Julio Jones and Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
It doesn’t appear that Brandon Flowers will be suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Even if the talented cornerback does, he will not be at 100 percent. This leaves Kansas City in a weak situation in the secondary.
Atlanta is moving towards a more pass happy offense and will attempt to test that out against the Chiefs on Sunday. I can easily envision a scenario where Matt Ryan attempts 40 passes. If that happens, you can expect both Jones and White to get 12-plus targets come Sunday.
Look for these two talented receivers to both accumulate 100 yards and a touchdown. Definitely worthy of starting as WR1 options this week.
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Is there any question that you should start “Megatron” each and every week? Somehow I have a hard time betting against the best receiver in the National Football League.
Couple that with the fact that Detroit will be taking on a St. Louis Rams defense with three new cover guys on the outside. While Cortland Finnegan does offer a tough matchup for Johnson, I can see the former Tennessee Titans standout playing too close to the line and getting beat over the top with absolutely no safety help. At least, lackluster safety help.
Look for Johnson to get a huge big plays and at least once score come Sunday. I am predicting 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars
I don’t see any conceivable way that the Minnesota Vikings are going to be able to stop Blackmon. Go ahead put the washed up Antoine Winfield on him. Maybe Chris Cook will able to surprise a lot of people, but somehow I doubt that. One thing is for sure. They are going to have to come up with a plan to cover the rookie receiver without much talent in the secondary.
Additionally, you can definitely expect Blaine Gabbert to look in his direction early and often. There is no doubt that Blackmon is already the Jaguars No. 1 wide receiver. Then you have the fact that the Oklahoma State product came out and dominated in the preseason after a lengthy holdout. He did so against opposing No. 1 defenses.
No reason to believe that Blackmon cannot put up triple-digit yards and a score. That puts him in WR1 territory.
Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
While I have the Indianapolis Colts going into Soldier Field and upsetting the Bears, there really isn’t any indication that they are going to be able to stop Marshall. The onus will probably be placed on newcomer Vontae Davis, Marshall’s former teammate with the Miami Dolphins.
Even if Cutler doesn’t get consistent pass-protection against what promises to be a much better Colts’ front seven, he will be able to get to Marshall on the outside. In the process, you are going to see the enigmatic wide receiver be able to flash his play-making ability.