Welcome back to a brand new NFL season—and with it, the return of “Part the Cloud.”
For new readers: this series gets its name from the “Cloud” variation of Zone coverage, and just like that defensive wrinkle, we aim to peel back the layers of NFL schemes to uncover under-the-radar wide receivers who can shine in overlooked matchups.
Here’s what you won’t find here:
🚫 No chalk plays
🚫 No 15%+ owned darlings
🚫 No filler
We’re diving into low-ownership leverage plays that could truly separate your DFS lineups from the field. Let’s ride.
🔧 Formation Focus: 11 Personnel
The most common formation in the NFL today is the three-wide receiver set, so it’s only natural that our breakdown mirrors that alignment. Let’s spotlight three WRs operating in favorable matchups with low ownership projections.
🔥 Cedric Tillman – CLE @ CIN
-
DraftKings: $4,400 | Projected Ownership: 1.88%
-
FanDuel: $4,700 | Projected Ownership: 1.55%
We have an opportunity here—one that many are forgetting.
The offseason narrative focused on the Bengals’ vulnerable defense and the target volume Jerry Jeudy commanded last year. But let’s not forget who was the alpha on that team before injury derailed his season: Cedric Tillman.
Tillman looks to draw Cam Taylor-Britt in coverage, which is a favorable matchup. He also pairs with a quarterback who wants to push the ball downfield, playing right into Tillman’s strengths as a true X receiver.
Against Cincinnati’s heavy Cover 3 and Man concepts, Tillman’s profile pops. A great leverage play for Week 1.
⚡ Jameson Williams – DET @ GB
-
DraftKings: $5,500 | Projected Ownership: 3.71%
-
FanDuel: $6,000 | Projected Ownership: 3.95%
Some plays just feel like gifts—and if these low ownership projections hold, this is one of them.
Jameson Williams is the Lions’ premier deep threat, and against the Packers’ frequent Cover 3 and Cover 2, he shines. He ranks:
-
#1 on the team vs. Cover 3
-
#2 vs. Cover 2
…in both separation and yards per route run (YPRR).
Green Bay ranked bottom 10 in chunk plays allowed last season, and Jamo’s explosive skill set is tailor-made to exploit that vulnerability. Classic deep-threat upside with low ownership? Yes, please.
💎 Dontayvion Wicks – GB @ DET
-
DraftKings: $3,400 | Projected Ownership: 0.53%
-
FanDuel: $4,900 | Projected Ownership: 0.42%
This play is not for the faint of heart.
The Lions played man coverage at one of the highest rates last season, and with an internal hire replacing DC Aaron Glenn, don’t expect a drastic scheme shift.
With Jayden Reed nursing an injury and likely to be ineffective, Wicks becomes the next man up in terms of beating man coverage. QB Jordan Love has shown he trusts Wicks, targeting him 13 times in a game last year.
Yes, there are drop issues, and yes, there’s risk. But if Wicks finds his hands, we’re looking at a true ceiling outcome at less than 1% ownership. Sometimes fortune favors the bold.
📌 Final Thoughts
There are a few other situations I’m keeping tabs on (like the boys in Seattle and Houston), but these three receivers stood out as low-owned options with real leverage and explosive potential.
If you’ve got questions, want to talk process, or are looking for more dart throws, feel free to reach out—I’m TreyJ989 in the channels. Tag me anytime.
Thanks for reading, and good luck this week.
Let’s make some bold moves. 🧠💥