2026 NFL Week 6 Biggest Takeaways for Every Team

The Houston Texans are showing signs they can go on a midseason run, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. After that early kickoff, the NFL action cranked up another notch with thrilling late-game finishes.

The Cleveland Browns are atop the AFC North, and the Carolina Panthers are clearly the best team in the NFC South. The Kansas City Chiefs remain unbeaten. Somehow, the Los Angeles Rams are last in the NFC West.

Week 6 brought several upsets, and we nearly saw another on Monday night, though the San Francisco 49ers survived against the Washington Commanders to remain undefeated alongside Kansas City and the Minnesota Vikings

Bleacher Report NFL analysts Brent Sobleski, Kris Knox, and Moe Moton followed all of the action to break down each contest, provide takeaways and ask the most pressing questions.

DAL vs. GB | BUF vs. LV | ARI vs. LAR | LAC vs. KC | CHI vs. ATL | NYJ vs. NE | NO vs. NYG | PIT vs. TB | TEN vs. IND | HOU vs. JAX | BAL vs. CLE | CAR vs. PHI | SEA vs. DEN | WAS vs. SF

Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Kelley L. Cox

49ers 23, Commanders 17

49ers Remain Undefeated But Are Far From Invulnerable

During the first half of Monday night's game, it felt like the 49ers would cruise to a 6-0 record. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and the rest of the 49ers offense cut through Washington's defense with ease, while Raheem Morris' defense didn't allow the Commanders to do much of anything.

However, the script was flipped just before halftime when Mike Evans exited with an Achilles injury.

While he walked off the field, Evans was ruled out, and the 49ers' offense largely stalled after that. San Francisco generated just three points and 72 yards after intermission. San Francisco's defense also started to break down, and too many mistakes—including a missed extra point and 11 penalties for 88 yards—allowed Washington to climb back into the game.

It's fair to say that the 49ers survived on Monday night, a week after barely pulling one out against the Seattle Seahawks.

San Francisco may very well have the best team in the NFL this season, but it's banged up, far from perfect, and it could desperately use the chance to rest and regroup at the Week 8 bye.

How Serious is Mike Evans' Injury?

Evans came into the game dealing with a tight Achilles, and it appeared during the broadcast that he tweaked something rather than suffering anything that would cost him significant time. However, the 49ers will be holding their breath while awaiting further clarity on the injury.

San Francisco lost Deebo Samuel to a hamstring injury last week, and if Evans misses time, the offense could be down to the likes of Jordan Watkins and Brandin Cooks at receiver—Christian Kirk is also eligible to return from injured reserve.

Kyle Shanahan can scheme things up with the best of them, and Purdy will still get to utilize McCaffrey and Kittle. However, the 49ers are much more dangerous when Evans—who had three catches for 94 yards before going out—is in the lineup.

The Commanders Haven't Quit on Dan Quinn

It felt like the Commanders were on the cusp of collapse last week when they apparently lost track of the game clock and allowed time to run out in overtime, leading to a tie with the New York Giants. That series of errors may eventually cost Quinn his job and/or lose him command of the locker room, but it hasn't happened yet.

Washington didn't quit when top receiver Terry McLaurin suffered what appeared to be a very serious knee injury or after facing a 20-point deficit in the early third quarter. On the contrary, the Commanders battled back, played like the more physical team down the stretch, and nearly capped a weekend defined by upsets with another big one.

Who Can Fill the Void at Receiver for Washington?

It's far too early to know the extent of McLaurin's injury, but he was carted off in an air cast and was quickly ruled out with a knee injury. If he misses significant time, the Commanders will have a massive hole to fill in the receiving corps.

Treylon Burks was seen walking off with trainers late in the fourth quarter, but he came painfully close to securing the go-ahead touchdown before it was dislodged at the last second. Stefon Diggs made his return from a hamstring injury on Monday night, and he had six catches to go with a touchdown reception.

The Commanders also have a talented tight end in Chigoziem Okonkwo and a promising rookie receiver in Antonio Williams.

If Washington wants to rebound from its 1-4-1 start, it will need someone to become the sort of go-to receiver McLaurin has been for seven-plus years.

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Melissa Tamez

Green Bay Packers rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse

Packers 23, Cowboys 13

Green Bay Packers' Success Built Through Blossoming Defense

Week 1 when the Green Bay Packers allowed 39 points to the Minnesota Vikings eels so long ago. Granted, Green Bay's mistakes led to that outcome. Still, the loss was an embarrassing start to the Packers season.

However, Green Bay's defense has figured it out, particularly over the last two weeks. The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys feature two of the league's most structurally sound and potent offensive schemes. Granted, Chicago didn't have Caleb Williams in its lineup. But Dak Prescott played for the Cowboys and Green Bay frustrated him and Dallas' top-six scoring offense.

The Packers' secondary has been particularly good at making plays on the ball. Green Bay leads NFL defenses with nine interceptions. A season ago, the group managed seven throughout the entire regular season.

Plus, the Packers held their third-straight opponent to 14 or fewer points for three consecutive contests, which hasn't happened since the 2016 campaign.

Can Green Bay Still Win the NFC North?

The answer is simple: At 4-2, the Packers are legitimate contenders within their division.

The Minnesota Vikings are good, particularly on defense, but questions still surround quarterback Kyler Murray. The Bears also played well Sunday with Caleb Williams back in the lineup. Though Green Bay holds the same record with a one-game advantage head-to-head.

This question should be asked now, because of the names Green Bay can still get back this season. Eventually, Micah Parsons will return to the lineup. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring) should be back soon as well.

Green Bay faces a difficult schedule over the next four weeks, but the team has chance to receive a significant boost during that stretch and assert itself in the NFC North.

Will the Cowboys' Defensive Actually Improve at Any Point?

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams reportedly called a players-only meeting this past week to get the Cowboys defense on track. The unit responded by allowing the Packers to generate 318 yards of offense, while converting 13 of 19 third- and fourth-down attempts.

The amount of talent found on the Cowboys' defense certainly isn't in question. Owner/general manager Jerry Jones has added significant talent over the last two seasons. Yet, this group continues to fail.

When that happens, coaching should come under fire. Last week's hire of Mike Pettine as senior defensive assistant isn't some elixir to magically make everything better. After Sunday's action, the Cowboys still field a bottom three defense.

At this point, it's difficult to project this unit getting significantly better anytime soon.

Cowboys' Run Game Has Disappeared, Too

In Week 3, Dallas' lead back, Javonte Williams, ran for a season-high 98 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. During the following three weeks, he's averaged 3.5 yards per carry.

Williams has a nose for the end zone, but the Cowboys lean too heavily on their passing game. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are dynamic wide receivers. At the same time, Dallas can take pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott and its aerial attack by establishing the run early in the process.

At minimum, more carries can extend drives and shorten the clock to keep Dallas' defense off the field.

Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/John Locher

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17)

Bills 33, Raiders 30

James Cook Won't Lose Any Touches

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady sent a clear message to running back James Cook about ball security, and he responded well, racking up 153 scrimmage yards without fumbling. 

Entering Week 6, Cook had four fumbles; his last turnover almost cost the Bills a game last Monday. Against the Las Vegas Raiders, he adjusted his technique and protected the ball in a strong performance.

Can the Bills Continue to Win Despite Their Leaky Defense?

Buffalo has allowed 29-plus points in three consecutive outings, giving up an average of 31 in that span. In the first of those games, the Bills lost to the New England Patriots, and then they eked out wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Raiders.

During their Week 7 bye, first-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard must address his unit and make adjustments for the remainder of the season.

Raiders Are Improved But Still a Notch Below Top-Tier Teams

After a 3-0 start, the Raiders looked like a surprise squad on the rise under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. Well, as they say, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and neither is an NFL rebuild. 

Kubiak has significantly elevated the Raiders offense. Entering Week 6, Las Vegas ranked eighth in scoring. 

However, opponents have shredded the Raiders defense over the past month. Las Vegas has allowed 27 or more points in four consecutive outings, giving up an average of 33.75 points in that stretch.

Typically, a team with a top-10 offense and a bottom-10 defense is mediocre, as the Raiders are at 3-3.

Should the Raiders Make More Offensive Line Changes?

During the week, Kubiak told reporters that he was "promoting competition" along the offensive line and at cornerback. On Sunday, he started Caleb Rogers at right guard over Jackson Powers-Johnson against the Bills.

While it's fair to acknowledge Powers-Johnson's inconsistencies, left guard Spencer Burford is a liability in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, he's allowed 18 pressures on 208 pass-blocking snaps.

While it remains to be seen whether the change at right guard is permanent, the Raiders should reassess the left guard spot to improve their ground-game efficiency.

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay

Cardinals 18, Rams 16

Cardinals Are a Dangerous Bottom-Tier Team

Don't overlook the Arizona Cardinals. Although many expected little of this team, they're third in the NFC West and just knocked off the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams without rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love.

Sure, the Cardinals have lost two games by double-digit point margins, but they haven't given up on the season. Teams can't take Arizona lightly; it's a feisty group that can pull off an upset.

What's the Plan Ahead of the Trade Deadline?

While many would assume that Arizona should be sellers before the November 10 trade deadline, that may not be the case. Although the Cardinals are 2-4, they're another upset win away from making things interesting in the NFC West.

Aside from the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, the NFC West is struggling. The Rams and Seattle Seahawks have lost consecutive games. If the Cardinals even the season series with the Seahawks in Week 8, two days before the trade deadline, general manager Monti Ossenfort may retain the core of the team's roster for the remainder of the season.

Rams Are Shockingly Disappointing as Problematic Injuries Pile Up

The 2026 NFL dream team is the league's most disappointing squad through six weeks. The Rams have lost consecutive contests and just dropped a game at home to the Cardinals. Now, they're last in the NFC West

Even worse for the Rams, their new kicker Blake Grupe and wide receiver Davante Adams left with injuries. Remember, star edge-rusher Myles Garrett is still out after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Cornerback Trent McDuffie missed Sunday's game with a groin injury.

After a loss like this, the Rams are left searching for answers, and they may need more reinforcements at key positions.

Can the Rams Recover from a 2-4 Start?

Following last Monday's loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Rams had a four-game slate that should've allowed them to build momentum, with the Cardinals (twice), Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders on the schedule, but instead, they're in a tough spot.

Los Angeles can't look at any games on its schedule as a should-win matchup. With a loss to Arizona, this team is teetering on disaster given the injuries across the roster.

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Kansas City Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III

Chiefs 22, Chargers 6

Kenneth Walker III Looks Like the Most Impactful Addition of the Offseason

The Kansas City Chiefs got to 6-0 on Sunday, though their win over the Los Angeles Chargers wasn't the cleanest operation. They left points on the board with a failed fourth-down attempt and a missed field goal, and they struggled to get wide receivers open down the field.

Yet, the Chiefs largely felt in control of the game throughout thanks to their defense and the stellar play of running back Kenneth Walker III.

Walker was a constant problem for the Chargers' defense, and he finished with 128 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Walker came into Week 6 with 621 scrimmage yards and a league-high 6.2 yards per carry average. He's a massive reason why Kansas City is back in the Super Bowl conversation, and it's hard to think of an offseason addition who has had a bigger impact on the first six weeks of 2026.

Can the Chiefs Add a Wide Receiver at the Trade Deadline?

The Chiefs were without top wideout Rashee Rice because of a hamstring injury, and his absence was noticeable. Patrick Mahomes had a fine game overall, but he relied heavily on Walker and tight ends Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

Xavier Worthy had a few big catches, including a clutch 33-yarder that set up a field goal just before halftime. However, he was the only Chiefs wideout to reach 0 receiving yards against L.A.

Getting Rice back in the lineup will help, but the Chiefs could use more depth on the perimeter ahead of the stretch playoff run. GM Brett Veach should be in the market for another receiver ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

The Chargers Have to End the Mike McDaniel Experiment

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport recently speculated that Chargers pass game coordinator Adam Gase is someone who could take over if Los Angeles decides to dump offensive coordinator Mike McDonald. It was hard to watch Sunday's game and believe that Los Angeles shouldn't make some sort of offensive change.

To be fair, receiver Ladd McConkey was ruled out with a concussion, and the Chargers are running out of offensive weapons. However, L.A.'s offense and quarterback Justin Herbert have both been a mess under McDaniel's guidance, and it continued against Kansas City.

The Chargers stumbled offensively throughout the game, but the most telling series may have come late in the third quarter. Los Angeles had the ball at its own 41-yard line following a fumble on a Chiefs punt return and a legitimate chance to climb back into a 19-6 game. Three plays and two lost yards later, the Chargers were again punting to the Chiefs.

Should Jim Harbaugh Be on the Hot Seat?

Rapoport also reported that his "understanding" is that Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh isn't "in trouble."

Should he be?

Herbert and McDaniel have taken much of the public blame for Los Angeles' rough start, and injuries have also been a major factor. However, those aren't the only issues that have plagued the Chargers. The defense has underwhelmed, and the team has repeatedly made avoidable mistakes.

And, we shouldn't forget that it was Harbaugh's decision to fire Greg Roman following last year's playoff loss and replace him with McDaniel. Harbaugh built up plenty of goodwill during his first two seasons, but at some point, he has to be held accountable for the team's 2026 decline.

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6)

Bears 31, Falcons 23

Kyler Gordon Temporarily Solves Bears' Pass-Rushing Need

Battling injuries for nearly two years, Kyler Gordon made his season debut after playing in just three games last year. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen used him as a blitzer, and he made a significant impact, recording three sacks.

Keep in mind that Bears' Pro Bowl edge-rusher Montez Sweat is serving a two-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. He'll sit out the upcoming game against the New England Patriots on Thursday as well.

Though it's unconventional, the Bears have found a defensive back who can fill a void for their top pass-rusher.

Is Colston Loveland Finally Back on Track in This Offense?

Fantasy football managers rejoiced when they looked at Colston Loveland's box score numbers. He hauled in six passes for a season-high 65 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season.

After catching 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie campaign, Loveland had a slow start to the season, logging one reception in his first two games. He's caught six passes in two of his last three contests, racking up 57-plus yards in those outings.

Caleb Williams' return from a hamstring injury certainly boosted Chicago's offense. He threw for 305 yards and a touchdown. He has a lot of hands to feed in a multidimensional offense, but head coach Ben Johnson seemed to remember why the team selected Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Despite the Loss, Falcons Prove They Can Play from Behind

The Atlanta Falcons trailed the Bears 31-7 entering the fourth quarter, but they stormed back with consecutive touchdown drives and successful two-point conversions.

The Falcons came up short, but despite abandoning the ground game after falling behind by three possessions, Michael Penix Jr. showed he can still lead the offense, even with his early inaccuracies.

Penix struggled through three quarters and took five sacks, but he continued to battle and kept the Falcons in this contest. Atlanta's offense doesn't have to be heavily reliant on running back Bijan Robinson.

Can the Falcons Keep Kyle Pitts Sr. Involved in the Offense?

Kyle Pitts Sr. played a significant role in the Falcons' late-game rally, catching five passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns. Even with his Pro Bowl rookie campaign and strong showing last season, hauling in 88 passes for 928 yards and five scores, he's been inconsistent.

As the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts looked to be on his way to becoming an elite playmaker at his position, but his up-and-down production has led to questions about his ceiling. 

With Penix healthy, Pitts is starting to find his groove in head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense, catching 10 passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns over the last three weeks. Along with wideout Drake London, he can help the Falcons balance their run-heavy offense.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown

Patriots 26, Jets 19

Drake Maye and A.J. Brown Need More Time to Build Their Connection

A.J. Brown returned from injury, but he had a rough outing with multiple drops.

Brown hasn't played since the New England Patriots' season opener, so he may have been rusty. That said, he caught three passes for 26 yards before he suffered a high ankle sprain.

Drake Maye is still on a hot streak. He's thrown for 10 touchdowns and an interception over the previous three weeks, but his rapport with Brown must improve to elevate the Patriots' passing attack.

Can Corey Kiner Maintain a Rushing Workload?

The Patriots attacked the New York Jets' defensive front with a platoon of ball-carriers. Corey Kiner, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson all logged seven or more carries for at least 31 rushing yards. It's worth noting that Henderson lost a fumble.

The Patriots acquired Kiner from the Arizona Cardinals this past offseason. He's eclipsed 50 rushing yards in back-to-back outings and could be a consistent contributor to a three-man backfield.

Jets' Run Defense Is a Glaring Issue

The Jets have allowed 134-plus rushing yards in back-to-back games. On Sunday, the Patriots ran for 149 yards with Kiner racking up a team-leading 57 yards.

As a defensive-minded head coach, Aaron Glenn should be concerned with his team's inability to stop the run. It's a copycat league, the Jets should expect their opponents to attack them on the ground with a star running back or multiple ball-carriers.

How Can the Jets Manufacture More Targets for Kenyon Sadiq? 

Kenyon Sadiq passed concussion protocol in order to suit up for this game. He played a full workload and only saw three targets, hauling in one for 12 yards.

Through five games, Sadiq has had one flash performance, catching seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich needs to find ways to get his dynamic rookie tight end more involved in the offense, assuming he's healthy.

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18)

Saints 34, Giants 27

Saints Win Isn't Enough to Quell Kellen Moore Critics

After the New Orleans Saints lost three consecutive home games, head coach Kellen Moore's job security came into question.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "no change is imminent" for the Saints' head-coaching position.

Nonetheless, it's fair to wonder if that would change if New Orleans continued to lose with lackluster performances. After going up 24 points in the fourth quarter, the Saints took their foot off the gas pedal, which turned the game into a nail-biter in the final seconds.

The Saints should celebrate this win, but it's not a statement victory that says Moore righted the team amid criticism. 

Can Saints Maintain Balanced Offensive Attack?

The Saints' balanced offense was a welcome sign for an imbalanced unit.

Tyler Shough only threw for 144 yards, but he tossed three touchdown passes in an efficient outing. 

The Saints had their best rushing performance of the season, racking up 175 yards on the ground. Kendre Miller led the charge with 70 rushing yards.

If the Saints replicate this offensive showing, they can build some momentum.

Giants' Lack of Ground Game Is Concerning

Before kickoff for this game, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Najee Harris would start over Cam Skattebo, who didn't log a single touch in this game.

A few days ago, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that the team's ball-security issues could lead to a shakeup in the backfield, but it didn't help with efficiency.

The Giants jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, but their advantage quickly evaporated in the second half. The Saints scored 34 unanswered points, and Big Blue came up short on its comeback attempt.

The Giants' running backs recorded 14 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown combined. Regardless of the backfield pecking order, they must field a respectable ground game to keep defenses honest in coverage.

Did J.J. McCarthy Show Enough to Put Pressure on Jameis Winston?

In the fourth quarter, down three scoring possessions, the Giants benched Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy, and after an interception on his first drive, he gave Big Blue a sliver of hope for a comeback.

Although New York fell short, McCarthy showed he can spark the offense when called upon. If the Giants change quarterbacks, he's next in line, but the 23-year-old signal-caller must earn the coaching staff's trust.

The Giants lost, but they saw some potential in McCarthy. Harbaugh praised him after the game. Winston's job shouldn't be in question, but if he keeps turning the ball over, Big Blue could turn to its young backup signal-caller again.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP PhAP Photo/Chris O'Mearaoto

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey provides a walk-off overtime sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Steelers 26, Buccaneers 19

Pittsburgh Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Can Still Be Best Player On the Field

Once upon a time, Jalen Ramsey set the standard for what it meant to play defensive back. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection turns 32 later this week and he's not the same player he once was. Every once in a while he provides a retro performance to remind everyone just how good he really is. 

Sunday's outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was arguably Ramsey's best since he joined the Steelers last year. Ramsey stuffed the stat sheet with 10 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and two sacks, including a walk-off sack in overtime. 

Pittsburgh's front office decided to trade Joey Porter Jr., which left the secondary weaker than it was projected to be. Rookie Daylen Everette had his issues during Sunday's contest. 

However, Ramsey is a defensive leader and set the tone for the entire unit, which helped the Steelers come back from a 13-point deficit. 

Should Steelers Offense Continue to Shift Away from WR DK Metcalf?

In recent weeks, running back Jaylen Warren became Pittsburgh's offensive focal point, as a runner and receiver. Another name made his argument for heavier usage as the season progresses. 

Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard has quickly earned the trust of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In fact, Rodgers targeted Bernard 12 times Sunday. The first-year pass-catcher snagged 11. The outing provided to be a significant offensive change since Bernard had only 20 targets for 13 catches through the first five weeks. 

DK Metcalf is the Steelers' WR1, of course. His size and intimidating style of play can change games. However, the offense needs to start running through Bernard more consistently. The rookie is shiftier and more explosive in open space. He's a different type of weapon compared to Metcalf and the currently injured Michael Pittman Jr.

In doing so, the Steelers offense will become less predictable and more difficult to stop. 

Buccaneers' Jalon Daniels Is Fun To Watch But He's Not a Starting NFL QB

Jalon Daniels' has done everything in his power to keep the Buccaneers competitive over the last two weeks. The team is 1-1 with the undrafted rookie at the helm. Daniels has exceeded expectations. He deserves so much credit for his ability to extend plays and compete on every single down. Still, the Buccaneers need Baker Mayfield back. 

Yes, Mayfield struggled to start this season. He pressed too much and made too many mistakes. However, Mayfield can slice and dice defenses when he's on his game. Any chance at a turnaround isn't going to occur with Daniels, who's failed to throw for 190 yards in three straight performances. 

Obviously, Mayfield's injury to his throwing hand needs to be fully healed before he can return. That's not in question. Neither is any potential thought of Mayfield's spot getting usurped. 

Will Buccaneers' Reuben Bain Jr. Take off After Recording First Sack? 

Reuben Bain Jr. was criticized as much or more than any other rookie through the first month and a half of the 2026 campaign. Confirmation bias ran rampant against this year's 15th overall draft pick without any acknowledgement of early-season injuries.

Bain quieted critics Sunday with his first sack, which came against the mountainous Darnell Washington. The short-armed edge-defender had no problem getting into the 6'7", 300-pound tight end's chest to win the rep and bring down Rodgers. 

The rookie also tipped a pass that turned into a first-half interception. 

Tampa Bay's top draft pick needs to do similar things on a weekly basis, but Bain's latest performance provides hope after being buried earlier in the year. 

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo

The Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones.

Titans 26, Colts 20

Cam Ward Convo Overlooks Titans' Defensive, Special Teams Efforts

The 2025 first overall pick has played poorly, creating uncertainty about whether Cam Ward is the right person to lead the Tennessee Titans into the future. Since quarterbacks always dominate the conversation, his performance diminished competent performances from the team's defense and special teams. Those two phases came to play Sunday and wiped out the Indianapolis Colts. 

Tennessee's D made life miserable for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. The Titans sacked Jones six times and hit him on 11 different occasions. The unit also created three turnovers. Meanwhile, the game swung on a fourth-quarter blocked punt that gave Tennessee it's first lead after trailing 13-0 at halftime. 

The Titans offense still didn't play well, producing under 190 yards, but Tennessee is finally in the win column because of the other two phases of the game. 

Should Titans Consider Trading DT Jeffery Simmons? 

Jeffery Simmons was downright dominant Sunday. He registered two sacks, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. The Colts feature a good offensive line, and Tennessee's best player continually got the best of the group. 

Considering the Titans started the season with a 1-5 record, other teams may be interested in trading for the first-team All-Pro, especially with how well he continues to play. 

While the Titans can save $13 million this year by trading Simmons, the standout defensive tackle is signed through the 2030 season. Furthermore, Tennessee isn't at the early stages of a rebuild. The team has plenty of talent. The group needs to grow together and a Simmons trade would be a significant step backward. 

Beginning of the End for Indianapolis Colts

Raise the white flag, Colts fans, because Sunday's loss is rock bottom for this current regime.

Indianapolis isn't a squad playing well enough to expect a turnaround, especially when the Colts face the Minnesota Vikings (coming off a bye), Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys over the next three weeks.

General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen understood their situation entering this season. The Colts needed to win, or the organization was almost certainly going to go in another direction.

A loss to a winless team at home after holding a 13-point halftime lead and falling to 2-4 despite significant offseason investments portends change. 

Should Colts Move Forward without QB Daniel Jones? 

The Colts re-signed Jones this offseason hoping to recapture the magic from the first half of the 2025 campaign before the quarterback suffered a torn Achilles tendon. It hasn't happened.

Jones looks indecisive. He's misses too many throws. And turnovers have been plentiful. 

If a hard reset is coming—which certainly seems like the inevitable outcome—the Colts can release Jones after this season, designate him as a post-June 1 cut and save $38 million toward the 2027 salary cap, according to Over The Cap. 

This path has to be under strong consideration based on how this season has progressed. 

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo

Texans 34, Jaguars 31

Can Texans Become Second Team to Make Postseason after 0-4 Start?

Two straight victories have completely changed the Houston Texans' outlook.

Last week's win over the Tennessee Titans still came with questions, particularly whether Demeco Ryans' squad could compete against a superior opponent. Houston answered that question in London by topping the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Texans have the pieces to go on a significant winning streak, particularly with CJ Stroud playing at a high level. Houston's quarterback threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. He's now completed over 70 percent of his passes in back-to-back games.

Plus, the defense looked better with Ryans once again calling the plays.

The New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are next on the docket. The Texans could realistically be at .500 or better by Thanksgiving.

Marvin Harrison Makes Texans Debut, Fits Well into Offense

Despite owning a 1-4 record, the Texans organization made a significant move this past week when it traded for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison's time with the Arizona Cardinals never went smoothly and the franchise decided to move past the 2024 fourth overall draft pick upon receiving a 2027 second-round selection in return.

In Houston, Harrison doesn't have the pressure of becoming a No. 1 target, not with Nico Collins already on the roster. Plus, the former Ohio State Buckeye now gets to play alongside his collegiate quarterback.

Despite a truncated practice week, Harrison caught three passes (on four targets) for 34 yards. If Sunday is any indication, the Texans likely won't go long stretches without involving Harrison like the Cardinals did.

Are the Jaguars' Red-Zone Issues Solved?

While the Jaguars came up short against the rival Texans, the team did show improvement in one critical area. After four-straight straight trips to the red zone without a touchdown, Jacksonville converted three-straight Sunday.

To be fair, the Jags probably went four for four but a suspect holding call prevented a Bhaysul Tuten rushing score.

Still, the Jaguars were far more efficient within the restricted space than recently seen. Despite the loss, Jacksonville still sits atop the AFC South standings, while showing improvement where it was greatly needed.

Travis Hunter Equals Dual-Threat Difference-Maker

Hunter's acquisition with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, especially when the extra assets spent to trade up are added into the equation, started to look like a poor investment through the Heisman Trophy winner's first season-plus.

Sunday's outing provided a taste of the player Jacksonville expected when its front office made the bold move 18 months ago.

Hunter, who's now concentrating on defense, snagged a red-zone interception that led to Jacksonville's game-tying, fourth-quarter drive. Head coach Liam Coen is also getting more creative with how to deploy Hunter offensively, albeit in limited packages. Hunter caught more passes Sunday (four) than he did through the first five weeks of play. He also grabbed a touchdown pass.

This version of the player is exactly who everyone expected entering the 2025 draft class.

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Cleveland Browns DE Isaiah McGuire

Browns 13, Ravens 10

Browns Defense Delivers Another Close Win

The Cleveland Browns might not be the biggest surprise of the early 2026 season, but seeing them in first place in the AFC North after six weeks is unexpected. Once again, Cleveland won a close, tooth-and-nail battle. Cleveland can thank its defense for delivering this one.

Yes, the offense did enough in the second half to put the winning points on the board. However, it was the defense that gave the Browns the chance to come back from a 10-0 deficit. Baltimore did next to nothing after the first quarter offensively, and it totaled just 235 yards on the afternoon.

163 of those yards came in the first half. It's certainly worth noting that Baltimore was without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, but Tyler Huntley was superb last week while leading the Ravens to an overtime victory.

It would appear that Cleveland's 2026 identity is that of a team that will lean on its defense to stay within striking distance, and do just enough to pull ahead when it matters most. That isn't a strategy that can carry teams deep into the postseason, but it has worked for the Browns in four out of six weeks.

Can the Browns Boost Their Offensive Line?

Moving the ball was a struggle for Cleveland, in part because starting running back Quinshon Judkins was out with an ankle injury. However, Judkins has rarely found open running lanes this season. Run blocking and pass protection were both issues on Sunday.

Deshaun Watson was sacked six times and hurried frequently, a week after he was sacked eight times in a loss to the New York Jets. If the Browns want to be more than just an interesting story, they have to find ways to boost an O-line that has struggled over the last couple of weeks.

The Ravens Need Lamar Jackson Back

Browns safety Grant Delpit summed things up pretty succinctly when asked before the game about the difference between Jackson and Huntley.

"One is Lamar Jackson," Delpit told reporters.

Huntley showed he can deliver wins last week against the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Ravens are a much more dangerous team with Jackson in the lineup. Huntley struggled to push the ball down the field or chew up yards on the ground after the opening frame. He also had at least two would-be interceptions dropped by Browns defenders.

The Ravens should hope that Jackson is back and at 100 percent for next week's showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Is It Josh Cuevas Time in Baltimore?

Mark Andrews has long been Baltimore's go-to tight end, but it feels like things may be shifting toward rookie Josh Cuevas.

Andrews came into Sunday with 117 receiving yards but was largely invisible against Cleveland (one four-yard catch on three targets). Cuevas, meanwhile, caught four of five targets for 44 yards and a score.

It was, by far, the rookie's best production of the season, and he probably deserves a bigger offensive role moving forward.

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Carolina Panthers WR Jalen Coker

Panthers 25, Eagles 14

Panthers Welcome Back Jalen Coker

The Carolina Panthers lost wide receiver Jalen Coker to a quad injury in Week 3. While they didn't need him in the Week 4 win over the Detroit Lions, his return to the offense on Sunday was a welcome sight.

The Panthers struggled to pull away from a short-handed Philadelphia Eagles team until late, largely due to miscues and early conservative play-calling. However, Coker helped spark the offense with a big 32-yard catch-and-run late in the third quarter. Chuba Hubbard scored at the end of the drive to give Carolina a two-score lead in the fourth.

Coker finished with six catches and 97 yards.

Can Carolina Play a Cleaner Game Next Week?

The Eagles were without quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, but their defense did enough to keep Philadelphia in the game until late. Of course, the Panthers helped keep Philly in it, too, with inefficient play and far too many self-inflicted mistakes.

Carolina finished with 13 penalties for 149 yards and was just 7-for-17 on third down.

This was not the sort of performance that should be acceptable coming out of the bye. Carolina will have to play a cleaner game next week against the NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Eagles Need Saquon Barkley Back ASAP

The Eagles won't have Hurts back for at least another three games, as he's on injured reserve with a superficial blood clot. In his first start in place of Hurts this season, Tanner McKee appeared shaky at best.

McKee did throw for 215 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. However, he completed just 26 of 45 attempts and regularly appeared to be rattled by pressure. Of course, he didn't have much help from Philly's ground game, as Dameon Pierce (2.9 yards per carry) was the Eagles' last backfield option after Carson Steele exited with a shoulder injury—Jaydon Blue was recently signed to the active roster but didn't see a carry.

Barkley has missed two games with a hamstring injury, but, according to ESPN's Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, the Eagles "believe" he could return to face the Dallas Cowboys next week.

The Eagles will need Barkley back in the lineup if they hope to win games with McKee behind center.

Will the Eagles Become Sellers Before the Trade Deadline?

The Eagles have already dealt center Cam Jurgens, and, according to Schefter, some around the league believe that they could trade guard Landon Dickerson once he's healthy.

While GM Howie Roseman has typically been a buyer at the deadline, the Eagles are typically in contention heading into November. They're currently 2-4 and dealing with enough injuries that it may be impossible to rebound.

A loss at home to Dallas next week could indeed turn Philadelphia into a deadline seller.

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Bo Nix

Broncos 17, Seahawks 14

How Do the Denver Broncos Offset Slow Starts?

The Broncos have been notoriously slow starters since the 2025 campaign began. It continued to be an issue this season, which is why Sean Payton stripped offensive coordinator Davis Webb of play-calling duties and the head coach took over the job once again.

However, Thursday's approach was different.

The Broncos weren't generating explosive plays. Instead, Denver employed a strong ball-control approach by leaning on the run game, with Payton asking Bo Nix to get the ball out quickly when he dropped back to pass.

Nix also took a few shots downfield in an attempt to stretch the defense, though those passes didn't connect.

Ultimately, Denver built a 14-3 halftime lead. In an ironic twist, the unit and team, as a whole, struggled during the second half before winning in overtime.

QB Bo Nix Remains a Problem

The Bo Nix we've seen this season is not the same player we saw last year. Yes, Payton did a better job manufacturing a little offense to start the game, but the unit still wasn't particularly good overall.

Denver won Thursday despite generating only 168 yards of offense. As Sumer Sports' Shawn Syed noted, the victory came without Nix completing a pass over 10 air yards. An aggressive and opportunistic defense led the way.

Payton can devise an improved game plan and place his squad in a better position to succeed, but eventually Nix must shoulder the responsibility that comes with his position and perform at a higher level. Otherwise, this Broncos team won't be able to match up against the AFC's best.

Is Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Part of the Problem?

It's weird to question a Super Bowl-winning quarterback just six games into the following season, but Darnold was a primary reason why the Seahawks lost Thursday. He simply hasn't played well since returning from injury.

Darnold threw two critical interceptions. One occurred in the fourth quarter and the other came in overtime. The latter was particularly devastating because it led to the Broncos' game-winning field goal.

On the first interception, the Seattle QB's throw on an over route arrived late and too far inside, allowing the defensive back to undercut it. The second was far more egregious: Darnold attempted a hole shot despite Denver's safety being positioned over the top, leaving little room to complete the throw.

Granted, Denver pressured Darnold all night long, amassing 17 quarterback hits. At the same time, the Seahawks signal-caller made debilitating mistakes at critical moments. He has now thrown two interceptions in each of three of Seattle's last four games.

Seahawks Must Feature Rashid Shaheed

Jaxon Smith-Njigba may be the NFL's most productive wide receiver, but he could use a little help. Shaheed is the perfect complementary option because of the 28-year-old's explosive traits.

Shaheed is more than a special teams ace and offensive gadget contributor. He can be a legitimate WR2 on Seattle's roster, as evidenced Thursday with five catches for 66 yards. Both figures were season-highs.

Cooper Kupp isn't the wide receiver he once was, and Tory Horton has yet to prove he can be a reliable option. Shaheed is the logical choice to be the Seahawks' primary option after Smith-Njigba, thus taking some pressure off the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year.