOUSTON WR SNAPS
   

DeAndre Hopkins: 180 snaps – 90 wide (51 left, 39 right), 90 slot (45 left, 45 right)

Will Fuller: 176 snaps – 83 wide (45 left, 38 right), 90 slot (38 left, 52 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Kenny Stills: 84 snaps – 28 wide (13 left,15 right), 50 slot (17 left, 33 right), three tight (two left, one right), three back

Keke Coutee: 44 snaps – three wide (two left, one right), 36 slot (27 left, nine right), five back

Donte Jackson (67.2 PFF) is arguably Carolina's top corner yet he's questionable with a groin issue and didn't practice Friday. He would normally be primarily on the left side, with James Bradberry (64.9 PFF) on the right. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller played pretty evenly between the right and left to this point, though, so the distribution should be relatively even assuming the game plans remain similar. It must be noted, though, that Jackson and his low 4.3 speed are a much better counter to the burning speed of Fuller, and Kenny Stills for that matter, than the taller, more lumbering Bradberry would be. If Fuller or Stills get on Bradberry, it's something for Houston to attack. Hopkins projects as an advantage over whatever Carolina corner he sees. Ross Cockrell (N/A PFF), a generally unwanted journeyman, played the slot last week and would project as beatable for whichever Houston WR faces him, including Keke Coutee, though Coutee's snap count fell to just 17 last week and it's hard to see where he'd be useful in fantasy.

Upgrade: Whoever is on Bradberry, Cockrell, or the backup to Donte Jackson

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Whoever is on Jackson in the event that he plays

• CAROLINA WR SNAPS

Curtis Samuel: 181 snaps – 103 wide (36 left, 67 right), 72 slot (38 left, 34 right), three tight (one left, two right), three back

D.J. Moore: 178 snaps – 140 wide (104 left, 36 right), 30 slot (18 left, 12 right), one tight (one left), seven back

Jarius Wright: 120 snaps – 16 wide (eight left, eight right), 102 slot (52 left, 50 right), two back

Curtis Samuel has generally lined up on the right while D.J. Moore has generally lined up on the left, which for the most part projects them to see, respectively, Johnathan Joseph (81.1 PFF) and Lonnie Johnson (N/A PFF). Despite Joseph's high 2018 grade, he has struggled a bit in 2019 and is 35 years old. Samuel can beat him. Moore should be able to beat the rookie Johnson, who has a 37.6 PFF coverage grade through 89 coverage snaps. Jarius Wright should primarily run against Bradley Roby (58.6 PFF), whose 2019 grade of 62.9 indicates only negligible improvement from last year.

Upgrade: Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Jarius Wright

MIAMI vs CHARGERS

• MIAMI WR SNAPS

DeVante Parker: 161 snaps – 92 wide (45 left, 47 right), 66 slot (34 left, 32 right), three tight (one left, two right)

Preston Williams: 129 snaps – 107 wide (76 left, 31 right), 22 slot (15 left, seven right)

Jakeem Grant: 113 snaps – 35 wide (five left, 30 right), 72 slot (26 left, 46 right), six back

DeVante Parker has almost perfectly even splits between the left and right, so he may or may not see an even helping between Casey Hayward (74.5 PFF) and rookie Brandon Facyson (N/A PFF) depending on whether the Chargers choose to shadow Parker with Hayward. It's just as possible that the Chargers might determine Preston Williams to be the bigger threat between Parker and himself. But Parker is the more established threat of the two, so it's reasonable to guess Hayward will primarily be Parker's problem. If so, it's another green light for Williams, as Facyson is a rookie who wasn't supposed to be any higher than fifth on the depth chart. Jakeem Grant should see a bit of Facyson but especially Desmond King (90.0 PFF), perhaps the most feared slot corner in the league.

Upgrade: Preston Williams (as long as Hayward shadows Parker)

Downgrade: DeVante Parker (unless not shadowed by Hayward), Jakeem Grant

Even: N/A

• CHARGERS WR SNAPS

Keenan Allen: 178 snaps – 63 wide (37 left, 26 right), 107 slot (41 left, 66 right), four tight (one left, three right), four back

Mike Williams: 150 snaps – 74 wide (38 left, 36 right), 74 slot (35 left, 39 right), one tight (one right), one back

Travis Benjamin: 114 snaps – 44 wide (21 left, 23 right), 46 slot (22 left, 24 right), three tight (one left, two right), 21 back

Dontrelle Inman: 87 snaps – 46 wide (20 left, 26 right), 34 slot (18 left, 16 right), four tight (three left, one right), three back

Keenan Allen is great, and with Mike Williams (back) out, Allen's usage should be through the roof. In terms of the matchup, though, this is a bad spot. As much as Allen's talent and usage could overrule the detail, cornerback assignments don't get much tougher than Xavien Howard (75.3 PFF), who figures to follow Allen whenever possible. Williams will likely be replaced by a combination of Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman, both of whom have even left/right splits and mostly even outside/inside splits. When outside and on the left, Eric Rowe (58.5 PFF) is the likeliest matchup. When in the slot, Jomal Wiltz (N/A PFF) is the primary matchup, and Wiltz's 31.9 coverage grade through three games implies he's quite vulnerable.

Upgrade: Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman

Downgrade: Keenan Allen

Even: N/A
 

BUFFALO vs NEW ENGLAND

• BUFFALO WR SNAPS

John Brown: 183 snaps – 104 wide (56 left, 48 right), 74 slot (37 left, 37 right), five back

Cole Beasley: 125 snaps – 19 wide (13 left, six right), 105 slot (52 left, 53 right), one back

Zay Jones: 108 snaps – 31 wide (14 left, 17 right), 74 slot (37 left, 37 right), three tight (three right)

Robert Foster: 54 snaps – 25 wide (15 left, 10 right), 26 slot (11 left, 15 right), three back

With even splits between outside/inside and left/right, John Brown should see an even helping of New England's equally ruthless coverage candidates, and the worst-case scenario is probably one where the Patriots shadow him with Stephon Gilmore (90.8 PFF). Cole Beasley should see a great deal of the imposing Jonathan Jones (61.0 PFF), whose 2019 grade (86.0) is probably a more fair representation of his skill. Zay Jones should see plenty of Jonathan as well, but the wideout who manages to avoid all of Gilmore, Jones, and Jason McCourty (83.3 PFF) would still have to face an imposing matchup in J.C. Jackson (72.4 PFF).

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: John Brown, Cole Beasley, Zay Jones, Robert Foster

Even: N/A

• NEW ENGLAND WR SNAPS

Josh Gordon: 179 snaps – 127 wide (76 left, 51 right), 50 slot (32 left, 18 right), two tight (one left, one right)

Julian Edelman: 172 snaps – 19 wide (seven left, 12 right), 147 slot (59 left, 88 right), three tight (one left, two right), three back

Phillip Dorsett: 158 snaps – 65 wide (30 left, 35 right), 88 slot (43 left, 45 right), one tight (one left), four back

Jakobi Meyers: 56 snaps – four wide (one left, three right), 51 slot (22 left, 29 right), one back

Julian Edelman (chest) should be fine, and if so he'll be the primary assignment of Taron Johnson (69.6 PFF), who couldn't stop Edelman last year despite Johnson earning solid PFF grades. Tre'Davious White (62.5 PFF) might shadow Josh Gordon, but he wouldn't necessarily be an imposing matchup if so – Gordon is much bigger and can box White out even if the coverage is good. Phillip Dorsett gets either White or Levi Wallace (85.3 PFF) for the most part, but strong PFF grades aside, Wallace and his 4.6 speed probably don't want to run with a burner like Dorsett.

Upgrade: Julian Edelman

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers

ATLANTA vs TENNESSEE

• ATLANTA WR SNAPS

Mohamed Sanu: 162 snaps – 15 wide (nine left, six right), 145 slot (83 left, 62 right), two tight (two left)

Julio Jones: 146 snaps – 92 wide (64 left, 28 right), 54 slot (26 left, 28 right)

Calvin Ridley: 145 snaps – 88 wide (27 left, 61 right), 57 slot (19 left, 38 right)

Mohamed Sanu should primarily draw Logan Ryan (70.1 PFF), who's probably one of the league's better slot corners. Sanu has a size advantage, but Ryan is probably attached at the hip more often than not. Julio Jones has primarily lined up on the left when outside, and in that case he should primarily see Malcolm Butler (69.8 PFF), a major speed mismatch despite whatever skills Butler might possess. Adoree Jackson (68.9 PFF) is the toolsiest of the Tennessee corners, and his primary assignment should be Calvin Ridley.

Upgrade: Julio Jones

Downgrade: Mohamed Sanu

Even: Calvin Ridley

• TENNESSEE WR SNAPS

Corey Davis: 150 snaps – 58 wide (25 left, 33 right), 88 slot (45 left, 43 right), four tight (one left, three right)

Adam Humphries: 107 snaps – 10 wide (seven left, three right), 87 snaps (54 left, 33 right), eight tight (seven left, one right), two back

Tajae Sharpe: 99 snaps – 66 wide (49 left, 17 right), 31 slot (18 left, 13 right), one tight (one left), one back

A.J. Brown: 91 snaps – 53 wide (27 left, 26 right), 31 slot (eight left, 23 right), six tight (four left, two right), one back

Corey Davis has been a dud so far but should see manageable matchups in this, where he has a height advantage against whoever he sees. Desmond Trufant (68.7 PFF) is the most respected of the group, but Isaiah Oliver (69.6 PFF) brings similar pedigree. Damontae Kazee posted good coverage numbers in 2018 (82.7) but has struggled in 2019 (48.0), and he lacks both the size and athleticism to match a player like Davis. The same is true of A.J. Brown, though the Titans willingly hurt themselves by cutting his snaps to subsidize those of Tajae Sharpe and Adam Humphries, neither of whom are especially threatening.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, Tajae Sharpe, A.J. Brown

INDIANAPOLIS vs OAKLAND

• INDIANAPOLIS WR SNAPS

T.Y. Hilton: 155 snaps – 98 wide (40 left, 58 right), 55 slot (22 left, 33 right), one tight (one right), one back

Zach Pascal: 84 snaps – 19 wide (16 left, three right), 54 slot (23 left, 31 right), six tight (one left, five right), five back

Deon Cain: 82 snaps – 66 wide (32 left, 34 right), 15 slot (nine left, six right), one tight (one right)

Chester Rogers: 80 snaps – 10 wide (two left, eight right), 63 slot (21 left, 42 right), six tight (one left, five right), one back

Parris Campbell: 66 snaps – 15 wide (six left, nine right), 47 slot (21 left, 26 right), two tight (two right), two back

T.Y. Hilton (quadriceps) might be out, in which case Parris Campbell and Deon Cain need to step up. Cain plays mostly outside, where he should see Gareon Conley (61.5 PFF) and Daryl Worley (51.5 PFF), the latter being the preferable matchup. Campbell should see a handful of outside looks but should mostly work inside, where Lamarcus Joyner (71.2 PFF) poses a significant obstacle, but also one who cannot at all run with Campbell (pretty much no one can). 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Parris Campbell, Chester Rogers

Even: T.Y. Hilton, Deon Cain, Zach Pascal

• OAKLAND WR SNAPS

Tyrell Williams: 167 snaps – 114 wide (78 left, 36 right), 49 slot (25 left, 24 right), two tight (two right), two back

Hunter Renfrow: 95 snaps – four wide (three left, one right), 89 slot (43 left, 46 right), two tight (two right)

J.J. Nelson: 52 snaps – 26 wide (11 left, 15 right), 24 slot (12 left, 12 right), two back

Tyrell Williams has lined up on the left more than the right, and he therefore might see Rock Ya-Sin (N/A PFF), a rookie with a 62.9 PFF coverage grade, at least in three-wide sets. Kenny Moore (65.2 PFF) moves inside in such sets, and he'd presumably take Hunter Renfrow in those cases. Pierre Desir (73.9 PFF) is probably the best outside Indianapolis corner, but he doesn't have the speed to run with J.J. Nelson if Derek Carr is willing to rip it downfield.

Upgrade: Tyrell Williams

Downgrade: Hunter Renfrow

Even: J.J. Nelson

GIANTS vs WASHINGTON

• GIANTS WR SNAPS

Bennie Fowler: 141 snaps – 81 wide (34 left, 53 right), 55 slot (29 left, 26 right), three tight (two left, one right), two back

Sterling Shepard: 126 snaps – 17 wide (eight left, nine right), 105 slot (55 left, 50 right), one tight (one left), three back

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

Darius Slayton: 27 snaps – 26 wide (16 left, 10 right), one slot (one right)

Sterling Shepard gets a green light against Jimmy Moreland (N/A PFF), a seventh-round rookie out of James Madison with a current PFF coverage grade of 57.6. Josh Norman (72.0 PFF) will probably need to cover someone outside, be it Bennie Fowler or Cody Latimer, neither of whom project so great against Norman even in his eroding state, but Latimer is the toolsier of the two. Darius Slayton is quite interesting for his burning speed, and no one in the Washington secondary can run with him.

Upgrade: Sterling Shepard

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer, Darius Slayton
 

• WASHINGTON WR SNAPS

Terry McLaurin: 182 snaps – 142 wide (91 left, 51 right), 38 slot (18 left, 20 right), one tight (one right), one back

Paul Richardson: 170 snaps – 68 wide (24 left, 44 right), 93 slot (32 left, 61 right), three tight (one left, two right), six back

Trey Quinn: 166 snaps – 17 wide (five left, 12 right), 134 slot (59 left, 75 right), 13 tight (two left, 11 right), two back

Terry McLaurin has a hamstring issue to account for, but if he plays he would presumably work mostly on the left side. As the primary Washington wideout target in terms of air yardage, McLaurin might be the top threat identified by the Giants defense, and if so they might assign Janoris Jenkins (66.3 PFF) in shadow coverage. Jenkins doesn't look so fast these days, and maybe even an 85 percent McLaurin might prove too fast. Trey Quinn should see a lot of Grant Haley (70.5 PFF), who earned high grades last year but owns a 49.1 PFF coverage grade to this point in 2019. You might expect Paul Richardson to see the Jenkins shadow if McLaurin is out, but if McLaurin is in then Richardson should mostly see DeAndre Baker (N/A PFF), a rookie first-round pick but one who has merely a 28.0 PFF grade through three games.

Upgrade: Terry McLaurin, Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

DETROIT vs KANSAS CITY

• DETROIT WR SNAPS

Kenny Golladay: 187 snaps – 120 wide (69 left, 51 right), 62 slot (37 left, 25 right), three tight (one left, two right), two back

Marvin Jones: 175 snaps – 78 wide (38 left, 40 right), 93 slot (39 left, 54 right), four tight (two left, two right)

Danny Amendola: 102 snaps – 12 wide (three left, nine right), 86 slot (51 left, 35 right), two tight (one left, one right), two back

Kenny Golladay has so far run a little bit more on the left side than the right, and with a pronounced outside split versus inside. That should primarily leave him running against Charvarius Ward (64.7 in 2019), who's done reasonably well this year, but his 2018 grade was 59.4. Marvin Jones has more so played in the slot and on the right, which should primarily leave him with Bashaud Breeland (57.2 PFF) and to a lesser extent slot corner Kendall Fuller (70.2 PFF). Jones probably has an advantage on Breeland, but Fuller is a tougher matchup. Danny Amendola generally would seem the underdog against Fuller.

Upgrade: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones

Downgrade: Danny Amendola

Even: N/A

• KANSAS CITY WR SNAPS

Sammy Watkins: 200 snaps – 45 wide (26 left, 19 right), 147 slot (76 left, 71 right), five tight (three left, two right), three backfield

Demarcus Robinson: 174 snaps – 109 wide (68 left, 41 right), 51 slot (23 left, 28 right), 10 tight (four left, six right), four back

Mecole Hardman: 151 snaps – 44 wide (26 left, 18 right), 88 slot (48 left, 40 right), six tight (two left, four right), 13 back

Sammy Watkins is a candidate to see shadow coverage from Darius Slay (78.2 PFF) when lined up outside, and when lined up in the slot he may mostly see Justin Coleman (75.1 PFF), both of whom are likely among the best corners league-wide. The other outside corner, Rashaan Melvin (56.3 PFF), struggled last year in Oakland but was productive in Indianapolis the year before, when he secured a 75.9 coverage grade from PFF. Watkins is a standout talent and could rise to the occasion, but he's unlikely to see favorable man coverage matchups in this. If Slay does shadow Watkins, then Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman would be the best bets to get shots at the more manageable Melvin. With more of his snaps occurring as the boundary receiver between the two, Robinson might see a little more of Melvin, and Hardman a little more of Coleman. Hardman has the speed to run past Coleman (4.53-second 40), but Coleman is super quick and explosive, so the underneath plays for Hardman might consist only of screens. Coleman just doesn't seem all that beatable in the underneath or intermediate. I don't want to discourage anyone from playing the Chiefs wideouts just because of the bad matchup, so to be clear: Pat Mahomes is an overruling factor in any matchup, and this case is no different. It's just worth also keeping in mind that it won't be as easy as playing the Raiders.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman

Even: Demarcus Robinson

RAMS vs TAMPA BAY

• RAMS WR SNAPS

Robert Woods: 200 snaps – 30 wide (12 left, 18 right), 126 slot (28 left, 98 right), 22 tight (four left, 18 right), 22 back

Cooper Kupp: 194 snaps – five wide (four left, one right), 132 slot (74 left, 58 right), 53 tight (21 left, 32 right), four back

Brandin Cooks: 192 snaps – 64 wide (51 left, 13 right), 117 slots (93 left, 24 right), 11 back

It should be mostly favorable for each of the three big-name Rams wideouts, with even the struggling Robert Woods in a good position to post production while Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks look to build on recent momentum. Woods has more or less functioned as the right receiver while Cooks has seen more snaps on the left, with more of them outside than Woods. PFF credits M.J. Stewart (56.1 PFF) with most of the slot coverage for Tampa, and Kupp has thrived against tougher matchups. In that scenario, Cooks should mostly see Carlton Davis (59.0 PFF), a clear mismatch in the sense of both general player quality and also traits, because Davis (6-foot-1, 206 pounds, 4.53-second 40) isn't built to track a dart with 4.33 jets like Cooks. Woods should mostly see Vernon Hargreaves (56.4 PFF), who generally matches Woods in terms of traits, but not in terms of demonstrated skill set.

Upgrade: Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

• TAMPA BAY WR SNAPS

Chris Godwin: 193 snaps – 23 wide (10 left, 13 right), 128 slot (61 left, 67 right), 40 tight (25 left, 15 right), two back 

Mike Evans: 181 snaps – 136 wide (65 left, 71 right), 43 slot (21 left, 22 right), one tight (one right), one back

Breshad Perriman: 125 snaps – 60 wide (28 left, 32 right), 58 slot (30 left, 28 right), five tight (four left, one right), two back

Chris Godwin (hip) is questionable to play, and if he were inactive it would vacate most of Tampa Bay's slot wideout snaps. If he were to play, Nickell Robey-Coleman (80.8 PFF) would be his primary matchup, and they generally don't get tougher in the slot than Robey-Coleman. Mike Evans has played mostly out wide but with mostly even splits between left and right, so he should see an even amount of both Marcus Peters (60.6 PFF) and Aqib Talib (75.2 PFF). Breshad Perriman is in a similar boat, though he's more likely to move inside than Evans.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Chris Godwin (hip)

Even: Mike Evans, Breshad Perriman

ARIZONA vs SEATTLE

• ARIZONA WR SNAPS

Larry Fitzgerald: 207 snaps – 14 wide (11 left, three right), 184 slot (120 left, 64 right), seven tight (six left, one right), two back

Christian Kirk: 204 snaps – 37 wide (five left, 32 right), 159 slot (49 left, 110 right), two tight (two left), six back

Damiere Byrd: 202 snaps – 174 wide (160 left, 14 right), 25 slot (24 left, one right), three tight (three left)

KeeSean Johnson: 122 snaps – 110 wide (11 left, 99 right), 12 slot (one left, 11 right)

Damiere Byrd is out, leaving Trent Sherfield to get his first start, presumably mostly on the left side. If so, Larry Fitzgerald should often join him out there. KeeSean Johnson almost exclusively runs on the right, same as Christian Kirk. The Seahawks will presumably use a lot of atypical coverages to counter Arizona's frequent four-wide looks, but generally Shaquill Griffin (48.1 PFF) plays on the left while Tre Flowers (57.4 PFF) plays on the right. Jamar Taylor (39.4 PFF) is ticketed for the slot, where he'll see plenty of both Fitz and Kirk. Griffin should primarily see Johnson and Kirk, while Flowers should mostly see Sherfield and Fitz.

Upgrade: Christian Kirk, Larry Fitzgerald

Downgrade: N/A

Even: KeeSean Johnson, Trent Sherfield

• SEATTLE WR SNAPS

Tyler Lockett: 196 snaps – 27 wide (six left, 21 right), 159 slot (68 slot, 91 right), three tight (one left, two right), seven back

D.K. Metcalf: 180 snaps – 140 wide (98 left, 42 right), 39 slot (29 left, 10 right), one tight (one left)

Jaron Brown: 158 snaps – 76 wide (21 left, 55 right), 78 slot (36 left, 42 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back

David Moore: 20 snaps – 15 wide (five left, 10 right), five slot (three left, two right)

Tyler Lockett has mostly played the slot and should mostly see Tramaine Brock (60.5 PFF) – a major mismatch. DK Metcalf primarily lines up on the left, where he should mostly see the promising but much less toolsy Byron Murphy (N/A PFF), who carries a 62.1 coverage grade from PFF so far. Jaron Brown would also see Brock in some of his slot snaps and primarily Chris Jones (N/A PFF), whose 72.6 coverage grade is actually highest among 2019 Arizona corners. David Moore is the wildcard for Seattle, as he plays primarily outside like Metcalf.

Upgrade: Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Jaron Brown, David Moore

CHICAGO vs MINNESOTA

• CHICAGO WR SNAPS

Allen Robinson: 178 snaps – 65 wide (36 left, 29 right), 105 slot (52 left, 53 right), eight tight (four left, four right)

Taylor Gabriel: 163 snaps – 73 wide (36 left, 37 right), 88 slot (35 left, 53 right), one tight (one right), one back

Tarik Cohen: 105 snaps – four wide (one left, three right), 56 slot (27 left, 26 right), three tight (two left, one right), 42 back

Anthony Miller: 79 snaps – five wide (one left, four right), 63 slot (37 left, 26 right), 11 tight (eight left, three right)

Mackensie Alexander (72.5 PFF) might be able to return this week from his elbow injury, and if he does he could present a meaningful obstacle for whoever is running from the slot. Xavier Rhodes (55.1 PFF) figures to shadow Allen Robinson, but Rhodes struggled last year and this year hasn't gone too much better (59.5 PFF). Trae Waynes (64.6 PFF) is arguably the tougher Minnesota corner to this point, but if Rhodes shadows Robinson then Waynes will be left with whoever isn't in the slot, and with Taylor Gabriel (concussion) out it would almost need to be either Anthony Miller or Javon Wims. 

Upgrade: Allen Robinson

Downgrade: Javon Wims

Even: Anthony Miller, Tarik Cohen

• MINNESOTA WR SNAPS

Adam Thielen: 165 snaps – 67 wide (36 left, 31 right), 84 slot (32 left, 52 right), five tight (four left, one right), nine back

Stefon Diggs:134 snaps – 77 wide (38 left, 39 right), 56 slot (30 left, 26 right), one back

When lined up outside, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs will draw their assignment based on their alignment, which are mostly evenly split to this point. It's therefore reasonable to think they'll each see an even helping of Kyle Fuller (82.3 PFF) and Prince Amukamara (77.1 PFF), both of whom were standout corners last year. The slot is far more vulnerable, where Buster Skrine (50.8 PFF) presents the offense a tempting alternative target. Thielen plays the slot more than Diggs, so Thielen is the most likely to see Skrine.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Stefon Diggs

Even: Adam Thielen

DENVER vs JACKSONVILLE

• DENVER WR SNAPS

Courtland Sutton: 197 snaps – 118 wide (73 left, 45 right), 74 slot (48 left, 26 right), five tight (three left, two right)

Emmanuel Sanders: 188 snaps – 64 wide (25 left, 39 right), 117 slot (40 left, 74 right), five tight (two left, three right), two back

DaeSean Hamilton: 142 snaps – eight wide (four left, four right), 117 slot (54 left, 63 right), 14 tight (nine left, five right), three back

Courtland Sutton tends to line up on the left, where he would normally see A.J. Bouye (79.3 PFF) more than anyone else. It's not clear whether the potential absence of Jalen Ramsey might lead Jacksonville to instead consider shadowing Emmanuel Sanders with Bouye. Sutton is imposing enough on his own that Jacksonville might keep him on Bouye, in which case Sanders would see the adequate D.J. Hayden (73.7 PFF) in the slot but Tre Herndon (48.6 PFF) for the most part outside. That would probably be a win for Sanders. DaeSean Hamilton does not project especially well against Hayden in the slot.

Upgrade: Emmanuel Sanders (only if Ramsey is out and Bouye does not shadow)

Downgrade: DaeSean Hamilton, Courtland Sutton (unless Bouye shadows Sanders)

Even: N/A

• JACKSONVILLE WR SNAPS

Dede Westbrook: 146 snaps – 13 wide (nine left, four right), 130 slot (68 left, 62 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Chris Conley: 136 snaps – 113 wide (67 left, 46 right), 22 slot (11 left, 11 right), one tight (one right)

D.J. Chark: 131 snaps – 70 wide (32 left, 38 right), 57 slot (20 left, 37 right), four tight (two left, two right)

Kareem Jackson (74.2 PFF) might miss the game and deprive Denver of its leading slot corner, which would normally result in a matchup upgrade for Dede Westbrook. The problem is that if Jackson doesn't play, the Broncos might just move Chris Harris into the slot, where he has a history of playing at an elite level. If Harris is Westbrook's new matchup, it might actually be a downgrade from the Jackson matchup. If Harris instead shadows D.J. Chark, leaving Westbrook against a yet unnamed slot replacement corner, then Chark would be left with the downgrade while Westbrook would get a green light. Whoever runs against Isaac Yiadom (55.6 PFF) has an easier matchup, and it seems like Chris Conley might see the most of him. 

Upgrade: Whoever isn't on Chris Harris

Downgrade: Who is on Chris Harris

Even: N/A

NEW ORLEANS vs DALLAS

• NEW ORLEANS WR SNAPS

Michael Thomas: 170 snaps – 86 wide (55 left, 31 right), 84 slot (61 left, 23 right)

Ted Ginn: 126 snaps – 80 wide (29 left, 51 right), 39 slot (18 left, 21 right), three tight (three left), four back

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

Austin Carr: 24 snaps – three wide (one left, two right), 18 slot (11 left, seven right), three tight (one left, two right)

Byron Jones (80.4 PFF) is the most feared Dallas cornerback, especially outside, but his exact utilization remains to be seen as he works his way back from an offseason hip injury. Chidobe Awuzie (65.4 PFF) appears to be the guy at left corner, meaning he should see Ted Ginn more than Michael Thomas. Thomas seems more likely to see Jones and Anthony Brown (65.7 PFF), with Brown perhaps moving to the slot when Jones sets up outside at right corner. Jourdan Lewis (72.8 PFF) receives strong PFF grades, but Dallas cut his playing time last week. If Brown is in the slot rather than Lewis, that's arguably a gain for New Orleans.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Austin Carr, Tre'Quan Smith

Even: Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn

• DALLAS WR SNAPS

Amari Cooper: 176 snaps – 111 wide (59 left, 52 right), 55 slot (26 left, 29 right), five tight (two left, three right), five back

Randall Cobb: 153 snaps – two wide (one left, one right), 136 slot (68 left, 68 right), eight tight (four left, four right), seven back

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

Devin Smith: 90 snaps – 52 wide (26 left, 26 right), 36 slot (25 left, 11 right), one tight (one right), one back

Amari Cooper should see a relatively even split of Marshon Lattimore (76.7 PFF) and Eli Apple (64.2 PFF), both of whom are toolsy corners of a build similar to Cooper. Both corners have earned sub-60 coverage grades from PFF to this point in 2019, though, and Cooper just got done dusting Xavien Howard, who's arguably better than either Saints headlining corner. Cooper is a beast and so is Dak Prescott, so the matchup isn't intimidating. Nor is it intimidating for Randall Cobb, who figures to run against the beatable P.J. Williams (48.0 PFF) in the slot. Devin Smith will primarily see whichever of Lattimore or Apple that isn't on Cooper, and it might be asking a lot of the recent comeback player to get open against those two.

Upgrade: Randall Cobb

Downgrade: Devin Smith

Even: Amari Cooper