NFL Predictions Week 5: Slumping QBs Who Will Have Huge Games

It's not how you start that matters in the NFL; finishing is the only true measure of greatness. 

At the quarter mark of the 2013 season, we've seen some remarkable performances by some of the game's greatest quarterbacks. For example, Peyton Manning is off to a fine beginning on his quest to rewrite history with 16 touchdown passes through four games. 

Unfortunately, this new season has also brought been "highlighted" by some dismal play from some of the league's top stars. 

These franchise quarterbacks haven't gotten off to great starts, but Week 5 is the perfect opportunity to get things turned around for the final three-quarters of the 2013 campaign.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

While one Manning rises to new heights, another plunges to previously unseen depths of despair.

Peyton Manning leads the league with 16 touchdowns, and Eli Manning "leads" the league with nine interceptions. The younger Manning has also been sacked 14 times, which is the third-most of any signal-caller in the league. 

Hakeem Nicks has been like a ghost on the field of late, catching three passes for 33 yards in his past two games. He's not a quick guy, and teams have been able to lock him up at the line of scrimmage whilst they bombard Manning with pass-rushers. 

If not for Victor Cruz's ability to get open when Manning is under pressure, the situation would be even worse for the Giants on offense. 

Thankfully, the Giants play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, and Philly hasn't been able to stop anyone from racking up yardage and touchdowns. The Eagles feature the NFL's worst defense in terms of total yardage and the second-worst in terms of passing yards allowed and scoring defense. 

The front seven for Philadelphia is an average unit, which only compounds the team's highly exploitable secondary.

Manning will rebound from his interception-laden performances to have a big game at home, and he'll lead New York to its first win of the season. 

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

St. Louis has been through hell the past three weeks after beating the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. The Rams have faced three excellent teams in the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers—and the past two games haven't been close. 

Bradford struggled badly against the 49ers, missing on a few prime scoring opportunities. But San Francisco was bringing pressure all game long, and the 49ers completely shut down the running game of the Rams to the tune of 18 yards on 19 carries. 

For the season, Bradford has completed just 58.8 percent of his passes for 1,093 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Thankfully, he hasn't compounded his problems by throwing a bunch of picks, but he's been far from sharp. 

The best cure for any ailing quarterback comes to Bradford this week by way of the Jacksonville Jaguars, however. Jacksonville's offense is—by far—the worst in the league. The Jaguars don't sustain drives, which allows opposing offenses extra chances to make headway against Jacksonville's pitiful defense. 

The Jags allow 32.3 points per game and score just 7.8 per game—a difference of 24.5 points. 

Bradford will rebound from his recent slump by putting up big numbers against Jacksonville at home. 

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

After opening the season with two straight big-time performances in Chip Kelly's new offense (six total touchdowns), Michael Vick has reverted back to the form we saw last year. 

In his past two games, Vick has thrown two interceptions and has lost a fumble, compared to just one touchdown pass. 

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos relentlessly pressured Vick in those two games, sacking him nine times. As such, he couldn't get into any kind of rhythm with DeSean Jackson, who has just five catches in the same period of time. 

But New York's defense is the perfect remedy for Vick's malady. 

The Giants have registered just four sacks this year—tied with Pittsburgh for the worst mark in the league—and have allowed 325 passing yards a game and nine total passing touchdowns. 

Without a pass-rushing presence up front, New York's depleted secondary is ripe for the plucking, and quarterbacks have been taking full advantage of their opportunities. 

It's safe to say Vick and Jackson fantasy owners will be happy in Week 5, as the duo will rack up yardage and points in a losing cause on the road. 

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78