NFL Predictions Week 5: Drew Brees and 10 QBs Due for Monster Performances

Looking ahead to Week 5 of the NFL season, there are very few surprises in terms of quarterbacks who should play well.

It's mostly the usual suspects:

Drew Brees, Saints (vs. Carolina Panthers)

The Panthers have actually held opposing quarterbacks to under 200 yards in the past two weeks, but Brees is a touch better than both Blaine Gabbert and Jay Cutler. He'll post big numbers like he has all season.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs. Atlanta Falcons)

It's tough to forget how well Rodgers played in Atlanta in January, as he threw for over 360 yards and had four total touchdowns. There's very little that can keep this Packers offense down right now.

Philip Rivers, Chargers (vs. Denver Broncos)

The Broncos are fresh off getting gashed by Rodgers and the Packers, and it doesn't get any easier with Rivers. There's familiarity for the Denver defense, but that likely won't be enough to hold Rivers under 300.  

Tom Brady, Patriots (vs. New York Jets)

The Jets figured him out in the playoffs, but Brady certainly got the best of that defense during the regular season in Foxborough in 2010.  

Michael Vick, Eagles (vs. Buffalo Bills)

If he's on the field, Vick is putting up the numbers. It's that simple in 2011. The Eagles and their defense will likely need him to post those kind of numbers, too.

Matthew Stafford, Lions (vs. Chicago Bears)

You'd have to think that as long as Calvin Johnson is healthy, Stafford is going to throw touchdowns. The Bears have also been surprisingly bad against the pass in 2011.

Cam Newton, Panthers (vs. New Orleans Saints)

He's not exactly "elite," per se, but the numbers are and he deserves to be included with the top players. There's no reason to think the Saints will be able to slow Newton on Sunday, especially considering the Panthers will likely be behind.   

However, there are a few matchups for other "non-elite" quarterbacks that should be worth monitoring. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

The struggles of the Eagles defense are now well-documented through four weeks. The rush will be there, but they haven't covered anyone in 2011.

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

The Vikings have given up at least 240 yards and a score every week to opposing quarterbacks. Why would that change with Kolb and hometown boy Larry Fitzgerald coming to Minnesota?

Eli Manning, Giants (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

This looks like a good matchup for Manning, and he's starting to develop a chemistry with underrated receiver Victor "Giving Myself Up" Cruz.