5 Under-the-Radar Players Who Will Make a Difference in Week 1

We know what we'll get from Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Arian Foster, Calvin Johnson and Jason Pierre-Paul this week. 

They are established stars who'll play major roles on Kickoff Weekend. 

But they can't do it themselves. 

There is a host of underrated players who'll be difference makers as the season begins, and I've highlighted five specific guys in this slideshow.

Kamerion Wimbley

The Tennessee Titans face off against Tom Brady and the high-powered New England Patriots on Sunday, so the defensive onus will be on pressuring the legendary quarterback. 

During the preseason, relatively inexperienced left tackle Nate Solder struggled to protect Brady's blind side, and Wimbley's one of the league's most underrated edge-rushers. He's totaled 22.5 sacks over the last three seasons and will be critical in the Titans' efforts to slow down New England's passing tack. 

Wimbley should have his way with Solder on some occasions, potentially leading into sacks which could keep Tennessee in this game late into the second half. 

David Nelson

All eyes are on Steve Johnson and Darrelle Revis in the Bills and Jets AFC East battle, but don't forget about slot wideout David Nelson. 

At 6'5'', he's an imposing target and was a prominent chain-mover in 2011. 

Against weaker Jets defensive backs, expect Nelson to see a great deal of targets, especially when New York drops into zone coverage. 

With the Jets looking to limit the Bills' potent rushing attack and Johnson on the outside, Nelson will have a chance to piece together a solid performance in what should be a tightly contested game. 

Jacquizz Rodgers

Jacquizz Rodgers sits behind Michael Turner and Jason Snelling on the Atlanta Falcons' running back depth chart, but that doesn't mean he won't garner plenty of carries. 

The 5'6'', 196-round scat back is the ideal complementary to those two punishing runners, and is a fine receiver out of the backfield. 

Against a Kansas City Chiefs team that will be looking to stop Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, the presence of the slippery Rodgers will help the Falcons' offense stay on the field. 

He won't have a magnificently productive afternoon, but many third-down conversions will be integral for Atlanta. 

Randall Cobb

Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jermichael Finley—the core of elite playmakers for the Green Bay Packers. 

While that group will more than adequately test the mighty San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday, Cobb will be the true X-factor. 

There's not a ton of tape on how the Packers will use him offensively, so Mike McCarthy will be able to show new formations and plays for the dynamic YAC talent. 

Green Bay will have to be extremely creative to beat the 49ers, and Cobb gives them that possibility. 

Jacob Tamme

Peyton Manning makes his Denver Broncos debut against the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. 

While Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas will likely be his go-to targets with the most big-play ability, tight end Jacob Tamme will help Manning get out of the many precarious situations that Dick Lebeau's defense often places quarterbacks in. 

He's a crisp route-runner who has a knack of finding soft spots in zones, and will help Manning move the chains on vital third downs. 

Like the rest of the players on this list, Tamme won't explode for 100 yards and three touchdowns, but he's underrated and will contribute in a major way.