NFL Week 6 Quick Picks: 5 Big Performers Ready for Letdowns

Unlike most years, the 2010 NFL season has been one filled with much parity. There are no undefeated teams left in the league for the first time since 1970. For example, in the AFC South, all four teams are tied for first at 3-2. 

As far as players are concerned, there are the usual slate of big performers at the top of the stat sheet. Looking down the list, the normal names like Peterson, Brees, Manning and Gates are among the top of the league in their respective categories.

But there are also some names many haven't expected to see among the league leaders. Arian Foster of Houston has emerged as the top rusher through the first quarter of the season. Phillip Rivers hasn't missed a beat with surprise receiver Malcolm Floyd since Vincent Jackson went AWOL. Hakeem Nicks was expected to be a solid wideout for the Giants but has really avoided the sophomore slump with six touchdown catches.

However, eventually several of these big performers are going to hit a wall this season, some sooner than others. 

Here are five big performers ready for letdowns in Week 6.

Marcedes Lewis vs. Tennessee

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PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13: Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 13, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick La

Marcedes Lewis may not have the most stellar stats in terms of receptions and yards, but he has been a big force in the red zone with Jacksonville with five touchdowns. The Jaguars' surprise 3-2 record has much to do with Lewis's ability to get open when it matters—in the end zone. 

Garrard has been able to play off the big gain threat of Maurice Jones-Drew when the Jags have been threatening. He has found Lewis for more than half of his total touchdown passes. 

Jacksonville comes into a big divisional showdown with the Tennessee Titans this week on Monday night. The Titans are coming off a solid win over a talented Dallas Cowboys team. Look for the Titans to shut down Lewis in the red zone and keep the tight end off the stat sheet. 

Call it a hunch, but look for the Titans to contain Lewis much like the Eagles did in Week 3, holding the tight end to 15 yards.

Shaun Hill vs. New York Giants

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Shaun Hill probably did not expect to find himself in the starting role in Detroit considering he was behind last year's No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford. But an injury Stafford suffered against Chicago in Week 1 brought Hill into the starting spot. 

Despite a 1-4 record, the Lions are perhaps one of the best 1-4 teams in recent memories. Hill has been able to connect with stud receiver Calvin Johnson, among others, in several close losses to Chicago, Philadelphia and Green Bay. Hill had a 117.8 quarterback rating against the Rams while throwing for three touchdowns.

While Hill's solid season has been a pleasant surprise, expect that to hit the wall as they travel to the resurgent New York Giants.

New York has been one of the league's hottest teams thanks to the defense. The Giants defensive front has been downright abusive to quarterbacks in the last two weeks, knocking around quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Matt Schuab in blowout wins. Expect the Giants to blow through the Lions' young offensive line and make hell for Shaun Hill. 

Peyton Hillis vs. Pittsburgh

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CLEVELAND - OCTOBER 10: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown in front of outside tackle Kroy Biermann #71 of the Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sull

When Peyton Hillis first dressed as a Cleveland Brown, many fans didn't know who he was. Most who even heard of him knew Hillis as the thrown-in player in the Brady Quinn trade to Denver. But after five weeks this season, everyone knows the name Peyton Hillis. 

The blue-collared running back out of Arkansas has become a Cleveland fan favorite thanks to his yards after contact and grinding ability. Hillis has emerged as the No. 1 running back in Cleveland thanks to injuries which have slowed down Jerome Harrison. Hillis has rushed for 350 yards and five total touchdowns on the season. 

Unfortunately, Hillis has to face off this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are coming off a bye week and should be well prepared to contain Hillis. The Steelers should be amped up extra considering the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to the team after his suspension. 

The Pittsburgh defense is already tough as it is, but with the extra preparation, rest and return of Big Ben in front of the Terrible Towels at home, look for the Steelers to stop Hillis and the Browns, especially with rookie Colt McCoy possibly getting the start.

Brandon Lloyd vs. New York Jets

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Michael Griffin #33 of the Tennessee Titans loses his helmet as he tackles Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. Denver won 26-20. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Imag

Brandon Lloyd is making Broncos fans forget about Brandon Marshall much easier. 

Lloyd has come out of nowhere and is one of the top receivers in the game so far in 2010. After having one season where he broke 700 yards, Lloyd has nearly 600 yards through five games. He is averaging almost 20 yards per reception and has become a favorite receiver of Kyle Orton. 

Though the success of Lloyd has been a pleasant surprise around the league, watch for the receiver to have a letdown game as the New York Jets come into town. The Jets have had the league's most impressive defense over the last two seasons. If he is able to go, Revis Island will arrive in Denver and even if he's not at 100 percent, he is still one of the best. 

Watch for the NY Jets to apply heavy pressure to Orton, who has not been able to rely on the run game all season. If Revis isn't able to go Sunday, talented corner Antonio Cromartie and rookie Kyle Wilson should be able to contain Brandon Lloyd. 

Mike Williams vs. New Orleans

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Mike Williams has made an immediate impact in his short time with Tampa Bay. The rookie out of Syracuse has three touchdowns and 238 yards receiving as he and sophomore quarterback Josh Freeman have led the Buccaneers to a 3-1 record. 

After a nice comeback win against the self-destructing Cincinnati Bengals, the Buccaneers welcome the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints into town. They are coming off a mistake-ridden 20-10 loss in Arizona. Despite the 3-2 record, the Saints defense has played solid and will look to shut down Tampa in this divisional game. 

Teams keep tending to sleep on the Buccaneers despite their impressive play so far this season. Expect New Orleans to be fired up after last week's ugly loss and come out aggressive on defense. Even if Williams is able to find space and get open, New Orleans's defense may force Freeman to make mistakes and not get the ball to the rookie.