Welcome to Going Deep! This weekly article will make use of charting data, advanced metrics, and other RotoViz tools — specifically the newly released Passing Game Matchup Rater — to help readers better understand the challenges facing wide receivers and tight ends in the coming week. As my process makes heavy use of the Matchup Rater, I’d highly recommend that you set aside half an hour to watch the tutorial/walkthrough and take a spin through the tool.

Week 5 Matchups

Bengals at Cardinals

Pass catchers from the Bengals and the Cardinals are presented with an average matchup in this contest.

The Cardinals are holding opposing WRs to 89% of PPG. Tyler Boyd, who operates out of the slot on 89% of plays, will spend much of the day covered by Jalen Thompson. Thompson is allowing just 3.9 PPG on direct targets and has been the primary defender on just eight targets despite playing on 221 passing plays.

The Cardinals have been middle of the road in total points per game (PPG) surrendered to wide receivers lined up on the left side of the field in the slot, but the stingiest team in the league for those lined up on the right. Even with Tee Higgins out for the game, it could be hard for Boyd to strongly outperform his PPG of 7.4.

Arizona doesn’t figure to lock one corner onto Ja’Marr Chase for the entire contest, but he will spend a decent number of snaps guarded by Marco Wilson. Wilson is allowing 13.6 PPG on direct targets, which could be enough for Chase to have a typical game. It’s worth noting that the Cardinals have been stout even against stronger WRs. Below are the total and average stat lines produced by CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, and Terry McLaurin when facing Arizona in 2023.

The Bengals are allowing WRs to score 114% of PPG and Arizona’s WRs draw average matchups with the defense.

Arizona’s WRs will see balanced coverage from Cincinnati’s corners Cam Taylor-Britt, Mike Hilton, and Chidobe Awuzie. The trio is allowing a combined 18.4 PPG on direct targets and the Bengals haven’t been an easy matchup for WRs lined up in the slot or out wide.

Michael Wilson’s 22.6 PPR Week 4 performance against the 49ers certainly factors into it, but the GLSP