NFL Picks Week 6: Which Rookies Will Step Up This Weekend?

The NFL is a grown man's game, but that doesn't mean youth cannot thrive as well. This season, there have been many rookies who have put in great performances.

Jahvid Best of the Detroit Lions, has been an amazing running back this year, and has also shown great receiving skills.

The Kansas City Chiefs, the last unbeaten team in the league before losing to the Colts last Sunday, are building a perennial contender with a very young squad. Their defense is much improved, and is led by rookie safety Eric Barry.

Sam Bradford, the No.1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, has led the St. Louis Rams to two wins, after St.Louis won just a single game last season.

This week, five rookies will give their teams a chance to win.

1. Ndamukong Suh

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 10: Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions intercepts the ball and runs it back during the fourth quarter of the game against the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field on October 10, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Rams 44-6.

Ndamukong Suh has been an integral part of the Detroit Lions improved defense this season. As the second pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Suh was considered by many as the best player in last year's draft.

Last week, Suh made an interception vs. the Rams, tipping a Sam Bradford pass into the air, then caught it, and returned the ball to the St. Louis 30 yard line.

Suh's impressive interception was just one of the several highlights for the Lions last week, who beat the Rams 44-6!

This week Suh will match up against the New York Giants offensive line. The Giants love to run the ball, but Suh will be able to stuff the running gaps, and force Eli Manning to make plays. 

His size forces two blockers to stop him from penetrating into the backfield, allowing linebackers to stop the ball carrier with little resistance.

Suh's combination of athleticism and strength will make Sunday's game a nightmare for the Giants. Detroit is becoming a very formidable team.

The Lions already have several explosive, young offensive players, but if the defense becomes consistent, they will make the playoffs next season for sure.

2. Aaron Hernandez

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots runs through a tackle from David Harris #52 of the New York Jets during the first quarter at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jer

The Patriots come out of their bye week to face the team that embarrassed them at home in last year's NFL playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens might be the team to beat in the AFC, but the Patriots are a better team now, then they were last January.

Baltimore's strength for the last decade has been their dominating defense, led by all pro linebacker Ray Lewis.

The Ravens also boast one of the better pass defenses in the league, however their secondary has been hit with injuries, and Ray Lewis is questionable for this week.

Aaron Hernandez, a rookie tight end from Florida, will be Tom Brady's primary target this Sunday.

Hernandez is a fast, physical tight end, who will not see double coverage due to the presence of Wes Welker and speed demon Brandon Tate.

Brady has already demonstrated his liking for Hernandez, who has been a feature part of the offense in both the passing game, and the run game as a solid blocker.

When facing an experienced and talented defense, a quarterback needs a reliable, sure handed target, and Hernandez will be that man this week.

3. Sam Bradford

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 10: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks for a open receiver while playing the Detroit Lions on October 10, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

October is typically a difficult month for the San Diego Chargers, and this year is no exception. After losing to the Oakland Raiders last week, despite quarterback Philip Rivers passing for nearly 450 yards, the Chargers are still in good shape to win the AFC West again.

They cannot take the St. Louis Rams for granted this week, even though Detroit annihilated the Rams 44-6 last Sunday.

The Chargers are not playing well defensively, and the offseason loss of cornerback Antonio Cromartie has been bigger than expected.

Former all pro linebacker Shawn Merriman has not contributed this season, and was put on injured reserve this week. When he has recovered from his injury, he will be released and be free to sign with any team.

Sam Bradford was good, but not great vs. Detroit last week. Playing from behind all game, Bradford was force to throw early and often, and was not able to establish the running game with superstar running back Steven Jackson.

Bradford continues to improve each game, and is starting to inject a bit of hope into Rams fans.

The Chargers defense will be a good matchup for him, and Bradford would be wise to use Jackson in the passing game too, he is one of the best receiving running backs.

Sam Bradford had led St. Louis to two victories this season, which is double the wins they had last season, when they managed just a single win.

4. Dez Bryant

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball after a catch during the NFL season opener against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Pho

The Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings will play each other this Sunday, and the loser will most likely miss the playoffs.

This game was supposed to be a showdown of conference favorites, but the intensity will still be there, just for entirely different reasons.

The loser of this game will be 1-4, and history is not kind to teams starting 1-4 and making the playoffs.

The Dallas Cowboys will bring their 3rd ranked passing offense to the Metrodome Sunday, and Dez Bryant will be a focal point of the attack.

Minnesota corner back Cedric Griffin was injured last Monday night vs. the Jets, and will not play this week, leaving Minnesota's struggling secondary with a problems to fix.

Bryant has been more involved in the offense each week, and has also found success returning kicks on special teams.

Bryant's speed and height will be very difficult for the Vikings to stop, and while fellow Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is double teamed, Bryant will have space to create big plays.

Dez Bryant has been solid this seasons, and week 6 vs. the Vikings will be his breakout performance.

5. Ryan Mathews

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Running back Ryan Matthews #24 of the San Diego Chargers rushes during the pre-season NFL football game against Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Imag

Ryan Mathews' task this season was one of the most difficult ever for a rookie, replace future hall of fame running back Ladainian Tomlinson.

Tomlinson is not only one of the best players of this era, but he was the face of the San Diego Chargers franchise.

Mathews' rookie season got off slowly due to some injuries, but he is ready to Sunday against the lowly St. Louis Rams defense.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is an elite player, and the passing threat will open up running lanes for Matthews.

Ryan is also a solid receiving running back, and any receptions could result in big yards after the catch, due to the Rams' lack of speed on defense.

Mathews practiced on Thursday, and against a bad St. Louis defense, Ryan could turn in a great performance.

5 Rookies Gems For Week 6

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers passes the ball against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Those were the 5 rookies sure to make a positive impact in week 6.

Players I considered for this week, but left out, are;

Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Carolina

Devin McCourty, CB, New England

Any of the five players in the slideshow or these three above are great choices for your fantasy football team this week.

Enjoy Week 6!