Week 6 began with a top-of-the-table rivalry NFC West Clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers were under pressure to win this game after blowing another double-digit advantage in Arizona to fall to a 2-3 record. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and the team responded with an impressive win on the road. Purdy completed 18 of 28 passes for 255 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Kittle and Deebo Samuels combined for eight catches, and 160 yards, and accounted for Purdy’s touchdowns for the night. Still, the 49ers made their fans nervous because they were leading 23-3 and had the lead evaporate to 23-17. However, the defense made the big play when Renado Green snagged an interception which was Geno Smith’s second of the night. The 49ers made the turnover count when Kyle Juszczyk ran in the 6-yard touchdown to seal the game. The 49ers can now rest atop the division and face the prospect of a Super Bowl rematch in week 7. Like the first game of week 6, the five hottest games are dominated by rivalries. In this article, we will preview and predict the outcome of these matchups.
1. Washington Commanders (4-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-2)-Sunday-1 p.m., CBS
If there is a game that you would want to watch this weekend, then please circle this on the calendar. It promises to be an exciting matchup of dual-threat Heisman quarterbacks facing off in Baltimore in a game dubbed the Beltway Rivalry. Jayden Daniels and this young Commander squad have quickly become America’s team poised to make the meteoric rise from last to first place. Daniels is an accurate passer, completing 77% of his passes, yet athletic with four rushing touchdowns. Daniels has tallied 300 rush yards this season, 63 yards behind his opponent this Sunday, Lamar Jackson. Jackson was sublime last week in dismantling the Bengals defense on the road with a remarkable four touchdown performance. The Commanders and Ravens rank 1st and 2nd in points per game with 31 and 29.4. However, the problem for both quarterbacks is that their defenses rank 23rd and 26th in points allowed per game. I think this will be a high-scoring game that quarterbacks play, but I think Lamar has to win this home game to keep the Chiefs in sight for home-field advantage, and he gets it done on the final drive.
Ravens 30-Commander 27
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-3)- Sunday-1 p.m., Fox
The Saints and Bucs are divisional rivals that have won the NFC South Division for the past seven years. Interestingly, the Saints won from 2017-2020 when Drew Brees was under center, and then Tom Brady changed the dynamics by winning the Superbowl in 2020, and now the Bucs have won the past three seasons. The Bucs lost a heartbreaker last Thursday Night to the Atlanta Falcons, getting torched by Kirk Cousins for four touchdowns. The Bucs will be rested after three extra days of rest and the defense will be motivated to make amends, and they should get it done against a rookie quarterback. Derek Carr will miss multiple games due to an oblique injury, which means Spencer Rattler will likely be under center. I think the Baker Mayfield and the Bucs will get back on track and win easily.
Buc 27-Saints 17
3. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) at Denver Broncos (3-2)-, 4:05 p.m. ET CBS
These teams are divisional rivals, and the Broncos have won 5 straight meetings at home against the Bolts. The Broncos enter this matchup as a team on the rise after winning their last three games. The key for Denver has been their defense, which is second in the league in holding teams to 14.6 points per game. Another important aspect of their streak has been Bo Nix protecting the ball with zero interceptions during the win streak. However, it will be much tougher against the Chargers, who are the number one defense in points allowed, and John Harbaugh will make life difficult for the rookie leading to turnovers. Importantly, Justin Herbert should feel much better after resting his injured ankle during the bye week. I think Charges ends both streaks and win a low-scoring game.
Chargers 19-Broncos 15
4. Detroit Lions (3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-2)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET Fox
These teams are not natural rivals, but this is a rematch from last season when the Cowboys squeezed out a 20-19 victory at home. The victory was marred by a controversial call where a Lions lineman failed to report as an eligible receiver who caught the two-point conversion in the end zone. The Cowboys saved their season last week when they defeated the Steelers in a gutsy win on the road. However, I am having a hard time trusting Dallas in this matchup where the defense will be more tested against the dynamic Detroit offense. The Lions will be motivated, and more rested, and I think Ben Johnson will add more wrinkles to the offense after the bye week.
Lions 31-Cowboys 23
5. Buffalo Bills (3-2) at New York Jets(2-3)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ESPN
The New York Jets 2024 season might end up on Broadway in the City based on all the drama in this franchise. After losing to the Broncos and Vikings in back-to-back games, Owner Wood Johnson made the drastic decision to fire Robert Saleh as Head Coach. Johnson dismissed claims from the media that he was influenced by Aaron Rodgers in making this decision. However, the former Packers QB had the power to stop it. Yet, the Jet’s biggest issue for the team has been their offense after averaging 13 points in their 2-game losing streak. I am struggling to see how this offense will improve because the firing of Saleh will have zero influence on the unit. On the other hand, Buffalo needs this win after losing back-to-back games to the Ravens and Texans. Josh Allen struggled in those matchups and struggled against the Jets’ defense. I think Buffalo rises to the occasion, but Rodgers will keep it close and make it a thriller.
Bills 20-Jets 19
Last Week: 4-1
Overall Record: 15-10