Corner Report: Week 8

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.

ATL vs SEA

Mohamed Sanu: 373 snaps – 40 wide (23 left, 17 right), 329 slot (192 left, 137 right), three tight (two left, one right), one back

Julio Jones: 349 snaps – 216 wide (133 left, 83 right), 130 slot (70 left, 60 right), two tight (one left, one right), one back

Calvin Ridley: 340 snaps – 217 wide (82 left, 135 right), 118 slot (37 left, 81 right), two tight (two left), three back

With Sanu gone the Falcons will look to Russell Gage and Justin Hardy in a slot wideout committee. They should primarily run against Jamar Taylor (56.8 PFF). Julio Jones plays on the left a bit more then the right, and if that persists then he should mostly run against Tre Flowers (53.9 PFF), the much preferable matchup to left corner Shaquill Griffin (80.6 PFF). Unless Seattle switches something up, Griffin should be Calvin Ridley's problem for often than not.

Upgrade: Julio Jones

Downgrade: Calvin Ridley

Even: Russell Gage, Justin Hardy

SEATTLE WR SNAPS

Tyler Lockett: 472 snaps – 92 wide (46 left, 46 right), 346 slot (155 left, 191 right), six tight (four left, two right), 28 back

DK Metcalf: 380 snaps – 288 wide (194 left, 94 right), 88 slot (68 left, 20 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back

Jaron Brown: 301 snaps – 134 wide (41 left, 73 right), 154 slot (75 left, 79 right), 12 tight (five left, seven right), one back

David Moore: 109 snaps – 85 wide (43 left, 52 right), 23 slot (10 left, 13 right), one tight (one right)

Tyler Lockett might be a major problem for Damontae Kazee (59.0 PFF), though Kazee has played better the last two weeks in the slot. Jaron Brown is a candidate to see a good amount of Kazee as well, though Brown's main assignment might be left corner Kendall Sheffield (44.1 PFF). Isaiah Oliver (55.6 PFF) is left with the task of covering DK Metcalf, while David Moore will see an even split of Sheffield and Oliver on his modest snap total.

Upgrade: Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Jaron Brown, David Moore

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

CHI vs LAC

Allen Robinson: 357 snaps – 149 (82 left, 67 right), 197 slot (102 left, 95 right), nine tight (five left, four right), two back

Anthony Miller: 213 snaps – 26 wide (13 left, 13 right), 172 slot (99 left, 73 right), 12 tight (nine left, three right), three back

Taylor Gabriel: 200 snaps – 100 wide (43 left, 57 right), 98 slot (40 left, 58 right), one tight (one right), one back

Allen Robinson could see the shadow coverage of Casey Hayward (73.7 PFF), technically a downgrade but not one Robinson owners should care about. Desmond King (60.7 PFF) should improve his grades over the course of the year, perhaps starting as soon as this week against Anthony Miller. Taylor Gabriel would be left with Michael Davis (59.1 PFF), a decent player but one who at 6-foot-2 might struggle to change direction with Gabriel.

Upgrade: Taylor Gabriel

Downgrade: Anthony Miller

Even: Allen Robinson

CHARGERS WR SNAPS

Keenan Allen: 422 snaps – 135 wide (77 left, 58 right), 262 slot (113 left, 149 right), 16 tight (seven left, nine right), nine back

Mike Williams: 328 snaps – 168 wide (89 left, 79 right), 154 slot (78 left, 76 right), three tight (three right), three back

Geremy Davis: 75 snaps – 30 wide (17 left, 13 right), 39 slot (18 left, 21 right), three tight (one left, two right), three back

Andre Patton: 60 snaps – 20 wide (10 left, 10 right), 29 slot (14 left, 15 right), four tight (three left, one right), seven back

Jason Moore: five snaps – four wide (four left), one slot (one left)

I'm not sure the Chargers have any idea what they'll do if Keenan Allen (hamstring) can't play. Andre Patton and Geremy Davis might form some replacement committee, but that's such a bleak possibility. Jason Moore is a complete unknown but one who could quickly gain ground on the limited Patton/David pair. Whoever is in the slot figures to see the most favorable Bears corner coverage in Buster Skrine (58.6 PFF). Prince Amukamara (73.2 PFF) and Kyle Fuller (56.9 PFF) are both traditionally tougher assignments at right and left corner, respectively. With mostly even left/right splits, Mike Williams should see them both, perhaps Amukamara a couple times more than Fuller. 

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Mike Williams

NO vs ARZ

Michael Thomas: 438 snaps – 256 wide (153 left, 103 right), 180 slot (109 left, 71 right), two backs

Ted Ginn: 317 snaps – 193 wide (86 left, 107 right), 102 slot (53 left, 49 right), eight tight (five left, three right), 14 back

Austin Carr: 147 snaps – 26 wide (11 left, 15 right), 106 slot (57 left, 49 right), 15 tight (seven left, eight right)

With Patrick Peterson back at outside corner the Saints would be smart to move Michael Thomas into the slot more than usual to create matchups against Tramaine Brock (58.0 PFF). Peterson might shadow Ted Ginn in such an event, though if Peterson doesn't shadow Ginn then the speedy veteran would pose a huge danger to rookie Byron Murphy (60.6 PFF). Austin Carr is currently averaging roughly one target every 75 snaps so who cares.

Upgrade: Michael Thomas

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Ted Ginn

ARIZONA WR SNAPS

Larry Fitzgerald: 412 snaps – 37 wide (25 left, 12 right), 359 slot (208 left, 151 right), 14 tight (11 left, three right), two back

KeeSean Johnson: 290 snaps – 242 wide (25 left, 217 right), 44 slot (five left, 39 right), three tight (three right), one back

Damiere Byrd: 269 snaps – 223 wide (207 left, 16 right), 37 slot (35 left, two right), five tight (five left), four back

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

Trent Sherfield: 211 snaps – 164 wide (120 left, 44 right), 38 slot (23 left, 15 right), two tight (two left), seven back

Pharoh Cooper: 71 snaps – three wide (one left, two right), 59 slot (25 left, 34 right), one tight (one right), eight back

Andy Isabella: 40 snaps – 13 wide (11 left, two right), 21 slot (eight left, 13 right), six back

Christian Kirk (ankle) may or may not be able to return. If he's out, Pharoh Cooper and Andy Isabella look locked into a 2-to-1 split for snaps in the slot. KeeSean Johnson had been the primary right outside receiver this year but was demoted last week as Damiere Byrd and Trent Sherfield played over 50 snaps. Byrd and Sherfield both played on the left before, but it appears Sherfield is being groomed for Johnson's former role. Marshon Lattimore (66.7 PFF) primarily plays on the right when he isn't shadowing anyone, which might leave him as Byrd's primary assignment. Lattimore is good, but he's a big corner who might struggle to mirror the diminutive, exceedingly fast Byrd. Eli Apple (68.5 PFF) should be the primary assignment of Sherfield. Multiple corners will need to contribute slot snaps against Arizona's four-wide offense, but Larry Fitzgerald should primarily run against P.J. Williams (55.6 PFF), with Williams otherwise seeing Cooper and Isabella.

Upgrade: Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Pharoh Cooper

Downgrade: Trent Sherfield

Even: Damiere Byrd

JAC vs NYJ

Chris Conley: 368 snaps – 311 wide (176 left, 135 right), 56 slot (29 left, 27 right), one tight (one right)

D.J. Chark: 361 snaps – 175 wide (68 left, 107 right), 169 slot (71 left, 98 right), 11 tight (five left, six right), six back

Dede Westbrook: 353 snaps – 43 wide (21 left, 22 right), 298 slot (130 left, 168 right), four tight (one left, three right), eight back

Dede Westbrook has a shoulder issue and an incoming matchup with Brian Poole (83.5 PFF), by far the most imposing part of the Jets defense to this point in 2019. D.J. Chark should see a bit more of Trumaine Johnson (49.3 PFF) than Darryl Roberts (51.9 PFF), but an ankle issue for Johnson could force Nate Hairston (61.1 PFF) into his role instead. All three outside Jets corners are green lights for both Chark and Chris Conley.

Upgrade: D.J. Chark, Chris Conley

Downgrade: Dede Westbrook

Even: N/A

JETS WR SNAPS

Robby Anderson: 335 snaps – 254 wide (155 left, 89 right), 81 slot (53 left, 28 right)

Jamison Crowder: 299 snaps – 57 wide (26 left, 31 right), 238 slot (105 left, 133 right), one tight (one left), three back

Demaryius Thomas: 144 snaps – 65 wide (31 left, 34 right), 75 slot (42 left, 33 right), one tight (one right), three back

Playing a bit more on the left than the right, Robby Anderson should run the majority of his routes against A.J. Bouye (66.3 PFF), the tougher of Jacksonville's two outside corners but one Anderson can still beat. More importantly, Anderson should get at least a few shots at Tre Herndon (41.3 PFF), who is exceedingly vulnerable. D.J. Hayden (70.4 PFF) is a tough assignment for Jamison Crowder, while Demaryius Thomas should see a relatively even split of Bouye and Herndon.

Upgrade: Robby Anderson, Demaryius Thomas

Downgrade: Jamison Crowder
Even: N/A

BUF vs PHI

John Brown: 361 snaps – 239 wide (147 left, 92 right), 117 slot (65 left, 52 right), five back

Cole Beasley: 263 snaps – 36 wide (19 left, 17 right), 226 slot (119 left, 107 right), one back

Zay Jones: 167 snaps – 46 wide (20 left, 26 right), 118 slot (63 left, 55 right), three tight (three right)

John Brown lines up all over but has more reliably lined up on the left lately, which should leave Rasul Douglas (51.1 PFF), who is exactly the kind of corner you want Brown running against. If Duke Williams can play then he should mostly line up on the right, where Jalen Mills is the assignment. Cole Beasley gets whoever the Eagles throw into Orlando Scandrick's former role. Given that it might be a first-timer, I think Beasley has to have the upper hand.

Upgrade: John Brown, Cole Beasley

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Duke Williams

PHILADELPHIA WR SNAPS

Nelson Agholor: 437 snaps – 79 wide (35 left, 44 right), 326 slot (160 left, 166 right), 20 tight (six left, 14 right), 12 back

Alshon Jeffery: 293 snaps – 226 wide (125 left, 101 right), 64 slot (32 left, 32 right), three back (two left, one right)

Mack Hollins: 289 snaps – 149 wide (73 left, 76 right), 130 slot (54 left, 76 right), three tight (two left, one right), seven back

Nelson Agholor should primarily run against Taron Johnson (69.6 PFF 2018), who's trying to work his way back from injury. Johnson was good last year and Agholor has proven to be no better than replacement level, so it's a draw at best for Agholor on paper. Alshon Jeffery should mostly run against Levi Wallace (62.7 PFF), who has earned high grades throughout his career but is both skinny and slow. I don't know how he's done it, but I'd worry about Jeffery bullying him. When Jeffery is on Wallace and Agholor on Johnson, Mack Hollins would be the leftover assignment.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Mack Hollins

Even: Alshon Jeffery, Nelshon Agholor

TEN vs TB

Corey Davis: 357 snaps – 138 wide (59 left, 79 right), 204 slot (99 left, 105 right), 14 tight (seven left, seven right), one back

Adam Humphries: 235 snaps – 23 wide (11 left, 12 right), 197 slot (102 left, 95 right), nine tight (eight left, one right), six back

A.J. Brown: 233 snaps – 139 wide (75 left, 64 right), 84 slot (37 left, 47 right), seven tight (four left, three right), three back

Corey Davis plays all over and therefore should see all of the Tampa Bay corners. The same is true of A.J. Brown, though his snaps have had a slight left and outward slant compared to a slight rightward slant for Davis. Adam Humphries rarely leaves the slot, and he's an interesting Revenge Game consideration as he faces off against slot corner M.J. Stewart (67.0), who's doing a fine job in his second season. Vernon Hargreaves (44.3 PFF) plays right and Carlton Davis (57.5 PFF) on the left, and neither is imposing. With the worse grades and a shorter build, Hargreaves is the one we really want to target.

Upgrade: Corey Davis, A.J. Brown

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Adam Humphries

TAMPA BAY WR SNAPS

Chris Godwin: 396 snaps – 61 wide (26 left, 35 right), 251 slot (121 left, 130 right), 81 tight (45 left, 36 right), three back

Mike Evans: 377 snaps – 294 wide (158 left, 146 right), 81 slot (42 left, 39 right), one tight (one right), one back

Breshad Perriman: 130 snaps – 63 wide (32 left, 31 right), 59 slot (30 left, 29 right), six tight (five left, one right), two back

Adoree Jackson (72.3 PFF) is out with an ankle injury, forcing Tennessee to roll with Malcolm Butler (59.4 PFF) at right corner and perhaps Leshaun Sims (56.8 PFF 2018) at left corner. Mike Evans will run against both, and it's hard to see why either would be an imposing obstacle. If Jameis Winston has time to throw it do Evans' depth, there's no excuse for either to fail. Evans might need to step up a bit because slot corner Logan Ryan (67.0 PFF) is probably above average and prepared to hold his own against Chris Godwin. Godwin can win tough matchups, though, so it's no cause for concern as it relates to him. Scott Miller appears the WR3 if Breshad Perriman can't play, and whichever is on the field should see the leftover of whichever between Butler and Sims doesn't cover Evans on the given play.

Upgrade: Mike Evans

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Chris Godwin, Scott Miller, Breshad Perriman

CIN vs LAR

Tyler Boyd: 422 snaps – 66 wide (41 left, 25 right), 317 slot (149 left, 168 right), 13 tight (seven left, six right), 26 back

Auden Tate: 319 snaps – 145 wide (92 left, 53 right), 166 slot (92 left, 74 right), four tight (two left, two right), four back

Alex Erickson: 164 snaps – 50 wide (27 left, 23 right), 105 slot (39 left, 66 right), nine back

With Auden Tate establishing himself as the left receiver and Tyler Boyd already established in the slot, it stands to reason that Alex Erickson should mostly line up as the rightmost receiver. If so, it's not clear where Jalen Ramsey will line up after serving a shadow function last week. The Rams could apply him toward either of Tate or Erickson, but following Boyd into the slot seems less likely. Whichever of Tate or Erickson isn't on Ramsey would likely run against Troy Hill (56.8 PFF), though Darious Williams (54.0 PFF) is next up if Hill can't play through his hamstring issue. Nickell Robey-Coleman (71.6 PFF) marks a significant challenge for Boyd's matchup.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Tyler Boyd, Auden Tate, Alex Erickson

RAMS WR SNAPS

Robert Woods: 462 snaps – 97 wide (21 left, 76 right), 281 slot (77 left, 204 right), 52 tight (five left, 47 right), 32 back

Brandin Cooks: 428 snaps – 170 wide (132 left, 38 right), 227 slot (182 left, 45 right), one tight (one left), 30 back

Cooper Kupp: 416 snaps – 27 wide (21 left, six right), 305 slot (181 left, 124 right), 78 tight (26 left, 52 right), six back

Cooper Kupp should mostly run against B.W. Webb (67.7 PFF) in the slot. William Jackson (63.9 PFF) returns to play at right corner, where he should mostly see Brandin Cooks. That leaves Robert Woods to run against replacement corner Tony McCrae (44.5 PFF) at left corner.

Upgrade: Robert Woods

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks

IND vs DEN

T.Y. Hilton: 288 snaps – 178 wide (86 left, 92 right), 106 slot (44 left, 62 right), three tight (one left, two right), one back

Zach Paschal: 214 snaps – 68 wide (43 left, 25 right), 115 slot (54 left, 61 right), 21 tight (six left, 15 right), 10 back

Chester Rogers: 213 snaps – 24 wide (eight left, 16 right), 172 slot (76 left, 96 right), 15 tight (four left, 11 right), two back

Deon Cain: 211 snaps – 181 wide (96 left, 85 right), 29 slot (18 left, 11 right), one tight (one right)

T.Y. Hilton figures to draw the shadow coverage of Chris Harris (72.2 PFF), a match that Hilton can win but one that still marks a downgrade. If Deon Cain and to a lesser extent Zach Paschal serve at left receiver, then they should see Davontae Harris (50.1 PFF) for the most part. Harris can run with 4.4 speed, but he's untested at best. Kareem Jackson (78.5) and Duke Dawson (65.2 PFF) appear to be splitting the slot coverage, where they should mostly see Chester Rogers but with some Paschal and Hilton also sprinkled in.

Upgrade: Zach Pascal

Downgrade: T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers

Even: Deon Cain

DENVER WR SNAPS

Courtland Sutton: 420 snaps – 244 wide (156 left, 88 right), 167 slot (108 left, 59 right), five tight (three left, two right), four back

Emmanuel Sanders: 354 snaps – 123 wide (50 left, 73 right), 215 slot (76 left, 139 right), seven tight (three left, four right), nine back

DaeSean Hamilton: 291 snaps – 29 wide (14 left, 15 right), 235 slot (113 left, 122 right), 24 tight (15 left, nine right), three back
 

Kenny Moore (57.9 PFF) is trying to play through a knee issue in the slot while Pierre Desir (48.0 PFF) plays through a hamstring injury at primarily left corner. Rookie Rock Ya-Sin (57.9 PFF) is healthy but struggling a bit at right corner. Based on prior left/right splits for Courtland Sutton, he should see Ya-Sin on most of his routes with a few shots at Desir and Moore otherwise. DaeSean Hamilton should be Moore's primary assignment, to uncertain effect. Hamilton has been a total dud but perhaps a less than 100 percent Moore could help get him going. Fred Brown and Diontae Spencer might be running the leftover routes.

Upgrade: Courtland Sutton

Downgrade: N/A

Even: DaeSean Hamilton

DET vs NYG

Marvin Jones: 367 snaps – 169 wide (72 left, 97 right), 187 slot (80 left, 107 right), 11 tight (four left, seven right)

Kenny Golladay: 359 snaps – 233 wide (141 left, 92 right), 120 slot (68 left, 52 right), four tight (two left, two right), two back

Danny Amendola: 173 snaps – 17 wide (13 left, four right), 151 slot (87 left, 64 right), three tight (one left, two right), two back

Playing a bit more on the left than the right, Kenny Golladay should primarily run against overmatched rookie DeAndre Baker (37.0 PFF). Marvin Jones generally runs more on the right, where he should see a bit more of Janoris Jenkins (58.9 PFF). Danny Amendola should run against Grant Haley (45.4 PFF), who has struggled in 2019. Jones might also get a few cracks at Haley.

Upgrade: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

GIANTS WR SNAPS

Sterling Shepard: 252 snaps – 66 wide (26 left, 40 right), 179 slot (89 left, 90 right), two tight (two left), five back

Darius Slayton: 223 snaps – 190 wide (115 left, 75 right), 24 slot (12 left, 12 right), nine tight (three left, six right)

Cody Latimer: 204 snaps – 140 wide (85 left, 55 right), 62 slot (36 left, 26 right), one tight (one right), one back

Golden Tate: 163 snaps – 17 wide (four left, 13 right), 138 slot (77 left, 61 right), three tight (one left, two right), five back

Golden Tate has the slot to himself with Sterling Shepard out, leaving him almost exclusively matched up against Justin Coleman (74.8 PFF), who struggled against Stefon Diggs last week but has otherwise been great in 2019. Darius Slayton  would likely line up on the right side of the defense, which is where Slay plays when not shadowing, but someone like Jamal Agnew might need to play there with Slay out. Cody Latimer will play some, but he appears the backup to Slayton while Bennie Fowler handles most right outside tasks, leaving him against Rashaan Melvin (51.8 PFF).

Upgrade: Darius Slayton

Downgrade: Golden Tate, Cody Latimer

Even: Bennie Fowler

SF vs CAR

Marquise Goodwin: 237 snaps – 86 wide (40 left, 46 right), 124 slot (56 left, 68 right), 10 tight (three left, seven right), 17 back

Dante Pettis: 231 snaps – 61 wide (40 left, 21 right), 153 slot (94 left, 49 right), 13 tight (seven left, six right), four back

Deebo Samuel: 209 snaps – 73 wide (42 left, 31 right), 114 slot (82 left, 32 right), seven tight (three left, four right), 15 back

Kendrick Bourne: 157 snaps – 46 wide (20 left, 26 right), 98 slot (39 left, 59 right), four tight (two left, two right), nine back

Dante Pettis and Deebo Samuel had been fighting mostly over leftward snaps while Marquise Goodwin more so played on the right. All San Francisco wideouts move into the slot on a semi-regular basis, especially Pettis, so each of the three should see looks at slot corner Javien Elliott (67.3 PFF), who has played well so far. Goodwin (personal) might not play, which would open up lots of snaps for newcomer Emmanuel Sanders, who might play a role most closely resembling Pettis' pre-trade role. Pettis might need to play more downfield functions and on the right side more than usual if Goodwin sits. When outside, we'd rather see Sanders against the upright James Bradberry (71.9 PFF) than the slight and hyper-athletic Donte Jackson (73.8 PFF). Bradberry generally plays on the left and Jackson on the right, so Sanders' matchup splits might be determined by how often Shanahan uses him on the left or right.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Emmanuel Sanders, Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel

CAROLINA WR SNAPS

D.J. Moore: 358 snaps – 273 wide (198 left, 75 right), 75 slot (43 left, 32 right), two tight (two left), eight back

Curtis Samuel: 351 snaps – 183 wide (55 left, 128 right), 147 slot (74 left, 73 right), four tight (one left, three right), 17 back

Jarius Wright: 247 snaps – 38 wide (21 left, 17 right), 198 slot (98 left, 100 right), six tight (five left, one right), five back

D.J. Moore mostly runs on the left, where his primary matchup should be Emmanuel Moseley (73.2 PFF), a modest prospect but one who boasts plus athleticism and has played well as starter so far. Curtis Samuel will likely run against Richard Sherman (74.4 PFF) on the right side of the offense. It's a tough matchup for Samuel, but Sherman's weakness is small/quick/fast wideouts and Samuel should be able to get open. Whether Kyle Allen has time to look toward Samuel's more downfield-oriented routes is a separate, less promising question. Jarius Wright gets K'Wuan Williams (82.7 PFF) in the slot.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Jarius Wright

Even: D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel

HOU vs OAK

DeAndre Hopkins: 463 snaps – 289 wide (188 left, 101 right), 173 slot (94 left, 79 right), one back

Will Fuller: 392 snaps – 188 wide (85 left, 103 right), 198 slot (73 left, 125 right), two tight (one left, one right), four back

Keke Coutee: 201 snaps – 40 wide (22 left, 18 right), 144 slot (73 left, 71 right), two tight (one left, one right), 15 back

Kenny Stills: 154 snaps – 69 wide (21 left, 48 right), 81 slot (35 left, 46 right), four back

Trayvon Mullen (51.9 PFF) will need to replace the traded Gareon Conley, leaving Oakland with a vulnerable rookie and Daryl Worley (59.3 PFF) as its outside corners. Worley has played both side but a little more on the right, where he should primarily see DeAndre Hopkins. If Mullen plays on the left, then he should see a lot of Kenny Stills. Mullen has good speed (4.46-second 40) but was regarded as a reach in the second round of the 2019 draft, and Stills is a tough cover for anyone. Keke Coutee faces the struggling veteran Lamarcus Joyner (33.7 PFF), though it'd be shocking if Joyner didn't improve after 71.2 and 91.3 PFF grades the two prior years.

Upgrade: DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills, Keke Coutee

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

OAKLAND WR SNAPS

Tyrell Williams: 226 snaps – 159 wide (107 left, 152 right), 63 slot (32 left, 31 right), two tight (two right), two back

Hunter Renfrow: 192 snaps – five wide (three left, two right), 182 slot (86 left, 96 right), four tight (two left, two right), one back

Trevor Davis: 162 snaps – 55 wide (28 left, 27 right), 101 slot (44 left, 67 right), one tight (one right), five back

Keelan Doss: 86 snaps – 48 wide (35 left, 13 right), 36 slot (21 left, 15 right), one tight (one right), one back

Keelan Doss needs more snaps, but so far the Raiders are only making room for him on the left, where he'll likely run against trade acquisition Gareon Conley (60.0 PFF) or rookie second-round pick Lonnie Johnson (29.8 PFF), who has struggled so far. Tyrell Williams (foot) would likely contribute a bit more on the right side if he's able to play, leaving him mostly against Johnathan Joseph (55.3 PFF), who might have lost enough steps at 35 to get burned by even a hobbled Williams. It's anyone's guess where Zay Jones plays – he could displace Doss or serve as backup to Williams, but he might also get a look as the team's lead slot receiver. He'll need compete with Hunter Renfrow and Trevor Davis for such snaps. Whoever's in the slot will run primarily against Bradley Roby (68.9 PFF), who's easily Houston's best corner.

Upgrade: Tyrell Williams, Keelan Doss

Downgrade: Hunter Renfrow

Even: Zay Jones, Trevor Davis

NE vs CLE

NEW ENGLAND WR SNAPS

Julian Edelman: 448 snaps – 49 wide (16 left, 33 right), 377 slot (160 left, 217 right), 11 tight (three left, eight right), 11 back

Josh Gordon: 326 snaps – 238 wide (143 left, 85 right), 85 slot (56 left, 29 right), three tight (two left, one right)

Phillip Dorsett: 273 snaps – 145 wide (82 left, 63 right), 120 slot (63 left, 57 right), two tight (one left, one right), six back

Jakobi Meyers: 193 snaps – 32 wide (12 left, 20 right), 156 slot (79 left, 77 right), two tight (two right), three back

Perhaps Julian Edelman's chest issue really needs some reduced reps to recover, because Mohamed Sanu is almost exclusively an inside route runner. The Patriots will use narrow splits and trips, as well as perhaps some looks where Sanu is more or less a TE, to get both players heavily utilized. But Edelman has played 70-plus snaps in three games, and it would make sense for the Patriots to try to get him under 60 per game. They should in any case run most of their routes against T.J. Carrie (46.8 PFF) and Eric Murray (60.1 PFF). Jakobi Meyers will need to contribute more outside snaps with Gordon gone, and the fluidity of the situation means his past splits can't be trusted. He should see some of the previously mentioned Carrie and Murray, but Meyers should otherwise split upward of half of his snaps against Denzel Ward (42.3 PFF) and Greedy Williams (75.2 PFF). Ward's grade looks bad, but it will improve. Ward should primarily play on the left and Williams the right, which based on past splits would leave Phillip Dorsett to run against Williams a tiny bit more than Ward.

Upgrade: Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers

CLEVELAND WR SNAPS

Odell Beckham: 374 snaps – 277 wide (153 left, 124 right), 90 slot (46 left, 44 right), two tight (one left, one right), five back

Jarvis Landry: 365 snaps – 80 wide (32 left, 48 right), 265 slot (126 left, 139 right), 13 tight (eight left, five right), seven back

Antonio Callaway: 67 snaps – 41 wide (20 left, 21 right), 26 slot (11 left, 15 right)

Stephon Gilmore (76.2 PFF) is the sentence for Odell Beckham, which should primarily leave Antonio Callaway running against Jason McCourty (87.4 PFF). Jarvis Landry will primarily work against Jonathan Jones (89.9 PFF). Not good.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway

Even: N/A

KC vs GB

Demarcus Robinson: 390 snaps – 240 wide (142 left, 98 right), 127 slot (65 left, 62 right), 15 tight (six left, nine right), eight back

Mecole Hardman: 288 snaps – 116 wide (65 left, 51 right), 143 slot (78 left, 65 right), nine tight (two left, seven right), 20 back

Sammy Watkins: 269 snaps – 62 wide (30 left, 32 right), 191 slot (94 left, 97 right), 12 tight (three left, nine right), four back

Tyreek Hill: 93 snaps – 43 wide (19 left, 24 right), 44 slot (25 left, 19 right), three tight (two left, one right), three back

Sammy Watkins returns just in time for Pat Mahomes (knee) to miss the game, and against one of the league's tougher pass defenses. We don't truly know what this Kansas City wideout rotation will look like with all of Watkins, Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, and Byron Pringle healthy, but Hill and Watkins at the top would make a lot of sense. Robinson, Hardman, and especially Pringle are the losers here. If Robinson loses more than Hardman then Hill but especially Watkins could see more of his snaps tilt toward the outside. I would in any case expect Hill to see shadow coverage of Jaire Alexander (78.2 PFF), which would be a concern if so. Watkins would likely see a lot of Tramon Williams (77.6 PFF), who's playing well this year but probably doesn't want to make a race out of it. Hardman's application should closely resemble Watkins' in terms of alignment, but probably with a bit more gadget or/and decoy work. We want guys like Hill, Watkins, and Hardman to get their matchups against Kevin King (57.8 PFF) because he's the worst Green Bay regular at corner and at 6-foot-3 he absolutely cannot match the quicks and burst of the Chiefs' three big-play wideouts. But if Robinson's playing time stays high, he might be the one who primarily faces off against King. King's size counters Robinson's effectively, so I'd scale back Robinson's playing time if I were Andy Reid.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Tyreek Hill, Demarcus Robinson

Even: Sammy Watkins*, Mecole Hardman*

*Upgrade if facing Kevin King

GREEN BAY WR SNAPS

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 363 snaps – 205 wide (125 left, 80 right), 144 slot (90 left, 54 right), two tight (one left, one right), 12 back

Geronimo Allison: 276 snaps – 53 wide (20 left, 33 right), 211 slot (113 left, 98 right), nine tight (four left, five right), three back

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

Jake Kumerow: 161 snaps – 79 wide (39 left, 40 right), 77 slot (35 left, 42 right), one tight (one right), four back

Allen Lazard: 87 snaps – 34 wide (19 left, 15 right), 45 slot (21 left, 24 right), one tight (one left), seven back

Marquez Valdes-Scantling should play closer to a full game after only playing 20 snaps last week, which is bad news for the playing time projections of Jake Kumerow and Allen Lazard. Running more on the left than the right, MVS should see a lot of right corner Charvarius Ward (68.8 PFF), who has generally been the most effective outside corner for the Chiefs. Ward is a good athlete and can counter MVS' own athleticism somewhat, so I'm inclined to see it as a draw. The easier target might be left corner Bashaud Breeland (42.5 PFF), who might more so see Kumerow or/and Lazard if MVS is on the left. But MVS will get some shots at Breeland, too. The slot corner is normally Kendall Fuller, but he's out due to injury and his replacement is Rashad Fenton (75.6 PFF), whose 2019 grade is high but on a small sample. Fenton is the primary assignment of Geronimo Allison, who can't run away from anyone but is about five inches taller than Fenton.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: N/A

Even: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow, Allen Lazard

PIT vs MIA

PITTSBURGH WR SNAPS

JuJu Smith-Schuster: 305 snaps – 69 wide (44 left, 25 right), 215 slot (92 left, 123 right), 16 tight (six left, 10 right), five back

Diontae Johnson: 224 snaps – 149 wide (90 left, 59 right), 70 slot (43 left, 27 right), one tight (one right), four 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

JuJu Smith-Schuster may see shadow coverage from Xavien Howard (knee) if he plays, but Howard might be on the shelf as the Dolphins try to trade him. Even if Howard plays and shadows JSS into the slot, it's a matchup Smith-Schuster can win. If Howard is out, then JSS gets a big green light. Jomal Wiltz (37.4 PFF) has struggled at slot corner and might see the Dolphins give more playing time to Nik Needham, but Needham runs barely better than a 4.7 and JuJu would likely be a big problem for him. Diontae Johnson should primarily serve as the leftmost receiver and James Washington the rightmost, with Washington generally more likely to see slot looks. It might not matter much where they line up, because the Dolphins appear to play Eric Rowe (50.7 PFF) and Ken Webster (52.9 PFF) on the left and right both. Either corner is vulnerable.

Upgrade: JuJu Smith-Schuster (lower to Even if Howard is active), Diontae Johnson, James Washington

Downgrade: N/A

Even: N/A

MIAMI WR SNAPS

DeVante Parker: 332 snaps – 154 wide (62 left, 92 right), 171 slot (87 left, 84 right), seven tight (four left, three right)

Preston Williams: 303 snaps – 263 wide (173 left, 90 right), 40 slot (24 left, 16 right)

Allen Hurns: 118 snaps – 11 wide (seven left, four right), 105 slot (45 left, 60 right), two back

Allen Hurns, Jakeem Grant, and Albert Wilson pose some unspecified committee at slot receiver, making it difficult to chase any of them. DeVante Parker generally is the lead outside receiver on the right and Preston Williams the outermost receiver on the left. Steven Nelson (76.5 PFF) has had a better season so far than Joe Haden (61.4 PFF), and as the right corner that could indicate bad news for Williams. Williams has a big size advantage over Nelson, though, so as long as Ryan Fitzpatrick has time to throw (he likely won't) then Williams could at least get a couple jumpball opportunities. But Parker is likely the better player between himself and the undrafted rookie, leaving Parker the more conventionally favorable matchup against Haden.

Upgrade: N/A

Downgrade: Preston Williams

Even: DeVante Parker