Several wide receivers could see increased fantasy football value this season due to matchups against defensive backs who allow high numbers of points in points per reception (PPR) formats. The analysis focuses on identifying defenders and defensive backfields that have historically allowed the most PPR fantasy points per game, thus creating opportunities for opposing receivers.
According to statistics from Stathead, Paulson Adebo of New Orleans led all defensive backs last season with 14 PPR FPPG allowed, followed by DaRon Bland of Dallas (12.5), and Riley Moss of Denver (11.8). Other frequently targeted defenders include Alontae Taylor (New Orleans), Caelen Carson (Dallas), Byron Murphy (Minnesota), and Dee Alford (Atlanta).
The report also emphasizes the importance of targeting slot cornerbacks who have a history of yielding high fantasy point totals. Eight players were identified in this green-rated category ahead of the 2025 campaign: Alontae Taylor, Byron Murphy Jr., Dee Alford, DaRon Bland, Devon Witherspoon, Mike Sainristil, Cameron Mitchell, and Jacob Parrish.
Slot receivers expected to benefit from these favorable matchups—those facing five or more green-rated slot defenders—include Jalen Coker (eight such matchups), Ray-Ray McCloud (seven), Greg Dortch, Luther Burden III, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Wan’Dale Robinson, DeVonta Smith, Jauan Jennings (each with six), as well as Jayden Reed, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, Adam Thielen, Devaughn Vele, Allen Lazard, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka and Deebo Samuel (each with five).
The article notes that Amon-Ra St. Brown “may be undervalued at his current consensus No. 4 WR ADP,” citing his advantageous schedule. The same is said for several others including DeVonta Smith and Deebo Samuel.
Teams featuring two safeties rated as green—Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams—are also highlighted for providing multiple avenues for opposing offenses. Marvin Harrison Jr., Zay Jones (both Arizona Cardinals), Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers), Tory Horton and Cooper Kupp are among those expected to face four or more such favorable safety matchups.
Regarding Harrison’s prospects in Arizona: “Marvin Harrison plays with one of the worst vertical passers in the NFL (Kyler Murray’s had terrible metrics here for years), but he may be primed for many upside games.” Similarly for Ricky Pearsall: “Ricky Pearsall will be a go-to pass catcher in San Francisco and will have many plus-matchups.”
When analyzing combined secondary weaknesses—specifically when a team has both a green-rated cornerback and two green-rated safeties—Ricky Pearsall and Tory Horton maintain their positive outlooks while Drake London of Atlanta is identified as another potential value pick at his current No. 18 ADP.
The article was authored by KC Joyner.
