NFL Week 6: The Ultimate Guide to Sunday's Action

Where has this NFL season proved you wrong?

It's good at that, you know. It's a league built on parity and drama, so it doesn't much oblige your preconceived notions of how this "should be." No, statistical variance (or luck, as some call it) determines that we see a lot of surprises each and every Sunday. Heck, just look at the shape of the ball and realize that thing bounces wherever it darn well pleases. 

Personally, I'm looking up crow recipes thanks to teams like the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots (who I thought would be better) and the Arizona Cardinals (who are not only better than I thought, but doing so with backups at quarterback). 

Players like New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Dallas Cowboys signal-caller Tony Romo and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell are all exceeding expectations, while we can all wonder together what the heck has happened to Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. 

The season is getting too old for any of us to continue holding on to the things we believed heading into it. 

So, with eyes forward, here's everything you need to know heading into Sunday of Week 6. 

Biggest Questions

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Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray

Can the Dallas Cowboys Keep Up Their Impressive Run?

After three straight seasons of going 8-8, the Cowboys started this year 4-1. Can this be the season they actually finish above .500, or will they sink back to Earth?

Winning on the road against the Seattle Seahawks is asking quite a bit, and one just knows the Legion of Boom is licking their proverbial chops at facing quarterback Tony Romo's interceptions and running back DeMarco Murray's fumbles.

But even keeping this game close and not shrinking like violets will go a long way toward showing that the Cowboys are here to stay. 

Which Carolina Panthers Team Shows Up?

The Panthers have been about as frenetic a team as possible this season.

First, they started the season 2-0, including a defensive stomp of the Detroit Lions. Then, back-to-back blowouts against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens suddenly made everyone think twice about the Panthers' success. Then, a hard-fought battle with the Chicago Bears made a bunch of people swing back.

When the Panthers are on, they're on. They can out-muscle and outclass just about any team in the league—even the Cincinnati Bengals.

When they're not on their game, though...when the defense is getting pushed around (save linebacker Luke Kuechly, who doesn't allow such things) or when the offensive line isn't firing off the ball, the Panthers are as vulnerable as any team in the league. 

Are the Detroit Lions' Issues Fixed with a New Kicker?

The Lions are 3-2, but they could legitimately be 4-1 if their kicking issues weren't so incredibly woeful.

First it was Nate Freese, and then Alex Henery couldn't get anything done. With veteran kicker and former Denver Bronco Matt Prater in the fold, things should even out.

Yet, with wide receiver Calvin Johnson doubtful with a high ankle sprain, it's possible that the Lions' impressive start still comes crashing down even with three points easier to come by. 

Odds and Ends

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Panthers LB Luke Kuechly

• To find out which games are available in your area, check out these NFL coverage maps, via 506 Sports.
• Who's calling your game of choice Sunday? Here are announcer pairings for CBS and Fox, via B-FLO 360.
• Football Zebras provides a look at which referees are working each game so you can tailor your insults accordingly.
• Can't make it to a TV? SiriusXM covers every single game. Here's the lineup.
• If you don't have satellite radio, check to see if Westwood One has a game playing in your area.
• Even if you can watch your favorite team, make sure you have the Bleacher Report Team Stream app for the latest in news, fantasy football updates and highlights.

Important Stats and Trends to Know

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Chargers QB Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers

The last time San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw more than one interception in a game was Nov. 3, 2013. This is isn't a totally unprecedented 11 months in his career, but it's a notable piece of info toward what has made the Chargers look like one of the best teams in the NFL.

The Chargers have lost their last 11 games in which Rivers threw at least two interceptions. Their last win in a multi-interception game was Sept. 25, 2011. Against a Raiders defense currently tied for 25th in the league with only two interceptions, this streak is likely to continue. 

Andrew Luck

Speaking of top-notch passing, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is currently on pace for over 5,000 yards, as I noted in my recent column naming him a top MVP candidate. For that matter, so are the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan and the New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees.

Rivers is just off pace, but a big game against the Raiders could put him in the mix as well. Only five quarterbacks (Brees, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and Dan Marino) have hit that mark before. 

J.J. Watt

According to Pro Football Reference, the single-season record for non-offensive touchdowns is six. It's shared by two separate seasons of kick returner Devin Hester's illustrious career. Defensive end J.J. Watt already has three total touchdowns, two of which are defensive.

While Watt is just off pace of breaking that record, he has a shot to come closer than any non-returner has since former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks, who had four in 2002. 

1972 Miami Dolphins

With no more undefeated teams in Week 6, this is the earliest we've allowed the 1972 Miami Dolphins to pop the corks on their annual champagne since 2010 (Week 5). The last time it was earlier than that was in 1970 (Week 4). 

Tennessee Titans

RJ Bell of Pregame.com passed along this tidbit on Twitter: "It's been OVER A YEAR since #Titans covered a home game against the spread."

Carolina Panthers

John Ewing of PredictionMachine.com pointed out that the Carolina Panthers have been underdogs of seven or more points (as they are this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals) six times since drafting quarterback Cam Newton.

They have lost all six. 

Game of the Day

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Eagles RB LeSean McCoy

Who: New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

When: 8:30 p.m. ET (Sunday Night Football)

Where: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rubber is about to meet the road in the NFC East. 

Not only do the Dallas Cowboys have that near-impossible road matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, but even more intriguing, the Eagles and Giants have what is looking to be heckuva "show-me" game. 

The Eagles are 4-1, but they have had issues closing out games this season. Not only did the St. Louis Rams (yes, those St. Louis Rams) almost come back to beat the Eagles, but their four wins have been by a combined 29 points to the Rams, Washington, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars.

That's one good win and three times they've played down to their competition. 

The Giants, meanwhile, are 3-2, but they have been on fire since their offense started clicking in Week 3. Both quarterback Eli Manning and the passing game, as well as their running game, have been bright spots (albeit, a tad intermittently). The defense has stepped up as well, currently ranking 10th against the run. 

Bleacher Report's Dan Griffin laid out the matchup between that run defense and the Eagles' run game:

"

It will be the linebackers responsibility to make sure [LeSean] McCoy and Darren Sproles aren't factors in the passing game as well. Starting middle linebacker Jon Beason is slated to return after missing three games with a foot injury, and outside linebacker Jacquian Williams is proving he is a legitimate starter. This should bode well for the Giants being able to contain the two shifty running backs.

"

Considering that the Eagles' run game has had its own issues (23rd in the league at only 98.6 yards per game), that matchup is tilting, incredibly, in the Giants' favor. Then again, McCoy and Sproles are the kind of backs who historically can bust out at any moment, so never say never. 

Rest of the Slate (Fox)

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (1 p.m. ET)

Which Patriots team will we see? Is it the team that showed up with anger against the Bengals last week or is it the lackadaisical club from earlier in the season? The Bills have been better than expected (mostly on defense) this season, but if the Patriots are in top form, Buffalo has no chance. 

Programming Note: This game is on Fox because of flex scheduling. 

Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals (1 p.m. ET)

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is having one of his best seasons in terms of passing the ball in his NFL career. Yet, the team around him has withered just a bit.

The defense isn't performing up to last year's standards, and the running game (mostly due to injury) isn't like it used to be, either. The Bengals, meanwhile, have to be reeling from last week's beatdown to the Patriots, so there's a lot of "ifs" in a game that could go either way. 

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET)

The Vikings should have quarterback Teddy Bridgewater back. He has the skill set to matriculate the ball down the field with high-percentage throws against a Lions team that loves giving up the same.

If Detroit's offense sputters and stops, this could be a trap game for the kitties as they're the much tougher team on paper.

Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET)

Like the Patriots and New York Giants, the Packers have had an offensive explosion in recent weeks. The Dolphins have a good defense, though, so much of this game could depend on how well the Packers' pass rush gets to Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and how well he handles that pressure. 

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons (4:25 p.m. ET)

The Falcons at home are a lot more dangerous than the Falcons on the road. Also in Atlanta's favor: the Bears offense has been less explosive than expected this season.

Jay Cutler makes throws only he can make, but he makes mistakes that only he will make as well. What the Falcons lack in pass rush, they have in coverage. Cutler needs to play within himself. 

Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET)

If the Cowboys can run on Seattle, this is a ballgame. If not, trust that the Seattle offense has enough athletes to press the Cowboys laterally. Russell Wilson has evaded better defenses than this.

I am looking forward to seeing what Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has cooked up for Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. 

Washington at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET)

Battle of the backups?

Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins has played admirably in Robert Griffin III's absence, but the Cardinals defense is a tough order. Similarly, Cardinals backup Drew Stanton is ready to play, but he may give way to a healthy Carson Palmer.

Either way, one's gotta assume co-NFL sack leader Ryan Kerrigan (six) is coming. 

Rest of the Slate (CBS)

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Broncos QB Peyton Manning

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET)

Last week it was the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans, this week the Jaguars get to put their potential for the No. 1 pick up for grabs. This should be the first real chance for Jaguars rookie passer Blake Bortles to shine, but look out for Charlie "Clipboard Jesus" Whitehurst, who's been good in relief. 

Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET)

The Ravens are at their best when they're intensely physical up front and running until they can't possibly run any more...then, running again.

Yeah, wide receiver Steve Smith's had some eye-popping numbers this year, but it's the physicality up front that has helped this Ravens team win games. That kind of impact, though, is tough to have when Bucs tackle Gerald McCoy is lined up across from them. 

Denver Broncos at New York Jets (1 p.m. ET)

Peyton Manning against the Jets' putrid defensive backs? 

Ouch. 

If the Jets don't get to Manning early and often, this is going to be an ugly blowout. Heck, it might be an ugly blowout no matter what. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (1 p.m. ET)

The Browns lost at Pittsburgh earlier this year, but only by three points.

Steelers receiver Antonio Brown owns Browns cornerback Joe Haden (but a lot of people have owned Haden this year). If Brown gets rolling, this game could have a wider margin, but Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer and the rushing attack had the Steelers' number last time around. 

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (4:05 p.m. ET)

As bad as the Manning vs. Jets game could look, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers against the Raiders defense could be just as ugly. The Chargers have shown to be a power team this season, and the Raiders?

Well, they've shown they're still the Raiders. 

Key Matchups

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Panthers C Ryan Kalil

Geno Atkins (DT Bengals) vs. Ryan Kalil (OC Panthers)

Kalil has been one of the best centers in football for a while, but this year's been an up-and-down aberration. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Kalil is only the 15th-best center in the game. Atkins, too, is down to 25th among DTs after years as one of the best defenders in all of football. 

Needless to say, this matchup may have been a little more illustrious in years past. But for a Panthers team struggling to run the ball, if Kalil can win here, Carolina could win this ballgame. 

Mario Williams (DE Bills) vs. Sebastian Vollmer (RT Patriots)

Williams has been one of the best defensive ends this season, while Vollmer has still been one of the best right tackles in the league and one of the few bright spots on the Patriots offensive line. If Williams is able to get pressure on Tom Brady, the Bills could potentially steal this game.  

DeMarco Murray (RB Cowboys) vs. Bobby Wagner (LB Seahawks)

A big part of the Cowboys' resurgence has been Murray and the Dallas offensive line road-grading for him. Wagner, meanwhile, is one of the best linebackers in the game and almost impossible to beat to the edge.

Running outside on the Seahawks D is incredibly stupid, but Murray has been unstoppable this year.  

Martellus Bennett (TE Bears) vs. Falcons Defense

The Falcons defense is allowing a league-low 3.6 fantasy points to tight ends. In real football terms, that looks like 196 yards and zero touchdowns.

Bennett is fourth among tight ends with four touchdowns and fifth in yardage with 312. 

Injury Report

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Giants LB Jon Beason

Jon Beason (LB Giants)—Questionable, Toe

The Giants have been just fine against the run without Beason, but one has to assume they want their A-game against Chip Kelly and the run-heavy Eagles offense (whether it's been on top this season or not). 

Calvin Johnson (WR Lions)—Doubtful, Ankle

The Lions are most effective when quarterback Matthew Stafford, the run game and Johnson are all involved. Yeah, the Lions have Golden Tate and Eric Ebron, but there's no making up for the loss of Megatron. 

Dominique Easley (DT Patriots)—Questionable, Shoulder

The Bills don't want to put the game fully in the hands of quarterback Kyle Orton. Against the Lions, running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller both ran the ball 10 times apiece. With Easley in the lineup, running against the Patriots becomes a lot more difficult.  

Vincent Jackson (WR Buccaneers)—Questionable, Rib

Jackson's role in the offense has increased, slightly, with quarterback Mike Glennon in the lineup. The Buccaneers' game against the New Orleans Saints was his best of the season with eight receptions on 12 targets for 144 yards.

Glennon is a deep-ball thrower, and he needs a target like Jackson to make the most of his skills. 

Kevin Zeitler (OG Bengals)—Questionable, Calf

Zeitler has been out a while with a calf injury, but when healthy, he's one of the better interior blockers in the game. If Zeitler can go, that would be huge against a tough Panthers front seven. 

Bleacher Report Expert Predictions

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Packers RB Eddie Lacy

Check out the Bleacher Report writers' picks and predictions for the week ahead. 

It was a pretty fantastic week for B/R picks, with the aggregate selections going 12-3.

Lead writer Mike Freeman led the pack at 14-1 to bring his season total to 49-27. Analyst Chris Simms is still in the lead, but narrowly at 52-24—just a game above NFC North Lead Writer Zach Kruse's 51-25.

Yours truly sits at 44-32 after an 11-4 week.  

Bleacher Report's Week 5 Awards 

Week 6 Expert Consensus Picks

NFL Predictions Week 6: Expert Consensus Projections

To follow how the B/R writers stack up against writers from across the web, check out Pickwatch.com.

Michael Schottey is an NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff on his archive page and follow him on Twitter.