5 key individual matchups to watch in Week 6

theScore's Jack Browne breaks down five of the most important in-game matchups ahead of Week 6.

Travis Kelce vs. Ryan Shazier

Kelce has always been an elite tight end, but he's seemingly taken his game to another level in 2017, aided by the MVP-type play of Alex Smith and opponents focused on stopping rookie phenom Kareem Hunt.

Only Rob Gronkowski is averaging more yards per game than Kelce, but the Kansas City Chiefs pass-catcher faces a stiff test in the form of Ryan Shazier, one of the league's most athletic inside linebackers.

While quarterbacks have shied away from testing Shazier in coverage this season, Smith will continue to rely on his favorite target, especially in the red zone. It could be risky, however, as Shazier has a penchant for forcing turnovers. The winner of this matchup will likely determine the victor of this standout conference game.

DeSean Jackson vs. Justin Bethel

While Patrick Peterson versus Mike Evans is the heavyweight matchup in the contest between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson's battle with No. 2 cornerback Bethel could swing the game.

The speedy wide receiver finally clicked with Jameis Winston in Week 5 after an inconsistent start to his Bucs career, catching five passes for 106 yards, and he'll be relied upon to carry the passing game if Peterson blankets Evans. The Cardinals' star cornerback has been locking down his opponents all season long, so it's unlikely Evans will have a massive impact.

Though Bethel's been solid this season, he has a tendency to get burned for big plays. Few players in the league are capable of creating more game-changing plays than Jackson, and the gunslinging Winston won't be able to resist taking deep shots when given the slightest opportunity.

Leonard Fournette vs. Aaron Donald

Fournette announced his arrival as a dominant force in the NFL by humiliating the Pittsburgh Steelers' run defense in Week 5, rushing for 181 yards and two touchdowns, including an epic 90-yard touchdown scamper.

The Los Angeles Rams' run defense isn't much better than Pittsburgh's, but it does have Donald, who remains one of the most disruptive defenders in the league despite a lengthy offseason holdout.

Donald has a league-high four tackles for loss in the past three weeks and will need to consistently force his way into the backfield to disrupt the downhill style of Fournette. The rookie running back is the crux of the Jaguars' offense, but he's been a non-factor as a receiver. That means Donald and Co. can focus on stopping him between the tackles, forcing Jacksonville to generate offense elsewhere.

Myles Garrett vs. Deshaun Watson

The battle between two superstar rookies should headline the Houston Texans' matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Garrett has only played in one game this season, but the pass-rusher showed why he was tapped as a generational talent by recording two sacks in his debut.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans' offensive line has solidified after a disastrous start, partly thanks to the quick thinking and pocket mobility of Watson. He's looked sensational over the past two games, scoring nine total touchdowns.

But like any rookie, Watson can be made to look as such when faced with pressure. Not only does Garrett have the skills to consistently move Watson off his spot, he has the speed and agility to run down the first-year pivot and reduce the number of broken plays turned into big gains.

Jordy Nelson vs. Xavier Rhodes

Nelson didn't look like himself in Week 5 due to a back injury and was on the sidelines for the dramatic last-minute game-winning drive. The Green Bay Packers receiver should be good to go against the Minnesota Vikings, but even when he's healthy, Rhodes has had his number:

Assuming the Vikings' secondary doesn't go against the plan this time around, Nelson and Rhodes will spend most of the game tied at the hip. Rhodes has the physical advantage, but few receivers are wilier than Nelson, who leads the league in touchdown catches.

If Rhodes can continue to lock down Nelson, the Packers will have to find another way to get it done in the red zone.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)