Last night, the Broncos offense mustered only 8 points in Arrowhead Stadium and dropped to a 1-5 record in the 2023 season. At that record, a playoff berth from this position is inconceivable. It is the same scenario the Cardinals, Bears, Giants, and Patriots face as they lace up their chin straps and head out on the gridiron this weekend. If they lose, the next three-quarters of the season will be about how low they can fall to grab a top pick. On the other hand, a few teams can realistically climb out of an early hole by getting a win and continuing the momentum. Yes, the pressure to win is constant in the NFL and amplifies as the season progresses. With these thoughts in mind, in this article, we preview the five hottest games in Week 6.
Last week:2-3
Overall: 14-11
1. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) at Tennessee Titans (2-3) London Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET NFLN
The two teams head into this matchup after losing in awful performances against their divisional rivals by a touchdown. The Ravens offense put in a paltry performance after dropping eight passes in their game against the Steelers. However, the Colts managed to hold Derrick Henry to just 43 rushing yards, and Ryan Tannehill threw an interception to lose against a team playing without their starter, Anthony Richardson. The teams play in London in the early kickoff, and it will be a tough matchup because the Ravens are adept at stopping the run while both teams struggle to protect their quarterbacks from sacks. Both teams traveled this past week, so there will be no advantage in rest. However, it’s hard for me to imagine the Ravens not winning a close game and grabbing back the momentum this season.
2. Seattle Seahawks (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Cincinnati appeared to return to form last week by reigniting hopes that they will contend for a playoff spot. Ja’Marr Chase declared after the game that he is always open after grabbing 15 catches, 192 yards, and three touchdowns. Also, Joe Burrow played his best game of the season by completing 78% of his passes for three touchdowns and a single interception. On the other hand, the Seahawks are coming off a dominant defensive performance against the Giants on Monday Night Football in which they recorded 11 sacks. I think the Bengals will pull away in the fourth quarter and win this game because the offense is still vulnerable in the passing game by allowing 280 yards per game.
Bengals 31-Seahawks 21
3. Detroit Lions (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
We would have thought that in week 6, this would be one of the best matchups, but here we are! The Detroit Lions sent shockwaves across the sports world when they beat the defending champions in week one, and their confidence propelled them to a great start. After the departure of Tom Brady, an even bigger surprise is the start of the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield is playing mistake-free football. The Bucs will have the advantage of rest after the bye week, but the Lions have three straight games by at least two touchdowns. I have the more dynamic offense winning the game in a tight finish.
Lions 24-Bucs 21
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) at New York Jets (2-3)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
The Eagles remain one of the two undefeated teams in the league. They had to dig deep to win last week in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Eagles have one of the top offenses, peaking after some narrow wins to start the season. De’Andre Swift is carrying 5.7 yards per game, while AJ Brown has over 540 receiving yards in the league. Last week, the Jets won their grudge match after Nathaniel Hackett won against his former team. I have the Eagles winning this game against a physical defensive line, but Zac Wilson will be forced into a few turnovers.
Eagles 24-Jets 13
5. Dallas Cowboys (-2) at Los Angeles Chargers-Monday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN
The Dallas Cowboys were embarrassed on primetime TV in week five by the 49ers. The team was outcoached and outexecuted and the Niners sent a message to the rest of the league. On the other hand, the Chargers are rested after a bye week and have the advantage in that area. Another interesting storyline is former Offensive Coordinator, Kellen Moore, coaching against his former team. However, I believe the Cowboys’ defense was embarrassed, and they will come back motivated to right the wrongs of the blowout loss. It will be a high-scoring game with Justin Herbert on the other team, but I think the Cowboys will win by a field goal.
Cowboys 30-Chargers 27