NFL Predictions Week 5: Jacoby Ford and 4 Players Guaranteed to Disappoint

It's tough being a fan of a team that disappoints more often than not, but regardless of how the team does, it may be more difficult and frustrating when you back a specific player.

Mainly because when a team goes down they and all their fans go with it, but if a certain player begins to underachieve, those who were in favor of that player take some heat.

Obviously it's more extreme depending on which player as well as which position, and even which team, but nonetheless, it's inevitable.

So to that end, here are four players that will disappoint in Week 5, regardless if their team wins or not.

Jacoby Ford: WR, Oakland

If the Oakland Raiders want any shot at winning the AFC West, more productivity is needed out of second-year WR Jacoby Ford.

His supreme athletic ability is arguably second-to-none, but it's evident that he has yet to figure out how to utilize his speed in football.

In college he was a dominant track star, and when playing football, going deep was easy, but not in the pros.

Ford also needs to stay consistently healthy, as he missed games two and three because of a pesky hamstring.

And this week the Raiders play tough road game in Houston, and don't expect too much from Ford as he's still not 100 percent.

For the sake of Oakland fans everywhere, maybe he'll improve as 2011 progresses, but let's not get out hopes us.

Jay Cutler: QB, Chicago

Now that the Chicago Bears appear to have another established rushing attack with Matt Forte, it should be easier for QB Jay Cutler to become more consistent in Mike Martz's offense.

That being said however, Cutler must actually develop under Martz, or somewhat improve at the very least.

In addition, with a struggling defense Jay must seize the opportunity of becoming a real leader on the team, because if the mediocre/poor play continues, he will be scrutinized even more.

Week 5 is a big test for Cutler because the Detroit Lions know Chicago is going to try and setup the pass from running the ball early.

Only problem is, Detroit's offense is so explosive that Cutler will need to come out firing from the start just too keep up.

And when he doesn't perform like he should, because he's croaked under big circumstances before, the Windy City will once again be disappointed, for the lack of a better term.

Shonn Greene: RB, NY Jets

After two fairly solid years in 2009 and 2010, Jets' RB Shonn Greene has not been nearly as good in averaging only 39 rush yards per game.

Obviously it doesn't help not having a solid passing attack, as well as a rush defense, but for New York to get back on track, Greene must become an immense threat to opposing defenses.

You run the football to win games (old cliche I know), but with Greene's lack of success this season the Jets will be in dire straits all year if he doesn't pick it up.

Mark Sanchez isn't a good enough QB yet for Big Green to pass-first then setup the run, and although Greene is only in his third year, he needs to start making strides very soon.

This week against the Pats' Greene's productivity is crucial, because slowing the game down and keeping Tom Brady and company off the field is needed.

If not however, chalk up another loss and make it three straight for the Jets.

Matt Cassel: QB, Kansas City

His first two years in Kansas City were solid, and after 2009, QB Matt Cassel significantly improved in 2010 throwing 27 TD passes to only seven picks, and had over 3,100 yards.

It's clear though, that he can't be productive without a good running game.

The Chiefs have dealt with two significant injuries in RB Jamaal Charles and safety Eric Berry, which has hurt them arguably more than anyone else in the league—obviously debatable with Indianapolis.

That said, this is where Cassel really needs to step up like he did when Tom Brady went down in 2008.

Only difference now however, is that the fan base and coaching staff has a standard for Cassel and expects him to perform, whereas there was virtually no pressure on him in New England because who's better than Tom Brady right?

Needless to say, Cassel performed magically in '08, earned himself a starting role in K.C., but now has to carry the team on his back once again.

And with a solid defense versus Indianapolis this week—despite all their injuries—don't be surprised if Cassel falls again because he has yet to step up when he's under the spotlight with pressured expectations.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.