NFL Predictions Week 3: Predicting the Top 5 WR Performances

As we inch closer to the start of Week 3 of the NFL season, here is a look at which receivers should have the best performances during the weekend:

5. (tied) Deion Branch, Patriots

The Bills have yet to allow a touchdown from Wes Welker in 14 career games, which suggests to me that he's been their main focus defensively when these two teams meet. Why change now? If the Bills stay with that game plan, someone has to benefit, and I think it's Branch. He has over 200 yards on 15 catches to start the season.

5. (tied) Steve Johnson, Bills

The Patriots have had problems stopping teams' No. 1 receivers through two games, and it's that simple. Brandon Marshall and Vincent Jackson have each done some damage to the New England secondary. You'd think Johnson would be the Pats' main focus on defense Sunday, but they haven't proven yet that they can stop a team's best receiver.

5. (tied) Mike Wallace, Steelers

Wallace has back-to-back 100-yard games already this season, and the Colts look like a matchup that he should be able to exploit. I think the Steelers will want to concentrate on running the ball against the Indy front, but Wallace is always good for a couple of long, play-action passes. 

4. Steve Smith, Panthers

The NFL's leading receiver with 334 yards has been rejuvenated by the big arm of rookie quarterback Cam Newton. After two years of downhill production from Smith, he looks on the verge of a career season. Newton has connected with Smith 14 times, and the former Pro Bowl receiver also leads the league in targets with 24. Until we see the magic of Newton wear off, Smith is going to be the Panthers' biggest beneficiary, and who knows—maybe there's more than just magic going on in Carolina between these two. 

3. Kenny Britt, Titans

No Champ Bailey could potentially mean huge numbers for Britt, who has tallied over 100 yards with a score in each of the Titans' first two games. The Broncos have been poor against the run to start the season, but the Titans should look to this matchup first if they want to move the ball against Denver. And if Tennessee can get Chris Johnson going, they'll be able to go up top to Britt early and often. After all the offseason problems for Britt, he looks like he's headed for a big season statistically.

2. Andre Johnson, Texans

Johnson has hauled in seven catches for nearly 100 yards and a touchdown in both weeks this season, but his matchup Sunday against the Saints might offer his best chance yet at cracking the century mark. One would assume both the Texans and Saints would throw a bunch, which should mean plenty of opportunities for Johnson. It's not that he has been getting ignored, however. Johnson leads the team in targets by 14.

1. Vincent Jackson, Chargers

We saw what Jackson did to the Patriots last Sunday (10 catches, 172 yards, two touchdowns), and now he gets a secondary in Kansas City this week that has been getting toasted all season. You'd like to think the Chiefs are going to play with a little pride after getting outscored 89-10 to start the season, but traveling to San Diego isn't easy. Jackson will make sure it's a tough task, especially defensively, for the Chiefs.