NFL Week 13 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Most Dominant Receivers

As the NFL remains in the midst of being a pass-happy league, more and more WRs are emerging throughout the pros each season and doing quite well.

That said, since the pool has gotten bigger, it just puts the standouts on an even higher pedestal. So with increased expectations and favorable matchups, here are the most dominant WRs of Week 13.

Brandon Marshall, Dolphins (vs. Raiders)

Even though the Dolphins are 3-8, since the surge of Matt Moore has sparked them, WR Brandon Marshall has been playing well.

Three times he has gone over 100 yards and he's added two TDs along with averaging over five catches per game. This week against the Raiders, Marshall will need a big performance.

The reason is because Miami needs something to counter Oakland's stellar rushing attack and force the Raiders to throw. Although the Raiders have been improving their passing attack, it's still not where it needs to be.

As for the Dolphins, the more Marshall produces, the better the odds they have of winning. In addition, the Raiders haven't been consistent defensively and rank just No. 20 against the pass. Oakland has no one who can cover Marshall one-on-one, so he'll get good numbers in Week 13.

Steve Smith, Panthers (at Buccaneers)

Much thanks to rookie QB Cam Newton, veteran WR Steve Smith has had quite a year despite being 32 years old. You could argue that this has been Smith's best year as a pro.

In any event, he is by far Newton's best and most reliable target, plus the Panthers rank in the top 10 in pass and rush offense, while Tampa Bay (Week 13 opponent) ranks No. 28 against the pass and No. 30 against the rush.

So, Carolina won't have any trouble moving the ball downfield; however, Newton needs to be concerned about Smith being double-teamed often. Not that Smith can't get open in double coverage because he has many times before, but never with a rookie under center.

Therefore, Smith must make sure he doesn't put Newton in situations where the pass is forced, otherwise an INT will occur. Instead, to ensure less double coverage, Smith needs to just line up in multiple spots across the line to keep the Bucs' off balance.

It also wouldn't hurt to throw in some quick screens and let Smith get the rock early, when he can some yards on his own, which is an underrated attribute of his. Nonetheless, Smith will roll and continue playing at a Pro Bowl/All-Pro pace.

Calvin Johnson, Lions (at Saints)

Despite the New York Giants having thrown for over 400 yards against the Saints last week, the Giants don't have anyone at WR to compare with Detroit's Calvin Johnson.

Now, the Lions collectively won't be able to match anything the New Orleans offense does because quite frankly, other than Green Bay, no one can that consistently. However, with Megatron out wide, he is Detroit's best option at trying to match New Orleans.

He's arguably the NFL's best receiver, and the Saints defense ranks No. 27 against the pass and allows over 250 yards per game.

So even if Johnson gets double- or even tripled-covered, none of the Saints' DBs can run or jump with him. All Matt Stafford will need to do is drop back and launch the ball downfield and let Johnson go get it.

It's that simple.

Wes Welker, Patriots (vs. Colts)

When Tom Brady is under center, virtually every receiver in the league can become the most consistent and dominant. Well, Wes Welker has been that guy ever since joining the Patriots in 2007, and New England's passing game has never appeared so intimidating.

In Week 13, Welker's matchup is the Indianapolis Colts, who have yet to win and have trouble stopping the run and pass.

The Pats' No. 1 ranked pass offense will completely dice up the Colts defense, and this week may be even more dominant than what Welker did on the road in Buffalo. Either way though, don't expect anything less than impressive from Wes this week.

Indianapolis doesn't have much of a pass rush as it did early in the year, so Brady will have ample amount of time to throw the ball. And whether Welker runs deep, gets a screen or his usual intermediate routes, he will be open quite often.

Thing is, even if he gets double-teamed, then Deion Branch will dominate as well as their better-than-advertised ground game. So, whether Indy chooses to try and shut down Welker won't matter in terms of the outcome.

But even if they do try, they'll have limited success as none of their DBs are quick and strong enough to match the scrappy WR who leads the NFL in receiving yards.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27