Wes Welker vs. Chargers defensive backs

Remember this guy? Yeah, the pesky little slot receiver people in Boston used to call “Welkah.” With the emergence of Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and speedster Emmanuel Sanders, I can’t blame you for essentially forgetting Mr. Welker who’s technically the No. 4 option in Denver’s outrageously potent offense.

He’s fully healthy and scored his first touchdown of the season last week in the destruction the San Francisco 49ers at home. I’m intentionally focusing on Welker because of the juicy matchup he faces in this one tonight. Chargers cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Richard Marshall are fine on the outside, but stud rookie Jason Verrett, who flourishes in the slot, is questionable with a shoulder injury.

If he plays, Welker may see three or four targets. But if he doesn’t play, expect to see Peyton Manning look to Welker more often than we’ve seen this season. For reference, Welker has 22 targets in four games in 2014.

Sure, both Julius and Demaryius Thomas and Sanders will see some time inside, but Welker is essentially a “slot only” wideout who’s still pretty darn quick off the line of scrimmage. With all the attention on Denver’s top three receivers, don’t be surprised when Welker turns in a fine evening.

Prediction:

Wes Welker: 6 catches, 80 yards, 1TD

. . .

Ryan Tannehill vs. Jaguars secondary

Tannehill’s shown vast improvement in his last two games, victories over the Raiders and Bears. He’s facing the Jaguars this week…might as well mark him down for another solid performance, right? Ehhh, wait one minute.

Jacksonville is still miles away from contending in the AFC, but Gus Bradley has the defense playing much better of late. It held the Browns, a team with one of the best offensive lines in football, to a paltry 3.6 yards per play and Brian Hoyer to QBR of 7.8. Yeah, 7.8. That’s bad.

At home, I think the Jaguars have enough secondary talent and pass rush to make Tannehill’s life rather difficult.

I don’t think he’ll be completely shut down, but many are “buying” Tannehill after consecutive strong outings against bad defenses, but this Jacksonville group is on the rise.

Prediction:

Ryan Tannehill: 21-for-40, 225 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

. . .

LeSean McCoy vs. Cardinals run defense

Shady is…back? He is, isn’t he?

Well, in the Sunday Night Football smackdown of the New York Giants a few weeks ago, McCoy averaged 6.8 yards per carry and eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time this season. Fantasy owners who had a Top3 pick this year collectively rejoiced.

However, the Cardinals run defense is about as stingy as it comes, as it’s tied with the Bills and Seahawks for fewest yards per carry allowed on the season – 3.2. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell should return to the field for Arizona in this one, too, which doesn’t bode well for McCoy’s rushing efforts.

I expect Shady to squeeze through for a handful of decently-large gains on screen passes, but between the tackles, Todd Bowles’ defense doesn’t surrender much. McCoy might score a touchdown, but I envision a step back from his 149-yard performance against the G-Men in Week 6.

Prediction:

LeSean McCoy: 13 carries, 65 yards, 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD

. . .

Brian Quick vs. Chiefs secondary

Suddenly, former second-round selection Brian Quick is fantasy relevant. Thank you, Austin Davis. Then again, he’s been held to just three catches for 43 yards in his past two games, but the Chiefs secondary isn’t exactly as intimidating as the groups in Seattle or San Francisco.

Quick has shown that when he’s targeted, he produces, and chances are the Rams don’t want to be forced to rely on a fake punt and / or a gimmicky but brilliant punt return to beat Kansas City on the road this week. Davis could find himself under pressure often with the likes of Justin Houston and Tamba Hali bearing down on him off the edge.

Yet anytime St. Louis nears the end zone, Quick will likely be the top option. With the offensive line playing better and rookie Tre Mason running well, the Rams offense should be more balanced than usual.

I like a rebound effort from Mr. Quick in Week 8.

Prediction:

Brian Quick: 5 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD