10 Must-Watch NFL Player Matchups for Week 5
Week 5 of the NFL season is loaded with player battles that could totally swing games. What makes the NFL so awesome each week isn’t just the team results — it’s those one-on-one duels where top-tier talent goes head-to-head. Think of it as football chess, except everyone’s moving at 20 miles per hour.
Last week we saw how one matchup could tilt a whole game — just ask Ja’Marr Chase, who was practically erased by Pat Surtain II. Now, with fresh storylines brewing, here are 10 player matchups you need to keep an eye on in Week 5.
1. A.J. Brown (Eagles) vs. Pat Surtain II (Broncos)
Two of the best in the league face off again. A.J. Brown’s 2025 season hasn’t exactly started hot — his receiving grade has dipped from 90.9 last year to 69.8 so far. Things got so rough he even apologized for a cryptic tweet after Philly’s Week 4 win.
Pat Surtain II hasn’t been perfect either. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year has a 53.4 coverage grade, though he did clamp down Ja’Marr Chase to just one catch last week. Denver runs man coverage nearly half the time (fourth-most in the NFL), so expect Surtain to be shadowing Brown snap after snap.
If the Eagles’ passing game wants to click again, Brown has to show out against one of the toughest corners in football.
2. Myles Garrett (Browns) vs. Christian Darrisaw (Vikings)
This one’s going to be a battle in the trenches. Myles Garrett is back doing Myles Garrett things — ranking top five in nearly every defensive stat that matters. Darrisaw, who started the season nursing a knee injury, has looked solid since returning, giving up zero sacks in 79 pass-block snaps.
Expect fireworks as Garrett lines up across Darrisaw all game long. If Darrisaw can hold his own, the Vikings might just move the ball enough to upset Cleveland’s fierce defense.
3. George Pickens (Cowboys) vs. Sauce Gardner (Jets)
Don’t sleep on this matchup. Pickens has made himself right at home in Dallas, especially with CeeDee Lamb sidelined. He went off for 134 yards last week and continues to flash WR1 ability.
Sauce Gardner, meanwhile, started strong but has been a bit up and down lately. Still, he’s one of the best young corners in the game and loves those one-on-one duels. With the Jets running man coverage about a third of the time, Gardner will likely shadow Pickens.
Two physical young studs — it’s going to be fun.
4. Danielle Hunter (Texans) vs. Ronnie Stanley (Ravens)
Even with Baltimore banged up, this is still a must-watch. Hunter’s been a monster again — 11 pressures in his last two games and a 91.0 pass-rush grade. Ronnie Stanley’s held up fine, but he’s already allowed more sacks this year than all of 2024.
Hunter, who mostly lines up on the right side, will be staring down Stanley all game long. If Stanley can’t hold up, it could be a long day for the Ravens’ backup QB.
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) vs. Jacob Parrish (Buccaneers)
Smith-Njigba has broken out in his third season, looking like one of the top receivers in the NFC. He’s been playing more on the outside, and it’s paying off.
On the flip side, rookie corner Jacob Parrish has been incredible for Tampa Bay, barely giving up yards in coverage. With the Bucs missing two of their main corners, Parrish will likely see plenty of JSN. This could be a true “welcome to the league” test for the young defender.
6. Nik Bonitto (Broncos) vs. Jordan Mailata (Eagles)
Another Broncos-Eagles duel? Yup, because these teams mirror each other — stacked lines and gritty defenses.
Bonitto’s been solid with consistent pressure every week, but he’s struggled against elite tackles. Enter Jordan Mailata, who’s having another monster year protecting Jalen Hurts’ blind side. Bonitto will have to bring his best moves to win this one.
7. Maxx Crosby (Raiders) vs. Braden Smith (Colts)
Crosby looked like his old self last week — five pressures and an interception. Smith, however, struggled big time against the Rams, giving up five pressures.
If Crosby keeps that same energy, he could easily swing this game. The Raiders’ defense will lean on him to disrupt the Colts’ rhythm.
8. Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins) vs. Taylor Moton (Panthers)
This one’s flying under the radar, but it’s quietly one of the most balanced battles in Week 5. Phillips has been sneaky good when healthy, putting up solid pass-rush numbers. Moton has quietly been one of the most reliable tackles in the league, allowing very little pressure despite Carolina’s offensive chaos.
Both players are underrated, and whoever wins this matchup could give their struggling team a rare win.
9. George Karlaftis (Chiefs) vs. Anton Harrison (Jaguars)
Monday Night Football gives us a heavyweight clash. Karlaftis is proving that his new contract was worth it — he’s second in the NFL in total pressures. Harrison, meanwhile, is having a breakout season protecting Trevor Lawrence’s blind side.
This matchup might decide if Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense stay hot or if Jacksonville’s defense can finally announce itself as elite.
10. Calais Campbell (Cardinals) vs. Peter Skoronski (Titans)
Okay, the game itself might not be a thriller, but this matchup is awesome. Campbell, at 39, is still wrecking backfields like it’s 2015. Meanwhile, Skoronski has quietly become one of the best young guards in football, strong in both run and pass blocking.
If Skoronski can slow down Campbell, Tennessee might finally move the ball. But that’s a big “if.”
Prediction & Betting Angle
Expect defensive stars to shine this week. Games like Eagles-Broncos and Browns-Vikings could be low-scoring slugfests, while Chiefs-Jags might turn into a late-night fireworks show.
For bettors, keep an eye on player prop unders for receivers facing elite corners like Surtain and Gardner — and sack props for pass-rushers like Garrett, Hunter, and Crosby.
Players to Watch
A.J. Brown: Needs a statement game.
Myles Garrett: Could wreck another O-line.
George Karlaftis: Sneaky bet for sack leader.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Rising WR star.
Calais Campbell: Ageless wonder doing it again.
Wrap-Up
NFL Week 5 isn’t just about team records — it’s about matchups that shape the stories we’ll be talking about all season. Whether it’s Surtain locking down Brown or Garrett terrorizing another quarterback, these one-on-one wars define who’s elite and who’s still got work to do.
Grab your snacks, place your bets, and enjoy the show. Week 5 is loaded