The Week 6 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings some intriguing matchups.
After a 206-yard dashing sport final week, Panthers RB Rico Dowdle will look to have a repeat efficiency towards the Cowboys, his former group. The Bucs will host the 49ers for a showdown between 4-1 groups. And the Lions go to the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium for the second time in three seasons.
We now have you coated with every thing you might want to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you contained in the locker room with the very best factor they heard this week, and ESPN Analysis gives a key stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest. Plus, analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We even have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup high quality rankings (out of 100) and sport projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us last rating picks for each sport.
Let’s get into the total Week 6 slate, which culminates with a “Monday Night time Soccer” doubleheader between the Payments and Falcons (on ESPN) and the Bears at Commanders (on ABC). (Sport occasions are Sunday until in any other case famous.)
Soar to a matchup:
NYJ-DEN | LAR-BAL | SEA-JAX
ARI-IND | LAC-MIA | DAL-CAR
CLE-PIT | NE-NO | TEN-LV
SF-TB | CIN-GB | DET-KC
BUF-ATL | CHI-WSH
Thursday: PHI-NYG
Bye: MIN, HOU
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Community | Matchup ranking: 44.9/100
ESPN BET: DEN -6.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Jets: DT Quinnen Williams mentioned it finest: “We’re 0-5 and the protection has been the issue, the rationale why we’re 0-5.” The Jets have zero takeaways and solely three sacks up to now 4 video games. Go rush was an emphasis in follow this week, however a breakout towards the Broncos will not be straightforward. They’ve allowed solely 5 sacks this season. — Wealthy Cimini
What we’re listening to on the Broncos: The Broncos left for London simply hours after their win over Philadelphia, the signature win of coach Sean Payton’s Denver tenure. Payton mentioned he left behind any notion that taking part in the Jets at Tottenham Stadium is any form of lure sport for the 3-2 Broncos. “Every week it is the flexibility to refocus on the following problem,” Payton mentioned. “… These guys perceive in our league, it is completely different than faculty. We’re not getting an opportunity to play a I-AA or FCS faculty. These are all skilled groups, and we’ll deal with it that approach.” — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Broncos QB Bo Nix was held to solely 60 passing yards in final season’s 10-9 win over the Jets, the one time in his profession that he has been held underneath 130 passing yards. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Jets RB Breece Hall shall be held to at least one or fewer receptions. The Jets throw to their operating again 26% of the time, fourth most of any group. However the Broncos’ man-heavy protection permits a decrease fee of targets to operating backs (12%) than another group. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Jets QB Justin Fields completed with 25.9 fantasy factors in Week 5. Nevertheless, he faces a Broncos protection that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy factors and dashing yards per sport to QBs this season. Fantasy managers ought to contemplate pivoting to a streamer this week. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Groups favored by at the very least 4 factors in worldwide video games are 16-9 ATS and 19-6 outright. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Broncos 31, Jets 6
Moody’s decide: Broncos 30, Jets 17
Walder’s decide: Broncos 22, Jets 12
FPI prediction: DEN, 70.8% (by a mean of 8.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Jets vow to keep battling despite being NFL’s lone winless team … How the Broncos, Elway built an NFL general manager tree
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 74.3/100
ESPN BET: LAR -7.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Rams: By 5 weeks, Rams QB Matthew Stafford leads the league with 1,503 passing yards and is simply 50 yards away from passing Dan Marino (61,361) for the ninth-most passing yards in NFL historical past. The Ravens have allowed 177 factors this season, essentially the most over a five-game span in franchise historical past, based on ESPN Analysis. Baltimore can be permitting a mean of 262.6 passing yards per sport, the second-worst mark within the NFL. — Sarah Barshop
What we’re listening to on the Ravens: RB Derrick Henry has been held to 50 dashing yards or much less in 4 straight video games, which matches the worst rut of his profession. It is necessary to get Henry again on observe for the Ravens, who’re 10-1 when Henry produces greater than 90 yards dashing. However the Rams, who’ve the NFL’s No. 10 run protection, have allowed just one operating again to realize over 90 yards dashing this season (Tony Pollard). “We now have the very best [running] again within the sport,” Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum mentioned, “so we now have to discover a technique to be higher.” — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: The Ravens had been outscored by 17-plus factors in every of their previous two video games. They’ve by no means misplaced three straight video games by at the very least three scores in franchise historical past. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Rams will full a number of 40-plus-yard passes. By 5 weeks, the Rams have the best air yards per try within the league at 8.5, and Baltimore’s protection is permitting 8.0 air yards per goal (fourth most). Though I believe the Ravens’ protection will ultimately determine it out, the very best guess for now could be that it’ll proceed to battle within the brief time period. — Walder
0:55
Why Kimberley A. Martin is glad Eagles’ stars had a gathering
Kimberley A. Martin highlights the problems Eagles want to repair forward of their matchup vs. the Giants.
Fantasy nugget: The Ravens’ protection has been decimated by accidents, which has led Baltimore to permit the second-most fantasy factors per sport to QBs. Stafford has scored at the very least 25 fantasy factors in back-to-back video games, and with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as his high two receivers, he ought to ship one other distinctive efficiency towards Baltimore. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Rams are 8-1 ATS as highway favorites since 2022 and 5-0 ATS because the begin of final season. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Rams 23, Ravens 20
Moody’s decide: Rams 31, Ravens 16
Walder’s decide: Rams 30, Ravens 14
FPI prediction: LAR, 58.7% (by a mean of three.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: After several missed kicks, the pressure is on Rams kicking unit … Bateman says 1-4 Ravens ‘deserve all the criticism’ … The AFC North QB landscape is not what it was to start the season: What’s going on?
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 57.5/100
ESPN BET: SEA -1.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Seahawks: The Seahawks’ protection received lit up in Week 5 largely attributable to its incapacity to get strain on Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, who was hit solely as soon as on 38 dropbacks. Up subsequent is Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who has been sacked solely six occasions in 5 video games. Coach Mike Macdonald credited the Jaguars’ capacity to remain on schedule and keep away from pure dropback conditions as one issue, together with Lawrence making fast choices. “The receivers are getting open, and he is throwing the ball on time,” Macdonald mentioned. “He is throwing it precisely, and so they’re defending him.” — Brady Henderson
What we’re listening to on the Jaguars: The Jaguars’ offensive power is their floor sport (fifth within the NFL at 137 dashing yards per sport) and so they’ll face their hardest check of the season towards Seattle, which has the third-best run protection within the league (83 yards per sport). Operating again Travis Etienne Jr. described the Seahawks’ entrance as sport wreckers and mentioned they current “a lot of turmoil.” The Jaguars probably will not have heart Robert Hainsey (hamstring), so rookie seventh-round decide Jonah Monheim will fill in — a troublesome job for his first begin. — Michael DiRocco
Stat to know: The Jaguars have 14 takeaways this season, essentially the most within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Seahawks unleash QB Sam Darnold and have him throw 40 cross makes an attempt. Sure, even towards a Jaguars protection that ranks third in EPA per dropback allowed. The Seahawks have been a lot extra environment friendly passing than operating this season (.28 EPA per play to minus-0.07) and must lean extra on that a part of their sport. Plus, the Jaguars have a brand new CB in Greg Newsome II, who would possibly nonetheless be getting used to the protection. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Against the Chiefs, WR/CB Travis Hunter had a season excessive in offensive snaps and likewise posted a profession excessive in receiving yards for the second straight sport. The Seahawks’ secondary is a middle-of-the-pack unit and simply allowed Bucs rookie WR Emeka Egbuka to attain 31.3 fantasy factors towards them. Hunter may have a breakout efficiency. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Seahawks have received eight straight highway video games outright. They’re 9-1 underneath Macdonald over the previous two seasons. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Seahawks 17, Jaguars 16
Moody’s decide: Jaguars 27, Seahawks 24
Walder’s decide: Seahawks 30, Jaguars 24
FPI prediction: JAX, 50.2% (by a mean of 0.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Seahawks QB Darnold proved potential in Week 5 loss … Jaguars LB Lloyd is flourishing in new defense … Jaguars get Newsome, ship Campbell to Browns
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 58.1/100
ESPN BET: IND -7.5 (46.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has lastly discovered a rhythm over the previous two weeks, and it has resulted in a major bounce in explosive performs. In Week 4 and Week 5 mixed — each losses — Harrison was answerable for seven explosive performs, in contrast with simply two within the first three video games. This week is one other alternative for Harrison so as to add to his complete, because the Colts have given up 23 explosive passes this season — 12 up to now two video games. “I imply it helps to catch explosives,” Harrison mentioned. “I believe each video games, that actually helps and then you definitely form of get a rhythm from there.” — Josh Weinfuss
What we’re listening to on the Colts: This shall be an attention-grabbing matchup as a result of the Colts are No. 2 in factors per sport (32.6) and the Cardinals are permitting solely 19.2 factors per sport. Can the Colts handle to seek out options to a protection that has restricted the 49ers and Seahawks in latest weeks? It will be one of many greatest assessments for QB Daniel Jones and the Colts, who’ve been creating weekly fireworks. Notably, the Cardinals haven’t allowed a 100-yard dashing efficiency, whereas Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is averaging 96 yards per sport. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Jones leads the NFL in QBR exterior the pocket when pressured and on third down. He’s second in Complete QBR this season (79.6), behind Seahawks QB Sam Darnold. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Colts will common underneath 4.0 yards per carry. They’re going through a Cardinals protection that has allowed the bottom EPA per designed carry this season, and that might put an actual pressure on the run-heavy Colts offense. — Walder
1:24
Jeremy Fowler: Panic meter is rising for the Ravens
Jeremy Fowler joins “The Wealthy Eisen Present” to debate the Ravens’ 1-4 begin and the way their season is slipping away.
Fantasy nugget: Harrison has gathered 15 targets and 32.4 fantasy factors over his previous two video games, and Indianapolis’ protection has allowed the second-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy factors per sport to broad receivers. Harrison shall be motivated to shine on the highway towards his Corridor of Fame father’s former group. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is 27-13-1 ATS on the highway in his profession, together with 22-7-1 ATS as a highway underdog. He’s 18-6-1 ATS when getting at the very least three factors on the highway. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Colts 26, Cardinals 24
Moody’s decide: Colts 28, Cardinals 23
Walder’s decide: Cardinals 19, Colts 16
FPI prediction: IND, 65.3% (by a mean of 5.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cardinals’ Harrison reflects on ‘special game’ vs. dad’s Colts … Colts sign LB Pratt two days after release by Raiders … Cardinals QB Murray not practicing due to foot injury … Colts sign Badgley to replace injured Shrader
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 46.7/100
ESPN BET: LAC -3.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Chargers: Earlier than trading for Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh, the Chargers had just one participant ranked within the high 125 in strain fee (LB Tuli Tuipulotu, twelfth). Oweh, who ranks thirty third in pressures, is about to make his debut for Los Angeles on Sunday. “He is quite a bit like Khalil Mack. Direct rusher, however has velocity, has depth, has capacity to set the sting,” coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned. “Been an excellent, productive younger participant, within the prime of his profession.” — Kris Rhim
What we’re listening to on the Dolphins: Sunday marks the fourth matchup between QBs Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa as NFL starters, with Tagovailoa’s Dolphins main the sequence 2-1. The 2 quarterbacks had been taken with consecutive picks in 2020, however Tagovailoa mentioned he does not talk a lot with the opposite quarterbacks in his draft class. “I do know everybody needs to do the comparisons with all of the dudes that had been in my draft class,” Tagovailoa mentioned, “however all you are able to do is be completely satisfied for the blokes, the place they’re at of their lifetime of soccer and want the very best for them. That is all I might wish to do and hope the identical in return.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: Since Mike McDaniel took over as coach of the Dolphins in 2022, they’re 3-14 towards groups that entered the sport with successful data. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Chargers RBs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will mix for 150 or extra dashing yards. The Chargers are producing 3.0 yards earlier than contact per carry, fifth finest within the NFL, whereas the Dolphins’ protection is permitting 3.2 yards earlier than contact per carry, second most within the NFL. — Walder
Accidents: Chargers | Dolphins
Fantasy nugget: One pattern strengthened in Week 5 is that you’re going to wish to begin operating backs towards the Dolphins. Carolina’s Rico Dowdle scored 32.4 fantasy factors, and with Chargers RB Omarion Hampton touchdown on IR with an ankle injury, Haskins — anticipated to deal with early-down and goal-line work — might be the following to learn. The Dolphins’ protection has allowed the fifth-most fantasy factors per sport to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Tagovailoa is 6-3 ATS and 5-4 outright in his profession as a house underdog. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Chargers 35, Dolphins 13
Moody’s decide: Chargers 26, Dolphins 24
Walder’s decide: Chargers 31, Dolphins 13
FPI prediction: LAC, 60.2% (by a mean of three.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Three big questions facing the Chargers after losing two straight … Dolphins unconcerned as Tua limited by hand, hip … McDaniel: Dolphins owner ‘really frustrated’
1 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 43.5/100
ESPN BET: DAL -3.5 (49.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Cowboys: Panthers RB Rico Dowdle mentioned his former group goes to should “buckle up” on Sunday. It is a remark that the Cowboys are very effectively conscious of. Though the Dallas run protection has improved, it ranks twenty third within the league and is permitting 4.4 yards per carry. “It should be a battle within the trenches for positive,” DT Kenny Clark mentioned. “Trenches going to win this sport.” — Todd Archer
What we’re listening to on the Panthers: Buckle up. That has been the mantra since Dowdle mentioned the Cowboys higher be prepared for a bodily sport after dashing for 206 yards towards Miami. The identical might be true for Carolina, because it faces the league’s No. 1 offense with an enhancing protection that also struggles to strain the quarterback and canopy tight ends. — David Newton
Stat to know: The Cowboys are the one group within the NFL this season scoring and permitting 30.0 factors per sport. They’re the primary group to do this via 5 video games of the season because the 2021 Chiefs. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Whoever begins at operating again — be it Dowdle or Chuba Hubbard — will catch 5 or extra passes, tying Hubbard’s season excessive (and two greater than Dowdle’s). The Cowboys are operating 83% zone protection, the best fee of any group in its first 5 video games since our protection knowledge begins in 2017. And operating backs catch passes at a a lot increased fee towards zone than man. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: WR Tetairoa McMillan has seen eight or extra targets in each sport this season. He is additionally QB Bryce Young‘s high vertical menace, main Carolina with seven targets of 20-plus yards. The Cowboys’ protection has allowed essentially the most fantasy factors per sport to broad receivers. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is 0-4 ATS in his previous 4 video games as a favourite, however he’s 49-36-2 ATS as a favourite all through his profession. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Cowboys 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s decide: Cowboys 31, Panthers 23
Walder’s decide: Cowboys 34, Panthers 24
FPI prediction: DAL, 61.3% (by a mean of 4.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cowboys TE Ferguson’s historic pace is no fluke … QB Young, Panthers look to build on comeback victory … Injury-riddled Cowboys lean on unsung heroes to beat Jets … Panthers RBs Dowdle, Hubbard ready for Cowboys defense
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 37.6/100
ESPN BET: PIT -5.5 (38.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Browns: The Browns turned to rookie QB Dillon Gabriel final week, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to show round an offense that hasn’t eclipsed 17 factors in 10 straight video games. This week’s preparation has been extra in step with the group at its follow facility in Berea, Ohio, as a substitute of abroad in London. It ought to assist Gabriel forward of his second begin, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a frightening job in Pittsburgh, the place Cleveland hasn’t received a regular-season sport since 2003. “It is the sport of soccer, it is the previous. Would not actually matter, what’s in entrance is what issues,” coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned. — Daniel Oyefusi
What we’re listening to on the Steelers: LT Broderick Jones is loads conscious of the duty he is going through in Browns cross rusher Myles Garrett. However the Steelers may need discovered a key to serving to Jones sluggish Garrett with their use of versatile lineman Spencer Anderson. A 2023 seventh-round decide, Anderson performed 19 snaps (35%) against the Vikings, up from simply 4 (8.2%) against the Patriots every week earlier. QB Aaron Rodgers was sacked simply twice in these two video games mixed, an enchancment from taking seven sacks within the first two weeks of the season. The Browns, in the meantime, are fifth within the league with 14 sacks via 5 video games. Additionally, regulate TE Darnell Washington as an additional blocker within the Steelers’ run sport. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Steelers have received eight straight video games following the bye going again to 2017, the second-longest energetic win streak within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig will report a number of sacks. Herbig has performed far too effectively to take off the sphere (his 39% cross rush win fee leads all gamers) even with Alex Highsmith doubtlessly again in motion. Herbig now ought to face backup OT KT Leveston, who ranks 58th out of 64 tackles in cross block win fee (80%). — Walder
2:27
Why Mike Clay is low on Cardinals RB Michael Carter
Mike Clay particulars why he’s low on Cardinals RB Michael Carter and advises fantasy mangers to keep away from beginning him if doable.
Fantasy nugget: RB Quinshon Judkins has recorded 19 or extra touches in three consecutive video games, scoring at the very least 14 fantasy factors in every. The Browns’ offensive line should not have any hassle creating holes for him, particularly towards a Steelers defensive entrance that ranks twenty third in run cease win fee and provides up the Eleventh-most dashing yards per sport to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 0-7 ATS of their previous seven highway video games, the longest energetic highway ATS shedding streak within the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Steelers 27, Browns 13
Moody’s decide: Steelers 27, Browns 17
Walder’s decide: Steelers 20, Browns 13
FPI prediction: PIT, 65.0% (by a mean of 5.3 factors)
Matchup must-reads: What to make of the Browns’ offense after QB Gabriel’s first start … Why the return of S Elliott means so much to Pittsburgh’s defense … How does QB Flacco trade impact Gabriel, Sanders? … The AFC North QB landscape is not what it was to start the season: What’s going on?
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 32.7/100
ESPN BET: NE -3.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Patriots: The psychological problem of resetting after an upset road win was highlighted by WR Stefon Diggs, who mentioned: “To be sincere, it is perhaps an even bigger check than final week, so far as having success and having the ability to replicate that course of and do it over again. … We now have to go in there with the correct mindset.” Among the many areas the Patriots have focused for enchancment are higher communication within the low purple zone and the dashing assault (averaging 98.0 yards per sport, ranked twenty seventh within the NFL). — Mike Reiss
What we’re listening to on the Saints: DE Chase Young might be on his approach again after lacking the primary 5 video games with a calf injury. Coach Kellen Moore mentioned “there’s clearly optimism” for Younger to play on Sunday. Moore mentioned they’re going to proceed to see how the harm responds day by day. The opposite harm to look at is RB Alvin Kamara, who was restricted in Wednesday’s follow with an ankle harm. If Kamara can not play or is restricted, count on Kendre Miller to take the vast majority of the load. — Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: Saints WR Chris Olave‘s 54 targets are the second most in NFL this season behind the Rams’ Puka Nacua (63). — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Diggs will proceed his sizzling streak and report 80-plus receiving yards towards the Saints. By 5 weeks, Diggs ranks second in ESPN’s open score. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson has had solely two video games this season with 10 or extra touches. New England has break up carries between Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and Henderson thus far, however with Gibson out for the season attributable to a torn ACL and Stevenson combating ball safety (eight fumbles), the stage is about for Henderson to shine towards a Saints protection that has allowed the Tenth-most fantasy factors per sport to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 7-14 ATS as house underdogs since 2020 (0-3 ATS previous three). QB Spencer Rattler is 1-10 outright and 3-8 ATS in his profession as a starter. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Patriots 26, Saints 23
Moody’s decide: Patriots 23, Saints 19
Walder’s decide: Patriots 27, Saints 20
FPI prediction: NE, 59.8% (by a mean of 4.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Patriots lose RB Gibson to torn ACL, sources say … Why Saints’ Moore sees more involvement ahead for Hill, Moreau
4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | Matchup ranking: 16.0/100
ESPN BET: LV -3.5 (40.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Titans: Coach Brian Callahan left last week’s win impressed with QB Cam Ward‘s fourth-quarter passing: 13-of-18 for 193 yards. Callahan mentioned it was a giant second and step for Ward to take, however he’d prefer to extrapolate that success over the total course of a sport. Ward ought to get the chance to stack one other good day towards a Raiders cross protection that is permitting 222.6 yards per sport — ranked twenty second — if the Titans can decelerate edge rusher Maxx Crosby. — Turron Davenport
What we’re listening to on the Raiders: If the Raiders need an opportunity to snap their four-game shedding streak on Sunday, they must do a greater job at capitalizing within the purple zone. Las Vegas was 0-for-4 within the purple zone against the Colts final week. The group is thirty first within the league in purple zone conversion fee at 35.7%. “Proper now, I believe we’re most likely one of many worst groups within the purple zone,” RB Ashton Jeanty mentioned. “… All people look within the mirror and see how we will get higher.” — Ryan McFadden
Stat to know: Jeanty leads all rookies in dashing makes an attempt (82) and dashing yards (349) this season. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Crosby will report a number of sacks. He is going towards Ward, who’s taking sacks at an enormous 10% clip. My sack mannequin provides Crosby a 19% probability to report at the very least 2.0 sacks this week — the best of any participant in Week 6. — Walder
2:06
Kurt Warner: Dillon Gabriel did not look overwhelmed
Kurt Warner evaluates Dillon Gabriel’s efficiency for the Browns in Week 5 and what it means with Shedeur Sanders additionally within the QB room.
Fantasy nugget: Titans WR Calvin Ridley set season highs in Week 5 in targets (10), receptions (5), receiving yards (131) and fantasy factors (18.1). As he continues to construct chemistry with Ward, Ridley now faces a Raiders protection that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors per sport to wideouts. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans haven’t coated back-to-back video games since Weeks 1-2 of 2023. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Raiders 23, Titans 20
Moody’s decide: Raiders 20, Titans 17
Walder’s decide: Raiders 23, Titans 9
FPI prediction: LV, 64.6% (by a mean of 5.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: QB Ward’s ‘poise’ a big part of Titans’ epic comeback, future
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 68.0/100
ESPN BET: TB -3.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the 49ers: At 4-1 with every of these video games determined by 5 factors or fewer, the 49ers have discovered a technique to win tight video games late. So, too, have the Buccaneers, who have not performed a sport determined by greater than six factors and received 4 of them. It is made it tough to inform simply how good these groups are, however Sunday’s matchup ought to supply the very best glimpse but into the trajectory of the season for either side. It is an concept that’s not misplaced on LB Fred Warner. “These are the moments you dream of,” he mentioned. “Greatest on finest, an away sport, they flexed the sport for all the explanations that we’re talking of … It should be an ideal problem for us.” — Nick Wagoner
What we’re listening to on the Buccaneers: Final season, the Bucs lost 23-20 to the Niners, unable to cease a last-minute game-winning drive for a 44-yard area purpose. Now the Bucs have 4 victories by three factors or fewer in 5 video games. The interception from LB Lavonte David final week within the last minute was the play they didn’t have final 12 months. Security Tykee Smith mentioned, “The most important studying lesson I might say is us having the ability to put the fireplace out when it was time.” — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: The 49ers have 4 straight wins towards the Buccaneers relationship again to 2019, their longest energetic win streak towards any opponent. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Warner will lead the league in Week 6 mixed tackles. The Buccaneers are favored and still have a minus-9% cross fee over expectation this season, fourth lowest within the NFL. That ought to result in a lot of deal with alternatives for the linebacker. — Walder
Accidents: 49ers | Buccaneers
Fantasy nugget: The Buccaneers’ defensive entrance ranks Eleventh in run cease win fee (30.8%), however fantasy managers should not fear about Niners RB Christian McCaffrey. Tampa Bay has allowed the third-most receiving yards per sport to operating backs. McCaffrey’s 387 receiving yards are 117 greater than another RB this season. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is 18-31-1 ATS in his profession as a favourite (8-8 ATS with Tampa Bay). Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Buccaneers 24, 49ers 22
Moody’s decide: Buccaneers 33, 49ers 30
Walder’s decide: Buccaneers 27, 49ers 23
FPI prediction: TB, 58.3% (by a mean of three.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: The 49ers’ run game is dormant, but McCaffrey is not … Perception of Bucs’ QB Mayfield shifting amid MVP-type run
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup ranking: 63.3/100
ESPN BET: GB -14.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Bengals: Welcome to Cincinnati, QB Joe Flacco. Since getting into town on Tuesday evening, Flacco has been cramming the playbook to be able to face the Packers for the second time in 4 weeks. Cleveland’s Week 3 win at house over Inexperienced Bay was his lone victory in 4 begins this season. Coach Zac Taylor mentioned that though it is at the very least good that Flacco has already confronted the Packers this season, it will likely be completely different since crowd noise at Lambeau Discipline shall be added to the checklist of challenges going through him and the offense. — Ben Child
What we’re listening to on the Packers: The Packers have struggled to get their operating sport going, however Josh Jacobs is not overly involved or shocked, despite the fact that they ranked 18th in dashing yards per sport (114.5) via their first 4 video games. “For some purpose my profession’s simply all the time been like that,” mentioned Jacobs, who ranks Eleventh in particular person dashing yards per sport (66.5). “Prefer it’s all the time been like a month of soccer the place you get used to being hit, getting used to straining and going towards different good gamers to essentially perceive prefer to get into that circulation virtually of what it takes and how you can be higher.” — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: If/when Flacco begins, he could be the fourth QB to start out for 2 groups inside the similar division in the identical season because the 1970 merger. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Packers will win by 20-plus factors. I do not suppose Flacco — who at present is sporting a 27.6 QBR that’s even worse than Jake Browning‘s — shall be a lot assist. And even after Inexperienced Bay’s latest semi-skid, I nonetheless consider it is among the absolute best groups within the league. FPI agrees, at present rating the Packers third. — Walder
1:32
Why Mike Clay is upgrading Titans and Chiefs WRs in Week 6
Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp, and Discipline Yates focus on why the receivers on the Titans and Chiefs have prime matchups in Week 6.
Fantasy nugget: Jacobs faces a Bengals protection that has allowed essentially the most fantasy factors per sport to RBs. The Packers are double-digit favorites, suggesting they need to be taking part in with a lead, which bodes effectively for Jacobs. He has averaged 20.3 touches and 17.4 fantasy factors per sport since arriving in Inexperienced Bay. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bengals are 1-4 ATS this season and 0-3 ATS on the highway. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Packers 17, Bengals 13
Moody’s decide: Packers 34, Bengals 20
Walder’s decide: Packers 34, Bengals 13
FPI prediction: GB, 80.6% (by a mean of 13.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bengals say Flacco trade gives team hope for this season … When will Packers’ WR Watson return from ACL injury? … What Doubs’ hot start means for his future with Packers
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Matchup ranking: 89.3/100
ESPN BET: KC -1.5 (52.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Lions: The Lions return to face the Chiefs for the primary time since they marched into Arrowhead Stadium for a 21-20 season-opening win in 2023. Coach Dan Campbell recollects that prime-time expertise being helpful to constructing their basis, as they went toe-to-toe with the then-reigning Tremendous Bowl champion and got here out on high utilizing complementary soccer. “That was large. I felt like that form of kicked our season off. Guys actually believed we may go on the market and win and performed their tails off,” Campbell mentioned. — Eric Woodyard
What we’re listening to on the Chiefs: The Chiefs may as soon as once more face a detailed sport. The offense for every group is performing effectively, which suggests the Chiefs will hope to vary their pattern of beginning the season 0-3 in one-score video games. “We’re simply not making successful performs in sure moments,” QB Patrick Mahomes mentioned. “On this league, it will come all the way down to one-score video games. That is what coach [Andy] Reid preaches proper after we begin off coaching camp each single 12 months. It is about who executes at a better degree, and we have not completed that as a group all through these first 5 weeks.” — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: Together with the playoffs, Jared Goff is the one QB whom Mahomes has began towards a number of occasions and hasn’t overwhelmed. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: There shall be at the very least a 24-pass try disparity between Goff and Mahomes. The Chiefs rank first in cross fee over expectation, and the Lions rank thirty first. If Detroit will get out forward, Mahomes may throw a ton of passes, and Goff would possibly barely throw any. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Lions’ defensive entrance is hard, permitting the seventh-fewest fantasy factors per sport to RBs. It will be exhausting for managers to belief Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco of their lineups. Kansas Metropolis would possibly lean extra on Mahomes and its receivers, and the Lions have allowed the seventh-most fantasy factors per sport to wideouts. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Mahomes is 17-7-1 ATS when he’s not at the very least a three-point favourite. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Chiefs 27, Lions 21
Moody’s decide: Lions 34, Chiefs 24
Walder’s decide: Lions 30, Chiefs 23
FPI prediction: KC, 54.8% (by a mean of 1.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Lions CB Arnold relieved injury won’t end season … Mahomes irked after Monday night loss: ‘Let a game slip away’ … Inside Hutchinson’s fascinating return to dominance
7:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Matchup ranking: 59.3/100
ESPN BET: BUF -4.5 (49.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Payments: Buffalo’s offense has an additional day to organize after the group’s first loss, which was additionally the primary time it failed to attain 30 factors this season. One goal is lowering the turnovers (three vs. New England) towards a Falcons group that has six takeaways on the season (tied for Eleventh most). However an necessary a part of the offense that might be a problem towards Atlanta is the large performs. The Payments are second within the NFL with 37 explosive performs (rushes of 10-plus yards and completions of 20-plus yards), however the Falcons have allowed simply 14 explosive performs this season, second fewest within the NFL. — Alaina Getzenberg
What we’re listening to on the Falcons: Atlanta’s protection has been wonderful towards the cross thus far. It has allowed the fewest passing yards per sport (108) — 46 yards per sport fewer than another group — and opposing groups have the seventh-worst EPA per dropback (minus-0.09) towards the Falcons and the sixth-worst completion share over anticipated (minus-3.1%). Nevertheless, the Falcons haven’t confronted a QB like Josh Allen, whom coach Raheem Morris known as “an issue in all places.” — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson has 5 straight video games with 100 yards from the road of scrimmage relationship again to final season. That is tied with 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey for the longest energetic streak within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: The Falcons will generate a number of 30-plus-yard positive aspects on performs the place they use movement on the snap. They use movement on the snap 53% of the time (second within the NFL), and the Payments are permitting 0.23 EPA per play vs. movement on the snap, third most within the NFL this season. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Payments’ protection has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy factors per sport to WRs this season. Drake London did have 10 targets and a season-high 25 fantasy factors in Week 4, however this is not a good matchup. Buffalo’s protection shall be trying to bounce again from a disappointing loss and will make issues robust for second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Payments are 0-3 ATS of their previous three video games, their longest ATS shedding streak since Weeks 5-10 of 2023 (six straight). Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Payments 34, Falcons 31
Moody’s decide: Payments 35, Falcons 21
Walder’s decide: Payments 30, Falcons 20
FPI prediction: BUF, 61.0% (by a mean of 4.6 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bills’ Coleman benched for disciplinary reasons … Second-year DTs bolster improved Falcons defense … Bills last unbeaten to fall: ‘We just played sloppy’
8:15 p.m. ET | ABC | Matchup ranking: 60.6/100
ESPN BET: WSH -4.5 (50.5 O/U)
What we’re listening to on the Bears: Misplaced within the chaos of Washington beating Chicago on a tipped Hail Mary cross final season was QB Caleb Williams main what would’ve been a game-winning drive within the two-minute drill. That is an space the place Williams shines essentially the most, and the final impression of him and the offense earlier than the bye was him marching his group down the sphere in Las Vegas to take the lead again. “[Williams] lives in that world,” WR DJ Moore mentioned. “If he may get in that world and play off-schedule and two-minute mode, it is robust. We’re simply taking part in off of him and going on the market and taking part in yard soccer with him.” — Courtney Cronin
What we’re listening to on the Commanders: The pregame storyline will contain QB Jayden Daniels‘ Hail Mary cross that beat Chicago final season, nevertheless it’ll be Washington’s run sport that might make the distinction this time. Washington leads the NFL with 156.4 yards dashing per sport and 5.9 yards per carry. In the meantime, Chicago ranks thirty first in dashing yards allowed per sport (164.5) and final in common per carry (6.1). The Commanders use a diversified rush assault, however rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has began to emerge with a career-best 111 yards in Week 5. “He simply has to maintain working to turn into a whole again, however since day one when [he] touches the ball, he does good issues with it,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned. — John Keim
Stat to know: That is the primary beginning QB matchup in “Monday Night time Soccer” historical past between the highest two picks from the identical draft class. (Williams was taken No. 1 by the Bears, and Daniels was taken No. 2 by the Commanders.) — ESPN Analysis
Daring prediction: Croskey-Merritt will report a 40-plus-yard run. The Commanders rank first in yards after contact per carry (2.8), and the Bears rank final in yards after contact allowed per carry (3.2). — Walder
1:24
Wealthy Eisen wonders if Joe Flacco will immediately begin for the Bengals
Wealthy Eisen discusses when Joe Flacco shall be prepared to start out at quarterback for the Bengals.
Accidents: Bears | Commanders
Fantasy nugget: The Commanders’ backfield has been a dreaded three-man committee thus far this season, nevertheless it was encouraging to see Croskey-Merritt end Week 5 with 16 touches and 27.0 fantasy factors, thanks to 2 dashing touchdowns. Now, the rookie faces a Bears defensive entrance that ranks close to the underside of the league in run cease win fee (27.3%). See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bears are 8-15 ATS of their previous 23 video games as a highway underdog. That is their thirty first consecutive highway sport as an underdog, the longest energetic streak within the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Analysis
Maldonado’s decide: Commanders 23, Bears 14
Moody’s decide: Commanders 31, Bears 28
Walder’s decide: Bears 40, Commanders 28
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.3% (by a mean of 5.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: ‘Fail Mary’ backlash still hurts Bears’ Stevenson … ‘Composed’ QB Daniels jolts Commanders in return from knee injury
