NFL Predictions Week 5: Julio Jones and 4 Players Who Will Shine Brightest

With Roddy White not 100-percent healthy going into their game against the Packers, look for the young Julio Jones to have a big day.

The Packers pass defense is a shell of what it was last season, and Jones is one of the most polished receivers in the game, relative to his age. The loss of Nick Collins has really plagued the Packers pass defense, so look for Julio to build on his breakout game last week against Seattle. 

Another receiver who will likely put up huge numbers this Sunday is Hakeem Nicks, whose Giants will host the Seattle Seahawks.

No one in the Seahawks secondary can cover Nicks, and Nicks has been productive despite injuries. Now that he is getting healthier by the week, especially with Brandon Jacobs not being available to help in the running game, the Giants will throw the ball in Nicks' direction. 

On the defensive side, look for Tamba Hali to have a monster game against the Colts.

The Colts are without a real answer at left tackle due to injuries, and Hali will tee off on whoever has to stand in the way of Hali and Curtis Painter. Despite his team's struggles, Hali is still the same disruptive force he always was. 

For the Saints, expect Pierre Thomas to have a strong game in Carolina this week. Carolina's defensive tackles are among the worst in football, and it is holding them back from winning games.

Conversely, the Saints' running backs will be running behind the best pair of guards in football—Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans. This is one of the biggest mismatches of the day.

Finally, look for Bills running back Fred Jackson to have a field day against the porous Philadelphia run defense.

Now without stud defensive end Trent Cole, the Bills will run the ball almost at will against the Eagles. Plus, the Bills will want to try and control the clock and keep Michael Vick off the field as long as possible.