• Quarterback shuffles throughout the board: The Patriots and Saints will begin new rookies, whereas the Raiders additionally switched issues up beneath heart.
• Road groups favored closely this week: The markets anticipate the away group to win 10 of this week’s 14 contests.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription:Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: 22 minutes
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San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Storyline of the sport: Bitter NFC West rivals sq. off
Thursday night time kicks off Week 6 with a battle between two division rivals seeking to redeem themselves coming off robust house losses as heavy favorites.
The Niners have struggled on the highway this season, holding an 0-2 document with losses in Minnesota and LA in September. Quite a bit has been positioned on Brock Purdy’s shoulders as this group awaits the return of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) to the lineup. While wins have been troublesome to come back by, Purdy has in any other case performed effectively, incomes the league’s third-highest PFF passing grade (84.0).
That might be a problem for this Seahawks protection amid a rash of accidents to key contributors over latest weeks. This previous week, Seattle misplaced at house by two scores, permitting the Giants their highest scoring whole of the season.
Matchups to look at: Seahawks WR D.Okay. Metcalf vs. 49ers CB Charvarius Ward
This is undoubtedly a matchup to look at each time these two groups face off.
Despite taking a step again this previous week, Metcalf has put collectively a unbelievable begin to the season. The sixth-year receiver has seen 42 targets — a top-10 mark on the place — main him to a top-25 rank in yards per route run amongst receivers. While his grading hasn’t been stellar, it is a likelihood for Metcalf to interrupt out in opposition to a nook he’s acquainted with.
Ward, who comes into this one questionable with a knee damage, has largely struggled in latest weeks. The final three video games have significantly been a problem for the veteran nook, as Ward stands with only a 43.2 PFF protection grade — 92nd out of 99 qualifying corners. The Niners’ nook often performs effectively on this matchup, however the damage raises concern for this secondary.
Additional information:
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears (-2.5)
Storyline of the sport: The Jaguars return to their house away from house in London
The Jaguars begin a two-game “homestand” in London, a location this franchise may be very acquainted with. During Trevor Lawrence’s time beneath heart, the Jaguars maintain a 3-1 document within the UK, together with a clear 2-0 sweep in 2023. That’s an encouraging signal of a potential turnaround coming for Jacksonville after the group captured its first win of the season this previous week.
Chicago comes into this one contemporary off a pair of house wins in back-to-back weeks, together with its greatest efficiency of the 12 months in opposition to the Panthers. However, the Bears have seen their fair proportion of struggles when having to journey, dropping every of their two video games on the highway this season in Houston and Indianapolis. This might be their alternative to buck that development and string collectively three straight wins.
Matchups to look at: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Bears FS Kevin Byard
After quite a few struggles to start out the 12 months, the Jags’ franchise passer put collectively an unimaginable efficiency this previous week, incomes him an 85.7 PFF passing grade — his highest since Week 14 of 2022. Lawrence racked up the very best yards per try (11.3) and adjusted completion share (85.7%) of Week 5. That manufacturing was one thing that this Jags offense sorely lacked by means of the primary 4 video games.
In the Bears’ secondary, Byard can also be coming off an outstanding efficiency in Week 5. The veteran security generated his third-highest general defensive grade (91.7) of his profession, powered by his first interception of the season and a 39.6 passer ranking when focused. The Bears might be with out security Jaquan Brisker on this one, placing extra strain on Byard to carry the road.
Additional information:
Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Two of the NFL’s highest-powered offenses go head-to-head
Both Washington and Baltimore have erupted offensively in latest weeks, laying declare to the highest two EPA per play offenses within the league by means of 5 video games — setting the desk for what must be an explosive matchup.
The Commanders’ ascent to the higher echelon of offenses has taken the league by storm, primarily behind the spectacular play of first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. The second general choose has been masterful outdoors the pocket, producing the league’s highest grade when not saved between the tackles (95.4). That’s very paying homage to the signal-caller he faces off with on this matchup.
The comparisons between Daniels and Ravens star Lamar Jackson proceed to dominate the dialogue, however what’s being misplaced in all of it is how far the previous MVP continues to push his recreation. Per PFF IQ’s steady quarterback metrics, Jackson grades out within the 88th-plus percentile in six of seven sides, together with Clean Pocket grade (94th), First & Second Down grade (91st) and Sack Rate (97th).
Matchups to look at: Ravens RB Derrick Henry vs. Commanders LB Bobby Wagner
Veterans Derrick Henry and Bobby Wagner are nonetheless setting the usual at their respective positions.
Baltimore’s bruising again has been on a tear to start out the 12 months, having generated the very best dashing grade (90.1) amongst backs with 40 or extra carries. Over the final three video games, Henry has bowled his technique to 219 yards after contact, probably the most within the NFL and greater than solely six different backs have had in whole dashing yardage over that span.
The chief of this Commanders protection can also be placing collectively a timeless efficiency in his thirteenth season. Wagner holds the very best run protection grade (89.9) amongst linebackers with no less than 60 run protection snaps, highlighted by his 5 tackles for loss or no acquire on run downs.
Additional information:
- Ravens rent veteran DC Dean Pees as an advisor.
- Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr (knee) missed observe early within the week.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers (-5)
Storyline of the sport: NFC hopefuls seeking to construct off Week 5 wins
After falling behind 23-10 within the first half this previous week, Arizona stormed again with a formidable 11-point fourth quarter comeback in opposition to the Niners. Three second-half takeaways made all of the distinction, highlighted by a fourth quarter compelled fumble within the pink zone that might have given the 49ers an eight-point lead with beneath six minutes left within the recreation in the event that they broke the aircraft.
Timely turnovers was additionally a theme for the Packers in Week 5, as they turned a pair of third-quarter takeaways into Tucker Kraft touchdowns. Taking benefit of turnover differential is essential to success, and with a league-leading 14 takeaways, Green Bay can flip the tide in opposition to anybody.
Matchups to look at: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray vs. Packers FS Xavier McKinney
After a pair of stagnant offensive performances to shut out September, Kyler Murray and this Arizona offense awakened in Week 5. Although he had simply 195 passing yards, Murray earned his second-highest passing grade of the 12 months (73.8) and notched three extra big-time throws, giving him an NFL-leading 11.
That might show to be troublesome in opposition to a ball-hawking security like McKinney. This previous week, the Packers security recovered a fumble and recorded his fifth choose of the 12 months — the most within the NFL — giving him an interception in each recreation this 12 months. Murray will need to tread evenly when urgent the ball downfield on this one.
Additional information:
- Packers WR Romeo Doubs returned to observe after being suspended by the group.
Houston Texans (-7) vs. New England Patriots
Storyline of the sport: Patriots 2024 first-round choose Drake Maye set to make first profession begin beneath heart
The third general choose within the 2024 draft, Drake Maye has formally been tabbed because the Patriots’ beginning signal-caller over veteran Jacoby Brissett. Although Brissett was in a position to restrict adverse throws to some success (forty ninth percentile), he was largely unable to offer this offense the spark it desperately wanted. Now, it’s Maye’s flip to get acclimated to the pace of the professional recreation whereas beneath fixed fireplace.
What a technique to get welcomed to the NFL in a duel with one of many NFL’s greatest younger passers in C.J. Stroud. The Texans signal-caller stands at or close to the highest of the league in quite a lot of sides, together with late-down passing grading (90.1) and beneath strain grade (68.2). Sustaining these marks will give Houston an opportunity to win each week.
Matchups to look at: Patriots RT Demontrey Jacobs vs. Texans Edge Will Anderson Jr.
New England’s move safety has been far beneath serviceable this season, possessing the third-lowest group move blocking grade (49.4) and the bottom move block effectivity ranking (72.1) within the NFL. Jacobs not too long ago entered the lineup at RT and hasn’t achieved effectively to realize his footing, holding the bottom move blocking grade (28.5) on the deal with place.
Anderson, the 2023 defensive rookie of the 12 months, is due for an enormous outing after hitting a lull in manufacturing the previous two weeks, totaling simply six pressures on 59 pass-rush snaps. That’s a large drop from his 15 pressures and three sacks within the two video games earlier than that. Expect the proficient edge rusher to complete with a stable day on the finish of this one.
Additional information:
- Texans WR Nico Collins (hamstring) positioned on IR.
- Patriots FS Jabrill Peppers arrested on assault and possession expenses, positioned on Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) vs. New Orleans Saints
Storyline of the Game: With Derek Carr out, Spencer Rattler to make NFL debut
After taking place on Monday night time attributable to an indirect tear, Saints quarterback Derek Carr is anticipated to overlook the subsequent few weeks, making approach for first-year passer Spencer Rattler to start out beneath heart. He confirmed flashes within the preseason, however inconsistency was a notable challenge — one his group hopes he’s ironed out whereas studying on the sideline.
Having final performed in Atlanta on Thursday night time, a well-rested Bucs group might be on the lookout for redemption after shedding in time beyond regulation and permitting an insane 509 yards by means of the air. On the opposite hand, Baker Mayfield has been dealing in latest weeks, holding the NFL’s highest passing grade (90.1) over the past two video games. Without a doubt, Tampa might be motivated coming into its second straight divisional matchup.
Matchups to look at: Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Buccaneers CB Zyon McCollum
Mike Evans vs Marshon Lattimore isn’t the one WR-CB matchup you gained’t need to miss on this one.
The Bucs’ breakout nook had some troubles this previous week, the place he allowed seven receptions into his protection for 126 passing yards permitted. Despite surrendering that kind of manufacturing, McCollum has strung collectively a stable sufficient resume to this point to retain the second-highest protection grade (89.3) amongst corners.
He faces off with stellar receiver Chris Olave, who’s coming off his worst recreation of 2024, totaling simply two catches for 10 yards. His primetime output was a stunning drop after the Saints wideout had gone on a three-game streak of manufacturing 85.0-plus receiving grades. That effort allowed Olave to take care of his standing as a top-three graded receiver within the NFL this season. Rattler will need to discover him early and sometimes if this group is to have an opportunity.
Additional information:
- Saints QB Derek Carr (indirect) anticipated to overlook a number of weeks.
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5)
Storyline of the sport: Browns’ offensive struggles proceed in October
Finding offensive manufacturing has been an uphill battle for Cleveland, with points starting from poor move safety to inconsistent quarterback play, ensuing within the lowest EPA per play within the NFL by means of 5 weeks. Last week’s issues had been significantly alarming given Washington’s lapses on protection. The Browns totaled simply 207 whole internet yards.
Now, they face an Eagles group that’s coming off a bye week and seeking to redeem its 17-point loss to the Bucs in Week 4. This Philadelphia move rush continues to be brimming with expertise, headlined by DI Jalen Carter, who holds an 84.9 PFF pass-rush grade, the third-highest amongst inside defenders. That’s a scary matchup that the Browns must be frightened about this week.
Matchups to look at: Eagles RT Lane Johnson vs. Browns Edge Za’Darius Smith
After lacking Philadelphia’s Week 4 matchup, Johnson returns to the lineup rested and seeking to construct on his unimaginable efficiency to start out 2024. Before taking place, the veteran deal with had put collectively an ideal 100.0 move block effectivity ranking and a 100% move professional win price, having allowed no strain throughout 87 move units.
With concern rising round Myles Garrett’s damage, extra consideration will flip to different items of this Browns move rush. Za’Darius Smith might be a kind of names, as he at present stands because the group’s second-leading strain generator (9) and sack recorder (3). He could have his work minimize out for him on this one.
Additional information:
- Philadelphia launched former Pro Bowl LB Devin White.
- Browns Edge Myles Garrett (Achilles) DNP at observe to start out the week.
Indianapolis Colts (-1) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the sport: Injuries to key gamers proceed to plague these rosters
Both the Colts and Titans have seen their fair proportion of robust accidents to start out the 12 months.
Indy spent this previous week navigating a recreation with out beginning quarterback Anthony Richardson or franchise again Jonathan Taylor, in addition to elite blockers in C Ryan Kelly and OT Braden Smith. And now, this group might be down receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for an prolonged interval.
While not fairly as extreme, premature accidents have additionally struck Tennessee, with quarterback Will Levis taking place early within the Titans’ final recreation with an damage to his throwing shoulder. Although he managed to return to observe on Wednesday as a full participant after a bye, his well being might be beneath the microscope on this one.
Matchups to look at: Colts C Ryan Kelly vs Titans DI T’Vondre Sweat
After lacking the previous two video games with a neck damage, Kelly got here again to observe as a full participant to start out the week. The veteran heart will face a tricky matchup in his return — significantly on the bottom, the place he possesses a good 68.2 run blocking grade.
Tasked with breaking by means of this highly effective Colts offensive line is first-year inside defender T’Vondre Sweat, who lays declare the place’s fourth-highest run protection grade (79.8). In his final outing, Sweat generated a unbelievable 91.2 run protection grade, highlighted by a -3.0 yard common depth of deal with on run downs.
Additional information:
- Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (again) anticipated to overlook a number of video games.
- Titans QB Will Levis (shoulder) clocks full observe to start out the week after being knocked out early in Week 4.
Los Angeles Chargers (-3) vs. Denver Broncos
Storyline of the sport: Even after the bye week, Los Angeles accidents mount
The hope was for this Chargers group to get wholesome throughout the bye week, however with the discharge of the early week observe report, issues are nonetheless lingering with this roster. Included on this week’s damage report are Edge Joey Bosa, QB Justin Herbert, RT Joe Alt, LT Rashawn Slater and Okay Cameron Dicker, simply to call a couple of.
That might not bode effectively for the Chargers developing in opposition to a Broncos group that’s using excessive after a decisive divisional win this previous week, its third straight victory. This protection has discovered new life in latest weeks, evidenced by its leap in takeaways final week, the place Denver snagged three interceptions — together with a 100-yard pick-six from Pat Surtain II.
Matchups to look at: Chargers WR Joshua Palmer vs. Broncos CB Riley Moss
The Broncos’ second-year nook out of Iowa is hitting his stride heading into October. Moss secured his first profession interception this previous week, placing a cap on an unimaginable three-game stretch that has earned him the fourth-highest protection grade (90.3) on the place since Week 3.
Having additionally handled damage this 12 months, Palmer hasn’t been in a position to string collectively a lot manufacturing. In his final outing, the Chargers receiver totaled simply 36 yards on three receptions, with a majority of it coming from a single catch. If the Chargers are to get this passing recreation going, they’re going to wish extra out of fellows like Palmer.
Additional information:
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (ankle) stays restricted in observe after the bye, however studies his ankle is “feeling higher.”
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the sport: Questions at quarterback on the forefront of Week 6
After a tumultuous trip with Gardner Minshew beneath heart to start out the 12 months, the Raiders opted to sit down him down late halfway by means of their Week 5 matchup in favor of Aidan O’Connell and have now made that change official. It stays to be seen if O’Connell will present sufficient to instill confidence on this group, or if this drawback will persist.
The Steelers are additionally staring down a quarterback controversy with Russell Wilson opening the week as a full participant in observe. Despite a drop-off in latest weeks, Mike Tomlin’s workers has opted to stick with Justin Fields getting the first-team reps in observe. With the commerce deadline rising nearer, this group might want to discover its reply sooner slightly than later.
Matchups to look at: Steelers LG Isaac Seumalo vs. Raiders DI Jonah Laulu
After lacking the primary 4 video games attributable to damage, Seumalo returned in Week 5 to place up a stable efficiency on the inside of this line. The veteran guard was wonderful on the bottom, having earned an 83.1 PFF run-blocking recreation in his season debut.
With the damage to Christian Wilkins rendering him out for the foreseeable future, consideration turns to the seventh-round rookie Jonah Laulu. The Oklahoma product hasn’t fairly established a basis along with his restricted snap share, with run protection being an issue. This previous week, Laulu totaled only a 39.1 grade on run suits. That gained’t get it achieved in opposition to this improved Steelers line.
Additional information:
- Raiders DI Christian Wilkins (foot) underwent surgical procedure, out indefinitely.
- NFL investigating Steelers WR George Pickens over specific eye black worn this previous week.
Atlanta Falcons (-6) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the sport: Can Kirk Cousins repeat his spectacular efficiency from Week 5?
Kirk Cousins and the Falcons are feeling energized after their greatest win of their season thus far final Thursday night time. When Atlanta signed Cousins, I’m unsure they anticipated a recreation like he had final week, the place he broke the Falcons’ franchise document in single-game passing yardage (509). The query might be if he can attain wherever close to that kind of manufacturing transferring ahead.
While it might appear outlandish, the Panthers current one other alternative for Cousins to amass absurd manufacturing. Carolina has seemingly run out of fuel once more after a lackluster efficiency in Chicago, the place the Panthers misplaced by 26 factors. This protection hasn’t fared effectively in any aspect over the primary 5 weeks, holding the league’s second-lowest general defensive grade (54.7)
Matchups to look at: Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Falcons front-seven
If Carolina needs to seek out stability on offense, it begins with feeding Hubbard a large workload. The Panthers again has been on fireplace the previous three weeks, having piled up 315 yards, second solely to Derrick Henry over that span. That effort has earned Hubbard the league’s third-highest dashing grade since Week 3, minimal 25 makes an attempt.
That might show to be a troublesome matchup for this Atlanta front-seven, which has proven some cracks becoming the run. The points can extra precisely be remoted to tackling, because the Falcons have tallied the third-most missed tackles (32) on run downs. Edge Lorenzo Carter has been particularly poor in opposition to the run, having earned only a 34.7 run protection grade — a hundred and tenth out of 112 qualifying Edge gamers.
Additional information:
- Falcons QB Kirk Cousins named NFC Player of the Week after a unbelievable efficiency on Thursday night time.
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the sport: Can Dallas maintain off a rested Detroit out for revenge?
Without query, the Lions have maintained their standing as contenders out of the NFC and maintain a prime spot among the many league’s greatest within the PFF energy rankings. Jared Goff is coming off of his greatest efficiency in a very long time, having tossed an ideal 18-for-18 recreation with 292 yards by means of the air and a pair of big-time throws in addition to a receiving landing. If all issues are clicking for this group, it turns into probably the most troublesome to take down within the league.
Although the Lions are contemporary off a bye, Dallas has momentum coming into this one after taking down Pittsburgh with a last-second landing to win on the highway in primetime. The Cowboys simply barely escaped this actual matchup with a win in 2023 after a possible game-winning two-point conversion was waved off, as officers deemed Taylor Decker didn’t report as eligible. Dallas should show it could possibly beat Detroit once more this time round, and with out controversy at that.
Matchups to look at: Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle vs. Lions LB Jack Campbell
With a season-high 22 touches this previous week, it’s clear that Dowdle has firmly secured the duties because the Cowboys’ lead again. Now, consideration turns to what he’ll do with the chance. In Week 5, Dowdle amassed over 100 yards from scrimmage for the primary time this season, coming away with a good 67.3 general grade on the day. Taking a step additional ahead this week will go a protracted technique to answering this group’s points within the backfield.
The Lions’ hard-nosed second-year linebacker has had some points with consistency becoming the run this season. After his 80.5 run protection grade in Week 1, Campbell hasn’t been in a position to attain close to that mark. In Week 4, he generated only a 52.9 run protection grade, having seen an equal variety of optimistic and adverse grades.
Additional information:
- Cowboys CB DaRon Bland (foot) designated to return, might be activated Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) vs. New York Giants
Storyline of the sport: Bengals trip explosive offense into New York
Although the Bengals haven’t discovered their technique to many wins, staring down a 1-4 document, they’re taking video games all the way down to the wire on a near-weekly foundation, and it is due solely to this potent offense. Joe Burrow has this unit dialed in, laying declare to the third-highest EPA per play mark within the NFL. Much of the credit score goes to Burrow himself, who holds an outstanding 86.2 PFF passing grade, the second-highest by means of 5 weeks.
But, the Giants aren’t going to sit down down quietly after their enormous win in Week 5, taking down Seattle by two scores on the highway. First-year again Tyrone Tracy had himself a stable day, producing a 77.3 dashing grade, the most effective of his younger profession. More performances like that, and this Giants group might discover the offensive basis it’s been on the lookout for.
Matchups to look at: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase vs. Giants CB Deonte Banks
As has been established over the previous few weeks, an offended Ja’Marr Chase is a scary weapon. The elite receiver produced an outstanding 91.3 receiving grade in Week 5, the very best on the week by any participant with no less than 10 receiving snaps. Chase exploded for practically 200 yards, amassing an astonishing 4.6 yards per route run.
Luckily for the Giants, their second-year nook Deonte Banks is coming off the most effective efficiency of his younger profession. In Week 5, the Giants CB earned an unimaginable 87.8 protection grade, racking up a trio of compelled incompletions within the course of.
Additional information:
Buffalo Bills (-2.5) vs. New York Jets
Storyline of the sport: How will the Jets reply post-firing of their HC?
Controversy struck New York after the Jets’ loss to the Vikings this previous week, with the information that Robert Saleh had been fired as this group’s head coach. Rumors virtually instantly unfold round NFL circles as to the rationale for the surprising launch. Some pointed the finger to Aaron Rodgers, however Jets proprietor Woody Johnson took accountability for the questionable dismissal.
Like the Jets — however to not such a drastic extent — the Bills are additionally on the lookout for solutions following a pair of highway losses. While disappointing given their sizzling begin to the 12 months, shedding two video games to a pair of the NFL’s prime groups isn’t trigger to tug the hearth alarm simply but. A highway win in opposition to a divisional opponent this week might go a protracted technique to turning the tides of October for this group.
Matchups to look at: Bills QB Josh Allen vs. Jets protection
It can’t be ignored that Robert Saleh was let go regardless of him holding up his finish of the cut price on the defensive aspect of the ball. This Jets protection holds a top-five EPA per play allowed mark in addition to the NFL’s highest-graded protection unit. Needless to say, the Jets might be enjoying impressed soccer on this one.
That might pose an issue for Allen after seeing his struggles this previous week. The Bills’ franchise passer produced his lowest single-game passing grade (37.7) since 2019 after totaling three turnover worthy performs, giving him six over the past two video games. If that worrying development continues, Buffalo could have a troublesome time turning it round.
Additional information:
- Robert Saleh has been fired as the pinnacle coach of the Jets, DC Jeff Ulbrich named interim head coach.