T.Y. Hilton vs. Texans secondary

Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson are the established, potential future Hall of Famers in this AFC South showdown, but let’s examine third-year pro T.Y. Hilton.

He’ll move around in the Colts offense, and don’t be surprised to see him in the slot on occasion where there’s more room for him to utilize his quick-twitchiness (not a word).

While he hasn’t had any “monster” games yet…like the one he had in Week 9 against the Texans last year when he scored three touchdowns…the former Florida International star has caught at least five passes in every 2014 outing, and he averages a healthy 10 targets per contest.

The Colts will be without both starting guards tonight, which certainly makes Andrew Luck vulnerable against the outrageously disruptive J.J. Watt.

However, offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton is aware of Watt’s destructive ways just as much as we all are, so expect to see an assortment of quick throws into the flat and over the middle to Hilton. The Texans should be prepared for the quick passing attack, but if Hilton’s given the football in space enough, he’ll eventually break one for a big gain.

Houston’s secondary is decent, but it won’t be able to contain the Colts’ lightning bug wideout.

Prediction:

T.Y. Hilton: 6 receptions, 97 yards, 1TD

 

Jay Cutler vs. Falcons secondary

The Bears quarterback has taken us on a roller-coaster ride thus far, which is pretty typical. Outside of his four-touchdown masterpiece against the 49ers in Week 2, many of Cutler’s fine performances have been negated somewhat by ill-advised interceptions.

The Falcons defensive backfield certainly isn’t a stout group, as it allows a QB rating of 95.5 and 260 yards through the air per game. Therefore, Cutler and the Bears explosive and rather large pass-catching contingent should be able to move the ball efficiently and provide you with many fantasy points.

On the road, Cutler’s thrown eight touchdowns to just two picks. Against Atlanta, with Brandon Marshall likely close to 100 percent, Chicago’s offense should be firing on all cylinders. Love the matchup for Cutler this week.

Prediction

Jay Cutler: 24-for-36, 256 yards, 3TDs, 1INT

 

Eddie Lacy vs. Dolphins run defense

When he’s at his best, Eddie Lacy can run through just about any NFL defender. After a poor start to the season that was likely due to some offensive line deficiencies in Green Bay, Lacy got back on track in a Thursday Night Football drubbing of the Vikings.

Before you raise your expectations for Lacy, you must be reminded that Miami’s defensive front is much stingier than Minnesota’s.

The Dolphins allow a mere 3.8 yards per rush — the eighth-best figure in the league.

Sure, Knile Davis ran for 132 yards with a score against the ‘Fins in Week 3, but it took him 32 carries to get there.

At home, I see the Dolphins making life difficult for Lacy — Cameron Wake, Randy Starks, Olivier Vernon and Jared Odrick are quite the underrated defensive line quartet.

Aaron Rodgers may have a fine afternoon, but I don’t see Lacy as a legitimate RB 1 in Week 6.

Prediction

Eddie Lacy: 16 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD

 

DeSean Jackson vs. Cardinals secondary

D-Jax got Washington back into the game against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 5 with a few grabs down the field against the most intimidating and deepest secondary in football.

Because he’s only about 5’10” and 175 pounds with incredibly springy feet and acceleration, Jackson’s actually a very difficult matchup for the bigger, more physical cornerbacks in the game.

Patrick Peterson is one of the better DBs in the NFL, and he’s pretty athletic himself, but he won’t be able to stay with Jackson on the shot plays cJay Gruden clearly loves to call. If Antonio Cromartie lines up with Jackson…watch out. Advantage Washington.

No, D-Jax won’t go for 157 at 31.4 yards per catch, but Kirk Cousins will find him down the sideline once or twice, and look for the spry wideout to catch a few short passes across the middle so he can utilize his special YAC ability.

Prediction

DeSean Jackson: 5 catches, 120 yards