The WR/CB matchup chart is one of the most popular fantasy football tools we have here at PFF. It’s an invaluable tool that allows you to see matchups at a more granular level. In the past, we’ve only offered this tool for the NFL, but that all changed this season with the brand new AAF WR/CB Matchup Chart.

If you’re new to this chart, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the chart displays primary coverage and not all coverage. We are not suggesting Receiver X will be covered by Corner Y all game. Receivers move around the formation and the percentage of routes they run from each spot is displayed on the chart. The only exception here is if we expect shadow coverage. In that case, the receiver’s name would appear in ALL CAPS. But no AAF teams used shadow coverage this season, so we do not expect any shadows in Week 5. The most important column is the matchup advantage column in the middle. The higher the number, the better. Green is good. Red is bad. This column takes a few things into account, but the major piece of data here is PFF grades. We also show targets per route (T/R), fantasy points per route (F/R), catch rate (C%), and yards per route run/covered (YPRR/YPRC).

(click photo to enlarge)

Upgrades

Rashad Ross continues to be set up for success. Ross leads the AAF with five receiving scores through the first four games of the season. He draws an extremely favorable matchup out of the slot against Zack Sanchez, who has allowed two touchdowns and 10 catches on 13 targets this season. Likewise, Charles Johnson is a good spot for production against the Birmingham secondary. Those looking for a sneaky play this week may want to take a peek at Alton Howard. He’ll face Carlos Merritt in the slot. Merritt has allowed a catch on 78% of his targeted routes covered with two touchdowns scored against him.

Downgrades

Keith Reaser remains the top corner in the AAF, and that’s bad news for the Iron receivers this week. L’Damian Washington has emerged as one of Luis Perez’s top targets, but this isn’t the week to rely on the Birmingham passing game. Mekale McKay enters this week second in the league in targets with 30, but he draws a tough matchup against Arizona. Robert Nelson has held opposing wideouts in check so far this season and has yet to allow a score to the position.