Drew Brees vs. Green Bay's defense
The Packers pose quite the challenge for Brees and the Saints passing game. Over the past seven games, Green Bay allowed just one opposing quarterback (Peyton Manning) to eclipse the 200-yard mark. Green Bay’s pass defense ranks third in yards allowed and has a very experienced and talented group of defensive backs. The key for New Orleans' success will be deploying the ball to other weapons besides Marques Colston, who is sure to be in for a long evening. Brees hasfailed to throw for under 300 yards only three times season, and this Packers defense may bring about the fourth. Expect the NFL’s leader in passing yards to tally 275 yards and two touchdowns.
Anquan Boldin vs. the Giants' secondary
No receiver has been better than Boldin this season. He excels at so many different aspects of the game, including how he assaults defensive backs after making the catch. Coming off of a 13-catch, 186-yard performance last Sunday in Seattle, expect the Giants to attempt to take away Kurt Warner hitting Boldin in space, but the presence of Larry Fitzgerald makes such a task easier said than done. It’ll be interesting to see who lines up on Boldin primarily between Aaron Ross and Corey Webster. Ultimately, the scheme will be paramount in stopping Boldin, because most defensive backs can’t seem to slow him down after the catch. The Giants will give the Cards headaches but Boldin will churn out 100 yards and a touchdown.
Brett Favre vs. Tennessee's defense
Deion Sanders asked Favre after last Thursday’s dramatic win over New England about his propensity to throw interceptions during a game’s critical stages. Favre talked about his style of play and how he consciously tries to avoid such an error. He managed to escape it last week but doing so against the 10-0 Tennessee Titans may be a bit tougher. Tennessee’s secondary matches up well with New York’s group of scrappy, unassuming receivers. Cornerbacks Courtland Finnegan and Nick Harper must take advantage of errant throws by Favre, who will indeed make those throws, especially if pressured by the Titans front seven. Tennessee’s pass defense ranks sixth and is likely to cause consternation for Favre. Look for Golden Brett to throw for 225 yards and a score against one of the league’s best defensive units.
Peyton Manning vs. San Diego's defense
When we last saw Manning play the Chargers in San Diego, he threw six interceptions. Overall, Manning struggled against the Chargers in two games last season, throwing five touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions. Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie gave Manning plenty of problems last season, but Shawne Merriman will not be around to help pressure the quarterback in this go-around. Throughout the season, San Diego struggled rushing the quarterback and in turn preventing big gains in the passing game. Manning will go for over 300 yards and fire a couple of touchdowns; he must limit mistakes against a reeling Chargers secondary that could not get Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers off the field in critical moments.
Marshawn Lynch vs. Kansas City rush defense
Finally, Lynch put together a 100-yard rushing effort, his first of the season. Next on Lynch’s hit list is a Kansas City defense that allows a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry. Clearly, the Bills are in a bit of a tailspin, but Lynch should be able to move the ball on the ground versus the 31st-ranked defense against the run. Expect Lynch to reach the 100-yard mark again with a touchdown as well.