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5 players primed for big roles after Week 2 breakouts

Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 provided numerous players with an opportunity to boost their national profile, and saw no shortage of breakout stars.

Without further ado, here are five players primed for a larger role after breakout performances on Sunday.

J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals

Nelson boasts world-class speed and put it to great use Sunday, leading the Cardinals with five receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown in a 16-13 overtime win over the Colts. With John Brown fending off a quadriceps injury and seemingly losing favor with head coach Bruce Arians, Nelson could operate exclusively as the team's downfield threat.

Prior to Sunday's game, Nelson was best known for his 4.28 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine. Now is the time for him to further capitalize on his potential, as the Cardinals look for redemption in 2017.

Derrick Henry, RB, Titans

Henry emerged as the Titans' lead back during the team's 37-16 victory over the Jaguars, gaining more touches as the game progressed. The former Heisman Trophy winner rushed for 92 yards on 14 carries, embodying head coach Mike Mularkey's 'exotic smashmouth' philosophy.

Although it's early, DeMarco Murray appears to be showing signs of decline while Henry's combination of power and field vision is exactly what his head coach values most. Don't be surprised if Henry supplants Murray permanently.

Deatrich Wise, DE, Patriots

After the Patriots were stunned by the Chiefs in the season opener, many pointed to their lack of depth among the front seven as a glaring weakness. Enter Deatrich Wise Jr.

Wise was arguably the Patriots' best defensive player during a 36-20 win over the Saints, recording two tackles for loss and five quarterback hits against Drew Brees. Selected in the fourth round, Wise may become the latest steal for the Patriots, and there's no better defensive coach than Bill Belichick in the league. This could potentially be the first major moment in what could become a decorated career for Wise.

Javorius Allen, RB, Ravens

Allen made the most of his opportunity with Danny Woodhead on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old rushed for 66 yards on 14 carries and added five receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 victory over the Browns.

Although it's not set in stone, Allen figures to take over as the team's lead back if he continues to submit stellar showings.

Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs

Jones was best known for an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during the 2016 combine, but submitted a standout performance during his rookie season with the Chiefs. Interior linemen seldom generate headlines, but Jones should be on the national radar after another tremendous game Sunday, in which he steered the Chiefs to a 27-20 victory over the Eagles.

The 23-year-old was simply unstoppable, recording four tackles, three sacks, and an interception while terrorizing Carson Wentz throughout the contest. It seems like every year the Chiefs develop another excellent front-seven player, and Jones looks like a future Pro Bowler in the making.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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