We’re back with our regular look at some of the most intriguing potential matchups from this week’s slate of games.
1. Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas vs. Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson
One of the league’s most physically talented and best wide receivers is taking one of the league’s most physically talented and best cornerbacks. Neither has consistently played up to the level of excellence they’ve shown-Thomas has been shockingly mediocre so far, with a sub-50% catch rate and averaging under 11 yards per catch. Peterson often matches up to the opponent’s best receiver, a tough task he sometimes struggles with. No matter, as the Broncos have played outstanding offense and the Cardinals have played outstanding defense anyway. This is still the marquee one-on-one matchup from that clash.
2. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. 49ers ILB Patrick Willis
The other marquee late game is in San Francisco, where Alex Smith takes on his old team. Smith has played well since Week 1’s now-shocking loss to the Titans. Kelce is only playing half of the time, but he has been Smith’s most valuable target, catching 75% of the passes thrown his way and averaging a remarkable for a tight end 14.4 yards per catch. After missing last season, he is living up to his “Baby Gronk” hype. Led by Willis, the 49ers have done a very good job of limiting opposing tight ends this year. They will need another strong effort this week, and without forgetting about that Jamaal Charles guy either.
3. Colts WR T.Y. Hilton vs. Ravens CB Lardarius Webb
Webb has shown he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, period, when healthy. A back injury has limited his snaps so far this year, but he’s practiced this week. Baltimore will need him, as they travel to Indianapolis to take on a Colts team that has made a lot of plays through the air the last couple weeks. Hilton is one of the best vertical receivers in the league and frequently lines up in the slot. When Webb hasn’t played, the Ravens have played safety Matt Elam there, and Hilton will burn him deep. He could burn Webb, too, if Andrew Luck is as good downfield as he’s been lately. Webb at least gives Baltimore’s pass defense a fighting chance.
4. Bills WR Robert Woods vs. Lions CB Darius Slay
Detroit’s defensive backs grouping looked like a liability before the season began. Led by Slay’s breakout performance, they’ve been one of the breakout groups of the season and Detroit wouldn’t be 3-1 without their fine play. Sammy Watkins, not Woods, is the Bills’ most prominent wide receiver, but his 3 catches on 12 targets last Sunday against the Texans may be the most visible reason behind EJ Manuel’s benching in favor of Kyle Orton. Orton is certainly no world-beater, but if Woods can get open against Slay and the rest of the Lions secondary and Orton can do a better job of finding him, Doug Marrone and company will look better.
5. Cowboys C Travis Frederick vs. Texans ILB Brian Cushing
Dallas leads the NFL in rushing yards through the first four games. DeMarco Murray is a talented back having a great season. He has many more yards before contact than any other back in the league, though. That is a testament to the success of the Cowboys offensive line, which has been phenomenal. The line has been getting it done with double teams, with one player peeling off to pick up linebackers like Cushing. The veteran has led the Texans in tackles the past two games, but a knee injury has limited him in practice this week. Houston needs him healthy so he can get downhill and avoid the second-level blocks of Frederick and the other linemen. If he can’t, Murray could have his fifth straight highly productive game.
