NFL Week 9 Predictions: Checking the Radar on Most Underrated Players

Pointing out the premier studs and most marketable players is easy when determining who's going to over/underperform each week.

But some much deserved recognition is going to the following four players who are not only underrated, but leaders on a playoff contending team.

Matt Schaub: QB, Texans (vs. Browns)

The Houston Texans made arguably one of the most risky moves in making a deal for Matt Schaub when he was a backup in Atlanta. However, it turned out to be the right move and Schaub has only been getting better.

That said, fast forward to Week 9 of the 2011 NFL season and Schaub has been playing well despite not having the luxury of WR Andre Johnson out wide the past few games.

He hasn't thrown a pick since the Oakland game and Houston is currently 5-3 and atop the AFC South. And even with a solid Browns pass defense coming in, Cleveland has yet to face a prolific QB this season like Schaub.

Prediction: 270 pass yards, three TDs, zero picks

Michael Turner: RB, Falcons (at Colts)

When you think of the Atlanta Falcons offense, RB Michael Turner isn't the first player that comes to mind. WR Roddy White, QB Matt Ryan and TE Tony Gonzalez would come before, and understandably so. Even rookie WR Julio Jones might, as the Falcons did trade up to draft him.

This season though, Turner has been very productive in gaining 621 rush yards and going over 100 in four of the seven games. He's obviously not going to be putting up numbers like Adrian Peterson or Frank Gore, but Turner's threat in the ground game is what allows Matt Ryan to be productive.

Not to mention with his 5'10", 250-pound frame, Turner can bulldoze anyone he wants—like the Colts this week who rank No. 31 against the run.

Prediction: 125 rush yards, one TD

Dwayne Bowe: WR, Chiefs (vs. Dolphins)

Easily one of the most underrated WRs in the game, and yet Dwayne Bowe continues to be a reliable target despite being on an offense that lacks in passing offense.

Kansas City has learned how to maintain a solid rushing attack with RB Jamaal Charles, but without the threat of Bowe in the passing game, defenses wouldn't be so hesitant to blitz Matt Cassel, either.

Dwayne is one of the veteran leaders on the Chiefs and with a confident-lacking Dolphins team coming into Arrowhead Stadium this week, Bowe won't let K.C. get overconfident. Plus, it helps that Miami ranks No. 27 against the pass in allowing 270 yards per game.

Prediction: Six catches, 90 receiving yards, one TD 

Fred Jackson: RB, Bills (vs. Jets)

If you're a Bills fan then you are well aware of Buffalo's connection with Coe College. Not only is RB Fred Jackson an alum, but so is legendary head coach Marv Levy. So if you ever wondered why the Bills would sign an undrafted a RB from Coe, well now you know.

That said, it was clearly the right decision as well because Jackson is currently only one of two backs who are averaging over 100 yards per game on the ground this season (LeSean McCoy).

Now to enhance the Bills RB situation, this week they get the Jets who rank No. 25 against the run and allow almost 127 yards per game. So expect Jackson to dominate because Buffalo's offense is too versatile and dynamic to slow down.

Prediction: 150 rush yards, two TDs

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

You can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.