The Week 6 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings some intriguing matchups.
After a 206-yard rushing game last week, Panthers RB Rico Dowdle will look to have a repeat performance against the Cowboys, his former team. The Bucs will host the 49ers for a showdown between 4-1 teams. And the Lions visit the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium for the second time in three seasons.
We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) matchup quality ratings (out of 100) and game projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game.
Let’s get into the full Week 6 slate, which culminates with a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader between the Bills and Falcons (on ESPN) and the Bears at Commanders (on ABC). (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Jump 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 Network | Matchup rating: 44.9/100
ESPN BET: DEN -6.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Jets: DT Quinnen Williams said it best: “We’re 0-5 and the defense has been the problem, the reason why we’re 0-5.” The Jets have zero takeaways and only three sacks in the past four games. Pass rush was an emphasis in practice this week, but a breakout against the Broncos won’t be easy. They have allowed only five sacks this season. — Rich Cimini
What we’re hearing on the Broncos: The Broncos left for London just hours after their win over Philadelphia, the signature win of coach Sean Payton’s Denver tenure. Payton said he left behind any notion that playing the Jets at Tottenham Stadium is any sort of trap game for the 3-2 Broncos. “Each week it’s the ability to refocus on the next challenge,” Payton said. “… These guys understand in our league, it’s different than college. We’re not getting a chance to play a I-AA or FCS school. These are all professional teams, and we’ll handle it that way.” — Jeff Legwold
Stat to know: Broncos QB Bo Nix was held to only 60 passing yards in last season’s 10-9 win over the Jets, the only time in his career that he has been held under 130 passing yards. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Jets RB Breece Hall will be held to one or fewer receptions. The Jets throw to their running back 26% of the time, fourth most of any team. But the Broncos’ man-heavy defense allows a lower rate of targets to running backs (12%) than any other team. — Walder
Injuries: Jets | Broncos
Fantasy nugget: Jets QB Justin Fields finished with 25.9 fantasy points in Week 5. However, he faces a Broncos defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points and rushing yards per game to QBs this season. Fantasy managers should consider pivoting to a streamer this week. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Teams favored by at least four points in international games are 16-9 ATS and 19-6 outright. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Broncos 31, Jets 6
Moody’s pick: Broncos 30, Jets 17
Walder’s pick: Broncos 22, Jets 12
FPI prediction: DEN, 70.8% (by an average of 8.3 points)
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 rating: 74.3/100
ESPN BET: LAR -7.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Rams: Through five weeks, Rams QB Matthew Stafford leads the league with 1,503 passing yards and is only 50 yards away from passing Dan Marino (61,361) for the ninth-most passing yards in NFL history. The Ravens have allowed 177 points this season, the most over a five-game span in franchise history, according to ESPN Research. Baltimore is also allowing an average of 262.6 passing yards per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL. — Sarah Barshop
What we’re hearing on the Ravens: RB Derrick Henry has been held to 50 rushing yards or less in four straight games, which matches the worst rut of his career. It’s important to get Henry back on track for the Ravens, who are 10-1 when Henry produces more than 90 yards rushing. But the Rams, who have the NFL’s No. 10 run defense, have allowed only one running back to gain over 90 yards rushing this season (Tony Pollard). “We have the best [running] back in the game,” Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum said, “so we have to find a way to be better.” — Jamison Hensley
Stat to know: The Ravens were outscored by 17-plus points in each of their past two games. They have never lost three straight games by at least three scores in franchise history. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Rams will complete multiple 40-plus-yard passes. Through five weeks, the Rams have the highest air yards per attempt in the league at 8.5, and Baltimore’s defense is allowing 8.0 air yards per target (fourth most). Although I think the Ravens’ defense will eventually figure it out, the best bet for now is that it will continue to struggle in the short term. — Walder
Injuries: Rams | Ravens
1:24
Jeremy Fowler: Panic meter is rising for the Ravens
Jeremy Fowler joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to discuss the Ravens’ 1-4 start and how their season is slipping away.
Fantasy nugget: The Ravens’ defense has been decimated by injuries, which has led Baltimore to allow the second-most fantasy points per game to QBs. Stafford has scored at least 25 fantasy points in back-to-back games, and with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as his top two receivers, he should deliver another exceptional performance against Baltimore. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Rams are 8-1 ATS as road favorites since 2022 and 5-0 ATS since the start of last season. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Rams 23, Ravens 20
Moody’s pick: Rams 31, Ravens 16
Walder’s pick: Rams 30, Ravens 14
FPI prediction: LAR, 58.7% (by an average of 3.3 points)
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 rating: 57.5/100
ESPN BET: SEA -1.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Seahawks: The Seahawks’ defense got lit up in Week 5 largely due to its inability to get pressure on Bucs QB Baker Mayfield, who was hit only once on 38 dropbacks. Up next is Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who has been sacked only six times in five games. Coach Mike Macdonald credited the Jaguars’ ability to stay on schedule and avoid pure dropback situations as one factor, along with Lawrence making quick decisions. “The receivers are getting open, and he’s throwing the ball on time,” Macdonald said. “He’s throwing it accurately, and they’re protecting him.” — Brady Henderson
What we’re hearing on the Jaguars: The Jaguars’ offensive strength is their ground game (fifth in the NFL at 137 rushing yards per game) and they’ll face their toughest test of the season against Seattle, which has the third-best run defense in the league (83 yards per game). Running back Travis Etienne Jr. described the Seahawks’ front as game wreckers and said they present “lots of turmoil.” The Jaguars likely won’t have center Robert Hainsey (hamstring), so rookie seventh-round pick Jonah Monheim will fill in — a tough task for his first start. — Michael DiRocco
Stat to know: The Jaguars have 14 takeaways this season, the most in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Seahawks unleash QB Sam Darnold and have him throw 40 pass attempts. Yes, even against a Jaguars defense that ranks third in EPA per dropback allowed. The Seahawks have been so much more efficient passing than running this season (.28 EPA per play to minus-0.07) and need to lean more on that part of their game. Plus, the Jaguars have a new CB in Greg Newsome II, who might still be getting used to the defense. — Walder
Injuries: Seahawks | Jaguars
Fantasy nugget: Against the Chiefs, WR/CB Travis Hunter had a season high in offensive snaps and also posted a career high in receiving yards for the second straight game. The Seahawks’ secondary is a middle-of-the-pack unit and just allowed Bucs rookie WR Emeka Egbuka to score 31.3 fantasy points against them. Hunter could have a breakout performance. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Seahawks have won eight straight road games outright. They are 9-1 under Macdonald over the past two seasons. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Seahawks 17, Jaguars 16
Moody’s pick: Jaguars 27, Seahawks 24
Walder’s pick: Seahawks 30, Jaguars 24
FPI prediction: JAX, 50.2% (by an average of 0.1 points)
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 rating: 58.1/100
ESPN BET: IND -7.5 (46.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has finally found a rhythm over the past two weeks, and it has resulted in a significant jump in explosive plays. In Week 4 and Week 5 combined — both losses — Harrison was responsible for seven explosive plays, compared with just two in the first three games. This week is another opportunity for Harrison to add to his total, as the Colts have given up 23 explosive passes this season — 12 in the past two games. “I mean it helps to catch explosives,” Harrison said. “I think both games, that certainly helps and then you kind of get a rhythm from there.” — Josh Weinfuss
What we’re hearing on the Colts: This will be an interesting matchup because the Colts are No. 2 in points per game (32.6) and the Cardinals are allowing only 19.2 points per game. Can the Colts manage to find solutions to a defense that has limited the 49ers and Seahawks in recent weeks? It’ll be one of the biggest tests for QB Daniel Jones and the Colts, who have been creating weekly fireworks. Notably, the Cardinals have not allowed a 100-yard rushing performance, while Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is averaging 96 yards per game. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: Jones leads the NFL in QBR outside the pocket when pressured and on third down. He is second in Total QBR this season (79.6), behind Seahawks QB Sam Darnold. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Colts will average under 4.0 yards per carry. They are facing a Cardinals defense that has allowed the lowest EPA per designed carry this season, and that could put a real strain on the run-heavy Colts offense. — Walder
2:27
Why Mike Clay is low on Cardinals RB Michael Carter
Mike Clay details why he is low on Cardinals RB Michael Carter and advises fantasy mangers to avoid starting him if possible.
Injuries: Cardinals | Colts
Fantasy nugget: Harrison has accumulated 15 targets and 32.4 fantasy points over his past two games, and Indianapolis’ defense has allowed the second-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Harrison will be motivated to shine on the road against his Hall of Fame father’s former team. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is 27-13-1 ATS on the road in his career, including 22-7-1 ATS as a road underdog. He is 18-6-1 ATS when getting at least three points on the road. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Colts 26, Cardinals 24
Moody’s pick: Colts 28, Cardinals 23
Walder’s pick: Cardinals 19, Colts 16
FPI prediction: IND, 65.3% (by an average of 5.9 points)
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 rating: 46.7/100
ESPN BET: LAC -3.5 (43.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Chargers: Before trading for Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh, the Chargers had only one player ranked in the top 125 in pressure rate (LB Tuli Tuipulotu, 12th). Oweh, who ranks 33rd in pressures, is set to make his debut for Los Angeles on Sunday. “He’s a lot like Khalil Mack. Direct rusher, but has speed, has depth, has ability to set the edge,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Been a very good, productive young player, in the prime of his career.” — Kris Rhim
What we’re hearing on the Dolphins: Sunday marks the fourth matchup between QBs Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa as NFL starters, with Tagovailoa’s Dolphins leading the series 2-1. The two quarterbacks were taken with consecutive picks in 2020, but Tagovailoa said he doesn’t communicate much with the other quarterbacks in his draft class. “I know everyone wants to do the comparisons with all the dudes that were in my draft class,” Tagovailoa said, “but all you can do is be happy for the guys, where they’re at in their life of football and wish the best for them. That’s all I would want to do and hope the same in return.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: Since Mike McDaniel took over as coach of the Dolphins in 2022, they are 3-14 against teams that entered the game with winning records. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Chargers RBs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will combine for 150 or more rushing yards. The Chargers are generating 3.0 yards before contact per carry, fifth best in the NFL, while the Dolphins’ defense is allowing 3.2 yards before contact per carry, second most in the NFL. — Walder
Injuries: Chargers | Dolphins
Fantasy nugget: One trend reinforced in Week 5 is that you’ll want to start running backs against the Dolphins. Carolina’s Rico Dowdle scored 32.4 fantasy points, and with Chargers RB Omarion Hampton landing on IR with an ankle injury, Haskins — expected to handle early-down and goal-line work — could be the next to benefit. The Dolphins’ defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Tagovailoa is 6-3 ATS and 5-4 outright in his career as a home underdog. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chargers 35, Dolphins 13
Moody’s pick: Chargers 26, Dolphins 24
Walder’s pick: Chargers 31, Dolphins 13
FPI prediction: LAC, 60.2% (by an average of 3.9 points)
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 rating: 43.5/100
ESPN BET: DAL -3.5 (49.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Cowboys: Panthers RB Rico Dowdle said his former team is going to have to “buckle up” on Sunday. It’s a comment that the Cowboys are very well aware of. Although the Dallas run defense has improved, it ranks 23rd in the league and is allowing 4.4 yards per carry. “It’s going to be a battle in the trenches for sure,” DT Kenny Clark said. “Trenches going to win this game.” — Todd Archer
What we’re hearing on the Panthers: Buckle up. That has been the mantra since Dowdle said the Cowboys better be ready for a physical game after rushing for 206 yards against Miami. The same could be true for Carolina, as it faces the league’s No. 1 offense with an improving defense that still struggles to pressure the quarterback and cover tight ends. — David Newton
Stat to know: The Cowboys are the only team in the NFL this season scoring and allowing 30.0 points per game. They are the first team to do that through five games of the season since the 2021 Chiefs. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Whoever starts at running back — be it Dowdle or Chuba Hubbard — will catch five or more passes, tying Hubbard’s season high (and two more than Dowdle’s). The Cowboys are running 83% zone coverage, the highest rate of any team in its first five games since our coverage data begins in 2017. And running backs catch passes at a much higher rate against zone than man. — Walder
Injuries: Cowboys | Panthers
Fantasy nugget: WR Tetairoa McMillan has seen eight or more targets in every game this season. He’s also QB Bryce Young’s top vertical threat, leading Carolina with seven targets of 20-plus yards. The Cowboys’ defense has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is 0-4 ATS in his past four games as a favorite, but he is 49-36-2 ATS as a favorite throughout his career. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Cowboys 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s pick: Cowboys 31, Panthers 23
Walder’s pick: Cowboys 34, Panthers 24
FPI prediction: DAL, 61.3% (by an average of 4.3 points)
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 rating: 37.6/100
ESPN BET: PIT -5.5 (38.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Browns: The Browns turned to rookie QB Dillon Gabriel last week, but it wasn’t enough to turn around an offense that hasn’t eclipsed 17 points in 10 straight games. This week’s preparation has been more consistent with the team at its practice facility in Berea, Ohio, instead of overseas in London. It should help Gabriel ahead of his second start, but it’s still a daunting task in Pittsburgh, where Cleveland hasn’t won a regular-season game since 2003. “It’s the game of football, it’s the past. Doesn’t really matter, what’s in front is what matters,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. — Daniel Oyefusi
What we’re hearing on the Steelers: LT Broderick Jones is plenty aware of the task he’s facing in Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. But the Steelers might have found a key to helping Jones slow Garrett with their use of versatile lineman Spencer Anderson. A 2023 seventh-round pick, Anderson played 19 snaps (35%) against the Vikings, up from just four (8.2%) against the Patriots a week earlier. QB Aaron Rodgers was sacked just twice in those two games combined, an improvement from taking seven sacks in the first two weeks of the season. The Browns, meanwhile, are fifth in the league with 14 sacks through five games. Also, keep an eye on TE Darnell Washington as an extra blocker in the Steelers’ run game. — Brooke Pryor
Stat to know: The Steelers have won eight straight games following the bye going back to 2017, the second-longest active win streak in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig will record multiple sacks. Herbig has played far too well to take off the field (his 39% pass rush win rate leads all players) even with Alex Highsmith potentially back in action. Herbig now should face backup OT KT Leveston, who ranks 58th out of 64 tackles in pass block win rate (80%). — Walder
2:06
Kurt Warner: Dillon Gabriel didn’t look overwhelmed
Kurt Warner evaluates Dillon Gabriel’s performance for the Browns in Week 5 and what it means with Shedeur Sanders also in the QB room.
Injuries: Browns | Steelers
Fantasy nugget: RB Quinshon Judkins has recorded 19 or more touches in three consecutive games, scoring at least 14 fantasy points in each. The Browns’ offensive line should have no trouble creating holes for him, especially against a Steelers defensive front that ranks 23rd in run stop win rate and gives up the 11th-most rushing yards per game to running backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Browns are 0-7 ATS in their past seven road games, the longest active road ATS losing streak in the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Steelers 27, Browns 13
Moody’s pick: Steelers 27, Browns 17
Walder’s pick: Steelers 20, Browns 13
FPI prediction: PIT, 65.0% (by an average of 5.3 points)
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 rating: 32.7/100
ESPN BET: NE -3.5 (45.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Patriots: The mental challenge of resetting after an upset road win was highlighted by WR Stefon Diggs, who said: “To be honest, it might be a bigger test than last week, as far as having success and being able to replicate that process and do it all over again. … We have to go in there with the right mindset.” Among the areas the Patriots have targeted for improvement are better communication in the low red zone and the rushing attack (averaging 98.0 yards per game, ranked 27th in the NFL). — Mike Reiss
What we’re hearing on the Saints: DE Chase Young could be on his way back after missing the first five games with a calf injury. Coach Kellen Moore said “there’s obviously optimism” for Young to play on Sunday. Moore said they’ll continue to see how the injury responds every day. The other injury to watch is RB Alvin Kamara, who was limited in Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury. If Kamara cannot play or is limited, expect Kendre Miller to take the 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 Research
Bold prediction: Diggs will continue his hot streak and record 80-plus receiving yards against the Saints. Through five weeks, Diggs ranks second in ESPN’s open score. — Walder
Injuries: Patriots | Saints
Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson has had only two games this season with 10 or more touches. New England has split carries between Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson and Henderson so far, but with Gibson out for the season due to a torn ACL and Stevenson struggling with ball security (eight fumbles), the stage is set for Henderson to shine against a Saints defense that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Saints are 7-14 ATS as home underdogs since 2020 (0-3 ATS past three). QB Spencer Rattler is 1-10 outright and 3-8 ATS in his career as a starter. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Patriots 26, Saints 23
Moody’s pick: Patriots 23, Saints 19
Walder’s pick: Patriots 27, Saints 20
FPI prediction: NE, 59.8% (by an average of 4.2 points)
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 rating: 16.0/100
ESPN BET: LV -3.5 (40.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing 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 said it was a big moment and step for Ward to take, but he’d like to extrapolate that success over the full course of a game. Ward should get the opportunity to stack another good day against a Raiders pass defense that’s allowing 222.6 yards per game — ranked 22nd — if the Titans can slow down edge rusher Maxx Crosby. — Turron Davenport
What we’re hearing on the Raiders: If the Raiders want a chance to snap their four-game losing streak on Sunday, they will have to do a better job at capitalizing in the red zone. Las Vegas was 0-for-4 in the red zone against the Colts last week. The team is 31st in the league in red zone conversion rate at 35.7%. “Right now, I think we’re probably one of the worst teams in the red zone,” RB Ashton Jeanty said. “… Everybody look in the mirror and see how we can get better.” — Ryan McFadden
Stat to know: Jeanty leads all rookies in rushing attempts (82) and rushing yards (349) this season. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Crosby will record multiple sacks. He’s going against Ward, who’s taking sacks at a massive 10% clip. My sack model gives Crosby a 19% chance to record at least 2.0 sacks this week — the highest of any player in Week 6. — Walder
1:32
Why Mike Clay is upgrading Titans and Chiefs WRs in Week 6
Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp, and Field Yates discuss why the receivers on the Titans and Chiefs have prime matchups in Week 6.
Injuries: Titans | Raiders
Fantasy nugget: Titans WR Calvin Ridley set season highs in Week 5 in targets (10), receptions (5), receiving yards (131) and fantasy points (18.1). As he continues to build chemistry with Ward, Ridley now faces a Raiders defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Titans have not covered back-to-back games since Weeks 1-2 of 2023. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Raiders 23, Titans 20
Moody’s pick: Raiders 20, Titans 17
Walder’s pick: Raiders 23, Titans 9
FPI prediction: LV, 64.6% (by an average of 5.7 points)
Matchup must-reads: QB Ward’s ‘poise’ a big part of Titans’ epic comeback, future
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Matchup rating: 68.0/100
ESPN BET: TB -3.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the 49ers: At 4-1 with each of those games decided by five points or fewer, the 49ers have found a way to win tight games late. So, too, have the Buccaneers, who haven’t played a game decided by more than six points and won four of them. It’s made it difficult to tell just how good these teams are, but Sunday’s matchup should offer the best glimpse yet into the trajectory of the season for both sides. It’s an idea that’s not lost on LB Fred Warner. “These are the moments you dream of,” he said. “Best on best, an away game, they flexed the game for all the reasons that we’re speaking of … It’s going to be a great challenge for us.” — Nick Wagoner
What we’re hearing on the Buccaneers: Last season, the Bucs lost 23-20 to the Niners, unable to stop a last-minute game-winning drive for a 44-yard field goal. Now the Bucs have four victories by three points or fewer in five games. The interception from LB Lavonte David last week in the final minute was the play they did not have last year. Safety Tykee Smith said, “The biggest learning lesson I would say is us being able to put the fire out when it was time.” — Jenna Laine
Stat to know: The 49ers have four straight wins against the Buccaneers dating back to 2019, their longest active win streak against any opponent. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Warner will lead the league in Week 6 combined tackles. The Buccaneers are favored and also have a minus-9% pass rate over expectation this season, fourth lowest in the NFL. That should lead to lots of tackle opportunities for the linebacker. — Walder
Injuries: 49ers | Buccaneers
Fantasy nugget: The Buccaneers’ defensive front ranks 11th in run stop win rate (30.8%), but fantasy managers shouldn’t worry about Niners RB Christian McCaffrey. Tampa Bay has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game to running backs. McCaffrey’s 387 receiving yards are 117 more than any other RB this season. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is 18-31-1 ATS in his career as a favorite (8-8 ATS with Tampa Bay). Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Buccaneers 24, 49ers 22
Moody’s pick: Buccaneers 33, 49ers 30
Walder’s pick: Buccaneers 27, 49ers 23
FPI prediction: TB, 58.3% (by an average of 3.2 points)
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 rating: 63.3/100
ESPN BET: GB -14.5 (44.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bengals: Welcome to Cincinnati, QB Joe Flacco. Since getting into town on Tuesday night, Flacco has been cramming the playbook in order to face the Packers for the second time in four weeks. Cleveland’s Week 3 win at home over Green Bay was his lone victory in four starts this season. Coach Zac Taylor said that although it’s at least good that Flacco has already faced the Packers this season, it will be different since crowd noise at Lambeau Field will be added to the list of challenges facing him and the offense. — Ben Baby
What we’re hearing on the Packers: The Packers have struggled to get their running game going, but Josh Jacobs isn’t overly concerned or surprised, even though they ranked 18th in rushing yards per game (114.5) through their first four games. “For some reason my career’s just always been like that,” said Jacobs, who ranks 11th in individual rushing yards per game (66.5). “Like it’s always been like a month of football where you get used to being hit, getting used to straining and going against other good players to really understand like to get into that flow almost of what it takes and how to be better.” — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: If/when Flacco starts, he would be the fourth QB to start for two teams within the same division in the same season since the 1970 merger. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Packers will win by 20-plus points. I don’t think Flacco — who currently is sporting a 27.6 QBR that is even worse than Jake Browning’s — will be much help. And even after Green Bay’s recent semi-skid, I still believe it is one of the very best teams in the league. FPI agrees, currently ranking the Packers third. — Walder
1:24
Rich Eisen wonders if Joe Flacco will instantly start for the Bengals
Rich Eisen discusses when Joe Flacco will be ready to start at quarterback for the Bengals.
Injuries: Bengals | Packers
Fantasy nugget: Jacobs faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to RBs. The Packers are double-digit favorites, suggesting they should be playing with a lead, which bodes well for Jacobs. He has averaged 20.3 touches and 17.4 fantasy points per game since arriving in Green Bay. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bengals are 1-4 ATS this season and 0-3 ATS on the road. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Packers 17, Bengals 13
Moody’s pick: Packers 34, Bengals 20
Walder’s pick: Packers 34, Bengals 13
FPI prediction: GB, 80.6% (by an average of 13.2 points)
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 rating: 89.3/100
ESPN BET: KC -1.5 (52.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Lions: The Lions return to face the Chiefs for the first time since they marched into Arrowhead Stadium for a 21-20 season-opening win in 2023. Coach Dan Campbell recalls that prime-time experience being beneficial to building their foundation, as they went toe-to-toe with the then-reigning Super Bowl champion and came out on top using complementary football. “That was big. I felt like that kind of kicked our season off. Guys really believed we could go out there and win and played their tails off,” Campbell said. — Eric Woodyard
What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: The Chiefs could once again face a close game. The offense for each team is performing well, which means the Chiefs will hope to change their trend of starting the season 0-3 in one-score games. “We’re just not making winning plays in certain moments,” QB Patrick Mahomes said. “In this league, it’s going to come down to one-score games. That’s what coach [Andy] Reid preaches right when we start off training camp every single year. It’s about who executes at a higher level, and we haven’t done that as a team throughout these first five weeks.” — Nate Taylor
Stat to know: Including the playoffs, Jared Goff is the only QB whom Mahomes has started against multiple times and hasn’t beaten. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: There will be at least a 24-pass attempt disparity between Goff and Mahomes. The Chiefs rank first in pass rate over expectation, and the Lions rank 31st. If Detroit gets out ahead, Mahomes could throw a ton of passes, and Goff might barely throw any. — Walder
Injuries: Lions | Chiefs
Fantasy nugget: The Lions’ defensive front is tough, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs. It’ll be hard for managers to trust Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco in their lineups. Kansas City might lean more on Mahomes and its receivers, and the Lions have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Mahomes is 17-7-1 ATS when he is not at least a three-point favorite. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Chiefs 27, Lions 21
Moody’s pick: Lions 34, Chiefs 24
Walder’s pick: Lions 30, Chiefs 23
FPI prediction: KC, 54.8% (by an average of 1.9 points)
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 rating: 59.3/100
ESPN BET: BUF -4.5 (49.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bills: Buffalo’s offense has an extra day to prepare after the team’s first loss, which was also the first time it failed to score 30 points this season. One objective is reducing the turnovers (three vs. New England) against a Falcons team that has six takeaways on the season (tied for 11th most). But an important part of the offense that could be a challenge against Atlanta is the big plays. The Bills are second in the NFL with 37 explosive plays (rushes of 10-plus yards and completions of 20-plus yards), but the Falcons have allowed just 14 explosive plays this season, second fewest in the NFL. — Alaina Getzenberg
What we’re hearing on the Falcons: Atlanta’s defense has been excellent against the pass so far. It has allowed the fewest passing yards per game (108) — 46 yards per game fewer than any other team — and opposing teams have the seventh-worst EPA per dropback (minus-0.09) against the Falcons and the sixth-worst completion percentage over expected (minus-3.1%). However, the Falcons have not faced a QB like Josh Allen, whom coach Raheem Morris referred to as “a problem everywhere.” — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson has five straight games with 100 yards from the line of scrimmage dating back to last season. That’s tied with 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey for the longest active streak in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Falcons will generate multiple 30-plus-yard gains on plays where they use motion at the snap. They use motion at the snap 53% of the time (second in the NFL), and the Bills are allowing 0.23 EPA per play vs. motion at the snap, third most in the NFL this season. — Walder
Injuries: Bills | Falcons
Fantasy nugget: The Bills’ defense has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs this season. Drake London did have 10 targets and a season-high 25 fantasy points in Week 4, but this isn’t a favorable matchup. Buffalo’s defense will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss and could make things tough for second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bills are 0-3 ATS in their past three games, their longest ATS losing streak since Weeks 5-10 of 2023 (six straight). Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Bills 34, Falcons 31
Moody’s pick: Bills 35, Falcons 21
Walder’s pick: Bills 30, Falcons 20
FPI prediction: BUF, 61.0% (by an average of 4.6 points)
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 rating: 60.6/100
ESPN BET: WSH -4.5 (50.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Bears: Lost in the chaos of Washington beating Chicago on a tipped Hail Mary pass last season was QB Caleb Williams leading what would’ve been a game-winning drive in the two-minute drill. That’s an area where Williams shines the most, and the last impression of him and the offense before the bye was him marching his team down the field in Las Vegas to take the lead back. “[Williams] lives in that world,” WR DJ Moore said. “If he could get in that world and play off-schedule and two-minute mode, it’s tough. We’re just playing off of him and going out there and playing backyard football with him.” — Courtney Cronin
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: The pregame storyline will involve QB Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary pass that beat Chicago last season, but it’ll be Washington’s run game that could make the difference this time. Washington leads the NFL with 156.4 yards rushing per game and 5.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Chicago ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (164.5) and last in average per carry (6.1). The Commanders use a varied rush attack, but rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has started to emerge with a career-best 111 yards in Week 5. “He just has to keep working to become a complete back, but since day one when [he] touches the ball, he does good things with it,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. — John Keim
Stat to know: This is the first starting QB matchup in “Monday Night Football” history between the top two picks from the same draft class. (Williams was taken No. 1 by the Bears, and Daniels was taken No. 2 by the Commanders.) — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Croskey-Merritt will record a 40-plus-yard run. The Commanders rank first in yards after contact per carry (2.8), and the Bears rank last in yards after contact allowed per carry (3.2). — Walder
0:43
‘Fail Mary’ backlash still hurts Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson
Tyrique Stevenson says the backlash he received for his role in tipping a Hail Mary pass against the Washington Commanders “still hurts.”
Injuries: Bears | Commanders
Fantasy nugget: The Commanders’ backfield has been a dreaded three-man committee so far this season, but it was encouraging to see Croskey-Merritt finish Week 5 with 16 touches and 27.0 fantasy points, thanks to two rushing touchdowns. Now, the rookie faces a Bears defensive front that ranks near the bottom of the league in run stop win rate (27.3%). See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bears are 8-15 ATS in their past 23 games as a road underdog. This is their 31st consecutive road game as an underdog, the longest active streak in the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Commanders 23, Bears 14
Moody’s pick: Commanders 31, Bears 28
Walder’s pick: Bears 40, Commanders 28
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.3% (by an average of 5.9 points)
Matchup must-reads: ‘Fail Mary’ backlash still hurts Bears’ Stevenson … ‘Composed’ QB Daniels jolts Commanders in return from knee injury
