NFL Week 10 Predictions: Bold Predictions for Under-the-Radar Players

The under-the-radar players are the ones who always feel as if they have something to prove, regardless of the amount of recognition or exposure they receive.

Also, it may be that they're simply not the most popular player at their respective position. Well, let's make a point of fixing that.

So, with that said, here are Week 10 predictions for players who fly under the radar in the NFL.

Brandon Flowers: CB, Chiefs (vs Broncos)

For those who really follow pro football—and more specifically, defense—Chiefs DB Brandon Flowers may be a bit more known.

However, with Kansas City losing safety Eric Berry for the year and ranked No. 21 in pass defense, it's reasonable to suspect why Flowers is under the radar. The thing is, Flowers has played arguably his best football this year and deserves some props.

Through eight games, he has picked-off four passes (single-season best is five) and has recorded 37 tackles, which puts him on pace for another career best. Now add in his 15 pass deflections, and Flowers is on the brink of an All-Pro season.

This week against Denver, regardless of how the Chiefs' offense plays, Flowers and the K.C. defense will keep them in the game. The Broncos' passing attack is not a viable threat, so don't be shocked when Flowers locks it down once again.

Prediction: One interception, four pass break-ups, five tackles

Charles Johnson: DE, Panthers (vs Titans)

Charles Johnson? Sounds like one of the most common names to ever exist, right?

Well, you most likely haven't heard of him because Carolina is not only 2-6, but there are simply just more recognizable names at the DE position.

Not to mention that Cam Newton is owning the Panthers right now, so anyone on their defense takes a backseat when it comes to publicity. Nonetheless, DE Charles Johnson may just be the best DE you've never heard of.

It's his fifth year in the NFL, and twice he's started all 16 games. Last season he recorded 11.5 sacks to go with 62 tackles on arguably the NFL's worst defense. So far this season, Johnson has compiled seven sacks and 27 tackles.

So, although offenses aren't running the ball to his side very often, he's clearly making up for it by getting pressure on the QB. And that should continue in Week 10 when the Titans visit Carolina. Tennessee ranks dead-last in rush offense, so Johnson will dominate the line of scrimmage with ease.

Prediction: 2.5 sacks, five tackles, one forced fumble

Alex Smith: QB, 49ers (vs Giants)

Okay, so we're switching back to the offense, and more specifically, the QB position.

Now, most of us are quite aware of who Alex Smith is. For one, he orchestrated the Utah Utes led by Urban Meyer to the first BCS bust, en route to the trend we currently see in college football.

However, not until the past few years have we really seen any production from Smith, which is why he kind of fell off the NFL map. Even so, after posting decent numbers the past few years, no one really began discussing a breakout year for Smith in 2011.

Now, it's not like Smith is dominating the 2011 season, as he is helped by a stout ground game and defense. But the 49ers have been dealing with injuries to the WR position all season long, and yet Smith continues to play within himself.

On the year he has just 10 touchdowns but only two interceptions, a 64.1 completion percentage and almost 1,500 passing yards. That's darn good through eight games, no matter what.

This week Smith will continue that trend by methodically picking apart the Giants' No. 17-ranked pass defense. Of course, this will come after RB Frank Gore establishes the run to setup the pass.

Prediction: 18-of-26, 225 pass yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

You can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.