NFL Week 5: Five Things to Watch

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

(Can Carson Palmer help the Bengals slide past Baltimore for first place?)

After getting the unbelievable chance to watch the legendary Brett Favre defeat his old team, and send his former bosses and back-up quarterback to the depths of mediocrity, Week Five has a lot to live-up to.

And quite frankly, it will be damn near impossible.

Even before the Vikings handed the Packers an emotional loss, the Patriots and Ravens gave us an intense match.

We also saw the the Giants, Saints, and Colts take their expected leaps to 4-0, while we saw the previously unphased Mark Sanchez exposed as, well, a rookie.

And then there's the unlikely story of the undefeated Denver Broncos. And for a role reversal, their departed golden boy, Jay Cutler, and his 3-1 start with the Chicago Bears.

So, with each week bringing a new tale to tell, a new dominant fantasy performer, and raising the bar for the following week, we indulge in the current week. Week four, eat your heart out.

5. Will the Real Bengals Please Stand Up?

Cincinnati has already taken care of business against Pittsburgh and Green Bay, and while they barely got past the lowly Cleveland Browns last week, they can still say they are one lucky Brandon Stokley touchdown away from being undefeated.

The Ravens, like the Bengals, march into this contest at 3-1, with their only loss coming to the 3-1 New England Patriots.

In all likelihood, an improved passing game and their smash-mouth running game will be too much for the Bengals, even though Cincinnati's defense is much improved.

It's hard not to like the upstart Bengals, but it's even harder to pick them against Baltimore, who looks more and more every week as a potential Super Bowl threat.

Cincinnati, you're good, but you're not that good.

Fantasy Perspective: Most of the Bengals should be hands-off against the Ravens, but I can see a good amount of success for Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco.

The Ravens should easily shut-down Cedric Benson, who is battling injury, anyways, and their strong rush attack should do the rest.

4. How Will Braylon Edwards Fare in His Jets Debut on Monday Night?

You might be surprised to hear it, but this writer is vouching for Edwards as a solid WR3 (and maybe better) in week five.

He's making his Jets debut in front of the nation, and quite possible as Mark Sanchez's No. 1 receiver. Jerricho Cotchery is hurting with a bad hammy, and with Chansi Stuckey now a Cleveland Brown, Edwards will be thrust into action.

And considering his last Monday Night showing was a huge 100+ yard and one touchdown performance against the New York Giants last year, the optimism should be there. Let's just say the lights bring out the best of Edwards.

Fantasy Perspective: If I didn't make it clear: start him. That is, unless you have very dependable options like the Giants Steve Smith, Jacksonville's Mike Sims-Walker, or Hines Ward already positioned as a fine WR3.

If you're one of those guys clinging to the hopes that Michael Crabtree's debut is worthy of a WR3 start, however, think again, and go with Edwards.

For the other three things to watch for in week five, head over to The Red Zone Report.

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