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Among the many matchups being discussed leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts game Sunday, one looms larger than most. Colts' wide receiver T.Y. Hilton vs. Steelers' cornerback Brice McCain.
McCain is coming off his first start of the season after being picked up via free agency from the Houston Texans this off-season and, after having a very solid game on Monday Night Football against his former team and being lined up against Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, fans are wondering if McCain could help solidify a sub-par secondary.
However, Colts' wideout T.Y. Hilton is a much different assignment.
Hilton has been compared to Steelers' wide receiver Antonio Brown in terms of his tremendous pass-catching abilities, with speed and technique to boot.
Hilton has been a force throughout the 2014 season, already tallying 47 catches for 711 yards and a touchdown - almost identical numbers to Brown's.
Hilton started off the 2014 season slow, but he ramped up his production the past three games. In each of those games, he has a minimum of seven catches and is averaging 140 yards receiving. To say Hilton is a difference-maker might be an understatement.
McCain will certainly be tested Sunday at Heinz Field, as Hilton has turned into one of the favorite weapons in Andrew Luck's arsenal. Dick LeBeau's defense must get pressure on Luck and force him to put the ball into small windows and take away options like Hilton.
Look for the Steelers' secondary to always account for Hilton and have safety help available if necessary, but be aware the winner of this matchup could go a long way toward determining which team leaves Heinz Field victorious on Sunday.
Editor's Note: FanDuel is hosting a $500,000 one-week fantasy football league this weekend. It's $10 to join and first place wins $40,000. League starts Sunday 1 PM ET and ends on Monday night. Here's the link.