5 Under-The-Radar Players to Watch for in Week 5

1: Wendell Smallwood RB Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are getting contributions from more than one rookie. While everyone is talking about Carson Wentz, and rightfully so, CB Jalen Mills, and RB Wendell Smallwood when called upon have played some impressive football as well.

In week 3 against the Steelers Smallwood rushed for 96 yards, and a score. He displayed very good vision, speed, quick burst, McCoy type cuts, and is a bigger taller back than most think. Now that was just one game against a Steelers team that simply didn’t show up for that game.

That being said while Ryan Matthews will be starting he is playing with a leg injury, and should see a drop in his carries this week

Fun Fact: While Ryan Matthews leads Eagles RBs in touchdowns, it is Smallwood who leads Eagles’ RBs in yards per carry at 4.8 yards per carry. If the Eagles are lucky, they found a (hopefully a healthier) Corell Buckwalter kind of back. (both were late rd. picks a 4th and a 5th respectively.)

Worst case scenario he’s another Eddy Lacy. Another impressive former rookie who regressed quickly In Green Bay. Two solid years would be good for a 5th rounder. That being said I’m gonna take the positive latter approach. Give me over 85 to 100 yards, and one score, against a bad Lions team.

Picking the Winner: The Eagles defense only allows 10 points, as they win 38 to 17. (A punt return for a Td in garbage time for Golden Tate).

2. Eddie Royal WR Chicago Bears 

Royal has talent as a pass catcher. He’s simply played with Cutler twice in his career ( which is not a good thing), as well as afew other average QBs. I actually think that that Kevin White’s injury is a blessing in disguise for the Bears.

Royal certainly has the talent to step up in his place on the outside. No matter who plays the entire game at quarterback Royal should see a big increase in targets as the Colts are very likely to double team Alshon Jeffry all game long.

Give me 8 to 9 catches for 135 yards and 1 to 2 scores in either a close win for the Bears or close win for the Colts. I’m not going to make a prediction as to who will win, but this will be a one score game either way.

3. Andy Dalton QB Bengals 

Andy Dalton is a Sleeper Pick? Yes, and Ill tell you why. While he’s thrown for 1,234 yards, which is an insane, and impressive figure, his Touchdown to Interception ratio is pretty bad. 3 Tds to 2 Picks.

He’s still the second best Ginger in the NFL at QB and should have a big day against a very average Cowboys secondary. He plays so dang well in the regular season against average secondaries like that of the Cowboys, and the Steelers. Makes you wonder why he can’t do it the Playoffs.

This should be an easy win in Big D. Andy Dalton got into a groove against the Dolphins last week, and will look to continue that against the Cowboys’ sub par corners. Give me 339 yards passing with 2 touchdowns, and no picks.

Picking the Winner: I already stated that the Bengals will win this game. Expect the Bengals to double Dez (if he plays, currently listed as questionable) and shut down Cole Beasly altogether. The Bengals win 37 to 17. It could be a bigger blowout than that.

4. Arizona Cardinal’s Defense

They are playing against the 49ers. Enough said. This will be a nice win for the Cards as they have been struggling of late.

Sometimes beating a bad team can give you the confidence to beat fairly good teams. Perhaps the Cardinals season is not over. They do get to play the 9ers twice, which really helps.

Picking the Winner: It’s pretty obvious that I’m going with the Cards in this one. (Will the 49ers ever start Kap over Gabbert?) That being said here’s your score: Cardinals 33 49ers 16.

5: Dorial Green-Beckham WR Philadelphia Eagles 

He’s slowly starting to outplay Nelson Agholor who despite having a far better season than last year is far less talented than Green-Beckham.

Nelson still has some talent, and should move to the slot as DGB takes over on the outside. We all saw this coming. It was just a matter of DGB learning the Playbook in his first season with the Eagles. He has a high celing, and could become a top ten NFL WR.

His combination of Size and speed reminds me of Calvin Johnson. If he can stay out of trouble he should have a long and successful career with the Eagles. He showed us a small sample of what he is capable of against the Steelers in week 3.

Now that he has the Playbook down, and strong armed Carson Wentz throwing to him, he could have a breakout year. Give me 7 catches for 109 yards and a score. WR Jordan Matthews is still the Star WR for the Eagles, but it looks like Wentz could finally have 2 star pass catchers that aren’t RBs. (Darren Sproles).

Picking the Winner: I have already said it previously since I have 2 Eagle’s players on this list, but I will say it again. Eagles 37 Lions 17.

A quick word about players kneeling during The National Anthem: I may be one of the few journalists who support the protest. Even though I am white, I do not see color. I see people. I support the players right to protest for any reason. I may be a white Christian with an education and unfair priveldeges. That being said if I were covering one of Collin Kaepernic’s games or one of Malcom Jenkin’s games I would kneel with them. I don’t believe in America as a country that proclaims freedom, safety, or equality anymore. I pray for my country daily for one reason: The American flag is no longer Red, White, and Blue. The American Flag is only red in today’s world. – Quote by Joseph M. Donnegan.

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