Among the endless factors to consider when making fantasy football lineup decisions, it's worth taking note of marquee WR and CB matchups. Some wideouts will benefit from a favorable matchup, while others could see a dip in production when facing a talented corner.
Ahead of this weekend's slate of Week 4 games, let's take a look at five WR/CB matchups to keep tabs on.
All stats used in this article are from PFF or Sumer Sports unless stated otherwise. Fantasy points per route run allowed are courtesy of Fantasy Points Data .
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) runs with the ball after a catch against the Houston Texans in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With Alec Pierce making an early exit in Week 2, Josh Downs has tallied 12-plus fantasy points in back-to-back weeks for the Indianapolis Colts . Among 28 WRs with 20-plus targets, Downs has the 6th-most yards after the catch per reception (5.0) and 14th-most yards per route run (1.96) on the highest slot rate (72.2%) and a team-high 25.5% target share.
In Week 4 against the Washington Commanders in London, Downs will see plenty of Mike Sainristil in coverage. Sainristil has given up the most fantasy points per route run (0.44) and the most receiving touchdowns (4) in coverage this season.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Although the Green Bay Packers haven't gotten off to a smooth start this season, it's been a positive development to see Matthew Golden perform well to begin his second year. Golden is currently the WR15 in fantasy points per game (15.4), and he's posting the 18th-most yards per route run (2.24) on a team-high 25.0% target share.
Golden is poised for another productive outing in Week 4 against Benjamin Morrison, who is allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per route run (0.41).
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3) catches a ten-yard pass for a touchdown thrown by quarterback Jayden Daniels (not pictured) against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Both Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin are tied for the highest target share (23.7%) on the Commanders, but Diggs has more yards per route run (1.82). Additionally, Diggs is the WR17 in fantasy points per game (14.8) on the second-highest slot rate (65.9%) among WRs with 20-plus targets.
On Sunday against the Colts in London, Diggs will line up across from Justin Walley often. Walley has surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points per route run (0.40) and the fifth-most receptions allowed (13) among CBs with 50-plus coverage snaps.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III (7) during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots 35-6. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
After scoring a season-low 1.8 fantasy points in Week 3, Brian Thomas Jr. is the WR81 in fantasy points per game (5.3) entering Week 4. Thomas has seemingly become an afterthought in the Jacksonville Jaguars ' offense, earning just a 15.8% target share in his first three games.
It could be tough for Thomas to improve his fantasy football output in Week 4 against Daxton Hill and DJ Turner. Hill and Turner are tied for the 11th-fewest fantasy points per route run allowed (0.18) this season.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs with the ball in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In a Los Angeles Chargers offense that has struggled to begin the new campaign, Ladd McConkey has been a bright spot when he's been available. McConkey has the 11th-most yards per reception (15.3) and 10th-most yards per route run (2.54) among WRs with 15-plus targets, though it's led to him being just the WR27 in fantasy points per game (12.1).
Sadly for McConkey, he's going to be matched up with Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 4. Witherspoon has coughed up the fifth-fewest fantasy points per route run (0.16) to begin the 2026 season.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Fantasy Football Week 4 WR vs. CB Matchups: Josh Downs Gets Boost Against Commanders in London .
