By Chris “Dick” Blake

STUD

WR Calvin Johnson: The Detroit Lions are back to their usual awful selves. It’s a real shame too, because there is a ton of talent on that team. However, when your quarterback plays poorly, the team usually plays badly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off one of his worst starts at home against the Cardinals in week five, after being benched in the third quarter. He should get his confidence back when the Chicago Bears and their defense comes to town. Johnson has been Stafford’s favorite target over his career and with what has been a dud of a season for Johnson so far, I look for him to finally break out this week.

Prediction: 7 catches, 135 yards, 2 TDs

DUD

QB Cam Newton: I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Playing against Seattle at the 12th Man is hard, really hard. Cam Newton’s performance has been impressive so far this year as he has found a way to score points without a good receiver on the outside. However, I could see the undefeated Panthers getting stifled when they visit Seattle in week six as Newton faces the toughest task of the year when he travels to Seattle.

Prediction: 21-38, 195 yards, 6 rushes, 32 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

GOT GUTS?

WR Willie Snead: Snead has gotten better and better every week, as he finally broke out for a huge game week five going for six catches for 141 yards. What impresses me is quarterback Drew Brees likes him the most, as Snead’s 11 targets led the team with fellow wide receiver Brandin Cooks only being targeted eight times. I look for Snead to stay hot in Thursday’s game as the Falcons play the Saints in New Orleans.

Prediction: 6 rec, 89 yards, 1TD

Chris “Dick” Blake can be reached at neil@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @SagebrushSports.