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NFL Nation, ESPN
The Week 6 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with nice matchups, and we have got you coated with what you want to know heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Nation reporters carry us the largest keys to each recreation, and analytics author Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup. The ESPN Analysis crew offers a giant stat to know and a betting nugget for every contest, whereas our Football Power Index (FPI) goes contained in the numbers with a recreation projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy football X components, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us ultimate rating picks for each recreation. Every little thing you wish to know is right here in a single spot that will help you prepare for a loaded weekend of NFL football.
Let’s get into the complete Week 6 slate, together with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye making his NFL beginning debut towards the Texans and the Lions visiting the Cowboys. All of it culminates with a “Monday Evening Soccer” matchup between the Payments and the Jets on ESPN. (Recreation occasions are Sunday until in any other case famous.)
Soar to a matchup:
JAX-CHI | ARI-GB | IND-TEN
HOU-NE | TB-NO | CLE-PHI
WSH-BAL | LAC-DEN | PIT-LV
DET-DAL | ATL-CAR | CIN-NYG
BUF-NYJ
Thursday: SF 36, SEA 24
Byes: KC, LAR, MIA, MIN
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Community | ESPN BET: CHI -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
Jaguars storyline to observe: This would be the first of the Jaguars’ back-to-back video games in London (Jacksonville plays New England on Oct. 20 at Wembley Stadium). The Jaguars have gained three of their previous 4 video games abroad and swept their back-to-back video games in London final season (Atlanta and Buffalo). The expertise of enjoying yearly within the UK might actually be a bonus, particularly towards a crew with a rookie QB in Caleb Williams. “Simply having the expertise of going over there, you form of know the best way to deal with it, what to anticipate, you know the way you are going to really feel,” QB Trevor Lawrence mentioned. — Mike Dirocco
Bears storyline to observe: For a crew that has traditionally been constructed on protection and a ground-and-pound dashing assault, it is exhausting to imagine Chicago tied its longest streak over the previous 30 years when the Bears rushed for a number of touchdowns in two straight video games towards the Rams and Panthers. Their final streak of three straight a number of dashing landing video games was in 1990, and the way in which D’Andre Swift has been enjoying may lead Chicago so as to add one other towards the Jaguars. Swift has notched over 100 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks, which is tied for the longest streak of his profession. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: The Jaguars are 1-12 versus NFC North opponents relationship to 2012. Their solely win was over the Bears in October 2016.
Daring prediction: Lawrence will report an under-40 QBR. The Bears’ go protection has been wonderful as Chicago ranks first in EPA per dropback and second in go rush win fee. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Bears WR DJ Moore. Williams had his finest recreation of the season final week. Moore benefited with eight targets and a season-high 27.5 fantasy factors. Jacksonville’s protection offers up probably the most fantasy factors per recreation to broad receivers, so Moore might be in for one more massive day. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: That is the primary time the Bears have been favored in a recreation exterior of Chicago since 2021 (-2.5 at Lions in Week 12). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Bears 24, Jags 21
Moody’s decide: Bears 27, Jaguars 24
Walder’s decide: Bears 24, Jaguars 17
FPI prediction: CHI, 59.0% (by a median of three.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Three areas where the Jaguars improved in Week 5 … Bears QB Williams taking control
0:33
Why Fulghum expects a giant recreation from DJ Moore
Tyler Fulghum explains why he is taking DJ Moore to have 60+ receiving yards within the Bears’ Week 6 matchup vs. the Jaguars.
1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: GB -4.5 (47.5 O/U)
Cardinals storyline to observe: Kyler Murray leads all quarterbacks in yards per rush with a median of 10.7 — no different quarterback is averaging greater than 7.3. For Arizona to enter Lambeau Subject and go away with a win, Murray’s legs must be an element — not the issue, however an element — towards a Packers protection that is giving up 4.4 yards per carry, which is sixteenth within the league. — Josh Weinfuss
Packers storyline to observe: QB Jordan Love has already thrown 5 interceptions, tied for fourth most within the league, regardless of enjoying in solely three video games. He began this fashion final season, too, with 10 interceptions in his first 9 video games earlier than throwing only one within the ultimate eight video games. The Cardinals’ protection is tied for eighth in interceptions this season with 4. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: Murray is finishing 65.4% when pressured, which is second within the NFL behind Jayden Daniels (67.9%).
Daring prediction: Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks will report five-plus receptions. Wicks has a 15 catch rating, which is simply horrible. However I do not suppose he’ll play wherever close to that degree going ahead — he had a 64 catch rating final yr. In different phrases, he is getting open however he simply must carry the ball in to get these reception totals up. And I believe he’ll Sunday. — Walder
Accidents: Cardinals | Packers
Fantasy X issue: Packers RB Josh Jacobs. The Cardinals’ secondary has been surprisingly sturdy, however that is nonetheless an ideal spot for Jacobs. He is coming off his finest efficiency of the yr — 16.4 fantasy factors towards the Rams. The Cardinals’ protection permits the eighth-most fantasy factors per recreation to operating backs, and Jacobs has averaged 19.6 touches per recreation. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Packers are 3-0 outright and ATS towards groups with shedding information. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Packers 30, Cardinals 28
Moody’s decide: Packers 34, Cardinals 27
Walder’s decide: Packers 29, Cardinals 23
FPI prediction: GB, 61.7% (by a median of 4.4 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cardinals RG Hernandez (knee) done for season … Packers TE Kraft puts DBs on notice
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: TEN -2.5 (43.5 O/U)
Colts storyline to observe: This can be a matchup that includes the stingiest and most porous defenses within the NFL, in accordance with yards per recreation. The Titans have allowed a league-low 243.8 yards per recreation behind a revamped unit. The Colts, in the meantime, are yielding a league-high 419.2 yards and are coming off a loss wherein they gave up a season-high 37 factors to the Jaguars. Indianapolis is hoping to make some strides this week with the potential returns of DE Kwity Paye (quad) and CB Kenny Moore II (hip), however former Professional Bowl DT DeForest Buckner (ankle) stays on injured reserve. His absence continues to be felt. — Stephen Holder
Titans storyline to observe: The Titans’ offensive line has proved to be considerably higher at run blocking than go safety. Search for the Titans to work the dashing assault towards a Colts run protection that’s permitting 157 yards per recreation. That would be the case no matter whether or not QB Will Levis is ready to play by means of a right shoulder injury. Titans LG Peter Skoronski is not taking the matchup evenly, “It is not like they’re getting gashed in a variety of methods, it is nonetheless an enormous problem. These guys are actually bodily and quick.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to know: The Titans have gained eight straight video games following their bye, which is the second-longest lively streak within the NFL.
Daring prediction: Colts WR Adonai Mitchell could have 60-plus receiving yards. There is a massive recreation coming for him, it is only a matter of when. The rookie wideout has a 71 open rating and with Michael Pittman Jr.(back) and Josh Downs (toe) banged up, this might be the week. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Titans RB Tony Pollard. Pollard is among the few Titans you’ll be able to confidently begin. He has been excellent, scoring 15 or extra fantasy factors in three of his 4 video games. Pollard has seen 19 or extra touches in three of these video games. Popping out of the Titans’ Week 5 bye, he has an ideal matchup towards a Colts protection that enables the fourth-most dashing yards and fifth-most receiving yards to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Colts are 4-1 ATS this season with three straight covers. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Colts 24, Titans 21
Moody’s decide: Colts 33, Titans 30
Walder’s decide: Titans 20, Colts 17
FPI prediction: IND, 52.5% (by a median of 0.7 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Three things the Titans need from QB Levis … Colts need WR Pierce more involved … Titans DT Simmons back from ligament injury
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: HOU -6.5 (38.5 O/U)
Texans storyline to observe: This would be the second time the Texans face a rookie quarterback this season. Houston beat the Bears and QB Caleb Williams in Week 2; he completed 23-of-37 passing for 174 yards with two interceptions and was sacked seven occasions. Coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned, “We’ll play our protection. It will not change,” in regard to game-planning for Drake Maye, who got the nod this week. — DJ Bien-Aime
Patriots storyline to observe: Maye, the No. 3 decide, is ready to make his first profession begin. Texans QB C.J. Stroud complimented Maye this week citing his versatility and accuracy. The Patriots have a 7-0 all-time report towards the Texans at Gillette Stadium (5-0 common season, 2-0 postseason). — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: The Texans are 0-7 all time on the highway versus the Patriots, together with the playoffs, which is their second-most losses and not using a highway win towards a single opponent. They’re 0-8 towards the Ravens.
Daring prediction: Maye will rush for a landing. Maye ran for 574 yards (sacks excluded) final season at UNC, and he may discover it is a extra dependable piece of his recreation to translate immediately. Houston will in all probability nonetheless win massive, however a minimum of it will likely be good for Maye’s fantasy managers. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Texans WR Tank Dell. Dell ought to see extra motion with Nico Collins (hamstring) on injured reserve. Dell has had a gradual begin this season, with just one recreation of 10 or extra fantasy factors. However final season, he posted 4 video games of 20 or extra fantasy factors earlier than a damaged fibula lower his rookie season brief after 11 video games. Dell needs to be busy towards the Patriots. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Underdogs of a minimum of six factors are 15-2 ATS this season (10-7 outright). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Texans 33, Patriots 14
Moody’s decide: Texans 27, Patriots 13
Walder’s decide: Texans 26, Patriots 10
FPI prediction: HOU, 70.1% (by a median of seven.9 factors)
Matchup must-reads: How can QB Maye help Patriots? … How Texans navigate loss of WR Collins
1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: TB -3.5 (41.5 O/U)
Buccaneers storyline to observe: After a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Falcons, the Bucs are attempting to keep away from an 0-2 divisional begin. Based on ESPN Analysis, solely 5 groups that began their seasons 0-2 within the divisions have gained them for the reason that present format was put in in 2002. And within the higher scheme of issues, they have a neighborhood reeling from not solely Hurricane Helene however now Hurricane Milton, and as broad receiver Mike Evans mentioned, “We’re not even simply enjoying for simply soccer now. We’re making an attempt to play for one thing a bit of bit larger.” — Jenna Laine
Saints storyline to observe: The Saints can be beginning a quarterback with no expertise after Derek Carr injured his oblique towards the Chiefs on Monday, as rookie Spencer Rattler will get the nod with two video games scheduled on brief weeks. Enjoying backups is sort of regular for the Saints now. They began three QBs after Jameis Winston was harm in 2021 and went with Andy Dalton after Winston was harm in 2022. Carr left for 3 video games final season due to accidents, and the Saints had been 0-3 in these video games. — Katherine Terrell
Stat to know: A loss for the Saints will mark their longest shedding streak (4) since shedding 5 straight in 2021.
Daring prediction: Saints WR Rashid Shaheed can be held to below 20 receiving yards. Final season at South Carolina, Rattler averaged simply 6.9 air yards per go try, which ranked 113th out of 125 certified FBS quarterbacks. That does not bode effectively for Shaheed. — Walder
Accidents: Buccaneers | Saints
Fantasy X issue: Saints RB Alvin Kamara. With Rattler set to make his NFL debut, the Saints can be sensible to lean closely on Kamara, who’s harmful operating between the tackles and catching passes. The Buccaneers’ protection offers up the sixth-most receptions and the third-most receiving yards to operating backs. Kamara needs to be a key a part of New Orleans’ recreation plan. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Buccaneers are 8-2 ATS of their previous 10 video games as underdogs. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Buccaneers 24, Saints 14
Moody’s decide: Buccaneers 21 Saints 20
Walder’s decide: Buccaneers 26, Saints 16
FPI prediction: TB, 59.8% (by a median of three.8 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Mike Evans: Bucs playing for something ‘bigger’ … What to know about Saints rookie QB Rattler … Bucs face difficult slate
0:58
Saints coach Dennis Allen: Spencer Rattler offers us finest likelihood to win
Saints head coach Dennis Allen explains why rookie Spencer Rattler is getting the beginning vs. the Buccaneers with starter Derek Carr injured.
1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: PHI -10 (42.5 O/U)
Browns storyline to observe: The Browns are off to a historically bad start on offense. They’ve scored below 20 factors in all 5 video games this season, their longest streak to begin a season since 1999, regardless of all of their opponents rating within the backside half of the NFL in EPA per play. With no sweeping modifications anticipated — Cleveland is sticking with QB Deshaun Watson and coach Kevin Stefanski is retaining playcalling duties — can the Browns discover an id towards an Eagles protection that ranks Twenty sixth in EPA per play? — Daniel Oyefusi
Eagles storyline to observe: WR A.J. Brown (hamstring) is anticipated to play for the primary time since Week 1. The Eagles scored 34 factors within the opener towards the Packers. Within the three video games with out Brown, they averaged 17 factors. With RT Lane Johnson and WR DeVonta Smith additionally anticipated to be again this week from concussions, Philadelphia needs to be near full well being. — Tim McManus
Stat to know: Watson has a 21 whole QBR this season, which is the fourth-worst whole QBR in crew’s first 5 video games of the season amongst 480 QBs to begin all 5 video games since ESPN launched the metric in 2006.
Daring prediction: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will throw three or extra touchdowns. With Brown and Smith returning and Philadelphia coming off a bye, I believe the Eagles’ passing recreation goes to search out its rhythm towards the single-high heavy Browns. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Browns WR Amari Cooper. Cooper has seen loads of targets, however the fantasy factors have not adopted. He has had eight or extra targets in each recreation, but managed solely 10 or extra fantasy factors in two. This has made Cooper a boom-or-bust possibility. The excellent news? He faces an Eagles protection that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy factors per recreation to broad receivers. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Eagles are 1-6 ATS of their previous seven video games as favorites. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Eagles 28, Browns 17
Moody’s decide: Eagles 31, Browns 19
Walder’s decide: Eagles 31, Browns 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 69.5% (by a median of 8.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Stefanski: Sticking with Watson at QB … Sirianni, Eagles facing key stretch … What QB Watson’s first 17 games in Cleveland have shown
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -6.5 (51.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to observe: Washington’s run protection ranks thirty first in yards per carry allowed (5.1) and twenty second in yards per recreation (130.0). The Commanders are coming off their finest displaying, permitting solely 104 yards versus the Browns — however Cleveland is way from the Ravens in the case of dashing the ball. Baltimore ranks first in yards per rush (6.1) and dashing yards per recreation (211.2), due to the NFL’s main rusher in RB Derrick Henry and QB Lamar Jackson. The Commanders have allowed an NFL-worst 24 carries of 10-plus yards, whereas the Ravens personal probably the most such carries (28). — John Keim
Ravens storyline to observe: The struggling Ravens’ protection, which has allowed the seventh-most factors per recreation this season (25.2), faces QB Jayden Daniels and the highest-scoring crew within the NFL (31.0). However Baltimore has traditionally dominated younger quarterbacks. Since John Harbaugh turned coach in 2008, the Ravens are 23-7 (.767) towards rookie beginning quarterbacks, which trails solely the Steelers (24-5). Baltimore prides itself on the way it disguises coverages, which may preserve a first-year quarterback off-balance. “He undoubtedly hasn’t seen a protection like ours,” center linebacker Roquan Smith mentioned. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: This would be the third beginning QB matchup since 1950 between the reigning Heisman trophy winner and reigning MVP. (The others had been Joe Burrow towards Jackson in 2020, and Jim Plunkett versus John Brodie in 1971).
Daring prediction: Not less than 62 factors can be scored, clearing the present ESPN BET whole by 10 factors. These are two red-hot offenses — they rank first and second in each EPA per dropback and EPA per designed carry — going towards bottom-half defenses (a minimum of to date). It needs to be a factors bonanza. — Walder
Accidents: Commanders | Ravens
Fantasy X issue: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin. McLaurin and Daniels have lastly discovered their rhythm. McLaurin has scored 13 or extra fantasy factors in three straight video games, with two of these passing 18 factors. He has racked up 24 targets throughout that span. This week, McLaurin faces a Ravens protection that enables the eighth-most fantasy factors per recreation to broad receivers. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Commanders have gained their previous two video games as underdogs (plus-7.5 at Bengals, plus-3.5 at Cardinals). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Commanders 31, Ravens 28
Moody’s decide: Ravens 38, Commanders 24
Walder’s decide: Ravens 42, Commanders 24
FPI prediction: BAL, 64.3% (by a median of 6.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Daniels keeps up ‘superman’ act against Browns … How Lamar’s improbable TD powered Ravens past Bengals … Daniels doesn’t like Jackson comparisons
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: LAC -3 (35.5 O/U)
Chargers storyline to observe: The Chargers have misplaced seven of their previous 10 matchups towards the Broncos and have not gained in Denver since 2018. The Chargers are on a two-game skid and have not scored a landing within the second half since Week 1. The Broncos, in the meantime, have the second-best protection in factors allowed per recreation (14.6). — Kris Rhim
Broncos storyline to observe: The Broncos — tied for twenty second in scoring (19.2), twenty eighth in yards per play (4.5), thirty first on third down (24.6%) and Twenty sixth within the pink zone effectivity (43.8%) — get the league’s high scoring protection (permitting 12.5 factors per recreation) because the Chargers are coming off a bye as effectively. The important thing for the Broncos could also be persistence; nothing can be simple towards Jesse Minter’s protection. QB Bo Nix has not thrown an interception within the Broncos’ three-game win streak; he threw 4 within the two losses to open the season. — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: The Broncos have probably the most pressures in NFL since Week 3 (49) and the second-most sacks (15). The 72 factors they’ve allowed this season are their lowest by means of 5 video games since 2009.
Daring prediction: Broncos CB Riley Moss will report an interception in a second straight recreation. Moss has a goal fee of 23%, the very best of any nook, with a median of 1.3 yards per protection snap allowed. Opponents flip to Moss as they attempt to keep away from Pat Surtain II, which ought to grant him interception alternatives. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins. This can be a nice likelihood for Dobbins to get again on monitor. The Broncos’ secondary has been powerful, holding DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Mike Evans and Garrett Wilson to below 50 receiving yards this season. However they are much simpler to run on than go towards. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Every of the previous 3 times the Chargers had been highway favorites in Denver, the Broncos gained outright (2019 to 2021). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Chargers 24, Broncos 21
Moody’s decide: Broncos 23, Chargers 20
Walder’s decide: Chargers 19, Broncos 16
FPI prediction: LAC, 54.4% (by a median of two.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers ‘not panicking’ but look to be ‘crisper’ on offense … Nix breakout? What’s next for the rookie QB … Does QB Herbert need to pass more for Chargers to win?
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: PIT -3 (36.5 O/U)
Steelers storyline to observe: Coach Mike Tomlin left the door ajar for QB Russell Wilson to be lively towards the Raiders, however that does not essentially imply he’ll supplant Justin Fields because the starter after going by means of his first full practice since aggravating his calf damage on Sept. 5. The Steelers, although, want one thing to leap begin their offense after shedding two of three video games largely to gradual begins. Regardless of enjoying depleted defenses, the Steelers have averaged simply 4.3 factors within the first half in comparison with 16 within the second half. The Raiders’ protection is banged up with high free company acquisition DT Christian Wilkins sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. — Brooke Pryor
Raiders storyline to observe: The Raiders are searching for a spark, so for the second time in a calendar yr, QB Aidan O’Connell finds himself coming off the bench to be the starter. Final season, then-rookie O’Connell supplanted Jimmy Garoppolo. Now, O’Connell is changing Gardner Minshew, who gained a good coaching camp battle for the gig. With O’Connell having the larger arm however being considerably much less cellular than Minshew, and the Steelers boasting a fearsome go rush, count on a variety of max safety and quick-passing calls. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: The Steelers have allowed a median of 23.5 factors per recreation of their two straight losses after permitting 8.7 factors in three straight wins to begin the season.
Daring prediction: Raiders edge Maxx Crosby will report a minimum of two sacks. Fields has been higher about avoiding sacks this season, however his 8.1% sack fee is greater than common. And Crosby can be going through Broderick Jones, who’s a shade under common in go block win fee. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Steelers RB Najee Harris. Harris is primed for a giant workload towards the Raiders, with Jaylen Warren (knee) uncertain and Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) out. He has averaged solely 10.2 fantasy factors per recreation this season, however he has seen 16 or extra touches in each recreation. Harris ought to discover success towards a Raiders protection that offers up the fifth-most fantasy factors per recreation to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Raiders have coated 5 straight video games following a loss (2-0 ATS this season). Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Steelers 20, Raiders 17
Moody’s decide: Steelers 26, Raiders 14
Walder’s decide: Steelers 19, Raiders 16
FPI prediction: PIT, 56.2% (by a median of two.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Pickens says he was unaware of eye black rule … QB O’Connell to start for the Raiders
8:00
Ought to Russell Wilson begin over Justin Fields in Week 6?
Jason McCourty, Dan Orlovsky and Stephen A. Smith break down the Steelers QB scenario after back-to-back losses.
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: DET -3 (52.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to observe: A controversial ending to final yr’s matchup turned a trending matter when Dallas beat Detroit after a possible game-winning 2-point conversion by Lions OL Taylor Decker was negated by an unlawful touching penalty for not reporting as eligible. Nevertheless, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson mentioned, “It is final yr. We’re on a mission this yr and we’re not going to let the previous outline us.” QB Jared Goff additionally emphasised that the Dallas loss is not at the back of their heads as they put together to face the Cowboys once more, however extra so serving to Detroit safe a victory over Dallas for the primary time since 2013. — Eric Woodyard
Cowboys storyline to observe: Getting into the season, the Cowboys had gained 16 straight house video games, which was the second-longest house successful streak in franchise historical past. Then, they misplaced their first two house video games this season, and in the event that they lose a 3rd straight Sunday to the Lions, it should mark their first three-game house shedding streak — with their beginning quarterback — since 2006. The Cowboys misplaced three straight at house in 2020 with out Dak Prescott and in 2010, 2014 (one begin) and 2015 with out Tony Romo. — Todd Archer
Stat to know: After finishing 19 consecutive passes towards the Seahawks in Week 4, Goff might match the longest streak in NFL historical past with six straight towards the Cowboys. Philip Rivers set the report of 25 in 2018.
Daring prediction: Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown will lead all gamers in mixed tackles in Week 6. He is the No. 1 participant in my sack projections for the week, and you may see why as he has the Twenty sixth-highest deal with per snap fee of any participant within the league. He performed 100% of snaps final week and now faces the run-heavy Lions. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Lions RB David Montgomery. By Week 4, the Lions led the league in operating again touches. Montgomery has had a dashing landing and put up 15 or extra fantasy factors in each recreation. He ought to proceed to thrive towards a Cowboys protection that offers up the seventh-most fantasy factors per recreation to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Prescott has not closed as a minimum of a three-point house underdog since 2018. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Lions 34, Cowboys 28
Moody’s decide: Lions 31, Cowboys 27
Walder’s decide: Lions 28, Cowboys 17
FPI prediction: DET, 57.2% (by a median of three.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: WR Williams’ complicated journey to NFL stardom … Dowdle giving hope to Cowboys’ struggling run game? … City of Detroit trolls St. Brown’s brother on social media
4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: ATL -6 (46.5 O/U)
Falcons storyline to observe: QB Kirk Cousins has thrown a league-high eight touchdowns when not below strain in 2024, with no interceptions, however has a league-high 5 interceptions (with no touchdowns) when below strain. The Panthers, in the meantime, are twenty ninth within the league in go rush win fee (31.7%). Can Cousins, coming off a franchise-high 509-yard efficiency, proceed to shake off the rust in Charlotte? — Marc Raimondi
Panthers storyline to observe: The Panthers’ protection ranks close to the underside of the league in nearly each main class, they usually aren’t excellent offensively, both. However one in all their massive weaknesses, third down effectivity, has an opportunity to enhance. A Carolina crew ranked twenty eighth (28.3%) within the league faces the worst third-down protection (48.5%) in Atlanta. — David Newton
Stat to know: The Falcons have trailed within the ultimate minute of the fourth quarter in all three of their wins this season. They’re the primary crew in NFL historical past to try this inside the first 5 video games.
Daring prediction: Bijan Robinson would be the highest scoring fantasy operating again in Week 6, with an influence in each the run and go recreation. The Panthers’ protection is the remedy to all woes. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Panthers WR Diontae Johnson. Johnson has an ideal alternative to bounce again after a quieter Week 5, the place he managed simply six targets and 5.9 fantasy factors. It is price remembering he had 14 targets and put up 26.2 fantasy factors in Week 3, adopted by 13 targets and 21.3 factors in Week 4. The Falcons have given up the eighth-most receptions per recreation to broad receivers this season. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Unders are 17-5 in Falcons-Panthers matchups since 2013. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Falcons 21, Panthers 13
Moody’s decide: Falcons 35, Panthers 21
Walder’s decide: Falcons 34, Panthers 23
FPI prediction: ATL, 62.0% (by a median of 5.2 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Cousins-Mooney connection is emerging … How coach Canales is keeping 1-4 Panthers positive
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: CIN -3.5 (47.5 O/U)
Bengals storyline to observe: The matchup between Cincinnati’s offense and the Giants protection will dictate the result. Cincinnati is second within the league in factors per drive and QB Joe Burrow is second in whole QBR (73.6). However up to now three weeks, the Giants have had a really disruptive go rush (fourth in PRWR (50%), first in sacks per dropback (11.6%), and solely three of their opponents previous 34 drives have had snaps within the pink zone. — Ben Child
Giants storyline to observe: The Giants have gained simply one in all their previous 14 prime-time video games with Daniel Jones at quarterback, giving him the worst report of any quarterback in prime time for the reason that 1970 merger (minimal 10 begins). Jones did not appear all that blissful listening to about that streak getting into Sunday evening’s matchup with the Bengals. “I believe we have got to win extra video games,” he mentioned. “You have a look at the previous, over time, we’ve not gained sufficient, interval.” This can be yet one more likelihood to shift the narrative in a recreation the place they’re underdogs. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: The Bengals are 0-4 all time on highway versus the Giants — one in all two franchises they’ve by no means defeated on the highway (Vikings 0-6).
Daring prediction: The Bengals will rating a minimum of 34 factors. Regardless of their 1-4 report, Cincinnati’s offense ranks third in EPA per play and Burrow ranks second in QBR — which might be his finest end by far if he can sustain that tempo. I am not nervous concerning the Bengals scoring factors right here. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson. With Malik Nabers nonetheless in concussion protocol, it is unsure whether or not he’ll be cleared to face the Bengals. No matter Nabers’ standing, Robinson ought to stay a key a part of the Giants’ passing recreation. The Bengals’ protection permits the Twelfth-most receptions per recreation to broad receivers. Robinson has seen eight or extra targets in 4 of his 5 video games this season, making him a dependable possibility. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Unders are 5-0 in Sunday evening video games this season, 31-10 up to now three seasons and 60-31-2 since 2019. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Bengals 24, Giants 21
Moody’s decide: Bengals 30, Giants 27
Walder’s decide: Bengals 34, Giants 17
FPI prediction: CIN, 60.6% (by a median of 4.1 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bengals defenders hold meeting, know ‘we have to do our part’ … What’s next for RB Tracy after breakout game? … Bengals’ revamped defense struggling in 1-4 start
8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | ESPN BET: BUF -2.5 (40.5 O/U)
Payments storyline to observe: The massive query for the Payments going into this matchup is that if the offense can flip itself round sufficient to keep away from the crew’s first three recreation shedding streak with Josh Allen beginning — and the crew’s first total since shedding 4 straight in 2018. The Payments are averaging 15 factors per recreation over the crew’s previous two video games after averaging 37.3 factors per recreation within the three-game successful streak to begin the season. There’s a query surrounding the provision of main receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle), who has but to take part in apply and missed final week vs. the Texans. The Payments will want different gamers to step up and assist Allen, particularly if Shakir will not be out there. — Alaina Getzenberg
Jets storyline to observe: Jeff Ulbrich makes his interim head-coaching debut, inheriting a two-game shedding streak however solely a one-game deficit from the highest of the AFC East. Considered one of Ulbrich’s targets is to get rid of the Jets’ repute as perennially gradual starters, which plagued them by means of the Robert Saleh period. This season, they’ve nearly as many penalties within the first quarter (13) as factors (14). Ulbrich, who demoted playcaller Nathaniel Hackett and replaced him with Todd Downing, mentioned the crew will play with a “heightened sense of urgency.” — Wealthy Cimini
Stat to know: The Payments have by no means misplaced three straight video games following a 3-0 begin in franchise historical past. They’ve began 3-0 12 occasions.
Daring prediction: The Jets will fail to sack Allen. Although Will McDonald IV (6.0 sacks) has been a nice shock, the Jets’ go rush is missing. It ranks Twenty sixth in go rush win fee. The Jets are outmatched by the Payments’ offensive line (second in go block win fee), and Allen has a sack fee below 4% this yr. — Walder
Fantasy X issue: Jets RB Breece Hall. Regardless of scoring 18 or extra fantasy factors in every of his first three video games, Corridor has managed simply 10.5 fantasy factors over the previous two weeks behind an offensive line that ranks twenty seventh in run block win fee. Nevertheless, there’s some hope this week as New York faces a Payments protection that offers up probably the most fantasy factors per recreation to operating backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: All three Payments highway video games this season have gone below the full. 4 straight Jets video games have gone below the full. Read more.
Kahler’s decide: Payments 28, Jets 21
Moody’s decide: Payments 24, Jets 19
Walder’s decide: Payments 23, Jets 20
FPI prediction: BUF, 54.9% (by a median of two.0 factors)
Matchup must-reads: Bills’ offensive mantra — ‘everybody eats’ — being tested … Will firing Saleh solve Jets’ struggles? … … Jets demote OC Hackett, tap Todd Downing to call offense
