Good: IND WR Michael Pittman Jr. vs. ARI CB Max Melton
Pittman and the Colts have had a near-perfect start to the season. The offense has been prolific with an efficient Daniel Jones under center. Pittman averages around five catches per game this season, and he has scored a touchdown in all but one game this season. Indianapolis likes to spread the ball around and stay balanced with the run, but make no mistake that Pittman is the big target on this team, especially in the red zone.
Arizona is coming off a comedy of errors loss, but the way the defense has been playing, is it that shocking? The Cardinals’ primary zone coverage schemes are currently giving up the fifth most passing yards per game at 254 yards. Rookie cornerback Will Johnson is finally on the field to help things, but this defense is not performing the way it was expected to so far this season. It will be hard to get back on track against a high-powered offense on the road.
Good: LAR WR Davante Adams vs. BAL CB T.J. Tampa
Adams has been a great complement to Puka Nacua this season. Adams has 357 yards and three touchdowns on the season. He can still get it done and is still a red zone threat for Matthew Stafford, who has been playing insane the past couple of weeks. The Rams pass catchers have a juicy matchup against an injury-riddled Baltimore team.
The Ravens got torched by the Texans last week as they missed several key defensive personnel for the game. It does not look good again this week, especially in the cornerback room as Chidobe Awuzie and Marlon Humphrey’s statuses are up in the air. Baltimore did get some safety help this week as Kyle Hamilton returned to practice. They also signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the practice squad and traded for Alohi Gilman. Still, Adams has a good chance to put up some points this week.
Good: CIN WR Tee Higgins vs. GB CB Carrington Valentine
Well, the Bengals upgraded at quarterback for the time being. Higgins, who was poised for a great season, has not caught more than three passes in a game this season. I would expect that to change this week. Yes, the Bengals offensive line has not improved, and they face Micah Parsons this week, but Joe Flacco has played the Packers already this season. And if you recall, he beat them in a comeback victory.
The Packers are coming off the bye week after tying the Dallas Cowboys at 40 apiece in a game where no defense was played. All of their preparation for this game was upended a bit after Wednesday’s news that Flacco would be starting this week. It is do-or-die for Cincinnati, so I would expect the ball will be in the hands of their top playmakers this week.
Bad: ARI WR Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. IND WR Charvarious Ward
Harrison Jr. had a strong start last week against the Titans, but he disappeared after that. Cardinals OC Drew Petzing admittedly said he did not do enough to get him the ball after the first quarter. That forgetfulness played a part in the Cardinals’ awful loss to Tennessee. Also in that game, QB Kyler Murray was treated for a foot injury, but he returned to the game. After re-entering the game, Murray only completed four passes for a whopping 26 yards. Murray did not practice on Wednesday, but regardless if he plays, he will be limited.
The Colts are rolling again and put on a defensive show last week, holding the Raiders to just six points and picking off Geno Smith a couple of times. Indianapolis will be ready for the ailing Cardinals with Murray or a familiar face, Jacoby Brisset,t under center.
Bad: BAL WR Zay Flowers vs. LAR CB Cobie Durant
Flowers lands on the Hate list again this week. Yes, he had 72 yards with Cooper Rush, but 56 of those yards came on one pass play when the game was already out of reach. Lamar Jackson did not practice Wednesday, and the early thought this week is that he will be out again. The Ravens could turn to QB Tyler Huntley, who has played a handful of games in relief of Lamar Jackson before, but there has been no determination as of yet.
The Rams are coming off an overtime loss to the Niners. Mac Jones and Kendrick Bourne carved this defense up last week, but Cooper Rush and/or Tyler Huntley are different quarterbacks, and they do not have Kyle Shanahan as their playcaller. The Rams’ defense will play better this week and be better prepared for this less dynamic Ravens’ offense.
Bad: NO WR Chris Olave vs. NE CB Christian Gonzalez
Olave has had another rough go this season so far. The Saints have not been stable since Sean Payton and Drew Brees left the franchise. Olave has shown flashes of potential to be one of the top receivers in the league, like his fellow Ohio State teammates, but quarterback instability and injuries have plagued his career. His name is sure to be thrown around in trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches in under a month.
Olave has to deal with Christian Gonzalez, who returned two weeks ago. Since he has returned, he has limited Tet McMillan and Keon Coleman to 85 yards and one touchdown combined. The Patriots also have some momentum after knocking off the Bills on Sunday Night Football. Look for New England to keep the ball rolling against the lowly Saints and stifle Olave.