NFL Predictions Week 5: Cam Newton, Cedric Benson and 5 Stars Who Will Dazzle

It's time to let reality sweep over us. Cam Newton is no mere mortal, and will prove his worth once again in Week 5. 

I, like you, was convinced it would take a year or two for Cam Newton to get his feet under him in the NFL. It seems that Newton is not the patient type, putting up gaudy numbers in his first few games as a professional. 

Newton is not the only player that is poised to go off this weekend. I have targeted five players that will be featured in a great many highlights by the time the weekend is over. 

These are not your usual suspects of marvelous play by the way. Like Newton, their appearance on ESPN with stellar play will have you shaking your head wondering how you missed it. 

Of course, there is a great deal of fantasy value here. With our first bye week, a number of first-class fantasy studs are hitting the shelf for the week. 

That means you will have to dig deep to find value on the open market. A couple of these guys should be available in most leagues. 

It's time to give our due respect for players that are on the brink of opening things up this season. It's been a weird go of it so far. Some of the best teams are enduring a humble beginning, but not for these guys. 

Sunday will be the perfect time for them to give daps, smile and carry on like champions, because that is how they will be playing this weekend. 

Cam Newton

I am sure there are a great deal of veterans that are just about tired of Cam Newton right about now. The kid showed up and began playing like it was a pickup game amongst friends. 

The most astonishing thing about his game isn't the arm or the speed, it's the poise. Newton doesn't force the run and is as patient as any seasoned quarterback under duress in the pocket. 

On Sunday, he gets to pick apart the New Orleans Saints for another game near 400 yards. He has gone off against the Bears and Packers, so there is little doubt that he will continue his marvelous season against a middling defense. 

Cedric Benson

The Cincinnati Bengals are not exactly the best team against the run. They give up an average of 107 yards per game on the ground, good for 16th in the league. 

Benson has had two games of 100 yards or more in the first four games. Benson is bound to be suspended at some point this season. 

With no word yet from the league, things look good for Sunday. For fantasy owners, you need to get while the getting is good. 

Santonio Holmes

Fantasy owners have been good and frustrated at Santonio Holmes and the New York Jets offense. The star receiver has been quiet for most of the season. 

The Ravens defense stifled Mark Sanchez, making him throw some questionable passes last week, but the New England Patriots are suffering from a porous secondary at the moment. 

This is the week that Holmes gets the room to make the receptions he should have had all season. This will be his time for a breakout game. 

Ahmad Bradshaw

It's been feast-or-famine for Ahmad Bradshaw as pertains to his fantasy output. He was limited to just 39 yards rushing last week against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Look for a game more in keeping with his output in Week 3 when he torched the Eagles for 86 yards, rushing including a receiving touchdown. 

I have little confidence in the Seahawks defense corralling the Giants running back, who will get key touches in the red zone. 

Mark Sanchez

I know—I am as shocked at my prediction as you are. Mark Sanchez was abysmal against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Thanks to a confused offensive line, Sanchez was simply lost under center. The New England Patriots are good for two things this season: putting up numbers and allowing a great deal of the same by opposing quarterbacks. 

The Patriots have allowed opposing quarterbacks to look like world-beaters. Sanchez was so bad in Week 4 that he now enjoys sleeper status in Week 5. Don't be caught napping on him in this contest.