5 NFL Players Who Are Much Better Than Advertised

With Sunday's NFL games all over, we saw some very impressive performances from some big name players. In fact, we saw performances that convinced us that some players are better than anyone was advertising.

We aren't talking about surprise players like Ryan Fitzpatrick or Rex Grossman. Rather, these are players that we already knew were really good, but we just didn't know they were this good.

Here are five NFL players who are better than advertised.

Andre Johnson, WR

Season Stats: 14 receptions, 188 yards, 2 TDs


The statistics aren't eye-popping, but they are very good, especially when you consider that Matt Schaub hasn't looked like himself through two games.

If you've watched Andre Johnson in the past two weeks, you have seen that this is the best receiver in the game today. He has the rarest combination of speed, athleticism and physicality and is nearly unstoppable.

Many people were high on Johnson coming into this year, but his name was being tossed around with Larry Fitzgerald as the best in the league. Let me say this, there is a large gap between Johnson and Fitzgerald. We knew he was good, we just didn't know he was this good.

Darren McFadden, RB

Season Stats: 222 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 77 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD


After Darren McFadden had a breakout year last year, no one really knew what to expect from him this year. Was he going to continue to play at a high level or fall back into mediocrity?

After the first two weeks of the regular season, we all have our answer: McFadden is one of the best running backs in the league. Not only has he shown his ability to make big plays, but he has also proven that he is a complete back who can carry the full-time load.

He runs with power and determination every time he has the ball. By the end of the year, we will all be talking about how McFadden is a top-three running back in this league.

Drew Brees, QB

Season Stats: 689 passing yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs


The main reason Drew Brees is better than advertised is because many people, coming into this year, were talking about Brees starting to get older and his game starting to decline.

Well, I think after completely dismantling two of the better defenses in the league in the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, it is safe to say that Brees hasn't declined at all. In fact, he looks better than ever this year.

With Peyton Manning missing a majority of the season, Brees will take his spot directly behind Tom Brady as the second best quarterback in the league. If he keeps playing like this, an MVP award isn't a crazy thought.

Matthew Stafford, QB

Season Stats: 599 passing yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs


After having two seasons cut extremely short due to injuries, Matthew Stafford is healthy and playing at a very high level.

He was many experts pick to have a breakout year, but I don't think anyone expected this type of performance from him. Of course, it always helps to have a player like Calvin Johnson at your disposal. Stafford isn't just having a good statistical year, he is also making the Detroit Lions look like a Super Bowl contender.

Stafford to Johnson will be a connection we will see for a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes just as good as Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne. Heck, it might even be better than Joe Montana to Jerry Rice.

Tom Brady, QB

Season Stats: 940 passing yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT


I know what you're saying. How can a player who is ranked as the best player in the NFL be much better than advertised?

Anyone who has even a sliver of doubt that Tom Brady was the best quarterback in the league needs to get their brain checked. Not only is Brady on pace to throw for nearly 8,000 yards, but the ease in which he plays the game is astounding. Everyone around him seems to work so hard, while Brady looks like he is doing something as simple as taking the trash out.

There isn't a player in the league who comes even close to Brady is terms of talent. He has separated himself, so far, from every other quarterback. While Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees are playing on Earth, Brady is playing on Saturn. He is so much better than anyone could have imagined or advertised.