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5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 5

By Rucker Haringey

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bills Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Bills beat the Rams 35 to 32. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bills Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Bills beat the Rams 35 to 32. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 27: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after stopping Aaron Jones (not pictured) of the Green Bay Packers on fourth down during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 27, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. Keenan Allen vs. Marshon Lattimore

Individual matchups between star wide receivers and cornerbacks are usually overrated. There just aren’t that many legitimate shutdown corners in the NFL anymore. The battle between Allen and Lattimore could be an exception to this rule. Both teams desperately need to win this individual matchup if they want to come away with a win.

Justin Herbert has exceeded expectations this season, but a Monday Night Football encounter with the Saints is going to be his sternest challenge to date. He will need a ton of help from his veteran wideout. It’s hard to envision a scenario where Los Angeles moves the ball consistently without Allen making a ton of plays.

The Saints understand just how important Allen is to the Chargers offense. That’s why they’re going to focus a lot of defensive attention on him. Lattimore isn’t a superstar, but he is New Orleans’ best cover corner. He’s going to tangle with Allen every time the Saints can find a way to make it happen.

If Lattimore can hold his own against Allen, the New Orleans defense has a great chance to stifle anything Los Angeles tries to do on offense. If Allen can exert his authority over Lattimore, the Chargers become a lot more interesting in this matchup.

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