PIT @ CLE
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#5 - Q. Judkins: O 1.5 Receptions (Tail best line)
Quinshon Judkins continues to benefit from a passing-game role that fits this matchup perfectly.
• Only 3 quarterbacks check down more frequently than Deshaun Watson
• Pittsburgh plays zone coverage on 84% of its snaps, and no Browns player is targeted more against zone than Judkins
• Has recorded 2+ receptions in every game this season
Judkins only needs two catches, and Cleveland's tendency to check down combined with Pittsburgh's zone-heavy defense should keep him involved.
#4 - DK Metcalf: O 41.5 Rec Yards (Tail best line)
DK Metcalf gets a matchup that should allow Pittsburgh to attack downfield.
• Cleveland allows the highest average depth of target in the NFL at nearly 11 yards
• Metcalf has the highest aDOT among Pittsburgh receivers and is the first read on nearly 30% of Rodgers' throws
• Browns have allowed the 4th-most receiving yards to wide receivers
OddsJam has a noticeable +EV gap on Metcalf's number, and the matchup lines up with exactly how Pittsburgh uses him. He also put up 95 yards on 9 targets in his last meeting with Cleveland.
#3 - J. Warren: O 65.5 Rush Yards (Tail best line)
Jaylen Warren is coming off a huge rushing performance and could be in line for another heavy workload.
• Ran for 127 yards on just 17 carries last week
• Only 3 running backs generate explosive runs at a higher rate
• Cleveland has allowed the 5th-most yards per carry to running backs and the 2nd-most explosive plays in the NFL
With Rico Dowdle's toe still in question on a short week, Warren has a clear path to the volume he needs to clear this number again.
#2 - K.C. Concepcion: U 3.5 Receptions (Tail best line)
K.C. Concepcion draws a difficult matchup for a receiver who spends most of his time in the slot.
• Pittsburgh allows the lowest target rate in the NFL to slot receivers at just 7.3%
• Concepcion plays a team-high 69.2% of his snaps from the slot
• His target share drops 14% against zone, and Pittsburgh plays the 2nd-most zone coverage in football
Concepcion caught just 2 passes last week, and with Steelers-Browns projected as one of the week's lowest-scoring games, overall passing opportunities could be limited.
#1 - D. Washington: O 15.5 Rec Yards (Tail best line)
Darnell Washington's splits against man coverage make this matchup especially interesting.
• Owns a 23% target share against man compared to just 8% against zone
• Cleveland plays more man coverage than any defense in the NFL
• Has cleared this number in 2 of his first 3 games and is coming off a 67-yard performance
Cleveland also forces the 6th-most targets to tight ends. OddsJam's Sharp Money tool is showing interest in Washington's number, and his massive target-share jump against man gives us a clear reason why.
That’s the list. Week 4 kicks off with an AFC North battle in Cleveland as the Steelers and Browns meet on Thursday Night Football.
See you out there,
-Joe

