Eli Manning vs. Redskins secondary

Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo went on the record saying he wanted quarterback Eli Manning to complete 70 percent of his passes this season. What?! Yeah, 70 percent. Actually, it wasn’t a crazy expectation. Sure, Manning’s never even hit achieved a 63 percent completion rate, but he’s spent his NFL career in Kevin Gilbride’s vertical attack that featured a plethora of option routes in which the signal-caller and wideout connection had to be perfect.

In Week 3’s win over the Texans, Eli’s exceeded the 70 percent completion mark, and I expect him to be super efficient once again facing an average-at-best Washington secondary on the road tonight. Kirk Cousins might be the bigger story after two effective outings filling in for the injured Robert Griffin III, but Manning’s inflated completion percentage is a story we’ll all be talking about soon. Yes, Eli may be on the fast track to legitimate fantasy relevance once again.

Prediction

Eli Manning: 24-of-33, 260 yards, 2TD, 1 INT

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Tom Brady vs. Chiefs secondary

Soooo what’s up with Tom Brady? He looks more like your neighbor, Tom Bradley. Well, to me, his issues are three-fold. First, he’s not being protected nearly as well as we’re used to seeing. According to Pro Football Focus, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer is being pressured on 36 percent of his drop backs this season. In 2013, he was pressured on 32.6 percent of his drop backs. In 2012, that percentage was just 25 percent. Secondly, he’s 37. It shouldn’t be surprising that some of his once razor-sharp quarterbacking skills are deteriorating. Lastly, his receiving corp is far from intimidating outside of Rob Gronkowski. Draft misses like Josh Boyce and Aaron Dobson certainly haven’t helped.

The Kansas City secondary won’t be mistaken for the Seahawks defensive backfield anytime soon, but Tamba Hali and Justin Houston can bring heat off the edge, and Dontari Poe is one of the NFL’s better nose tackles in the middle. On the road, in what will likely be a raucous Arrowhead Stadium, I’d recommend benching, yes benching, Tom Brady this week.

Prediction

Tom Brady: 26-of-41, 225 yards, 1TD, 1 INT

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LeSean McCoy vs. 49ers run defense

LeSean McCoy’s yards-per-attempt average is 2.9. No typo. Funny what happens when there are major injuries on the offensive line. By the way, are you sensing a theme here? The line of scrimmage will always play a massive role in how teams and individuals perform. It’s boring but probably football’s truest adage.

The 49ers have been stout against the run, but I like McCoy to bounce back this week. And really, that’s just a gut feeling. Sure, the Eagles have been “carried” by three 300-yard efforts from quarterback Nick Foles thus far, but Chip Kelly wants to run it often and will look to get the ball to McCoy in a variety of creative ways, as usual.

Maybe Shady doesn’t go nuts on the ground, but Philly’s screen game is still on point.

Prediction

LeSean McCoy: 15 carries, 55 yards, 1TD, 4 catches, 43 yards 1TD

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Steve Smith vs. Panthers secondary

I had to include this matchup so Steve Smith wouldn’t haunt my dreams for the next week. Scariest 5’9″ receiver ever? Yeah. Anyway, Smith has gotten off to a blistering start in Baltimore as Joe Flacco’s unquestioned No. 1 target. With tight end Dennis Pitta sidelined for the rest of the season, expect Smith (and probably Torrey Smith as well) to see even more targets.

In this homecoming game for Smith, an content he circled on the calendar in his own blood five months ago, expect the Ravens to “feature” the former Panther. Also, don’t be surprised if No. 89’s adrenaline is really pumping and he finishes a few runs after the catch even harder than usual.

Carolina’s secondary isn’t fabulous, so I envision a big day for Smif.

Prediction

Steve Smith: 7 catches, 103 yards, 1TD