Denzel Ward (CB) was the easiest streaming call ever last week
Welcome to Johny The Greek’s Cornerbacks Corner week five. Week four was another solid week with a ton of excellent corner streams and many massive hits yet again. We took advantage of some solid matchups last week but were definitely hurt by the last minute scratches of both Janoris Jenkins (CB) and Marshon Lattimore (CB) who were both in excellent position with that shootout in Detroit. We did what we had to though and will keep making the best moves possible all season. As the injuries continue to mount we’ll more and more need to have backup plans in mind for when these last minute inactives come down like they did this week and unlike middle linebacker or some other positions it’s not always clear cut who the direct backups are for corner, in situations like what happened with the Saints I would pivot off them entirely and find a corner in a different matchup we know will play every snap rather than look at a depth chart and make a guess based off that. The best ability is availability and usually the sure thing is a better option than a possible backup in a better overall matchup.
If you’re new to this article series the idea behind it is that in the IDP world cornerbacks are the red headed step child, often neglected or scoffed at. Not here. I freaking love streaming corners and have for some time now. We’re going to be looking at things like expected game script, opposing offensive tendencies, snap counts, role and historical production to inform our weekly decisions on what corners are an “ideal” streaming option. By giving this entire thing more than two seconds thought we will have a distinct advantage over our opponents who are not doing this over the course of the season. We are going to put ourselves in the best position possible every week to score the most IDP points humanly possible from our cornerback slots.
Just a little background, I’ve been playing IDP for seventeen years now and streaming corners for well over a decade of that time. I have won many titles in both redraft and dynasty and also in best ball and DFS as well as college fantasy football. I am a true degenerate. Personally I like to stream not only whatever the current week is but if my bench is big enough I’ll load up two more ideal streamers for the following week and by doing so I’ve already taken my pick of the litter a week before anyone else is even thinking about their corners. Corner is a naturally spotty position but by looking at all the factors I listed above we will have better outcomes than the majority of IDP owners who simply put in a “known” corner with a big name (Richard Sherman for example) into their corner slots and ride out the production whether or not that matchup makes sense each week. That won’t be us, we’re going to waterboard our opponents with ideal matchups all season until they drown from our flood of IDP points.
It looks like we’ll have some pretty solid matchups this week and we’ll continue to target those for our ideal matchups but in today’s NFL where passing is the name of the game I’m sure we’ll find solid streaming options in just about every matchup so even those of us in the deepest of leagues have some options. Alright let’s have a look at how we did last week with some transparency and have a look at this week’s matchups. I always give last weeks results as well as an overall season long accuracy because it’s important to be honest and up front with stuff like this, if I’m in a slump and making bad decisions you’ll know it and can decide if you want to follow these streaming suggestions or not.
Last week I made 52 recommendations, of those 12 were declared inactive or injured, 31 were correct (met or exceeded projection) and 9 were incorrect (below projection). We don’t count acts of God here and I specifically ask people to check for inactives before each game so discounting those I was 77% correct last week, 71% accurate for the season overall. Of those 31 correct calls last week 11 of them were “massive hits” (doubled or tripled projection) for a 35% massive hit rate this week, the best so far this season.
Disclaimer Time! I’m not going to get all of these correct. Cornerback especially is a wildly inconsistent position for production in IDP fantasy football. That’s why most people hate it with a passion. My whole thing is to put yourself in the best position to succeed by looking at all the variables and making the absolute best streaming call possible. After that you pray. Your team is your responsibility and yours alone, you set the lineup not me. Take ownership if things go south, these are only suggestions. I will do my absolute best to make sure that these recommendations are the best possible and will base these on factual information and statistics from places like NFLGsis.com, PFF and other fantasy and NFL data and statistics sites. I will also use the force, sometimes a gut feeling is all I have to go on in an unknown situation but if it comes down to that just know this isn’t my first rodeo.
I don’t work for the NFL, I don’t get to sit in on defensive team meetings for all thirty-two teams, I don’t get inside information. If a player has looked solid all season and has been playing a ton of snaps and they get yanked right before a game obviously I had nothing to do with it and since I don’t work for said team no one told me. (See Vernon Hargreaves 2019). If someone goes down with an ACL it’s not because I made a voodoo doll of them and stuck it with pins. These decisions are the same ones I’m making for my teams so if things go bad for you they go bad for me as well. I’m just here to help, don’t kill the messenger.
Article Key:
Outlook: This will be a brief overview of the two offenses and how that will effect the outlook for each teams cornerbacks corps. We’ll look at offensive ranks, expected game scripts and how the game should go. This will help us identify if this is a matchup we want to target for streaming corners or not.
Ideal Matchup: This is the best possible matchup for this teams cornerbacks, streaming any corners from this team, especially guys that are talented and play all the snaps gives you the best chances at excellent production from those corners.
Solid Matchup: This isn’t a perfect matchup to stream corner but it’s still pretty good, if you’re in a deeper league and have fewer options to stream from this matchup is still a better option than most.
Avoid: This matchup will likely be terrible to stream corner from, due to anything from a god awful opposing quarterback who can’t complete passes to a banged up wide receiver corps or even a run first offense like the 2019 Ravens were (they didn’t pass all that often because frankly they didn’t need to, their run game was ridiculous) there’s something that makes this a bad matchup to stream corners from, avoid if possible. However there may be specific corners who get a “solid” in an otherwise “avoid” matchup simply due to their talent and ability to make plays in all aspects of the defense (see Logan Ryan (CB)).
Panthers @ Falcons
Outlook: The eighth and fifth ranked passing offenses face off this week, that still blows my mind about Carolina I would’ve believed that Sean is an optimist before believing the Panthers have a top ten passing attack. On the defensive side the Panthers have the seventh ranked passing defense but got shredded by a senior citizen last week and the Falcons have the second worst passing defense in the league. This looks like a shoot out on paper and should be a solid matchup to start either teams corners this week, especially the known producers we tend to trust a little more.
Carolina Panthers
Justin Burris (CB) Ideal
Donte Jackson (CB) Solid
Rasul Douglas (CB) Solid
Atlanta Falcons
Kendall Sheffield (CB) Solid
Isaiah Oliver (CB) Solid
Blidi Wreh Wilson (CB) Avoid
Bills @ Titans
Outlook: The Bills have the second best passing offense in the league, what a difference a year makes, and the Titans are middle of the pack more towards the good end of the spectrum. Neither passing defense is good, there could definitely be some fireworks here assuming this game gets played with the Corona shenanigans. There are several known, consistent and reliable corners here so this is a solid matchup as well when we factor that in as well. Levi Wallace (CB) went to IR this week.
Buffalo Bills
Tre’Davious White (CB) Solid
Josh Norman (CB) Solid
Taron Johnson (CB) Avoid
Tennessee Titans
Malcolm Butler (CB) Solid
Adoree Jackson (CB) Ideal (If he plays)
Jonathan Joseph (CB) Solid
Kristian Fulton (CB) Avoid
Raiders @ Chiefs
Outlook: Middle of the pack and not so middle of the pack respectively for passing attacks, the Chiefs also have the third best passing defense and the Raiders most certainly do not. Could be a blood bath, but it’s division so you never know, the Raiders corners are smash starts, as for KC I’d look elsewhere, Derek Carr (QB) is not the gun slinger you’re looking for. Especially if Chris Jones (DT) is back to make that pass rush even more terrifying.
Las Vegas Raiders
Travon Mullen (CB) Solid
Nevin Lawson (CB) Solid
Lamarcus Joyner (CB) Solid
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashad Fenton (CB) Solid
Chavarious Ward (CB) Avoid
Antonio Hamilton (CB) Avoid
Cardinals @ Jets
Outlook: The Jets are dead last in passing offense but we’ve got Joe Cool in there this week not that dead beat Darnold, both defenses are middle of the pack, start the guys we know are solid and leave the rest that’s how I’m seeing this one. Not enough fireworks for a full rollout on each side but the guys who usually produce should do so in this matchup.
Cardinals
Patrick Peterson (CB) Solid
Byron Murphy (CB) Solid
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB) Avoid
Jets
Pierre Desir (CB) Solid
Bless Austin (CB) Solid (If healthy)
Brian Poole (CB) Solid
Lamar Jackson (CB) Avoid
Eagles @ Steelers
Outlook: Neither teams passing offense or defense are anything special, middle to end of the pack for both on both sides. The difference will be pass rush, the Eagles don’t have much of one and the same can’t be said for Pittsburgh. Wentz will be lucky to escape this one with his life, Steelers corners should be able to take advantage of hurried attempts for some big plays while in Philly I’m sitting everyone besides Slay in all likelihood. Pittsburgh probably isn’t going to need to throw a ton to win this one handily.
Philadelphia Eagles
Darius Slay (CB) Solid
Crevon LeBlanc (CB) Avoid (playing time)
Nikel Robey Coleman (CB) Avoid
Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Haden (CB) Solid
Steven Nelson (CB) Solid
Mike Hilton (CB) Solid
Rams @ Football Team
Outlook: Both teams have very good passing defenses and neither has a stellar passing offense. The difference is one team is starting a quarterback who’s a proven winner and has gone to a superbowl coached by a genius with a hot wife, the other steam is starting Kyle Allen (QB). Blood bath. Rams should own everything from time of possession to the final score and whatever is in-between as well. Rams corners could take advantage of mistakes but counting on picks for your floor is a bad idea, in general I’d steer clear of this one but I’m sure Troy Hill (CB) will still find a way to have a nice week since he’s been awesome all season.
Los Angeles Rams
Jalen Ramsey (CB) Avoid
Troy Hill (CB) Solid
Darious Williams (CB) Avoid
Washington Football Team
Kendall Fuller (CB) Solid
Ronald Darby (CB) Avoid
Jimmy Moreland (CB) Avoid
Bengals @ Ravens
Outlook: The Ravens surprisingly have the 30th ranked passing attack, last year seems like a long time ago for Lamar Jackson (QB) share holders. Bengals are middle of the pack, neither passing defense is special. It’s a division matchup also so who knows what will happen however I think the Ravens two studs are very safe starts this week with Joe Burrow (QB) throwing as much as he has been lately, as for Cincy I’m probably steering clear the Ravens may not even need to pass to destroy that Bengals defense this week.
Cincinnati Bengals
William Jackson (CB) Avoid
Darius Phillips (CB) Avoid
LeShaun Sims (CB) Avoid
Baltimore Ravens:
Marlon Humphrey (CB) Solid
Marcus Peters (CB) Solid
Jimmy Smith (CB) Avoid
Anthony Averrett (CB) Avoid
Jaguars @ Texans
Outlook: Mediocre passing offenses times two, Texans passing defense is ranked fifth, Jags is nothing special. Division matchup, new coach in Houston, lots of uncertainty in general. I’d start Bradley Roby (CB) in deeper leagues and that’s it, the Jags corners are beat the hell up I’m not even sure who’s going to play for them so it’s probably better to just steer clear of this one.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tre Herndon (CB) Solid
Giant Mess (CB) Avoid
Houston Texans
Bradley Roby (CB) Solid
Vernon Hargreaves (CB) Avoid
Phillip Gaines (CB) Avoid
Dolphins @ 49ers
Outlook: Neither passing offense is special, Niners passing defense is legit, second in the league while the Dolphins passing defense is 27th so not great. If Jimmy Beautiful doesn’t play then we’re talking Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB) against the second best passing defense in the league and a backup QB on the other side, not a great formula for streaming corner on either side especially when you factor all the injuries in here, no Richard Sherman (CB) or Emmanuel Moseley (CB) or Byron Jones (CB), well maybe Byron Jones (CB) but I wouldn’t count on it. I’m looking elsewhere to stream in general.
Miami Dolphins
Byron Jones (CB) Solid (If healthy)
Xavien Howard (CB) Solid
Nik Needham (CB) Avoid
Noah Igbinoghene (CB) Avoid
San Francisco 49ers
Jason Verrett (CB) Avoid
Dontae Johnson (CB) Avoid
K’Waun Williams (CB)
*Niners corners situation is a mess, avoid for now if possible*
Colts @ Browns
Outlook: Browns passing attack is really bad, Colts is mediocre. Colts defense and passing defense are best in the league at the moment, Browns passing defense is just as bad as their passing offense, 30th for both. Colts should be able to pass this week, that’s good for Denzel Ward (CB) and Greedy Williams (CB) if he plays, as for the Colts Rock Ya Sin (CB) got injured again so there will be uncertainty there to start with. Kenny Moore (CB) and Xavier Rhodes (CB) could be decent but the Browns like to run more than pass to begin with so I’d start my Browns confidently and maybe we’ll have a couple Colts options depending on injuries.
Indianapolis Colts
Rock Ya Sin (CB) Avoid, health
Kenny Moore (CB) Solid if Ya Sin out, Avoid if Ya Sin plays
Xavier Rhodes (CB) Solid
Cleveland Browns
Greedy Williams (CB) Solid (If healthy)
Denzel Ward (CB) Solid
Terrence Mitchell (CB) Solid if Williams out, Avoid if Williams plays
Tavierre Thomas (CB) Avoid
Giants @ Cowboys
Outlook: The best passing attack in the league and one of the worst, however we all know the Cowboys defense in general and particularly their passing defense is god awful, even Daniel Jones (QB) should be able to score points this week. Start all the corners, all of them. Diggs, Ryan, Bradberry. It gets murky after that but those three are locked and loaded for sure. Solid matchup across the board.
New York Giants
James Bradberry (CB) Ideal
Logan Ryan (CB) Ideal
Ryan Lewis (CB) Avoid
Corners after this point played south of 58% snaps last week, avoid
Dallas Cowboys
Trevon Diggs (CB) Solid
Darryl Worley (CB) Solid
Chidobe Awuzie (CB) Avoid (IR)
Jourdan Lewis (CB) Avoid
Broncos @ Patriots
Outlook: Two terrible passing attacks and maybe both starting backups this week, definitely a good possibility for Denver at least. Patriots passing defense is legit, Broncos less so. Not much of a recipe for streaming corners, and even if we wanted to play Stephon Gilmore (CB) against a backup quarterback we can’t because he’s got the Rona. Avoid this one if you can. That’s not to say none of these corners will have a good day, I’m sure at least one or two will but I have no idea which and the matchup is crap. That picture for Gilmore was put in here pre corona diagnosis, it’s pretty ironic now.
Denver Broncos
Bryce Callahan (CB) Avoid
Kareem Jackson (CB) Avoid
Micheal Ojemudia (CB) Avoid
New England Patriots
Stephon Gilmore (CB) Avoid (Covid)
Jonathan Jones (CB) Avoid
JC Jackson (CB) Avoid
Jason McCourty (CB) Avoid
Vikings @ Seahawks
Outlook: Seahawks are letting Russ cook and he’s whipping up three course meals worthy of a five star restaurant. Vikings can’t pass their way out of a paper bag with a map and a flashlight. Good news for them is the Seahawks passing defense is hot dog crap, dead last in the league. This is a recipe for some solid streamers all over the place, I like this matchup.
Minnesota Vikings
Jeff Gladney (CB) Solid
Cameron Dantzler (CB) Solid
Holton Hill (CB) Solid
Seattle Seahawks
Shaq Griffin (CB) Solid
Quinton Dunbar (CB) Solid (If healthy)
Tre Flowers (CB) Solid if Dunbar is out, Avoid if Dunbar plays
Ryan Neal (CB) Solid (Hidden safety, start as a corner or safety preferably a corner)
Chargers @ Saints
Outlook: It says the Chargers have a somewhat decent passing attack but I don’t really believe that. The Saints could get Michael Thomas (WR) back this week so I’m interested in some Chargers corners definitely, well Mr. Hayward anyways since Chris Harris (CB) is done for 4-6 weeks. On the other side Janoris Jenkins (CB) is always good if he plays and Marshon Lattimore (CB) is always a decent bet for a big day but they were both inactive and banged up last week plus even if they do play Justin Herbert (QB) or Tyrod Taylor (QB) aren’t going to light the world on fire, Chargers are a go, Saints an avoid generally.
Los Angeles Chargers
Micheal Davis (CB) Solid
Casey Hayward (CB) Solid
Desmond King (CB) Avoid
New Orleans Saints
Janoris Jenkins (CB) Solid (If healthy)
Marshon Lattimore (CB) Avoid (May not even be healthy)
Patrick Robinson (CB) Avoid
Please remember to check inactives before submitting your final lineups Thursday night, Sunday at 11am Eastern and 330pm Eastern Time, prior to Sunday night football and Monday night. Players can and will suddenly become inactive after looking “good to go” all week (See “Robert Woods 2019″). That’s on you to keep an eye on. Also this article was published days before kickoff and I have zero intention of updating it a hundred times with injuries and inactives prior to kickoff. That stuff is on you, figure it out, or don’t, it’s not my lineup.
These are only suggestions, your lineup is ultimately your responsibility and yours alone. Good luck this week and all season, go get that hardware and cash.
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